One SUV, Many Personalities: A Closer Look at the 2025 Ford Explorer Trims

From weekend escapes through Hudson Valley vineyards to cruises along the Taconic Parkway toward Putnam Lake, the 2025 Ford Explorer offers a trim level tailored to every part of your lifestyle. Whether you’re drawn to the rugged practicality of the Base or XLT, craving the luxurious touches and tech-rich experience of the Platinum or Timberline, or ready for the sporty thrills of the ST, there’s a new Explorer waiting for you at Brewster Ford. Want to compare trims side-by-side? See our new Explorer inventory, explore detailed trim features and pricing, or get pre-approved in minutes to start planning your next Hudson Valley adventure in comfort and style.

Key Updates and Enhancements

Ford significantly upgraded the Explorer inside and out for 2025. Look at the exterior, and you’ll notice a bolder front end with a larger grille, newly shaped headlights and taillights, and refreshed front bumpers. For more customization options, Ford also added a cool Vapor Blue metallic color to the exterior paint palette, and you can choose to add a black-painted roof to all trims except the base model.

The cabin’s makeover centers on a 13.2-inch touch screen equipped with the Ford Digital Experience. This software system has Google Voice Assistant and Alexa built in, plus access to Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, YouTube, and more. With the 5G Wi-Fi hot spot capability, you can even stream videos while you’re parked. Ford also made BlueCruise available for all but the base model. The Platinum even comes with a year-long subscription to this hands-free driving technology.

You’ll also find more comfortable updates throughout the 2025 Ford Explorer interior. Ford offers a new range of interior colors to choose from, and you can further customize your ride with available ambient lighting to suit any mood you’re in. You’ll find high-quality, soft-touch materials throughout the cabin surfaces and seats, with luxurious touches such as heating, ventilation, and massage functions, particularly on the higher trims.

Understanding the 2025 Ford Explorer Trim Levels

Ford simplified things for 2025, cutting the Explorer’s trim lineup in half from 2024. This gives you just four Explorer variants to choose from (though a fifth, geared primarily toward off-road enthusiasts, is set to be released later in the year). Each trim has its own look, with a unique grille and different customization options, and more convenience, safety, and tech features are added with each trim level. Let’s take a look at each one in closer detail.

Active

Starting at $39,785, the Active trim is your entry ticket to Explorer ownership. Don’t let the fact that it’s the base model fool you — the Active is packed with essentials that Brewster families will use daily. The standard 2.3-liter turbo engine delivers plenty of zip for school runs or weekend trips, and the 18-inch Sparkle Silver aluminum wheels add a touch of class.

Climb inside, and you’ll find heated, power-adjustable front seats and three-zone climate control so nobody has to fight over the temperature. A 13.2-inch touch screen, equipped with the Ford Digital Experience, keeps everyone connected and entertained. Drivers will appreciate the 12.3-inch digital gauge display and the Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package, which includes adaptive cruise with stop and go, lane centering, and automatic braking that can spot pedestrians.

ST-Line

The ST-Line, which has a starting MSRP of $44,595, gives you a sportier look but without the full performance price tag. It’s perfect for Brewster drivers who want to turn heads but don’t need track-day capabilities. You’ll stand out with 20-inch Ebony machined wheels and black exterior accents — plus, you can even opt for a black-painted roof to complement the look.

Cabin comfort is elevated with a heated steering wheel and soft, yet durable, cloth seats with unique red stitching. The ST-Line also extends heated seats to the second row. Music lovers will appreciate the 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, and drivers will love access to Ford’s BlueCruise hands-free driving. This system is usable on over 130,000 miles of highways across North America, making commutes to the city a whole lot easier.

Platinum

The Platinum, beginning at $52,100, brings all types of amenities and high-end features to the Explorer. This trim rivals luxury brand SUVs with its 20-inch luster nickel wheels, rain-sensing wipers, and adaptive headlights. If you want the best of both luxury feel and high performance, you can even choose to equip the Platinum with the ST’s standard powertrain, a 3.0-liter V-6 that offers improved performance from the included 2.3-liter engine.

Comfort reigns supreme in the Platinum’s interior, with heated and ventilated leather seats, a twin-panel moonroof that floods the cabin with sunlight, and ambient lighting as standard. The sound system adds four speakers, and a wireless charging pad makes it easier than ever to stay connected on the go.

ST

Brewster gearheads, this trim’s for you. Starting at $54,240, the ST packs a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine that generates 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. Paired with sport-tuned suspension, this powertrain handles curves as confidently as it devours straightaways. The ST also looks the part with 21-inch Magnetite wheels, quad chrome exhaust tips, and unique ST badging. Inside the cabin, sport seats hold you tight during spirited driving, and ebony doors with red stitching complement the sporty exterior.

Standard Features of All 2025 Ford Explorer Trims

While the powertrain differs depending on which trim you select, all models come with rear-wheel drive and six drive modes for different conditions. You’ll have the option to upgrade to four-wheel drive on any trim, which is a smart move for Brewster winters. The 2025 Explorer is also well-equipped for weekend adventures, with the ability to tow campers, boats, or other gear up to 5,000 pounds.

Ford also designed the Explorer to be customizable for your passenger and cargo needs. All models seat up to eight passengers, depending on whether you choose second-row captain’s chairs or a three-person bench seat. You’ll have plenty of configuration options between the available 35/30/35-split folding second-row and 50-50-split folding third-row seats. With all seats folded, there’s 87.8 cubic feet of cargo space to fit all kinds of luggage and gear, but even with the seats up, you’ll still have 18.2 cubic feet of space available.

Experience the 2025 Ford Explorer Today

From the well-equipped Active to the plush Platinum, the 2025 Ford Explorer is sure to offer a model that fits your life perfectly. With its fresh styling, cutting-edge technology, and strong engine choices, this SUV is a great choice for your next new ride, whether you need it for daily use, commuting, or long road trips.

Ready to find your match? Contact us to schedule a test-drive, or stop by Brewster Ford in person. We’ll even help you find and apply for financing to seamlessly finish your purchase. Our team can’t wait to help you pick the Explorer that’s just right for your Brewster adventures.

Images from ford.com

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