Verified vehicle record
2025 Ford Explorer
A source-linked guide to the 2025 Ford Explorer trim range, powertrain choices, drivetrain, seating and capability. The 2025 Explorer uses a 300-horsepower turbo four-cylinder standard, with a 400-horsepower twin-turbo V6 available on ST and Platinum. Seating splits between a seven-passenger bench and six-passenger captain's-chair layout. Key figures on record: Powertrain 2.3L turbo four-cylinder or 3.0L twin-turbo V6, Output 300–400 hp, Drivetrain FWD / AWD, Seating 6 or 7, Maximum towing Up to 5,000 lb. ST and Platinum share the V6 option, but only ST makes the six-passenger captain's-chair layout standard; confirm seating count by trim.
Current archiveChecked Aug. 28, 2026United States specification
Powertrain2.3L turbo four-cylinder or 3.0L twin-turbo V6
Output300–400 hp
DrivetrainFWD / AWD
Seating6 or 7
Maximum towingUp to 5,000 lb
Decision answers19Trim, ownership and verification
Research paths
Move from the vehicle to the decision.
Compare like with like: the closest configuration, not an unrelated advertised maximum.
Record summary
What to know first
The 2025 Explorer uses a 300-horsepower turbo four-cylinder standard, with a 400-horsepower twin-turbo V6 available on ST and Platinum. Seating splits between a seven-passenger bench and six-passenger captain's-chair layout.
Model-year note
ST and Platinum share the V6 option, but only ST makes the six-passenger captain's-chair layout standard; confirm seating count by trim.
Trim map
How the lineup separates.
Trim descriptions identify the meaningful change from one trim to the next; individual options can still vary.
| Trim | Place in the lineup | Notable equipment |
|---|---|---|
| Active | Entry trim | 2.3L EcoBoost turbo standard, 300 hp, Class III Towing Package standard, Seven-passenger seating standard, six-passenger captain's chairs available |
| ST-Line | Trim 2 of 4 | Sport-appearance exterior package standard, Ford BlueCruise hands-free highway driving available, 2.3L EcoBoost turbo standard, 300 hp |
| Platinum | Trim 3 of 4 | Leather seating and twin-panel moonroof standard, B&O premium sound system standard, Available 3.0L twin-turbo V6, 400 hp |
| ST | Top trim | 3.0L twin-turbo V6 standard, 400 hp, Six-passenger seating standard, Leather seating and B&O sound system standard |
01
Entry trim
Active
- 2.3L EcoBoost turbo standard, 300 hp
- Class III Towing Package standard
- Seven-passenger seating standard, six-passenger captain's chairs available
02
Trim 2 of 4
ST-Line
- Sport-appearance exterior package standard
- Ford BlueCruise hands-free highway driving available
- 2.3L EcoBoost turbo standard, 300 hp
03
Trim 3 of 4
Platinum
- Leather seating and twin-panel moonroof standard
- B&O premium sound system standard
- Available 3.0L twin-turbo V6, 400 hp
04
Top trim
ST
- 3.0L twin-turbo V6 standard, 400 hp
- Six-passenger seating standard
- Leather seating and B&O sound system standard
Trim-by-trim specifications
The 2025 Ford Explorer: 4 trims compared.
Kelley Blue Book specifications, one row per trim.
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drive | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | EPA city / hwy / comb | Seats | Basic warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Active | 2.3-liter 4-cylinder (EcoBoost, Turbo) | Automatic, 10-Spd | 4WD | 300 | 310 | 20 / 27 / 23 mpg | 7 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| ST-Line | 2.3-liter 4-cylinder (EcoBoost, Turbo) | Automatic, 10-Spd w/SelectShift | 4WD | 300 | 310 | 20 / 27 / 23 mpg | 7 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Platinum | 2.3-liter 4-cylinder (EcoBoost, Turbo) | Automatic, 10-Spd | 4WD | 300 | 310 | 20 / 27 / 23 mpg | 7 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| ST | 3.0-liter V6 (EcoBoost, Twin Turbo) | Automatic, 10-Spd w/SelectShift | 4WD | 400 | 415 | 18 / 25 / 20 mpg | 6 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Trim | Curb weight | Length | Height | Wheelbase | Ground clearance | Turning circle | Fuel tank | Front headroom | Front legroom | Tires |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Active | 4,303 lb | 198.7 in | 69.6 in | 119.1 in | 7.6 in | 38.7 ft | 18.6 gal | 40.7 in | 43 in | P255/65R18 |
| ST-Line | 4,303 lb | 198.7 in | 69.6 in | 119.1 in | 7.6 in | 38.7 ft | 18.6 gal | 40.7 in | 43 in | P255/55R20 |
| Platinum | 4,303 lb | 198.7 in | 70.2 in | 119.1 in | 8.2 in | 38.7 ft | 18.6 gal | 40.7 in | 43 in | P255/55R20 |
| ST | 4,631 lb | 198.7 in | 69.8 in | 119.1 in | 7.8 in | 38.7 ft | 20.2 gal | 40.7 in | 43 in | P275/45R21 |
Equipment by trim
Which 2025 Ford Explorer trim has what.
Std is standard, Opt is optional, a dash means Kelley Blue Book lists it as not available.
| Equipment | Active | ST-Line | Platinum | ST |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | ||||
| Adaptive headlights | – | – | Std | – |
| Anti-theft alarm | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Blind-spot alert | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Child door locks | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Child-seat anchors | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Forward collision warning | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Driver-attention monitor | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Hill-descent control | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Hill-start assist | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Pedestrian detection | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rearview camera | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Side-view cameras | – | Std | Std | Std |
| Surround-view camera | – | Std | Std | Std |
| Front and rear parking sensors | – | Std | Std | Std |
| Rear parking sensors | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Electronic stability control | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Traction control | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Technology | ||||
| Built-in internet access | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Premium audio system | – | Std | Std | Std |
| Real-time traffic information | – | Std | Std | Std |
| Satellite radio | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Apple CarPlay or Android Auto | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Steering-wheel audio controls | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Touchscreen | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Comfort | ||||
| Heated front seats | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Heated rear seats | – | Opt | Std | Std |
| Heated steering wheel | Opt | Std | Std | Std |
| Heated mirrors | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power front seats for driver and passenger | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power driver's seat | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Leather seats | – | – | Opt | – |
| Leather-wrapped steering wheel | – | Std | Std | Std |
| Front and rear climate zones | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Panoramic moonroof | Opt | Opt | Std | Opt |
| Tilt steering wheel | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Cup holders | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Third-row seat | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power-folding third-row seat | – | Opt | Std | Std |
| Folding rear seat | Opt | Std | Std | Std |
| Exterior and convenience | ||||
| Alloy wheels | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Fog lights | Opt | Std | Std | Std |
| Privacy glass | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rear spoiler | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Roof rails | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power-folding mirrors | – | Std | Std | Std |
| Power liftgate or trunk | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| 12-volt power outlet | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power windows | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Remote keyless entry | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Remote engine start | Opt | Std | Std | Std |
| Push-button start | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Cruise control | – | Std | Std | Std |
| Integrated garage-door opener | Opt | Std | Std | Std |
| Rear-window defroster | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rain-sensing wipers | – | Opt | Std | Std |
Complete certification table
6 configuration records.
| EPA ID / label | Engine / technology | Drive / transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48120Explorer AWD | 2.3L 4-cyl SIDI & PFIConventional | Part-time 4-Wheel DriveAutomatic 10-spd | Regular | 20 | 27 | 23 | N/A |
| 48118Explorer AWD | 3L 6-cyl SIDIConventional | Part-time 4-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S10) | Regular | 18 | 25 | 20 | N/A |
| 48119Explorer AWD | 3L 6-cyl SIDIConventional | Part-time 4-Wheel DriveAutomatic 10-spd | Regular | 18 | 25 | 21 | N/A |
| 48283Explorer RWD | 2.3L 4-cyl SIDI & PFIConventional | Rear-Wheel DriveAutomatic 10-spd | Regular | 20 | 29 | 24 | N/A |
| 48281Explorer RWD | 3L 6-cyl SIDIConventional | Rear-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S10) | Regular | 18 | 25 | 21 | N/A |
| 48282Explorer RWD | 3L 6-cyl SIDIConventional | Rear-Wheel DriveAutomatic 10-spd | Regular | 18 | 25 | 21 | N/A |
Direct answers
19 questions tied to this model-year.
Each answer names its source.
Q01How many trims does the 2025 Explorer come in?
The 2025 Ford Explorer (three-row SUV) comes in 4 trims: Active, ST-Line, Platinum, ST.
Source: Ford
Q02What are the 2025 Explorer trims?
The 2025 Ford Explorer trims are Active, ST-Line, Platinum, ST, listed from the entry Active up to the top ST.
Source: Ford
Q03What engine or powertrain does the 2025 Explorer use?
The 2025 Ford Explorer is built around 2.3L turbo four-cylinder or 3.0L twin-turbo V6, rated at 300–400 horsepower across its three-row SUV body style.
Source: Ford specifications
Q04Is AWD or 4WD available on the 2025 Explorer?
The 2025 Ford Explorer is offered with FWD / AWD.
Source: Ford specifications
Q05What changed for the 2025 Explorer?
ST and Platinum share the V6 option, but only ST makes the six-passenger captain's-chair layout standard; confirm seating count by trim.
Source: Ford model-year information
Q06How many recall campaigns does NHTSA list for the 2025 Ford Explorer?
NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation records 20 recall campaigns for the 2025 Ford Explorer, covering powertrain, engine cooling, seats, backup camera.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall campaigns
Q07Which driver-assistance features are standard on a 2025 Ford Explorer?
The 2025 Ford Explorer is documented with Ford BlueCruise hands-free highway driving available.
Source: Manufacturer equipment table and owner’s manual
Q08How did the 2025 Ford Explorer do in NHTSA's side crash and rollover tests?
The 2025 Ford Explorer earned 5 stars in the side crash test (5 stars driver side, 5 stars passenger side) and 4 stars for rollover resistance, a 14.7% to 15.1% chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program
Q09Which 2025 Ford Explorer recalls can be fixed by an over-the-air update?
1 campaign can be remedied over the air: 24V-801 (back over prevention (software)).
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
Q10How much is the destination charge on the 2025 Ford Explorer?
Kelley Blue Book's review of the 2025 Ford Explorer puts the destination charge, the fee for delivering the vehicle from the factory to the dealer, at $1,595. It is added to the base price.
Source: Kelley Blue Book
Q11What brake fluid, refrigerant and key-fob battery does the 2025 Ford Explorer use?
The 2025 Ford Explorer owner's manual names a CR2032 coin-cell battery in the key fob. Source: 2025 Ford Explorer owner's manual.
Source: Manufacturer owner's manual
Q12What are the 2025 Ford Explorer trim levels?
Four trims are offered: Active, ST-Line, ST and Platinum.
Source: Dealer research pages
Q13What size is the touchscreen on the 2025 Ford Explorer?
A 13.2-inch touchscreen with SYNC 4, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard, alongside a 12.3-inch digital driver display.
Source: Dealer technology research pages
Q14What safety system is standard on the 2025 Ford Explorer?
Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ is standard, including Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Information System, Lane-Keeping System, rear cross-traffic alert and automatic high-beams.
Source: Dealer safety-feature research pages
Q15What does the 2025 Explorer's higher-trim safety package add?
Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0, available on higher-level trims, adds a 360-degree camera with split view, front and side parking sensors and Intersection Assist 2.2 on top of the standard Assist+ features.
Source: Dealer safety-feature research pages
Q16How much cargo space does the 2025 Ford Explorer have?
The 2025 Explorer offers up to 87.8 cubic feet of total cargo space.
Source: Dealer research pages
Q17What size wheels does the 2025 Ford Explorer have?
The 2025 Ford Explorer's wheel diameter is 18 inches on the Active, 20 inches on the ST-Line and Platinum and 21 inches on the ST. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q18How do the 2025 Ford Explorer trims differ from one another?
The ST-Line has cruise control, fog lights, a folding rear seat and 10 more as standard equipment over the Active. The Platinum has adaptive headlights, heated rear seats, a panoramic moonroof and 2 more as standard equipment over the ST-Line. The ST has 400 hp against 300 over the Platinum.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q19What does the 2025 Ford Explorer cost across its trims?
Kelley Blue Book's national base prices for the 2025 Ford Explorer run from $41,450 for the Active to $60,895 for the ST, across 4 trims.
Source: Kelley Blue Book
Live NHTSA evidence
Current federal safety records for 2025 Ford Explorer.
Exact-vehicle evidence desk
Move from the guide to the VIN record.
Trim research establishes the marketed lineup. These primary-source paths resolve recall applicability, manufacturer-submitted identity fields and exact EPA configuration data.
01 · NHTSARatings, recalls, complaints and manufacturer communicationsExact model-year search → (opens in a new tab)02 · NHTSACheck unresolved safety recalls by VINOfficial remedy status → (opens in a new tab)03 · vPICDecode manufacturer-submitted vehicle attributesInternal VIN tool →04 · EPAResolve the exact fuel-economy configuration1984–current browser →
Other model years
Compare the Ford Explorer across model years.
Source trail
Evidence behind the record
01
Ford Explorer official model pageManufacturer lineup, equipment and specifications
↗ (opens in a new tab)02FuelEconomy.gov vehicle dataEPA-certified configuration and fuel-economy records
↗ (opens in a new tab)03NHTSA vehicle data and recallsVIN attributes, safety campaigns and ratings
↗ (opens in a new tab)Specifications and pricing can change after publication. Critical purchasing decisions should be confirmed against the exact vehicle window sticker or manufacturer build record.