2025 Ford Explorer vs 2025 Jeep Wrangler

The 2025 Ford Explorer continued to build on its previous redesign, which had shifted the SUV from a front-wheel-drive to a rear-wheel-drive platform. This change had already given the Explorer a more balanced and sleek appearance, and the 2025 refresh further enhanced its aesthetic appeal. The front end was restyled to appear wider and more ruggedly handsome, while new LED taillights and a strip of trim connecting them added a modern touch. Inside, the Explorer saw significant improvements in materials and design, making it more competitive in its segment. The reduction in trim levels from six to four in Canada streamlined the options, with prices ranging from $52,830 to $71,430.

In contrast, the 2025 Jeep Wrangler maintained its iconic design rooted in its military heritage, offering a fundamentally appealing vehicle despite its lack of sophistication compared to modern cars. The Wrangler Sport S model we encountered was a black-on-black-on-black hardtop, which was not ideal for a tropical climate. However, the Wrangler's design allowed for open-air driving, mitigating the colour's heat-absorbing properties. The Wrangler was available in several trims, including Sport, Sport S, Willys, Sahara, Rubicon, and Rubicon X, with prices ranging from $42,995 to $80,085. The interior was functional, with a focus on durability and utility, though it lacked the refinement found in the Explorer.

The 2025 Ford Explorer offered two EcoBoost engine options. The standard engine for most trims was a turbocharged 2.3-litre four-cylinder, producing 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The Explorer ST and optionally the Platinum trim featured a more powerful twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6, delivering 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. All Canadian models came with a 10-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, branded as four-wheel-drive by Ford. The Explorer's fuel economy ratings were competitive, with the base engine achieving 11.9 L/100 km in the city and 8.7 on the highway. The V6 engine, while more powerful, had slightly higher consumption figures. The Explorer's driving modes and performance packages, like the ST-Line Street Package, enhanced its handling and ride quality, making it a versatile choice for various driving conditions.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler offered a choice between a 3.6-litre V6 engine with a six-speed manual transmission and a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The four-cylinder engine produced 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, slightly less horsepower but more torque than the V6. The Wrangler's fuel economy was marginally better with the turbocharged engine, rated at 11.0 L/100 km combined. The Wrangler's off-road capabilities were a highlight, with standard four-wheel drive, high ground clearance, and excellent approach and departure angles. However, its on-road performance was less refined, with a rough ride and disconnected steering feel. The Wrangler's rollover resistance rating was a concern, earning only three stars from the NHTSA.

The 2025 Ford Explorer offered seating for six in its standard configuration, with an optional second-row bench seat increasing capacity to seven. The interior was comfortable, with features like heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and ambient lighting available in higher trims. The Explorer's cargo space was generous, with 461 litres behind the third row, 1,302 litres behind the second row, and a maximum of 2,429 litres. The interior design and materials were significantly improved, making it a more appealing choice for families.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler's high ground clearance and narrow door openings made entry and exit challenging. The front seats were comfortable, with cloth upholstery and optional heated seats and steering wheel. The Wrangler's rear seat was less accommodating, with limited legroom and hard plastic hooks that could be uncomfortable for taller passengers. Storage space was limited, with small bins and nets for personal items. The cargo area was accessible through a swing-out tailgate and lift-up rear window, offering 897 litres of space, expandable to 2,050 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2025 Ford Explorer featured the new Ford Digital Experience infotainment system, with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 13.2-inch touchscreen. The system included Google Built-in, Amazon Alexa, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. A 5G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot and B&O sound systems were available, with the Platinum and ST trims offering a 14-speaker setup. The system was user-friendly, with Google Maps and Google Assistant providing reliable navigation and voice command functionality.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler was equipped with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was easy to use, even with the roof panels removed, and offered optional navigation and Jeep Connect services for off-road navigation. The Wrangler's Convenience Group added a 7-inch digital display and features like passive entry and remote engine start. Rear parking sensors were available in the Safety Group package, enhancing the Wrangler's practicality.

The 2025 Ford Explorer came standard with Ford CoPilot 360 Assist+, which included adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assist and other advanced driver assistance systems. Higher trims featured Ford CoPilot 360 2.0, adding a surround-view camera system and BlueCruise hands-free highway driving. The Explorer received five-star side-impact and four-star rollover resistance ratings from the NHTSA, with the IIHS rating its headlights as Marginal on most trims.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler added side curtain airbags as standard equipment, a significant safety upgrade. Optional safety features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, with adaptive cruise control and automatic high-beam headlights available on higher trims. The Wrangler's crash test ratings were mixed, with a four-star frontal-impact rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA. The IIHS rated its side-impact protection as Good, but the small overlap frontal-impact test resulted in a Marginal rating due to the vehicle tipping onto its side.