2025 Ford Explorer vs 2026 Ford Explorer
Overview | |
MSRP$40,050 | MSRP$38,465 |
Listings186 | Listings3019 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews8.0 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.5 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
2025 Ford Explorer Reviews SummaryThanks to numerous changes for 2025, the Ford Explorer is a more appealing alternative to the seemingly countless choices in the midsize three-row SUV segment. Highlights include sophisticated new infotainment and safety technologies, improved interior quality, bolder styling, and a simplified lineup offering Active, ST-Line, Platinum, and ST trim levels. Also, as the prices of rivals have risen, the 2025 Ford Explorer seems properly priced in comparison. Verdict: Ford’s updates to the Explorer for the 2025 model year have a positive effect on the SUV’s desirability. It looks tougher, it feels nicer inside, and the family-friendly SUV leaps forward technologically. Turbocharged power and a rear-drive platform add driving enjoyment. All that’s missing is a more comfortable third-row seat, an electrified powertrain option, and an off-road trim level. | |
2026 Ford Explorer Reviews SummaryThe Explorer was one of the first truly family-friendly SUVs, and it continues in that role today as a midsize three-row crossover competing against the likes of the Chevrolet Traverse, Honda Pilot, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Nissan Pathfinder, and Toyota Highlander. The current-generation Explorer has been around since the 2020 model year, and the big news for 2026 is a Tremor model that replaces the Timberline as the most off-road-capable Explorer. The available BlueCruise driver-assist system also gets an update. Verdict: Ford’s SUV stalwart still gets the job done, but it lacks personality unless you go for the ST or Tremor models. | |
No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.3L 300 hp I4 | Engine2.3L 300 hp I4 |
Drive TrainRWD | Drive TrainRWD |
Seating Capacity7 | Seating Capacity7 |
Horsepower300 hp @ 5500 rpm | Horsepower300 hp @ 5500 rpm |
MPG City20 | MPG City20 |
MPG Highway29 | MPG Highway29 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.3L 300 hp I4 | Engine Name2.3L 300 hp I4 |
Torque310 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm | Torque310 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm |
Horsepower300 hp @ 5500 rpm | Horsepower300 hp @ 5500 rpm |
DrivetrainRWD | DrivetrainRWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City20 | MPG City20 |
MPG Highway29 | MPG Highway29 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity7 | Seating Capacity7 |
Key Features | |
Navigation SystemStandard | Navigation SystemStandard |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall5 | Front Crash Overall5 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space16.3 cu ft | Cargo Space16.3 cu ft |
Curb Weight4303 lbs | Curb Weight4303 lbs |
Height69.6 in | Height69.6 in |
Length198.7 in | Length198.7 in |
Width89.3 in | Width89.3 in |
Wheelbase119.1 in | Wheelbase119.1 in |
Maximum Payload1467 lbs | Maximum Payload1467 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity5000 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity5000 lbs |
Standard Towing Capacity5000 lbs | Standard Towing Capacity5000 lbs |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $40,050 | $38,465 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 8.0 out of 10Read full review | 7.5 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
Summary | Thanks to numerous changes for 2025, the Ford Explorer is a more appealing alternative to the seemingly countless choices in the midsize three-row SUV segment. Highlights include sophisticated new infotainment and safety technologies, improved interior quality, bolder styling, and a simplified lineup offering Active, ST-Line, Platinum, and ST trim levels. Also, as the prices of rivals have risen, the 2025 Ford Explorer seems properly priced in comparison. Verdict: Ford’s updates to the Explorer for the 2025 model year have a positive effect on the SUV’s desirability. It looks tougher, it feels nicer inside, and the family-friendly SUV leaps forward technologically. Turbocharged power and a rear-drive platform add driving enjoyment. All that’s missing is a more comfortable third-row seat, an electrified powertrain option, and an off-road trim level. | The Explorer was one of the first truly family-friendly SUVs, and it continues in that role today as a midsize three-row crossover competing against the likes of the Chevrolet Traverse, Honda Pilot, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Nissan Pathfinder, and Toyota Highlander. The current-generation Explorer has been around since the 2020 model year, and the big news for 2026 is a Tremor model that replaces the Timberline as the most off-road-capable Explorer. The available BlueCruise driver-assist system also gets an update. Verdict: Ford’s SUV stalwart still gets the job done, but it lacks personality unless you go for the ST or Tremor models. |
Video | No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.3L 300 hp I4 | 2.3L 300 hp I4 |
Drive Train | RWD | RWD |
Seating Capacity | 7 | 7 |
Horsepower | 300 hp @ 5500 rpm | 300 hp @ 5500 rpm |
MPG City | 20 | 20 |
MPG Highway | 29 | 29 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.3L 300 hp I4 | 2.3L 300 hp I4 |
Torque | 310 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm | 310 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm |
Horsepower | 300 hp @ 5500 rpm | 300 hp @ 5500 rpm |
Drivetrain | RWD | RWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 20 | 20 |
MPG Highway | 29 | 29 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 7 | 7 |
Key Features | ||
Navigation System | Standard | Standard |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 16.3 cu ft | 16.3 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 4303 lbs | 4303 lbs |
Height | 69.6 in | 69.6 in |
Length | 198.7 in | 198.7 in |
Width | 89.3 in | 89.3 in |
Wheelbase | 119.1 in | 119.1 in |
Maximum Payload | 1467 lbs | 1467 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 5000 lbs | 5000 lbs |
Standard Towing Capacity | 5000 lbs | 5000 lbs |

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