I know what you might be thinking: eight, to six, to four. That’s not a countdown we auto enthusiasts generally appreciate, but the four-cylinder 2025 Ford Explorer ST-Line punches hard for only having half the cylinder count of the original Explorer. It’s not just the powertrain that punches above its weight, either. Along with a better-looking exterior and a significantly updated interior, the updated Explorer is the complete package here.
What’s new for 2025?
Ford has redesigned the Explorer for 2025, and although we’re more inclined to call it a mid-life refresh, it’s a significant one. The highlight might just be improved materials throughout the cabin and Ford’s new infotainment system displayed on a 13.2-inch screen, which luckily for us old hats, keeps at least a few physical buttons and switchgear. The latest infotainment system geeks out; as long as you’re in park, you can watch videos, play video games, and even teleconference using a growing list of apps. This is all made capable with a back-end switch to Google-based software; with that you also get Google Assistant and Maps built-in natively.
Exterior updates may not be immediately noticeable, but they make the Explorer look both sportier and more premium. There’s a wider grille up front, with revised LED headlights and an updated lower bumper that allows more air into the engine bay. The rear end sees revised tail lights which which are not connected by the super-popular and super-overdone light bar, but instead meets the fad half way with trim that trickles its way towards a central Ford logo. It works quite well. The ST-Line trim adds black accents all over, the requisite badging, and some sporty-looking 21-inch gunmetal grey wheels.
Interior comfort, cargo, and tech
Lately, Ford interiors have been fairly well-made, using mostly quality materials and good fit-and-finish. Despite that, the outgoing Explorer garnered a lot of complaints, but Ford made a point to fix all that with this update for 2025. The now-standard, fabric-covered Bang & Olufsen “sound bar” looks modern, unique, and perfectly integrated into the dash design. The rest of the cabin’s main touch points are top-notch. It’s all much improved, but not perfect: the silver trim right below the sound bar feels cheap, but gets a pass because it’s not something you regularly interact with. I’m not too big on the black plastic around the rotary shifter, either, feeling a bit like sandpaper.
The rest of the Explorer’s updated cabin is a home run. Ford moved the dashboard a couple of notches forward, giving front-seat passengers even more space. Our ST-Line tester’s seats seats are comfortable and good-looking, finished in black cloth, red stitching, and a material Ford calls ActiveX on the bolsters, doing a very convincing job of mimicking leather. Cargo space isn’t class-leading, but ranging between 461 litres behind the third row and expanding to just over 2,400 L with all seats folded flat, it’s more than usable.
For 2025, tech upgrades include the addition of BlueCruise for the first time on an Explorer. Like other Ford models, it works extremely well, operating almost flawlessly, with nary a missed judgement call or questionable decision. Even the eye monitor is well-calibrated and doesn’t yell at you the millisecond you move your eyes. Having the background of the 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster turn all-blue when BlueCrise is engaged is a clever and clear way to notify when the system is active. Otherwise, the aforementioned Google-based infotainment looks like Ford’s Sync software and works just as well, and the aforementioned Bang & Olufsen sound system provides the company’s typical bright and punch party style sound signature. If you’re into that sort of thing.
Can the Explorer get by with just four cylinders?
Boost is the name of the game for the modern Explorer, with two turbocharged engines providing forward momentum. Where the top-trim ST gets a turbocharged V6, the ST-Line makes do with a revised 2.3-litre turbocharged four cylinder engine. Don’t sleep on it: now producing 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, it’s ready to get up and go. I’m a big fan of the 400-horspeower V6, but the four-banger never feels like it needs more power, taking off from red lights, and merging and passing on the highway with fervour. Towing capacity with the four-cylinder Explorer is 5,300 pounds—only 300 shy of the V6.
It can’t match the smoothness or soundrack of the V6, but it isn’t offensive. I found myself wanting paddle shifters for the 10-speed automatic transmission, which works well enough on its own, but the engine’s peppiness encourages you to have a bit of fun. That fun does come at a penalty, with fuel economy averaging 14.8L/100 kilometres, higher than many competitors in the segment.
The Explorer’s ride quality is well-balanced, splitting the difference between comfort and handling rather well. You know it isn’t a lightweight, but it manages its nearly 4,600-pound curb weight well. The steering and suspension manage to feel just sporty enough to inspire confidence, without the often accompanying lazy handling or poor ride quality penalty, even with 21-inch wheels. All Explorers sold in Canada are all-wheel-drive, which makes sense given the winter we’ve had. The ST-line forgoes the more hardcore off-road drive modes, but nevertheless continues to be capable in snowy or muddy conditions. Most impressive is that both ride quality and capability remain pleasing in any environment, be it off-road or on.
The verdict
Stalwarts like the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander are sales leaders in the segment and may offer slightly more refinement, but at $62,635 as-tested, the 2025 Ford Explorer ST-Line is a worthy competitor domestic alternative offering a surprising level of refinement and and better performance for the price. It’s easy to see why the Explorer has been a mainstay in North America for more than three decades, and that won’t change anytime soon.
