For 2025 the Ford Explorer gets a bolder appearance and a more assertive stance. The front end is restyled with some trim-specific elements setting each model apart, but the grille is larger and the all-LED headlamps are sleeker. The air curtains are lower and wider than before.
At the back, the tailgate is updated and looks much more modern. The LED taillamps now extend from the corners and into the middle of the tailgate where the ‘Explorer’ wording is debossed above the number plate. A power liftgate is standard across the range.
Other than model-specific badging, there are unique elements to each trim. The Platinum has a unique wing design, satin chrome accents, and an Ebony grille. The ST and ST-Line both get a gloss black honeycomb grille with black mesh inserts, but the ST’s red badging is evident. The ST-Line can be equipped with a special edition appearance package to help it look as sporty as the ST but without the performance gains. The base Active model has a saw-tooth design with a black mesh grill and chrome bars.
Wheel sizes start at 18 inches on the Active, while the ST-Line and Platinum get 20-inch wheels in unique designs. The ST has 21-inch wheels as standard, but a range of 20- and 21-inch wheels in various finishes is available across the lineup.
As for exterior colors on the Ford Explorer, 2025 brings a new extra-cost hue for ST, ST-Line, and Active trims called Vapor Blue Metallic. Other than Star White Metallic and Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat, all other colors will be free and these include Agate Black, Carbonized Gray, and Iconic Silver. Some trims don’t have access to the entire palette, though. There’s a new black-painted roof option available on Platinum, ST-Line, and ST models.