What’s New in the 2025 Ford Explorer Compared to the 2024 Model?

As one of Ford’s most popular SUVs, the Ford Explorer has always been a reliable choice for families, adventurers, and everyday drivers. With the arrival of the 2025 Ford Explorer, we’re excited to share how this latest model builds upon the success of the 2024 version. If you’re considering upgrading or are curious about what’s new, here’s a breakdown of the key changes that set the 2025 Explorer apart.

1. Updated Exterior Design

The 2025 Ford Explorer features a refreshed look, making it stand out on the road. The front grille has been slightly redesigned, giving it a bolder and more aggressive stance. New LED headlamps now come standard across all trims, offering enhanced visibility and a modern touch to the SUV’s sleek exterior. The rear also sees minor updates with sharper taillights and additional color options, including an exclusive shade called Solar Flare.

In comparison, the 2024 Explorer had a more subtle design with fewer color choices, making the 2025 model a fresh visual update for those looking to make a statement.

2. Improved Technology Features

One of the standout upgrades in the 2025 Ford Explorer is the enhanced tech package. This year, Ford has made the 15.5-inch vertical touchscreen—previously reserved for higher trims—standard on all models. This larger, user-friendly interface gives drivers and passengers easy access to the latest version of Ford’s SYNC 4A system, complete with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation.

In the 2024 model, a smaller 8-inch screen was standard on lower trims, with the larger display available only in premium versions. The upgrade to a standard 15.5-inch screen across the lineup is a big leap in technology accessibility.

3. Powertrain Enhancements

For 2025, Ford has made subtle but effective tweaks to the Explorer’s powertrain options. While the 2.3L EcoBoost® inline-4 engine and the 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 from the 2024 Explorer carry over, they now come with an improved 10-speed automatic transmission, designed for smoother shifting and slightly improved fuel efficiency.

The hybrid variant, which was already a solid option in 2024, also sees performance improvements with increased battery capacity, allowing for longer electric driving ranges and better fuel economy overall.

4. Advanced Safety Features

Ford’s commitment to safety continues to evolve in the 2025 Explorer. Ford Co-Pilot360™ has been expanded with new features like Intersection Assist and an enhanced version of Active Park Assist 2.0, which offers even greater precision when parking. Additionally, the 2025 model adds a new Driver Monitoring System, which tracks driver attentiveness and alerts them when it’s time to take a break.

While the 2024 Ford Explorer was already equipped with a solid suite of safety features, the updates in 2025 take safety tech to the next level, especially in terms of proactive driver assistance.

5. Interior Comfort and Versatility

The cabin of the 2025 Ford Explorer offers improved comfort with higher-quality materials and more standard features across all trims. Ford has reworked the interior with more soft-touch surfaces, additional sound insulation for a quieter ride, and enhanced climate controls to keep passengers comfortable in any weather.

The 2024 model was praised for its spaciousness and versatility, but the 2025 Explorer takes things up a notch with more standard luxury touches like heated seats and steering wheels across more trims.

6. New Trims and Packages

For 2025, Ford has introduced a new XLT Sport Appearance Package, giving the popular XLT trim a sportier look with unique badging, dark accents, and 20-inch wheels. This package wasn’t available in 2024, making it an attractive option for drivers who want a more aggressive aesthetic without upgrading to the more expensive trims.

Final Thoughts: Is the 2025 Ford Explorer Worth the Upgrade?

If you’re already a fan of the 2024 Ford Explorer, the 2025 model enhances what was already a great vehicle. With significant improvements in technology, safety features, and overall comfort, the 2025 Explorer is an excellent choice for those who want to stay at the cutting edge of SUV innovation.

Interested in experiencing the new 2025 Ford Explorer? Stop by Soerens Ford of Brookfield today to take it for a test drive and see the latest features firsthand.

2025 Ford Explorer Inventory