The Explorer lineup is a lot easier to understand for 2025. Ford cut the clutter, trimmed the extras, and left a clean set of trims that make choosing the right SUV far less challenging. If you’ve been circling the Explorer but weren’t sure where to land, the Active and ST-Line trims are the ones most shoppers end up comparing. Here’s how they stack up!
Key Takeaways
- The 2025 Explorer now comes in just five trims: the Active, ST-Line, ST, Tremor, and Platinum.
- Ford added a small handful of upgrades for 2025.
- The Explorer has a 5,000-pound towing limit with the Class III Tow Package.
What Ford Updated on the Explorer for 2025
Ford kept the changes light. Refreshed front and rear styling give the Explorer a cleaner, more modern look without altering its overall shape. Inside, the improvements include better materials, smoother finishes, and a layout that feels consistent from trim to trim. Ford also fully leans into its new Google-based infotainment setup, which reshapes the interface and gives the system a more connected feel.
A simplified trim structure is part of the update, too. Instead of wading through combinations that feel a little too similar, you now move through a lineup that’s easier to read: a practical option, a sportier option, a true performance option, an off-road pick, and a luxury variant.
The Active trim may be the entry point for everyday buyers, but you get plenty of perks. Heated power front seats, a 13.2-inch touchscreen, and a digital instrument display come standard. You also get LED lighting, roof rails, and 18-inch wheels to round out the look, plus a power liftgate.
The Active also includes Ford’s full Co-Pilot360 Assist+ suite, meaning adaptive cruise control, lane centering, blind-spot alerts, collision mitigation, and rear cross-traffic warnings. If you want a bit more comfort, the optional package adds a heated steering wheel, synthetic leather seating, and power adjustment for the front passenger.
Moving into the ST-Line gives the Explorer a different attitude. Chrome disappears in favor of black trim, wheel size jumps to 20 inches, and the interior gets sport seats with red stitching and nicer materials across the dashboard. A 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system comes standard, adding more depth to the cabin.
With the Premium Package, you can add massaging front seats, ambient lighting, heated second-row seats, and a power-folding third row—closing the gap between this trim and the Platinum without stepping into luxury pricing.
Power and Towing Specs for the 2025 Explorer
Both trims use a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder producing 300 ponies and 310 lb-ft of torque, mated with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is available if you want more grip or plan to tow.
Speaking of towing, the Explorer’s numbers stay the same. When equipped with the Class III Tow Package, it can pull up to 5,000 pounds.
Which 2025 Explorer Trim Fits You Best?
The Active trim is a great match for drivers who want something roomy, comfortable, and easy to live with every day. The ST-Line leans more toward style and upgraded tech, while the Active keeps things straightforward and practical. If you’re torn between them, driving each one will make the differences stand out right away. Contact Jarret Ford in Charlotte County to test drive both!