The last time I was in an Explorer, it was the first generation model. When the 2025 Ford Explorer ST-Line showed up, things have definitely changed since that time! The size of the Explorer had me calling it the Expedition the whole time since the Explorer I grew up with, would now be considered a CUV in today’s market. If you want to stand out, you’ll want to opt for the Rapid Red Metallic color since it will be easy to spot in a parking lot. The tinted clear coat gave the color an enormous amount of depth. For 2025, the Explorer gets a slight facelift to offer a sleeker design. With this being the ST-Line, we get some of the looks components from the flagship ST performance model. The 20-inch standard wheels should definitely be upgraded for the better looking 21-inch design.

Getting in, the sportier ST-Line offers red stitching on very comfortable seats. They offered an incredible amount of comfort and great positioning for long drives. The B&O sound system made sure you weren’t just hearing you music, you were also feeling it too! I was often going the long way home so I could continue listening to my music from the 10 speakers. My biggest surprise came from discovering that the now larger Explorer offers third row seating. What was more surprising was how useful that third row actually was to offer some decent legroom. If you weren’t using the third row, they folded down using their powered option and provided a large amount of storage.

Under the hood, the 2.3L ecoboost inline 4-cylinder offered 300 horsepower and 310 lb.-ft. of torque. This was the rear-wheel drive model but there is also an all-wheel drive model offering. I was impressed at the delivery whether from a stop or in highway passing situations. The 10-speed automatic that it was connected to was strangely more responsive when in eco mode compared to it in sport mode. Regardless of the drive mode, the gears shifted smoothly. If you have the funds, the more performance oriented ST model gets a 3.0L twin turbo V6 with 400 horsepower and 415 lb.-ft. of torque.

Overall, I was impressed with the 2025 Ford Explorer ST-Line. It is definitely checking a lot of boxes for my family and our needs. Now we wait for Ford to give it the Timberline treatment for some more adventurous road trips.