2025 Ford Explorer Review: Still Fun, Still Flawed [Video]

The popular and best-selling Ford Explorer SUV has just gotten a freshening for the 2025 model year, with some mild new styling, some new colors, a new interior, and all-new onboard tech to keep it competitive in the face of ever-changing updates to the big three-row SUV category. We had our first look at the new ‘25 Explorer a few months ago, now it’s time to get behind the wheel of Ford’s updated family hauler, and take it for a spin to see how the refreshed version works. Thing is, the greasy bits of the Explorer haven’t changed – the same two engine options are still there, either a 300-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder or a 400-hp twin-turbo V-6. It’s still rear-wheel drive with optional all-wheel drive. And while the interior gets a new dash and multimedia system, it’s still the same layout and same size as the outgoing model, meaning it’s a bit tight in the second and third rows.

Cars.com’s Detroit Bureau Chief Aaron Bragman got to take several versions of the new ‘25 Explorer around the streets and highways of Southeast Michigan to see how the new Explorer handles itself. The new digs are nice, the new screens are a big improvement, and the Explorer remains probably the most entertaining three-row SUV on the market – but it still features all the issues that have kept the Explorer from our top picks list for many years.

Research and compare the 2025 Ford Explorer:
https://www.cars.com/research/ford-explorer-2025/

Find a new or used Ford Explorer for sale near you:
https://www.cars.com/shopping/results/?stock_type=all&makes%5B%5D=ford&models%5B%5D=ford-explorer&list_price_max=&maximum_distance=all&zip=48113

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:34 Driving Impressions
2:30 Seating Position and Cabin Improvements
3:05 Old Problems Remain
3:53 New Interior Looks Good
4:55 New Screens and Multimedia Systems
6:47 BlueCruise Arrives
8:55 A Solid Update, Still Pricey

Editorial mission:
Cars.com’s Editorial department is your source for automotive news and reviews. In line with Cars.com’s long-standing ethics policy, editors and reviewers don’t accept gifts or free trips from automakers. The Editorial department is independent of Cars.com’s advertising, sales and sponsored content departments.