Finding Your Favorite 2025 Ford Explorer Trim 

The Ford Explorer has been upping the bar in the midsize SUV market. Originally designed as a traditional body-on-frame SUV, the Explorer legitimized the new crossover approach with the debut of the fifth-generation model in 2011. A hybrid model opened the door to a new era of efficiency, and the improvements just keep coming with the debut of the new 2025 Explorer. The lineup sees some significant changes for the new year, with Ford paring the trim ladder down to four models. While drivers might mourn the departure of the Base, Limited, King Ranch, and Timberline models, there is some hope on the horizon in the form of a new off-road trim slated to make its debut later on this year. This reshuffle gives us a good excuse to examine the 2025 trim ladder and learn more about each model’s unique benefits. The Explorer’s diverse trim ladder runs the gamut from the well-equipped Active model to the stylish ST-Line, the sporty ST, and the luxurious Platinum, giving drivers plenty of options when it comes time to seek out a Ford Explorer for sale.  

Active

The 2025 Explorer gets off to a strong start with the Active trim, which marks a significant improvement over the previous entry-level model in the Base trim. The Active is powered by a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine that provides all the power a midsize SUV could ask for, achieving 300 hp and 310 lb.ft. of torque with ease. The Active comes standard with a 10-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, but for those who want to take full advantage of the model’s off-road ability and towing capacity, the optional all-wheel drive powertrain represents an obvious upgrade.

Speaking of towing, the Active comes with a Class III trailer hitch that allows the Explorer to pull up to 5,000 lbs, as well as a number of handy convenience features that help to elevate the daily driving experience. The power liftgate, along with the keyless entry and start, are two good examples, though it’s the Active comfort-enhancing tech that really ups the ante.

The trim comes with heated, power-adjustable front seats and a three-zone automatic climate control system that ensures everyone stays warm and cozy or cool and comfy as the weather dictates. Ford has also bucked an unfortunate trend by making the Explorer’s generous 13.2-inch touchscreen and digital gauge cluster standard across the entire lineup. Powered by the Ford Digital Experience infotainment software, the touchscreen display is your one-stop shop for all the apps you could ask for. From Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration to Google’s built-in GPS and voice command tech, the Active delivers a premium experience at a fair price. 

ST-Line

Ford’s ST-Line models allow drivers to enjoy sporty styling and added features without springing for the pricer ST trim. If you’re looking to make your Explorer stand out from the crowd, the ST-Line is here to serve with a bevy of blacked-out upgrades that give the SUV a distinctive, aggressive look. A set of 20-inch wheels replaces the 18-inchers found on the Active, but it’s the black bodywork that really sets the ST-Line apart. A black grille gives the crossover an imposing facade, as do the darkened headlights. Black lower-body cladding ties the whole aesthetic together and is complemented by the sporty black synthetic leather upholstery with red stitching found in the interior. The ST-Line’s 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system delivers a high-fidelity listening experience, though the trim’s most enticing tech features are largely related to safety.

While every 2025 Explorer boasts a full suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like forward collision warning with automatic braking, lane centering, evasive steering assistance, and blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning, the ST-Line makes some important additions to the roster. The standard adaptive cruise control system is upgraded to an enhanced version that allows the Explorer to adjust its speed based on posted signage, and the rear parking sensors are supplemented by front sensors that make nestling the SUV into a tight spot easier than ever. The trim also includes the Consumer Reports’ top-rated hands-free driving tech, BlueCruise, which gives drivers the ability to sit back and enjoy the ride on over 130,000 miles of divided highways. The trim’s available Premium package does just what it says on the box, gracing the ST-Line with everything from driver and front passenger seat memory settings and ambient lighting to a wireless phone charger, heated second-row seats, and sunshades that’ll help to protect your passenger from the summer sun.        

Tremor

The Explorer’s Timberline trim offered drivers a ready-made off-road rig, but it is noticeably absent from the 2025 lineup. Fear not, adventure-seeking drivers: while the Timberline might have gone the way of the dodo, it looks like it will be replaced by a new Tremor trim that’s coming out next year. Details are still a little hard to come by, but the Explorer’s full-size sibling does offer a few clues. The Ford Expedition Tremor hit the market earlier this year and has already impressed critics and drivers alike with its underbody protection, 33-inch all-terrain tires, tow hooks, and inboard auxiliary lights. The Explorer Tremor will likely share the Timberline’s heavy-duty off-road gear, including a tuned, lifted suspension and a Torsen limited-slip rear differential designed to improve traction when the going gets a little too rough. Nothing is set in stone, but the Explorer’s midsize design already makes it well-suited for the rigors of the off-road lifestyle, new trim or not.  

ST

The Explorer ST kicks things up a notch to give the midsize SUV some powerful potential. This performance-first ethos is underscored by the ST’s upgraded engine with Ford swapping out the base model for a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 that adds 100 hp and an extra 105 lb.ft. of torque to the equation. That additional power and a sport-tuned suspension definitely ups the fun factor, providing the ST with a lively, engaging ride and the ability to sprint to 60 mph in as little as 5.1 seconds. That’s nearly a full second faster than the base engine, which is why it’s nice to see Ford add a set of upgraded front brakes to keep all that power in check.

The Explorer ST also offers drivers more control over the driving experience, thanks to a set of paddle shifters that allow drivers to enjoy the best of both the automatic and manual approaches. The ability to manually control the 10-speed automatic can pay some real dividends when trying to access extra power or hold a specific gear when cornering, and results in a more engaging ride that’ll have you looking forward to every journey. The ST also gains a number of luxury features worthy of the Explorer’s penultimate trim, including ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, heated second-row captain’s chairs, and a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system that’s perfect for pumping your go-to playlist.    

Platinum

The range-topping Platinum lives up to its rarefied name with a wide array of premium features. The trim features all the gear you’ll find in the ST-Line Premium package–– ambient lighting, heated second-row seats, etc. ––but that’s just for starters. The Platinum also gains 20-inch wheels and exclusive exterior trim details that lend the trim a high-end look, not to mention some luxurious interior enhancements. Leather upholstery and synthetic suede inserts give the seats a touch of class, and the heated second-row captain’s chairs will keep your passengers riding in comfort no matter how low the temperature might drop. A Panoramic Vista Roof with Power Shade provides the midsize SUV a bright, airy cabin, illuminating the finer details and pegging the Platinum as a premium model.

The Platinum also features the 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system you’ll find on the ST, but its most interesting tech feature might be the adaptive headlights. Every driver knows what it’s like to cruise down a winding rural road after the sun has gone down, and the anxiety it can cause when you’re behind the wheel, but Ford has engineered around this issue with unique headlights that turn in tandem with the steering wheel to better illuminate every curve. Last, and certainly not least, the Platinum also includes the 400-hp V6 found on the ST. Providing a seamless blend of performance and class, the Platinum is hard to pass up if you’re in the market for a first-rate ride.    

Explore Every Trim at Lupient Ford

The Ford Explorer has long been one of the most popular models in the midsize segment, and the 2025 version seems poised to continue that trend. With four trims to choose from, you’ll find an Explorer for every type of driver at Lupient Ford. Do you prioritize value but still want to enjoy all the modern amenities like a 13.2-inch infotainment display, three-zone automatic climate control, and Google’s built-in technology? The Explorer Active is here to serve. The ST-Line will earn you some serious style points with its unique exterior, while the ST backs up its athletic looks with a turbocharged V6, upgraded front brakes, and innovative paddle shifters. The Platinum introduces true luxury into the mix with its well-appointed interior, and the forthcoming Tremor allows drivers to explore the road less traveled with what’s sure to be a full complement of dedicated off-road gear. If you’re ready to explore the unique advantages of Ford’s midsize SUV, Lupient Ford is here to help.     

Posted in Ford Explorer for Sale | No Comments »