2025 Ford Explorer

Is the 2025 Ford Explorer a Good SUV?

"The Explorer is the rare midsize 3-row SUV that's based on a rear-wheel-drive platform, and we love the sporty proportions that follow from that, especially the clipped front overhang. Acceleration is quick with either engine, the turbo V6 being a particular (if pricey) delight; however, the fuel economy fails to impress, and the Explorer's rear passenger space is relatively limited."—Ranked #4 out of 15 Midsize 3-Row SUVs

Which 2025 Ford Explorer Should I Buy?

MotorDonkey's proprietary vehicle data identifies every significant version of each model so that you can compare and decide. Ordered by price from low to high, here are the versions of the 2025 Ford Explorer that you need to be aware of, along with our expert analysis and recommendations.

1. 2025 Ford Explorer 2.3T Rear-Wheel Drive

• Base Price: $39,855
• MPG Combined: 24
• Drive Type: Rear-wheel drive
• Engine: 2.3-liter inline-4
• Aspiration: Turbocharged
• Transmission: 10-speed automatic
• Horsepower: 300 
• Torque: 310 lb⁠-⁠ft
• Weight: 4,303 lbs
• Length: 198.7 in
• Towing Capacity: 5,000 lbs

We hope you like Ford's 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, because it's what you're going to find in most Explorers. Fuel economy isn't great for a four-banger, but the acceleration is fairly impressive.

2. 2025 Ford Explorer 2.3T All-Wheel Drive

• Base Price: $41,855
• MPG Combined: 23
• Drive Type: Rear-wheel drive
• Engine: 2.3-liter inline-4
• Aspiration: Turbocharged
• Transmission: 10-speed automatic
• Horsepower: 300 
• Torque: 310 lb⁠-⁠ft
• Length: 198.7 in
• Towing Capacity: 5,000 lbs

Adding all-wheel drive only subtracts one mile per gallon from the Explorer's fuel economy. It's probably worth the $2k stretch if you think you'll use it.

3. 2025 Ford Explorer 3.0T Rear-Wheel Drive

• Base Price: $54,260
• MPG Combined: 21
• Drive Type: Rear-wheel drive
• Engine: 3.0-liter V6
• Aspiration: Turbocharged
• Transmission: 10-speed automatic
• Horsepower: 400 
• Torque: 415 lb⁠-⁠ft
• Weight: 4,631 lbs
• Length: 198.7 in
• Towing Capacity: 5,000 lbs

If you're disinclined to pursue the sport-oriented Explorer ST, which is the most affordable Explorer V6, you can still have that righteous 3.0-liter twin-turbo six in the Platinum trim. It's an extra-cost option there, however, that pushes the Platinum's price well beyond where the ST starts.

4. 2025 Ford Explorer 3.0T All-Wheel Drive

• Base Price: $56,260
• MPG Combined: 21
• Drive Type: All-wheel drive
• Engine: 3.0-liter V6
• Aspiration: Turbocharged
• Transmission: 10-speed automatic
• Horsepower: 400 
• Torque: 415 lb⁠-⁠ft
• Length: 198.7 in
• Towing Capacity: 5,000 lbs

Adding AWD to an Explorer V6 comes with a familiar $2k upcharge, but it doesn't affect fuel economy one bit, which makes that extra spend especially tempting. The sporty Explorer ST is the one that starts at the price listed here; you can get the AWD V6 powertrain in the Explorer Platinum, too, but the starting price there is thousands higher.