2025 Ford Explorer ST Review: Is the pace worth the price?

Sometimes an SUV is about more than all-wheel drive and practicality. The Ford Explorer offers both of those, on its top-level trims anyway, but also bundles in a good amount of performance with its premium ST edition.

Performance is indeed the main focus with the ST. The “Platinum” trim tends to have the edge on comfort features, but those opting for the ST will get a hefty V6 as standard, a sportier interior, and a notably faster 0-60 times. But is there anything different about the 2025 model? Is the extra sportiness worth the cash in a vehicle of this size? And are there any little quirks that will make you smile in a darkened parking lot? I spent a good amount of time with one in a bid to find out.

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That ST badge is there for a reason

When you get your foot down, the ST trim can pull. You’ll go from 0-60 in a shade over five seconds, and there’s enough oomph to give the traction control issues should you decide to absolutely mash it off the line. With that being said, the Explorer has had the same powertrain for a few years now, and you probably won’t notice too much of a performance difference between the 2025 and 2024 models.

There are also a few unique ST styling features you'll stumble upon as you drive the Explorer. That includes a set of lights under the doors that project the ST logo onto the pavement at night when you're exiting the SUV. It's all a bit silly, but you need an odd quirk or two with the performance trim.

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Yes, it has all of the practicality you would expect

The Explorer ST, and indeed all Explorers, exists in an SUV sweet spot. It's not quite as big as a full-sized SUV (that's where the Expedition comes in) but you still get three rows and plenty of practicality. It can even tow up to 5000 pounds for a start. 

With the third row up, the trunk is a bit paltry. It only provides a shade over 16 cubic feet of storage space but this expands to 46 with the rear seats folded down and most people will rarely use that third row anyway. With the second row down too, you'll have a whopping 85.8 cubic feet of storage space at your disposal. 

The Explorer ST's gearbox has been improved

One of my biggest gripes with previous generations of Explorer has centered on the transmission. Shifts were often mistimed, clunky, and that mechanical indecisiveness would often see your power slip away and speed plateau while the gearbox made its mind up.

Things have gotten a lot better in the 2025 model, at least when you're in "sport mode" anyway. It's still not the best gearbox in the world, and it's a bit janky outside of sport, but it's not as obviously bad this time around.

You also get the option of putting it in "manual" and using the included paddle shifters on the ST, which gives you a little more control. There is a minor delay between your input and the shift happening, but it's not really irritating.

The infotainment system has also gotten better

With the new 2025 Explorer ST and the Explorer as a whole, Ford has looked at more than just performance. The infotainment system has been given a bit of a shake-up, with a new “Ford-developed” Android-based operating system available on a 13.2-inch touchscreen.

The new system is Android-based so you can drop in pretty much any app from Google’s Play Store. This includes things like YouTube and Netflix, as well as various video games. Some games are also included with the system from the factory and you can play with a controller should you choose to connect one via Bluetooth.

You can even participate in Zoom meetings while sitting in the new Explorer. As you may expect, it has to be parked if you want the video to work, but beyond that, it’s yet another way you can take the office on the move.

Could it be a track star?

The Ford Explorer ST handles pretty well for a mid-sized SUV and packs more of a punch than most vehicles in its class, especially at this price point. Does this mean you can take it on track? No, that's just silly.

Having driven a 2024 Explorer on an actual track and a 2025 ST on both an autocross course and some very windy public roads, I can confirm it's not a punchy little roadster. Ford has done a solid job, and that's why they sell so many of them, but start throwing it into the corners and you'll feel every ounce of its very substantial weight.

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How about off-roading?

If you get the AWD version, the Explorer becomes somewhat off-road capable. Light trails, gravel, and dirt tracks shouldn't be a problem but unfortunately, that's as far as I would take it. While the Explorer's big brother announced a Tremor trim in late 2024, the Explorer doesn't have that option. It's not a Bronco.

So avoid rocks, sand, and particularly harsh or steep terrain in it. The lack of things like a transfer case and locking diff make it a little unsuitable here, and I have doubts about its level of armoring.

Final thoughts

The 2025 Explorer ST might be the purest form of the mid-sized SUV. Ford has kept the price very accessible, and the trim is nice enough while ensuring the equivalents in the Lincoln lineup still stand out for those who want things a bit plush.

If you have a growing family or need something large and practical, this is a solid choice. It doesn't set the world alight in any real way, but sometimes you don't need to be a standout to be the best option. The 2025 Ford Explorer ST starts at $54,260.

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