If you're interested in making the Ford Explorer your next SUV, you may be wondering if you should opt for the latest 2025 Ford Explorer or the previous 2024 Ford Explorer. Below, we'll look at the biggest changes from the 2024 Explorer to the 2025 one to help you decide which is right for you.
Design and Styling​
For 2025, Ford redesigned the Explorer's interior and exterior. On the outside, the new Explorer features a refreshed front end with a more aggressive grille and sleeker headlights. These changes give the SUV a bolder, more modern appearance. The taillights have also been redesigned to complement the new front-end styling, adding to the overall cohesive look of the vehicle.
Inside the cabin, the dashboard layout has been streamlined and now features a larger, more intuitive touch screen that integrates seamlessly with the vehicle's controls. The cabin materials have also gotten an upgrade, from multiple available upholstery choices to an optional fabric-wrapped sound bar, for a more premium feel. Lastly, new interior and exterior color schemes are available to give you more control over the appearance of your Ford Explorer.
Engine and Performance
Both the 2024 and the 2025 Ford Explorer offer excellent performance, regardless of the powertrain options you select. The 2024 model comes with either a 2.3-liter EcoBoost I-4 engine capable of producing 300 horsepower or a turbocharged 3.0-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine capable of outputting 400 horsepower. You'll find the same equipment under the 2025 Explorer's hood.
Gas mileage remains basically the same between the model years. For example, the 2024 Explorer ST-Line with the 2.3-liter engine and rear-wheel drive gets approximately 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. The 2025 Explorer ST-Line with the same configuration is expected to get the same fuel economy. Changing either model to all-wheel drive drops those numbers to 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the open road. Opting for the more powerful 3.0-liter engine with rear-wheel drive changes those numbers to 18 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.
The biggest performance difference lies in the Explorer's towing capacity. The 2025 model has a slightly reduced towing capacity compared to its predecessor. While the 2024 SUV has a maximum towing capacity of 5,600 pounds when properly equipped, the 2025 Explorer's towing capacity tops out at 5,000 pounds. However, all 2025 models come with Ford's Class III Trailer Tow Package, which includes a hitch, trailer wiring harness, and trailer sway control system. So, if those extra 600 pounds don't matter to you, you'll likely prefer the inclusion of the extra equipment with the 2025 Explorer.
Technology and Features
A big area where the 2025 Explorer received upgrades is in its technology and advanced features. For instance, the new model features an infotainment system that runs Ford's Digital Experience software. This software offers faster processing speeds, better graphics, and more intuitive controls compared to the SYNC 3 software found on the 2024 models. The infotainment system's standard touch screen is also larger, coming in at 13.2 inches instead of the 10.1 inches that came in the 2024 Ford Explorer.
The new Explorer also adds some new features, such as BlueCruise, Alexa Built-in, and an enhanced climate control system. All these features, and others, combine to deliver a more enjoyable and convenient driving experience. While the 2024 Ford Explorer is certainly enjoyable to drive, the 2025 Ford Explorer pushes things just a little bit further to make driving even better.
Safety and Reliability
Safety remains a top priority for SUV buyers, and Ford has made sure that the 2025 Explorer builds on the solid foundation set by the 2024 model. The new Explorer comes standard with Co-Pilot360 Assist+, which is Ford's suite of driver-assistance features. It includes an upgraded collision avoidance system that uses more advanced sensors to detect potential hazards and react faster than the previous version. This system is designed to work seamlessly with the vehicle's automatic emergency braking, providing an extra layer of protection in emergency situations.
The 2025 Explorer also sees improvements in its driver-assistance technologies. The new SUV's lane-keep assist and adaptive cruise control systems have been fine-tuned for smoother operation, making highway driving less stressful and more enjoyable. The 2024 model's systems are still effective, but the 2025 Explorer offers a more refined driving experience with these upgrades.
Which Model Year Should You Choose?
Both the 2024 and the 2025 Ford Explorer have a lot to offer. If you want the best Explorer available, then you'll want to check out the new lineup, which offers some significant improvements over last year's models. That being said, the 2024 Ford Explorer is a special SUV in its own right. It was one of the top-selling SUVs in 2024 for a reason, and with the release of the 2025 model, you can likely find the 2024 Explorer at a more affordable price if you're on a tighter budget.
Experience the Latest Ford Explorer at Ciocca Ford of Red Lion
To learn more about either the 2024 or 2025 Ford Explorer in Red Lion, Pennsylvania, please visit us at Ciocca Ford. We'd be happy to answer any questions you might have about these SUVs or set you up with a test drive so that you can compare them for yourself. To get started, please contact us today or make use of our online tools, such as our trade-in evaluator.