Ford’s 2025 Explorer offers a sleek interior, strong safety tech and easy handling, making it a reliable choice for families
The vehicle that helped spark the SUV boom is still embraced by Canadians today.
Ford’s 2025 Explorer proves that you don’t need a radical redesign to stay on top. With smart styling updates, a modernized interior and the same confident performance, this three-row SUV continues to hold its ground in one of the most competitive markets on the road.
The exterior now wears a larger grille, new LED headlights and reshaped taillights, giving it a bolder look without straying too far from the familiar Explorer profile. Dimensions remain unchanged at a 3,025 mm wheelbase and just over five metres long, so the Explorer continues to balance road presence with parking-lot practicality.
Inside, the changes are more noticeable. A redesigned dash houses a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a larger 13.2-inch touchscreen. The cabin feels more upscale, helped by new trim textures and red stitching that break up the black and grey interior.
Space is generous in the first two rows, while the third row is best for children or shorter trips. Fold the rear seats flat and the Explorer easily swallows hockey bags, camping gear or a Costco run. Handy bins and cubbies make daily use easier, adding to the SUV’s family-friendly appeal.
I tested the ST-Line model, a sport-inspired trim with blacked-out accents and firmer suspension tuning. It came with a 2.3-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive. The ride was smooth, visibility excellent and, despite being a three-row SUV, meaning it has seating for up to seven, the Explorer handled with surprising ease. Natural Resources Canada rates fuel economy at 11.9 litres per 100 km in the city and 8.7 on the highway. In real-world driving, expect numbers slightly higher, especially with a full load. A 3.0-litre V-6 is also available for those wanting more power.
Safety is another selling point. The 2025 Explorer includes a suite of driver-assist technologies such as blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. Families looking for peace of mind on long drives will find these features reassuring, especially in winter conditions.
Not everything hits the mark. The single touchscreen handles navigation, climate and audio, but switching between functions can be distracting. A few physical buttons would make everyday adjustments easier and safer. Wind and tire noise are also more noticeable than in some rivals, which may matter on long highway trips.
Pricing for the ST-Line starts at $56,534, with my test model totalling $66,205 after options and fees. That puts it in the same range as the Honda Pilot, Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride and Toyota Highlander. Each of these rivals has strong followings in Canada, and the decision often comes down to interior layout, tech preferences and brand loyalty. The Explorer holds its own with its mix of power, space and Ford’s long-standing reputation in SUVs.
More than 30 years after it redefined the family SUV, the Explorer remains a contender. The idea for the Explorer came from Bob Lutz, a former GM and BMW executive who joined Ford in the 1980s. Seeing the success of the four-door Jeep Cherokee, he pushed Ford to develop a more refined, family-friendly SUV. The result was the first Explorer: a vehicle that helped spark the SUV boom that Canadians still embrace today.
The 2025 refresh doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it doesn’t have to. With upgraded tech, a more polished interior and the same dependable handling, Ford shows why this SUV continues to set the standard in a crowded market.
Our Verdict
The 2025 Ford Explorer blends proven performance with just enough modernization to stay competitive. It’s roomy, comfortable and easy to drive, with strong safety tech and flexible cargo space. While a better infotainment setup and a quieter cabin would strengthen its appeal, it remains a reliable choice for Canadian families looking for a three-row SUV.
Dale Johnson is an award-winning author, broadcaster and journalist who has worked in TV, radio, print and online. While the manufacturer provided Dale with a vehicle to test drive, the content of this review was not reviewed or accepted by the manufacturer.
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