The 2025 Ford Explorer ST is a performance-oriented version of Ford’s popular Explorer SUV, blending thrilling power with the practicality and comfort of a family vehicle. With a turbocharged engine, sportier styling, and advanced technology, the Explorer ST is designed for drivers who want a more dynamic driving experience without sacrificing the spaciousness and utility of an SUV. This guide will cover the key features, performance details, pricing, and tips for purchasing and maintaining the 2025 Ford Explorer ST.
Overview of the 2025 Ford Explorer ST
The 2025 Ford Explorer ST is the performance-focused variant of the Explorer lineup, offering aggressive styling, sporty handling, and a more powerful engine. Built to deliver a more engaging driving experience, the ST model adds sportier design elements while maintaining the practical capabilities and high-tech features of the standard Explorer.
Key Features:
- Performance-Oriented Engine: The 2025 Explorer ST comes equipped with a turbocharged 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 engine that delivers impressive power and towing capabilities.
- Sporty Design: With unique styling cues such as blacked-out trim, aggressive grille design, and sporty wheels, the Explorer ST stands out from the rest of the lineup.
- Interior Technology: The Explorer ST comes with Ford’s latest SYNC® 4 infotainment system, a large touchscreen, and available premium sound systems.
- Safety Features: It offers a comprehensive suite of advanced safety technologies, including Ford Co-Pilot 360™ and other driver-assist features.
Performance and Engine Options
The 2025 Ford Explorer ST is engineered for those who crave both performance and practicality, with an engine option designed to deliver thrilling acceleration, responsive handling, and impressive towing capacity.
3.0L EcoBoost® V6 Engine
- Power: 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque.
- Performance: This engine provides an exhilarating driving experience, delivering strong acceleration and responsive power delivery. It’s perfect for both highway cruising and more spirited driving on twisty roads.
- Towing Capacity: The 2025 Explorer ST can tow up to 5,600 lbs, making it more than capable of hauling trailers, boats, or other heavy loads.
- Fuel Efficiency: Despite its power, the EcoBoost V6 engine provides reasonable fuel efficiency for a performance SUV, achieving an estimated 18 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway.
Transmission and Drive Options:
- 10-Speed Automatic Transmission: Paired with the EcoBoost V6, the 10-speed automatic transmission provides smooth shifting and optimal power delivery.
- All-Wheel Drive (AWD): Standard AWD provides enhanced traction and stability, especially in inclement weather or off-road conditions, ensuring confident performance in all driving environments.
Interior and Comfort
While the 2025 Ford Explorer ST emphasizes performance, it does not skimp on comfort or technology. The interior is designed to provide a refined driving experience with high-quality materials and cutting-edge tech.
Seating Capacity and Materials
- Three-Row Seating: The Explorer ST offers seating for up to seven passengers, making it a great choice for families or those who need extra space for passengers and cargo.
- Premium Upholstery: The ST trim includes leather-trimmed seating with unique stitching, offering a more luxurious feel than the base models. Available ventilated and heated front seats further enhance comfort.
Technology and Infotainment
- SYNC® 4 System: The 2025 Explorer ST comes with the advanced SYNC® 4 system, featuring a high-resolution 10.1-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto® integration. This system offers seamless access to navigation, music, and vehicle settings.
- B&O® Sound System: An available B&O® premium sound system provides exceptional audio quality, making the Explorer ST an excellent choice for music lovers and audiophiles.
- Available Wireless Charging: For added convenience, wireless charging pads are available to keep your devices powered up during your drive.
Cargo Space
- Flexible Cargo Area: The Explorer ST offers ample cargo space, with over 18 cubic feet behind the third-row seats. When you need more space, the second and third rows can be folded down to provide a large, flat cargo area for carrying larger items.
Safety Features
Ford’s commitment to safety shines in the 2025 Explorer ST, offering a wide range of standard and available driver-assist technologies designed to keep you and your passengers safe.
Standard Safety Features:
- Ford Co-Pilot 360™: This comprehensive suite of safety technologies includes features like pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
- Adaptive Cruise Control: Standard adaptive cruise control helps maintain a safe following distance from the car ahead, adjusting speed as necessary to match traffic flow.
- Park Assist: The Explorer ST comes with front and rear parking sensors to help with parking and maneuvering in tight spaces.
Crash Test Ratings:
- NHTSA: The Explorer has consistently earned high crash-test ratings, with the 2025 model expected to perform well in all categories.
- IIHS: The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has rated the Explorer highly in terms of overall safety performance in previous models, and the 2025 version is expected to follow suit.
Pricing and Availability
The 2025 Ford Explorer ST offers a performance-packed SUV that doesn’t compromise on luxury, safety, or technology. The pricing for the 2025 model will vary depending on the trim, optional features, and dealer pricing.
Estimated Price Range:
- 2025 Ford Explorer ST: Starting at approximately $52,000 for the base model with the EcoBoost V6 engine.
- Higher Trims: Adding features like the premium sound system, upgraded interior materials, and additional technology could increase the price, with fully-loaded models reaching upwards of $60,000.
Factors Influencing Price:
- Optional Features: Upgrading to AWD, adding luxury packages, or choosing a higher trim level will increase the price.
- Dealer Offers and Incentives: Special promotions, trade-in offers, and financing deals may help reduce the overall price.
Tips for Buying a 2025 Ford Explorer ST
Test Drive
As with any vehicle, it’s important to test drive the 2025 Explorer ST before making a decision. Pay attention to how it drives, the comfort of the seats, and the ease of using the infotainment system.
Check for Dealer Incentives
Ford frequently runs promotions that may include cash rebates, financing offers, or special leasing options. Be sure to inquire about current deals when visiting the dealership.
Consider Leasing
If you enjoy driving a new vehicle every few years, leasing might be a good option. Leasing the 2025 Explorer ST can provide lower monthly payments and the opportunity to upgrade to a newer model down the line.
Factor in Maintenance Costs
The Explorer ST is designed for performance, but like any vehicle, it requires regular maintenance. Factor in the cost of oil changes, tire rotations, and other routine services into your budget.
Maintenance and Ownership Tips
Regular Service Intervals
- Oil and Filter Changes: Regular oil changes are essential to maintaining engine performance and longevity. Stick to the recommended service intervals.
- Tire Maintenance: Check tire pressure regularly and rotate the tires every 6,000-8,000 miles to ensure even wear and improve tire life.
Check the Brake System
Performance vehicles like the Explorer ST experience more wear on their brake pads, especially during spirited driving. Ensure that your brakes are inspected periodically to ensure optimal performance.
Keep It Clean
Regularly wash and wax the exterior to keep the paint in top condition, and clean the interior to preserve the quality of the leather seats and other materials.
The 2025 Ford Explorer ST is an ideal choice for those who want a performance-focused SUV without sacrificing family-friendly features. With its powerful engine, advanced technology, and strong safety features, the Explorer ST delivers an exciting driving experience while still offering the practicality and comfort that the Explorer lineup is known for. Whether you’re looking for a capable towing vehicle or a high-performance daily driver, the 2025 Explorer ST is a top contender in the midsize SUV market.