If you’re considering an Explorer, the 2025 lineup has narrowed, but its remaining trims still offer plenty of tech and comfort. Are you ready for a new SUV? Check out our 2025 Ford Explorer ST-Line vs Activ comparison if you’re trying to decide which Explorer fits you best.
Key Takeaways
- Rumored major updates didn’t happen for 2025; the Explorer's changes are mostly visual and tech-related.
- The Explorer lineup now includes only the Active (base), ST-Line, ST, and Platinum trims.
- The ST-Line trim is more performance-based than the Active model.
The 2025 Explorer's Key Updates and Features
Ford didn’t reinvent the Explorer this year, but it did clean up a few details. The 2025 model gets light exterior revisions, including a reshaped front fascia, grille, headlights, and taillights. Inside, the materials feel softer and more refined. Ford also added its new Digital Experience, which lets you browse the web, stream videos, and even play games from Google Play while parked. A BlueCruise hands-free driving system joins the lineup.
The lineup is also simplified—gone are the XLT, Limited, Timberline, and King Ranch. The Active now serves as the base model, followed by the ST-Line, ST, and Platinum.
Difference Between the Active and ST-Line Trims
The Active trim comes well-equipped, even as the entry-level model. It features 18-inch wheels, LED exterior lighting, a power liftgate, and a Class III trailer hitch for light towing. The cabin features heated, power-adjustable front seats, a seven-passenger layout with a second-row bench, and tri-zone automatic climate control. The digital instrument cluster and 13.2-inch touchscreen run Google Built-In, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto included.
Standard driver-assist tech comes from Ford’s Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package, which includes forward collision warning with automatic braking, adaptive cruise control, lane centering, intersection collision mitigation, evasive steering assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic warning, and rear parking sensors. If you want a few more creature comforts, the Active Comfort Package adds remote start, more seat adjustability for the front passenger, synthetic leather upholstery, and a heated steering wheel.
The ST-Line trim takes the Explorer in a more performance-inspired direction. It rides on 20-inch wheels and features black exterior accents, darkened headlights and taillights, and red stitching inside for a sportier look. The cabin upgrades to black synthetic leather with cloth inserts, a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, and additional safety features like front and side parking sensors and a surround-view camera system.
The ST-Line’s enhanced adaptive cruise control can read speed-limit signs and adjust automatically, and the standard BlueCruise system offers hands-free driving on compatible highways (here, there's a subscription required). For added comfort, the ST-Line Premium Package includes massaging front seats, heated second-row seats, power-folding third-row seats, a power-adjustable steering column, second-row sunshades, ambient interior lighting, and a wireless charging pad.
What's Under the Hood of the 2025 Ford Explorer?
Both the Activ and ST-Line trims use a 300-horsepower turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine generating 310 lb-ft of torque. A 10-speed automatic transmission comes standard, along with rear-wheel drive, and you can opt for all-wheel drive if you prefer extra traction.
When properly equipped with the Class III Towing Package, the Explorer can tow up to 5,000 pounds, and that package includes a trailer hitch, wiring harness, and sway control for more stable towing.
Will the 2025 Ford Explorer Be Your Next Ride?
The 2025 Ford Explorer stays true to what it’s known for—space, technology, and balanced power—with a cleaner lineup that makes choosing a trim easier. Visit Lungahmer Ford today to test drive the Activ and ST-Line, and see which one fits your style, comfort needs, and driving habits best.