Ford’s mid-sized, three-row SUV has always provided ways to engage its owners and occupants. Through Ford Performance, the 2025 Ford Explorer ST offers drivers with heavier right feet a chance to take their families the quick way to their destination.
How does the transformation to this performance-oriented SUV still provide all of the qualities found in a Ford Explorer?
Coming off of a mid-cycle refresh for 2025, the basic exterior silhouette has not changed. The front clip sports a larger grille with redesigned LED headlamps. The LED rear taillights now extend further onto the liftgate. The slanted front end helps in frontward visibility, while the rest of the exterior is designed for the purpose of utility and passenger access.
Our ST AWD tester came with 21-inch dark finished sporty alloy wheels. ST badges are found throughout the exterior and inside. The dark finished “Explorer” badge and blacked out trim complete Ford Performance’s transformation of this SUV.
Inside, the 2025 Ford Explorer ST offers a new instrument panel design. In front of the driver is a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster screen that offers plenty of information in a clean format. The 13.2-inch Ford Digital Experience infotainment touchscreen dominates the center stack. This screen incorporates climate controls and connectivity functions. All controls are what you will find on most Ford models, which offer a great tactile feel.
The ST trim is sporty with a mix of ActiveX leatherette and Miko suede-like inserts on the seats. Front seating is comfortable with plenty of support for the driver and front passenger. The second Captain’s Chairs offer similar comfort and flexibility for all passengers. Third row seating is fine for some adults, but they’re better suited for children.
Cargo space is quite generous. It starts with a 16.3 cubic feet space behind the third row, that ultimately expands to 85.3 cubic feet behind the front seats.
Standard on the 2025 Ford Explorer ST is the 400-horsepower 3.0-liter EcoBoost twin-turbocharged V6 engine. It also puts down 415 pound-feet of torque. The engine is connected to a 10-speed automatic transmission driving all four wheels.
On the highway, acceleration was great. You will notice that on lane changes and entering onto the highway. Cruising is great with this driveline. Our tester was also equipped with the Blue Cruise hands-free driver assistance technology, which makes driving on the highway easier. As for fuel economy, we averaged 20.9 MPG.
Ride quality was quite good, although we did find some firmness from the suspension and performance tires. Yet, it is well-balanced on every surface we drove it on. We also found a high degree of control while managing evasive maneuvers.
Wearing red calipers, the brakes were good with a responsive pedal feel. We experienced good stops in normal and panic situations. While absent of feel, the turning radius is quite tight for a vehicle of its size. On-center feel is OK with some involvement from the Explorer’s driver assistance systems to keep it in the lane. That also came into play when the Blue Cruise hands-free driver assistance system is enabled.
The 2025 Ford Explorer lineup includes four trim levels with the ST sitting on top. Pricing starts from $40,050. Our ST tester came with a sticker price of $61,290.
While the trend is leaning toward more rugged and off-road-ish versions of these family SUVs, the 2025 Ford Explorer ST is one of the few performance-oriented ones in the market. The only other such SUV is the Dodge Durango R/T. However, the Explorer competes with a host of other SUVs – including the Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, Toyota Highlander and Grand Highlander, Nissan Pathfinder, Honda Pilot, Subaru Ascent, Mazda CX-90, Volkswagen Atlas, and Jeep Grand Cherokee L.
If you are looking for a performance-oriented vehicle for your family, you might want to take a look at the 2025 Ford Explorer ST. The folks at Ford Performance may have served up something that is both relaxing and heart-pounding – all at the same time.
