2025 Ford Explorer Active Review: A Smooth Operator

The Ford Explorer has been one of the most popular vehicles in America for more than three decades. It’s been several years since I’ve driven one, so I was curious to see how the latest model stacks up in the increasingly crowded and competitive three-row SUV category. With a simplified lineup, just four grades are available this year: the base Active, sport-styled ST-Line, performance-oriented ST, and luxurious Platinum. I spent a week living with the most wallet-friendly model, the Explorer Active.

For 2025, the Explorer Active replaces the Explorer XLT. While it looks pretty much the same from the side, the latest model has a more prominent grille design that’s taller and wider. The LED headlights and optional LED fog lights on the lower fascia have also been redesigned, as have the taillights, which now extend horizontally onto the liftgate. The overall look has more presence than the previous model. While the Active comes standard with 18-inch wheels, ours was upgraded with handsome 20-inch carbon grey rims. I usually don’t care for white paint because I find it boring, but the metallic flecks in the Star White paint give it more visual interest.

All models except the Explorer ST have a 2.3-liter EcoBoost 4-cylinder engine that produces 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft. of torque. The ST gets a 3.0-liter turbo-6 that cranks out 400 horses and 415 lb-ft. of torque. Working in concert with a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission, the 4-banger never feels underpowered. Passing power is quite good, and the transmission shifts smoothly. The small engine and efficient gearbox also mean good fuel economy. The EPA gave the all-wheel-drive Explorer a 20 MPG city/27 MPG highway /23 MPG combined, but I averaged a better-than-rated 27 MPG in a mix of traffic conditions. I was also pleasantly surprised with how subtle the engine stop-start feature is. I usually find myself turning it off, but it didn’t bother me here. Since it helps a little with fuel economy, I left it enabled. A standard Class III Trailer Tow Package lets the Explorer pull up to 5000 pounds and includes features to help with towing safety, including Trailer Sway Control and Side-Wind Stabilization.

The interior of the 2025 model has seen some refinements as well. Gone are the basic 8-inch touchscreen and the upgraded tablet-style display. Those have been replaced with a 13.2-inch horizontal unit that comes standard on all Explorers. The 12.3-inch instrument panel has a crisp, high-contrast display. The dashboard has a pleasantly tactile fabric topper, which is a nice way to break up the plastic bits, and the center stack now has a floating tray that’s wide enough to hold two phones. Climate controls are now on the touchscreen instead of physical inputs, which also helps clean up the dash. The touch controls are well-marked at the bottom of the display, making them nearly as easy to use as the old buttons and toggles. Visibility from the driver’s seat is excellent, thanks in part to the skinny A-pillars. The cabin is reasonably quiet, though there is a bit of wind noise at highway speeds. I imagine it’s quieter in the higher-end trims thanks to the acoustically laminated glass those get in the front side windows.

The front seats offer good support and have heated surfaces for chilly days. Higher-end trims add ventilation up front and second-row heated seats. The seats are covered in a synthetic leather material called ActiveX and are as smooth and comfortable as the real deal. I did, however, notice some minor puckering in the stitching in spots, notably on the seat backs. Ford offers the Explorer with second-row bench seating for three or captain’s chairs for two. I prefer this setup because it provides easier access to the third row and makes the space feel roomy and open. Second-row passengers get zoned climate controls, USB-C ports, and a 12-volt DC port on the back of the center console.

One significant change for the 2025 Explorer is that Ford has replaced its long-standing SYNC multimedia system with one powered by Google. This system will immediately be familiar to Android users and has a clean and intuitive interface. It offers built-in Google Assistant and access to apps on the Play Store, and also supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity if you prefer those. Despite the system being all new, I didn’t run into any issues with it, and everything worked smoothly.

If you’re considering an Explorer, you’re probably wondering about the third-row seats. Well, they’re for the kiddos only. Legroom is quite limited back here, and there’s no space between the two seats, so you’ll be sitting close to your neighbor even if you don’t want to. There’s a cupholder on each side and dual USB-C ports, though they’re both on the right side, so the driver-side passenger might need an extension cable to stay plugged in. The seats have flip-down headrests to improve rear visibility when unoccupied and fold flat in a 50/50 split.

Like most three-row SUVs, cargo space behind the back row is pretty limited, but 16.3 cubic feet is still better than most car trunks and is enough to carry groceries, backpacks, and other everyday items. With the third row folded, space increases to a more practical 46 cubic feet. Fold the second row, too, and you’ll get an ample 85.8 cubic feet. I like the recessed storage bins on each side, which are handy for smaller items you don’t want sliding around. A power liftgate comes standard, too.

With styling refinements, a smooth-running drivetrain, and new technology on board, the 2025 Ford Explorer remains competitive with other similarly-priced SUVs. The simplified lineup for 2025 makes buying easier, and there are enough improvements to make previous Explorer buyers consider the upgrade. The 2025 Explorer Active has a starting price of $39,755. The AWD model I tested had a sticker price of $49,965, including Destination Charges and Acquisition Fees.