The Ford Explorer continues to define the three-row SUV segment with its impressive blend of on-road refinement and rugged capability. For the new model year, the Explorer lineup delivers enhanced performance through optimized powertrains, sophisticated drive systems, and thoughtful engineering that enable confidence in varied driving scenarios. Whether navigating urban streets, cruising highways, or venturing beyond paved roads, this SUV offers the power, technology, and capability to match diverse driving needs while maintaining the comfort expected of a premium family vehicle.

Powertrain Options

The Explorer offers two distinct powertrain choices, each engineered to deliver specific performance characteristics while maintaining efficiency and reliability.

2.3-Litre EcoBoost Engine

The standard powerplant across most of the Explorer lineup is the proven Ford 2.3-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder engine. This sophisticated turbocharged unit delivers an impressive 300 horsepower and 310 Nm of torque, providing responsive acceleration and excellent passing power. The engine features direct injection, twin-scroll turbocharging, and variable cam timing to optimize both performance and efficiency across all driving conditions.

Ford engineers have refined the 2.3-litre EcoBoost with enhanced calibration that improves throttle response and reduces turbo lag, creating a more immediate connection between driver input and vehicle response. This engine comes standard on the Active, ST-Line, and Timberline trim levels, providing an excellent balance of power and efficiency for everyday driving scenarios.

3.0-Litre EcoBoost V6

For drivers seeking maximum performance, the available 3.0-litre EcoBoost V6 engine delivers an impressive 400 horsepower and 415 Nm of torque. This potent powerplant transforms the driving character, providing exceptional acceleration and confident power delivery even when fully loaded with passengers and cargo.

The 3.0-litre EcoBoost comes standard on the ST and Platinum trim levels, offering premium performance that enhances the overall driving experience. The engine features twin turbochargers, direct injection, and advanced cooling systems that maintain optimal performance even under demanding conditions.

Both engines pair with the sophisticated Ford 10-speed automatic transmission, which has been calibrated for smooth shifts and optimal power delivery. The transmission features SelectShift capability, allowing manual gear selection when desired, giving drivers additional control in specific driving scenarios.

Drive Systems and Chassis

The Explorer performance capabilities extend beyond raw power to include sophisticated drive systems and chassis components that enhance both on-road refinement and off-road capability.

Intelligent Four-Wheel Drive

The Explorer offers an available Intelligent 4WD system that constantly monitors road conditions and driver inputs. The system can seamlessly transfer torque between the front and rear axles as needed, providing enhanced traction on slippery surfaces and improved stability during cornering.

The system now features enhanced predictive capability that can engage four-wheel drive proactively based on inputs including outside temperature, wiper usage, and steering angle. The system evaluates these conditions approximately 100 times per second, ensuring optimal traction before wheel slip occurs.

The rear-biased architecture of the Explorer drivetrain contributes to its dynamic handling characteristics, with power primarily sent to the rear wheels during normal driving conditions for improved balance and responsiveness.

Terrain Management System

All Explorer models equipped with four-wheel drive feature the Terrain Management System, which allows drivers to select from various drive modes tailored to specific conditions:

• Normal: Optimized for everyday driving on dry, paved roads
• Eco: Adjusts throttle response and transmission shift points to maximize efficiency
• Sport: Enhances throttle response, modifies shift patterns, and adjusts steering feel for a more engaging driving experience
• Tow/Haul: Optimizes transmission behaviour and engine response for improved towing performance
• Trail: Calibrates systems for improved traction and control on unpaved surfaces
• Deep Snow/Sand: Allows increased wheel slip to maintain momentum in challenging conditions
• Slippery: Provides more conservative throttle mapping and earlier upshifts for improved stability on wet or icy roads

The Timberline trim adds a specific Rock Crawl mode that optimizes the drivetrain for low-speed off-road maneuvers over rocky terrain.

Performance-Tuned Suspension

Each Explorer trim features a uniquely tuned suspension system that balances ride comfort with handling precision. The ST model, in particular, receives a sport-tuned suspension with firmer springs, recalibrated dampers, and larger stabilizer bars that significantly reduce body roll during cornering.

The Timberline model features a specialized off-road suspension with increased ride height and uniquely tuned components that enhance capability on rough terrain while maintaining reasonable on-road comfort.

All models benefit from a fully independent suspension setup with MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link design at the rear, providing a blend of precision, compliance, and durability that suits the versatile Explorer mission.

Off-Road Capability

While primarily designed as a family-focused SUV, the Explorer offers impressive off-road capability, particularly in the specialized Timberline trim.

Timberline Off-Road Features

The Explorer Timberline serves as the most off-road capable variant in the lineup, with specialized equipment including:

• Increased ground clearance of 223 mm, providing improved obstacle clearance
• Specially calibrated off-road suspension with unique springs and stabilizer bars
• Heavy-duty front tow hooks rated for recovery operations
• Steel skid plates protect vital underbody components
• All-terrain tires with a more aggressive tread pattern for improved grip on loose surfaces
• Limited-slip rear differential that enhances traction on uneven terrain
• Unique front and rear fascias that improve approach and departure angles

The Timberline capability extends beyond hardware to include specific software calibrations for the Terrain Management System and drive-by-wire throttle, optimizing vehicle response in off-road scenarios.

Trail Control System

Available on the Timberline and certain four-wheel-drive models, Trail Control functions as an off-road cruise control, managing throttle and braking to maintain a consistent speed between 1-32 km/h when navigating challenging terrain. This system allows drivers to focus on steering through obstacles without worrying about modulating the pedals on uneven surfaces.

The system works in both forward and reverse, making it particularly useful when navigating tight sections of trail that require precise control at very low speeds.

Hill Descent Control

Standard on four-wheel-drive Explorer models, Hill Descent Control manages braking automatically to maintain a set speed when descending steep grades. The system provides confidence when traversing steep terrain, allowing drivers to focus on steering rather than managing the brakes on potentially slippery downhill sections.

Towing Capability

The Explorer maintains its position as a capable towing platform, capable of handling a wide range of trailers and recreational equipment.

Towing Capacity

When properly equipped with the available Class III Trailer Tow Package, the 2025 Explorer can tow up to 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs), regardless of engine choice. This capability makes it suitable for towing boats, camping trailers, utility trailers, and other recreational equipment.

The Trailer Tow Package includes:

• Class III hitch receiver with 50 mm (2-inch) receiver
• Engine oil cooler for enhanced thermal management
• Upgraded radiator and cooling fans
• Trailer wiring harness with 4-pin/7-pin connector
• Trailer Sway Control integration with stability control systems

Towing Technology

The Explorer offers several technologies that make towing easier and safer:

• Trailer Sway Control: Works with the AdvanceTrac stability control system to detect and reduce trailer sway by applying selective braking and reducing engine power when necessary
• Blind Spot Information System with Trailer Coverage: Extends the blind spot monitoring zone to account for the length of the trailer
• Reverse Guidance with Trailer View: Provides multiple camera angles to assist with trailer hookup and reversing
• Integrated Trailer Brake Controller: Allows synchronized braking between vehicle and trailer for improved control
• Side-Wind Stabilization: Automatically compensates for strong crosswinds to maintain vehicle stability when towing

These features combine to make the Explorer a confident towing platform, even for drivers with limited trailering experience.

Performance Technology

The Explorer incorporates advanced technology that enhances both performance and driver confidence across various conditions.

Adaptive Suspension

Available on higher trim levels, the adaptive suspension continuously adjusts damping rates based on road conditions and driver inputs. The system can firm up during cornering for improved stability or soften when driving over rough surfaces for enhanced comfort.

On the ST model, the system includes a Sport mode that maintains firmer damping for improved handling during spirited driving, while the Platinum trim emphasizes comfort with a luxury-oriented calibration.

Performance Braking System

The Explorer ST features an upgraded braking system with larger rotors and performance-oriented brake pads that improve stopping power and resistance to fade during repeated high-speed braking events.

All Explorer models benefit from an electronic brake booster that provides consistent pedal feel and improved response during emergency braking situations, enhancing both safety and driver confidence.

Drive Modes

In addition to the terrain-focused drive modes, the Explorer offers performance-oriented modes that modify vehicle systems to match different driving preferences:

• Normal: Balanced settings for everyday driving
• Eco: Optimizes systems for maximum efficiency
• Sport: Enhances throttle response, holds gears longer, and increases steering effort for a more engaging driving experience
• Tow/Haul: Adjusts transmission shift points and response mapping for improved towing performance

The ST model adds a unique Sport mode with more aggressive calibration that transforms the vehicle’s character for enthusiast-oriented driving.

OEM Parts: The Only Recommended Option

When maintaining or enhancing your Ford Explorer performance and capability, OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts represent the best and only recommended option. These factory-original components are designed specifically for your Explorer, ensuring perfect fit, function, and durability that aftermarket alternatives simply cannot match.

The rigorous Ford testing procedures guarantee that each OEM part meets exacting standards for performance and longevity. This is particularly important for components that affect vehicle dynamics, such as suspension parts, brake components, and engine management systems. Using genuine Ford parts preserves your vehicle’s warranty coverage while maintaining the precise driving characteristics that Ford engineers meticulously developed.

The sophisticated four-wheel drive systems, electronic stability controls, and powertrain management systems in the Explorer require precision-engineered parts to function as intended. When these systems require service, only OEM parts can ensure they continue to deliver the capability and refinement you expect from your Explorer.

5 Explorer Performance Facts

• The 10-speed automatic transmission features more than 40 individual shift strategies that adjust its behaviour in milliseconds based on driving conditions, engine load, and driver input, optimizing performance and efficiency.
• During development, the Explorer Timberline completed over 10,000 km of testing on the legendary Rubicon Trail, with engineers living out of the vehicles for weeks to validate real-world capability in extreme conditions.
• The 3.0-litre EcoBoost V6 in the Explorer ST uses the same basic architecture as the engine found in certain luxury performance vehicles, including some Aston Martin models, highlighting its premium engineering and capability.
• The side-wind stabilization system can detect crosswinds as slight as 8 km/h and automatically apply subtle braking forces to individual wheels to maintain straight-line stability, a feature particularly valuable when towing trailers.
• The adaptive headlights on higher-trim Explorer models feature predictive curve lighting that can turn up to 15 degrees before the vehicle enters a corner, using steering wheel position and vehicle speed to illuminate the road ahead more effectively during nighttime driving.

What is the difference in acceleration between the 2.3-litre and 3.0-litre engines in the 2025 Explorer?

• The 2.3-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder (300 horsepower/310 Nm) propels this SUV from 0-100 km/h in approximately 7.0 seconds, while the 3.0-litre EcoBoost V6 (400 horsepower/415 Nm) reduces this time to approximately 5.5 seconds in the ST model. The performance difference is most noticeable during highway passing maneuvers, where the V6 provides significantly more immediate response and confident acceleration, particularly when the vehicle is full of passengers and cargo. The V6 also maintains more consistent performance at higher elevations, where thinner air can affect turbocharged engines.

How does the Explorer Timberline compare to competitors in terms of off-road capability?

• This trim offers a unique blend of family-friendly utility and genuine off-road capability, setting it apart from most three-row SUVs. With 223 mm of ground clearance, specialized all-terrain tires, steel skid plates, and off-road-tuned suspension, it outperforms most crossover competitors when venturing off pavement. The Terrain Management System with seven selectable modes (including Rock Crawl) provides versatility across different surfaces, while the standard limited-slip rear differential enhances traction on uneven terrain. While more specialized off-road vehicles offer greater extreme capability, this trim excels at balancing everyday comfort with the ability to access remote camping sites, moderate trails, and unpaved back roads that would challenge conventional SUVs.

Which towing features make the 2025 Explorer suitable for novice tow drivers?

• This SUV includes several technologies specifically designed to make towing more accessible for inexperienced users. The available Pro Trailer Backup Assist allows drivers to steer a trailer in reverse using an intuitive knob on the dashboard rather than counterintuitive steering wheel movements. Trailer Sway Control automatically detects and reduces trailer sway by applying selective braking and reducing engine power. The Blind Spot Information System extends coverage to include the trailer’s length, eliminating a common blind zone. The 360-degree camera system provides multiple views to simplify trailer hookup, while the integrated trailer brake controller enables smooth, coordinated stopping. These features, combined with the side-wind stabilization system that counteracts gusty conditions, create a comprehensive suite of technologies that give novice towers greater confidence and control.

How does the Explorer Terrain Management System work?

• The Terrain Management System modifies multiple vehicle parameters simultaneously to optimize performance for specific conditions. When a driver selects a mode using the rotary dial on the center console, the system adjusts throttle sensitivity, transmission shift patterns, traction control thresholds, braking response, and four-wheel drive torque distribution. For example, in Deep Snow/Sand mode, the system allows increased wheel slip to maintain momentum while adjusting power delivery to prevent digging in. In Sport mode, it enhances throttle response, holds gears longer, and increases steering effort for more engaging driving dynamics. The Rock Crawl mode (on Timberline) provides extremely precise throttle control and maximizes traction to individual wheels. The system essentially creates different vehicle personalities tailored to specific environments, all accessible through a simple interface that doesn’t require specialized off-road knowledge.

What is the maximum payload capacity of the 2025 Explorer, and how does it differ between engine options?

• This SUV offers a maximum payload capacity of approximately 775 kg, with slight variations depending on trim level and equipment. Interestingly, models equipped with the 2.3-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder engine generally offer slightly higher payload ratings (by about 20-30 kg) than those with the 3.0-litre V6, despite the V6’s greater power. This difference stems from the V6’s heavier weight, which counts against the vehicle’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Payload capacity includes all passengers, cargo, and accessories added after the vehicle leaves the factory. The flat load floor, with the second and third rows folded, provides up to 2,486 litres of cargo volume, and thoughtful features like a hands-free power liftgate and an adjustable cargo management system maximize the utility of this capacity for everything from home improvement supplies to camping equipment.

Disclaimer: Content contained in this post is for informational purposes only and may include features and options from US or international models. Please contact the dealership for more information or to confirm vehicle, feature availability.