2025 Ford Explorer: A Comprehensive Look at the Pros and Cons

Oct 20, 2025

A pro of the 2025 Ford Explorer is turbocharged engines while a con of the 2025 Explorer is cramped third row seating.

Pros of the 2025 Ford Explorer include its dramatically upgraded interior with premium materials, responsive Google-based infotainment, and engaging turbocharged engines.
Cons of the 2025 Ford Explorer include the third-row seating is a bit cramped and uncomfortable for adult passengers
Compare the pros and cons of the 2025 Ford Explorer at Metro Ford of OKC.

The Ford Explorer has been an iconic presence in American garages since 1990. It has established itself as a family favorite and industry standard for three-row SUVs. For 2025, Ford has given this long-running nameplate a meaningful refresh aimed at addressing longstanding criticisms and keeping it competitive in an increasingly crowded market segment. The new model year brings a redesigned interior, updated technology, and refined engines. In this comprehensive review, we’ll examine the significant pros and cons of the 2025 Ford Explorer.

Pros of the 2025 Ford Explorer

The 2025 Ford Explorer delivers several compelling advantages that make it worth serious consideration for families seeking a three-row midsize SUV. It impresses with a dramatically improved interior that gives the cabin a premium feel. The new Ford Digital Experience infotainment system represents a quantum leap forward from the previous generation. Additionally, one of the pros of the 2025 Ford Explorer is that it offers excellent value in its segment. The competitive pricing and a simplified trim structure makes purchasing much easier.

Dramatic Interior Redesign with Premium Materials

One of the most significant improvements and pros of the 2025 Ford Explorer is its completely reimagined interior. Ford invested heavily in upgrading cabin materials, introducing soft-touch surfaces on the center console AND door panels. Not to mention the new color schemes and overall aesthetic finally matches what families expect from a mid-$40,000 to mid-$60,000 vehicle. The redesigned dashboard provides more spacious front-row accommodations with improved storage solutions. The cabin now features a creative mix of cloth, metallic, wood, and leather accents that contribute to a more upscale ambiance. Most reviewers agree this refresh successfully banishes the cheap, dated feel that plagued earlier-generations.

Modern Technology and Responsive Infotainment System

The Ford Digital Experience represents a transformative upgrade from the previous Sync 3 system. This is one of the pros of the 2025 Ford Explorer that’s a big selling point. The Google-based infotainment platform features a horizontally oriented 13.2-inch touchscreen that’s more intuitive and faster-responding than its vertically-oriented predecessor. The system integrates natively with Google’s automotive app ecosystem. It offers both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa voice commands, and provides native streaming and internet browsing capabilities when parked. The touchscreen includes a metallic lip designed for hand support during operation, and it sits above a massive wireless charging shelf for convenient device charging. This technology represents a genuine modernization of the overall driving experience of the 2025 Ford Explorer.

Engaging Performance with Turbocharged Engine Options

Despite carryover powertrains from the previous generation, the 2025 Ford Explorer delivers noticeably improved engine tuning and transmission calibration. The standard 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder produces 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. This is one of the pros of the 2025 Ford Explorer because it offers lively acceleration and smooth power delivery. The optional 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6, standard on the ST and available on the Platinum, generates 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. This makes the 2025 Ford Explorer positively entertaining when more performance is desired. The 10-speed automatic transmission now works nearly imperceptibly in the background, and throttle response has been refined for better responsiveness. Rear-wheel drive comes standard with all-wheel drive available. Suspension has been tuned to minimize pitch and roll while maintaining a comfortable ride.

Cons of the 2025 Ford Explorer

While the meaningful improvements have resulted in numerous pros of the 2025 Ford Explorer, it still carries limitations. For example, the third-row seating arrangement seems cramped for adults. It seems that it’s best suited for children rather than grown passengers. This is a prime example of why looking into the pros and cons of the 2025 Ford Explorer, or ANY vehicle, is a good idea.

Cramped Third-Row Seating

The 2025 Ford Explorer third-row accommodations remain problematic despite other improvements. Some say that the seating is positioned too close to the floor for taller children and adults to sit comfortably on longer journeys. While the second-row seat automatically folds out of the way for easy third-row access, once seated back there, occupants will find legroom limited. This is a con of the 2025 Ford Explorer since the third row is best viewed as emergency seating for children rather than a solution for regular adult passengers.

Infotainment System Requires Internet Connectivity

While the new Ford Digital Experience represents a visual and functional upgrade, it introduces a con of the 2025 Ford Explorer. The system relies on internet connectivity to deliver its full capability. This means voice commands, navigation, and various functions may become unavailable in areas with poor cellular coverage. Additionally, Ford moved many climate control functions from physical buttons to the touchscreen, requiring multiple taps to accomplish what once took a single button press. For example, switching between fresh and recirculated air now demands several screen selections rather than one dedicated control.

How the 2025 Ford Explorer Stacks Up Competition

The midsize three-row SUV segment has become intensely competitive, populated with talented rivals that challenge the traditional pros and cons of the 2025 Ford Explorer. Understanding how it compares to its primary competitors is essential for making an informed purchasing decision. The 2025 Ford Explorer occupies an interesting position within this competitive landscape. It offers more engaging driving dynamics and performance options than most competitors, modern and impressive infotainment technology. However, rivals like the Kia Telluride offer superior third-row comfort, the Toyota Grand Highlander provides better long-term efficiency, and the Hyundai Palisade delivers more refined overall execution. The pros of the 2025 Ford Explorer lies in its performance character and modern technology. It’s ideal for buyers who prioritize engaging driving dynamics and the latest tech features.

Experience the Pros and Cons of the 2025 Ford Explorer at Metro Ford of OKC

Ultimately, the 2025 Ford Explorer makes an excellent choice for families who prioritize performance and modern technology over maximum interior space. Test-driving this newly refreshed Ford Explorer will help you determine whether it aligns with your specific priorities, needs, and budget. Ford has made genuine improvements to this iconic nameplate, making for many pros and cons of the 2025 Ford Explorer.

Ready to take your Ford experience to the next level? Call Metro Ford and speak with one of our Ford experts. Our Ford cars for sale include the Ford Maverick, Ford Escape, Ford Expedition, Ford Bronco, Ford Transit, Ford Explorer, Ford F-150, Ford Mustang, Ford Ranger, and the Ford F-250. Reach out to our Ford dealership to schedule a test drive today.

Contact Metro Ford of OKC

405-896-8531

Address: 2800 West I-44 Service Road, Oklahoma City, OK 73112

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