2025 Ford Explorer SUV Trims Comparison
Trim level differences
The 2025 Ford Explorer is a three-row midsize SUV that is available in four trim levels: Active, ST-Line, ST and Platinum. The standard engine is a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder that makes 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. A turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 is optional on the Platinum and standard on the ST. It generates 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft. A 10-speed automatic is the only transmission available, and every trim level comes standard with rear-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is optional on them all. Below, we will highlight all the important features and options on each trim level.
Which Explorer trim does Edmunds recommend?
Every Explorer comes well equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto plus some nice extras such as heated front seats. You will probably be fine with the base Active trim, but we think it's worth paying a bit more to get the ST-Line for its more stylish look and extra driver assist features, including hands-free BlueCruise. Explorer buyers who plan on towing heavier trailers should further upgrade to the Platinum or ST to get the more powerful V6 engine.
Compare trims side-by-side
Comparing average pricing near
Salem, VA
| Vehicle | Explorer Active | Explorer ST-Line | Explorer Platinum | Explorer ST |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicle | Active 2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A
16 for sale near you | Editors' Pick ST-Line 2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A
13 for sale near you | Platinum 2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A
7 for sale near you | ST 3.0L 6cyl Turbo 10A
8 for sale near you |
| Hide similarities | ||||
| Section Title | Features | Features | Features | Features |
| Bluetooth | standard | standard | standard | standard |
| Navigation | standard | standard | standard | standard |
| Satellite radio | standard | standard | standard | standard |
| Keyless Ignition | standard | standard | standard | standard |
| Cruise control | standard | standard | standard | standard |
| Adaptive cruise control | standard | standard | standard | standard |
| Parking assistance | standard | standard | standard | standard |
| Upholstery | premium cloth | leatherette/cloth | leather | leatherette/sueded microfiber |
| Heated seats | Not Available | standard | standard | standard |
| Cooled/Ventilated seats | Not Available | Not Available | standard | standard |
| Folding rear seats | standard | standard | standard | standard |
| Sunroof | optional | optional | Not Available | optional |
| Section Title | Specifications | Specifications | Specifications | Specifications |
| Drivetrain | ||||
| Engine power | 300 hp @ 5,500 rpm | 300 hp @ 5,500 rpm | 300 hp @ 5,500 rpm | 400 hp @ 5,500 rpm |
| Engine torque | 310 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm | 310 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm | 310 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm | 415 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm |
| Engine displacement | 2.3 l | 2.3 l | 2.3 l | 3.0 l |
| Engine configuration | inline 4 | inline 4 | inline 4 | v6 |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic | 10-speed shiftable automatic |
| Tire size | 255/65R18 | 255/55R20 | 255/55R20 | 275/45R21 |
| Wheel size | - | - | - | - |
| Wheel type | painted alloy wheels | painted alloy wheels | painted alloy wheels | painted alloy wheels |
| Run flat tires | Not available | Not available | Not available | Not available |
| Section Title | Fuel economy | Fuel economy | Fuel economy | Fuel economy |
| City/Hwy/Combined MPG | 21 / 28 / 24 MPG | 21 / 28 / 24 MPG | 18 / 26 / 21 MPG | 18 / 26 / 21 MPG |
| City/Hwy/Combined MPGe | Not applicable | Not applicable | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Fuel Capacity | 17.9 gal. | 17.9 gal. | 20.2 gal. | 20.2 gal. |
| Driving Range (city/hwy) | 376 / 501 miles | 376 / 501 miles | 364 / 525 miles | 364 / 525 miles |
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Section Title | Dimensions | Dimensions | Dimensions | Dimensions |
| Turning circle | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Curb weight | - | - | - | - |
| Ground Clearance | 7.9 in. | 7.9 in. | 7.9 in. | 7.9 in. |
| Overall Width with Mirrors | 89.3 in. | 89.3 in. | 89.3 in. | 89.3 in. |
| Overall Width without Mirrors | 78.9 in. | 78.9 in. | 78.9 in. | 78.9 in. |
| Height | 69.9 in. | 69.9 in. | 69.9 in. | 69.9 in. |
| Length | 198.8 in. | 198.8 in. | 198.8 in. | 198.8 in. |
| Wheelbase | 119.1 in. | 119.1 in. | 119.1 in. | 119.1 in. |
| Seating Capacity | 7 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Cargo Space | 18.2 cu. ft. | 18.2 cu. ft. | 18.2 cu. ft. | 18.2 cu. ft. |
| Front Head Room | 40.7 in. | 40.7 in. | 40.7 in. | 40.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 43.0 in. | 43.0 in. | 43.0 in. | 43.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 61.8 in. | 61.8 in. | 61.8 in. | 61.8 in. |
| Rear Head Room | 40.5 in. | 40.5 in. | 40.5 in. | 40.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.0 in. | 39.0 in. | 39.0 in. | 39.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 61.9 in. | 61.9 in. | 61.9 in. | 61.9 in. |
| Section Title | 5-Year Ownership Costs | 5-Year Ownership Costs | 5-Year Ownership Costs | 5-Year Ownership Costs |
| True Cost to Own® | $52,253 | $58,074 | $64,495 | $63,957 |
| Average Cost Per Mile | $0.7 | $0.77 | $0.86 | $0.85 |
| Depreciation | $21,983 | $25,978 | $29,175 | $27,600 |
| Financing | $8,300 | $9,429 | $10,870 | $11,053 |
| Taxes & Fees | $1,912 | $2,143 | $2,438 | $2,475 |
| Fuel | $10,453 | $10,453 | $11,941 | $11,941 |
| Insurance | $3,979 | $4,124 | $4,124 | $4,124 |
| Maintenance | $4,595 | $4,916 | $4,916 | $5,733 |
| Repairs | $1,031 | $1,031 | $1,031 | $1,031 |
| Section Title | Colors | Colors | Colors | Colors |
| Interior | Light Space Gray/Onyx, leatherette Dark Gray/Onyx, leatherette Dark Gray/Onyx, premium cloth | Onyx, leatherette/cloth | Onyx, leather Mojave Dusk/Onyx, leather/sueded microfiber Mojave Dusk/Onyx, leather | Onyx, leatherette/sueded microfiber |
| Exterior | Vapor Blue Metallic Iconic Silver Metallic Oxford White (Fleet) Star White Metallic Tri-Coat Agate Black Metallic Carbonized Gray Metallic | Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat Vapor Blue Metallic Star White Metallic Tri-Coat Agate Black Metallic Carbonized Gray Metallic | Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat Vapor Blue Metallic Star White Metallic Tri-Coat Agate Black Metallic Carbonized Gray Metallic | Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat Vapor Blue Metallic Star White Metallic Tri-Coat Agate Black Metallic Carbonized Gray Metallic |