2025 Ford Explorer ST: The Ultimate Performance SUV?
The 2025 Ford Explorer ST continues Ford’s tradition of blending practicality with thrilling performance. With its bold styling, powerful engine, and advanced technology, this latest version aims to set a new benchmark in the performance SUV category. Let’s dive deep into the details.

Exterior: Bold and Aggressive Styling
Ford has refined the 2025 Explorer ST’s design, making it sharper, sportier, and more dynamic than ever. At the front, a black mesh grille with ST badging adds a bold statement, while the redesigned LED headlights offer better illumination and a more modern look. The sculpted hood and muscular fenders give the SUV a commanding road presence.



The side profile is defined by larger 21-inch aluminum wheels, available in a gloss-black finish that enhances the SUV’s sporty appeal. The black-painted mirror caps, lower body cladding, and optional red brake calipers emphasize its performance-oriented nature. At the rear, quad exhaust tips, a roof-mounted spoiler, and a revised bumper complete the aggressive styling.
Aerodynamic improvements also play a role, with a redesigned front air intake and underbody paneling helping to reduce drag and improve stability at high speeds. New color options, including Rapid Red Metallic and Iconic Silver, provide buyers with more choices to personalize their SUV.
Interior: Sporty Yet Luxurious
Step inside the 2025 Ford Explorer ST, and you’re greeted with an upscale yet performance-focused cabin. The ST-branded sport seats, wrapped in premium leather with contrast stitching, provide excellent support during spirited driving while maintaining comfort for long trips. These seats come with heating, ventilation, and power adjustability, ensuring a premium experience.

Ford has upgraded the materials throughout the cabin, replacing hard plastics with soft-touch surfaces, carbon fiber accents, and brushed aluminum trim. The leather-wrapped steering wheel, featuring a flat-bottom design and paddle shifters, further enhances the sporty feel.
A fully digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster provides real-time driving information, while the center console is dominated by a massive 15.5-inch touchscreen running Ford’s latest SYNC 4 infotainment system. The system is fast, intuitive, and supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A premium 14-speaker B&O sound system ensures an immersive audio experience, perfect for long drives.
Second-row passengers benefit from optional captain’s chairs, providing added comfort and easier access to the third row. The tri-zone climate control system ensures everyone stays comfortable, regardless of the weather outside. Cargo space remains generous, with 18.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 87.8 cubic feet with all seats folded down.
Performance: Power and Precision
Under the hood, the 2025 Ford Explorer ST retains its tried-and-true 3.0L twin-turbocharged V6 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. This power is sent to the wheels through a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission, ensuring quick acceleration and effortless cruising.
Performance highlights include:
- 0-60 mph in approximately 5.5 seconds, making it one of the quickest SUVs in its class.
- Intelligent AWD system that continuously adjusts torque distribution for maximum grip.
- Sport-tuned suspension with stiffer dampers for better cornering stability.
- Upgraded braking system with larger ventilated discs and high-performance calipers.
Ford has fine-tuned the chassis for better handling, and the electronic power steering system is more responsive, providing excellent road feedback. The drive mode selector allows drivers to switch between different settings based on road conditions and driving preferences:
- Normal – Balanced performance for daily commuting.
- Sport – Sharper throttle response and more aggressive transmission mapping.
- Eco – Adjusts engine and transmission settings for maximum fuel efficiency.
- Tow/Haul – Increases torque output for improved towing capability (up to 5,600 lbs).
- Snow/Sand – Enhances traction on slippery surfaces.
The Explorer ST delivers a refined yet thrilling driving experience, making it a standout in the performance SUV segment.
Driving Experience: A True Performance SUV?
Ford promises a more engaging driving experience with the updated chassis tuning and electronic power steering. The 2025 model feels more planted around corners, thanks to a stiffer suspension setup. Even in city driving, the adaptive dampers adjust seamlessly, delivering a smooth ride without sacrificing performance.
The drive mode selector allows customization, with modes such as:
- Normal – Balanced for daily driving.
- Sport – Sharper throttle response and a more aggressive shift pattern.
- Eco – Optimized for fuel efficiency.
- Tow/Haul – Ideal for towing up to 5,600 lbs.
- Snow/Sand – Provides extra traction on slippery surfaces.
Technology and Infotainment: Smarter Than Ever
The 2025 Explorer ST is packed with advanced technology. The SYNC 4 infotainment system is not only faster but also more user-friendly, featuring a 15.5-inch touchscreen with improved graphics and responsiveness.
Key technology features include:
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster for real-time performance tracking.
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone integration.
- Enhanced voice recognition with AI-powered responses.
- Over-the-air software updates, ensuring the system stays up to date.
- Wireless charging pad and multiple USB-C ports for convenience.
Safety is also a priority, with the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite offering:
- Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality.
- Lane-keeping assist to prevent unintentional drifting.
- Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection.
- Blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert.
Practicality and Comfort: More Than Just Performance
Despite its performance-oriented nature, the Explorer ST remains a family-friendly SUV. The three-row configuration offers ample space, with heated and ventilated front seats and optional second-row captain’s chairs for added luxury.
- Cargo capacity: 18.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 87.8 cubic feet with all seats folded.
- Panoramic sunroof available for a more open cabin feel.
- Ford Co-Pilot360 suite with adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking.
How It Compares to the Competition
The 2025 Ford Explorer ST competes with performance SUVs like the Dodge Durango SRT, Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, and Kia Telluride X-Pro. Here’s how it stacks up:
Feature | Ford Explorer ST | Dodge Durango SRT | Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe | Kia Telluride X-Pro |
---|---|---|---|---|
Horsepower | 400 HP | 475 HP | 375 HP | 291 HP |
0-60 mph | ~5.5 sec | ~4.4 sec | ~6.0 sec | ~7.0 sec |
Infotainment | 15.5-inch SYNC 4 | 10.1-inch Uconnect | 10.1-inch Uconnect | 12.3-inch touchscreen |
Fuel Economy | 18/24 MPG | 13/19 MPG | 23/28 MPG | 20/26 MPG |
Cargo Space | 87.8 cu. ft. | 85.1 cu. ft. | 70.8 cu. ft. | 87.0 cu. ft. |
While the Durango SRT is more powerful, it’s also significantly less fuel-efficient. The Explorer ST strikes the best balance between power, practicality, and advanced technology, making it an excellent choice for enthusiasts who still need everyday usability.
Final Verdict: Is the 2025 Ford Explorer ST Worth It?
The 2025 Ford Explorer ST refines an already impressive formula, offering powerful performance, cutting-edge tech, and a bold design. With a starting price of around $56,000, it remains competitive in the performance SUV market.
If you’re in search of an SUV that delivers thrilling performance without sacrificing practicality, the 2025 Explorer ST is an excellent choice.
Pros:
✔ Strong twin-turbo V6 with impressive acceleration
✔ Spacious, high-tech interior with a large touchscreen
✔ Sporty yet comfortable driving dynamics
✔ Advanced driver-assist features for enhanced safety
Cons:
✖ Fuel efficiency isn’t class-leading
✖ Can get expensive with optional upgrades
FAQ: 2025 Ford Explorer ST
The estimated top speed is 143 mph, making it one of the fastest SUVs in its segment.
No, the ST trim remains focused on performance, but Ford does offer hybrid variants in other trims.
The ST-Line mimics the sporty looks of the ST but lacks performance upgrades like the twin-turbo V6 and sport-tuned suspension.
Yes, it has a maximum towing capacity of 5,600 lbs, which is great for boats, trailers, or small campers.
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The 2025 Ford Explorer ST proves that performance and practicality can go hand in hand. If you’re looking for an SUV that delivers power, style, and modern technology, this is one to consider!