Advancing the Explorer

CHELSEA, MI—When Ford launched the model-year 1991 Explorer as a replacement for the Bronco II, there wasn’t a whole lot of competition for the large – and, at that time, body-on-frame – SUV. Mainly, there were the Chevrolet Blazer, GMC Jimmy and Jeep Cherokee.

One way of knowing just how times have changed is that for model year 2025, a time in the sixth-generation Explorer’s evolution when there ought to be a midcycle refresh, something that would be characterized by not much more than a change of fascias and some interior trim, Ford recognizes that the competition – as in Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Toyota Grand Highlander, Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, Honda Pilot and other 3-row vehicles – is such that it was necessary to make some significant changes to the Explorer.

Yes, they did the standard modifications, as in each of the trim levels having its own grille:

There are changes in the rear, as well, particularly evident in the lighting.

But by and large, if you see the model-year 2025 and a model-year 2024 drives by, you might be wondering about the “significant changes.”

And for finding those it is mainly a matter of going inside the vehicle itself.

Like a Living Room

Dustin Shedlarski, chief of interior design for the Explorer, says the strategy his team took in creating the look and feel – literally feel, as in assuring that the touch points are rounded (should you, say, bang your knee on the instrument panel) and soft (wrapped with vinyl or leather, depending on the trim package) – was that of a living room.

While that might seem strange for something that moves and has a 5,000-lb. (2,268-kg) towing capacity, Shedlarski says it is a part of one’s life where there tends to be comfortable, familiar surroundings that many people go into.

He says a central place in a living room is often the flat-screen TV, so in the case of the Explorer the focal point is the standard 13.2-in. (33.5-cm) touchscreen. Further underlining that home system is a fabric-wrapped soundbar that Ford developed with Bang & Olufsen and stretches across the IP, visually analogous to what are in living rooms everywhere.

One of the things that is both evident and comparatively invisible is attention to both ergonomics and detail.

For example, below the screen there is a piece of metallicized trim with a pattern of straight lines that serve as a purchase for fingers when using the screen. Those lines also show up on the control element for adjusting the HVAC vent louvers.

Shedlarski points to the plastic camera cover at the top of the windshield where the rearview mirror is mounted. They need ventilation. So the lines are repeated there.

Ergonomically, there is a shelf in the instrument panel that is designed to accommodate two phones; charging capability is offered. Shedlarski says people often stick their phone in a cupholder, which works, but which then takes away the intended function. With this execution the phone is ready-to-hand without subtracting anything.

A Digital Lift

The subject of a phone also comes up with Alex Blouin, senior product manager, Ford Digital Experience.

The second huge change for the 2025 Explorer is  Android Auto and embedded Google functions, says Alex Blouin, senior product manager, Ford Digital Experience.

So while a phone serves as a “projection device,” the Google-powered Ford Digital Experience  is embedded in the vehicle, meaning one need not use a phone for navigation or entertainment or other uses. The system also supports Apple CarPlay.

Not only does the Ford Digital Experience allow the use of apps such as Spotify and Audible, but when parked people can play games. or attend virtual meetings via Webex.

Blouin also says they worked with Road.Travel on an app that provides travel guides to areas where the Explorer might be, with routing that goes to the navigation system and points of interest along the way that includes audio narration. While Road.Travel is available to users of other vehicles and devices, Ford has created specific trips for Explorer drivers.

Mustang...Raptor...Explorer...

The final notable change is not inside the car but under the hood.

The standard engine for the 2025 Explorer is a 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 that produces 300 hp and 310 lb.-ft. (420 Nm) of torque. Tim Smith, vehicle engineering lead, acknowledges this is the same 2.3L as is used in the Mustang, with some calibration and accessory changes due to the application.

Standard on the ST and optional on the Platinum is a 3.0L EcoBoost V-6 that produces 400 hp and 415 lb.-ft. (563 Nm) of torque.  Both engines are mated to a 10-speed automatic – with paddle shifters on the ST model because the red stitching on the interior isn’t the only way you know this is the performance model.

So What’s It Like?

A 3-row SUV that is meant to be a family vehicle has to be calmly capable most of the time.

So, the Explorer provides that capability in terms of delivering power to the wheels in a way that is rather transparent. To be sure, the ST model’s 400 hp does make a considerable difference when you tip in on the throttle. It has a portion of pep, undoubtedly for those parents who want to take a quick drive without the kids.

But since three out of four of the Explorers come with the 300-hp 2.3L, it is fair to say there is sufficient power to meet the requirements, despite the Explorer’s size:

198.7 ins. (5,047 mm) long, 78.9 ins. (2,004 mm) wide, 69.6 ins. (1,768 mm) high, and with a 119.1-in. (3,025 mm) wheelbase.

Curb weight for the ST is 4,631 lbs. 2,101 kg); it is 4,303 lbs. (1,952 kg) for the other three trims.

Despite the size and weight, the Explorer doesn’t wallow through corners, with relatively precise steering set up to handle the task at hand.

On a light off-road course, which included gravel, mud, tight turns, ruts and holes, the Explorer handled it all quite well.

Arguably, if the vehicle is meant to be like a living room while providing its driver with an extension to their digital lives, then the 2025 Explorer does what it is supposed to do.