2025 Ford Explorer Platinum RWD Review: Continuing the American Manufacturing Heritage

The 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum RWD starts at $57,865 as tested in this configuration. It represents the latest iteration of a nameplate that has sold more than 8 million units since 1991, making it America’s best-selling SUV.

This particular vehicle tested combines the Platinum trim’s luxury appointments with the optional Ultimate Package, which adds a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6, 21-inch wheels, and premium leather seating.

The result is a three-row SUV that delivers genuine performance capability without sacrificing the comfort and technology features that families expect from a modern luxury SUV.

Engine and Performance

The tested vehicle features the optional 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 engine, which produces 400 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 415 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm when using premium fuel.

This engine is a significant upgrade over the standard 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that comes standard on the Platinum trim, which produces 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque.

Power reaches the rear wheels through a 10-speed automatic transmission that Ford has refined for 2025 with updated calibration.

The transmission operates nearly imperceptibly during normal driving, with throttle response tuned for improved responsiveness compared to previous model years.

The 3.0-liter V6 Explorer accelerates from 0-60 mph in approximately 5.1 to 5.2 seconds based on testing of similarly equipped models.

Fuel economy for this rear-wheel-drive V6 configuration is EPA-rated at 18 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined.

Real-world highway testing has shown figures around 25-26 mpg at highway speeds, aligning closely with EPA estimates.

The vehicle consumes approximately 4.8 gallons per 100 miles and carries an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,500 based on 15,000 miles driven at $3.50 per gallon.

The 2025 Explorer rides on a 119-inch wheelbase, utilizing Ford’s rear-wheel-drive-based CD6 platform. This architecture provides balanced handling characteristics that distinguish it from front-wheel-drive competitors.

The Platinum trim features gas-pressurized hydraulic shocks at all four corners, with a multi-link independent rear suspension incorporating a 22mm rear stabilizer bar.

Steering is handled by an Electronic Power-Assisted Steering system that reviewers describe as light but precise enough for daily driving.

The Platinum suspension tuning prioritizes comfort over sportiness, offering a softer ride compared to the ST trim’s sport-tuned setup.

This makes the Platinum better suited to families who prioritize comfort during daily commutes and road trips.

The vehicle includes Ford’s Terrain Management System with seven selectable drive modes: Normal, Sport, Eco, Tow/Haul, Slippery, Off-Road, and Deep Snow/Sand.

Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS provide stopping power, with MotorTrend testing of the Platinum AWD variant recorded a 60-0 mph braking distance of 126 feet.

Exterior Design

The 2025 model year brought significant exterior styling updates to the Explorer lineup.

New LED adaptive headlamps feature signature lighting elements, while LED taillamps and fog lamps provide improved visibility.

The Platinum-specific satin grille distinguishes this trim from other Explorer variants.

The tested vehicle wears Carbonized Gray Metallic paint and rolls on 21-inch Dark Alloy Aluminum wheels wrapped in P275/45R21 all-season tires, both included with the Ultimate Package.

Standard exterior equipment includes power-heated mirrors with auto-fold capability, memory function, approach lamps, and auto-dimming on the driver’s side.

A moonroof comes standard, as do satin-finished roof-rack side rails and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

Overall length measures 198.7 inches, width spans 78.9 inches without mirrors, and height reaches 70.2 inches for the Platinum trim. The Platinum model offers 8.2 inches of ground clearance.

Every 2025 Ford Explorer now comes standard with a Class III Trailer Tow Package, which was previously optional.

This equipment enables a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds regardless of engine choice or drivetrain configuration. The package includes a hitch receiver, trailer wiring harness, and Trailer Sway Control.

Supporting tow operations, the Explorer features AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control and side-wind stabilization.

The vehicle’s 20.2-gallon fuel tank capacity with the V6 engine provides adequate range for extended towing scenarios.

Interior Design

Ford completely redesigned the Explorer’s interior for 2025, addressing criticism that previous versions lagged behind competitors in material quality and technology presentation.

The dashboard has been reshaped to provide more space for front passengers, while new soft-touch materials and stitching patterns elevate the cabin’s perceived quality.

The Platinum trim features premium leather seating surfaces with perforation and diamond-pattern quilting, courtesy of the included Lux Leather Package within the Ultimate Package.

The tested vehicle’s Mojave Dusk leather seats contrast with Carbonized Gray exterior paint.

Front seats are heated and ventilated, with second-row heating included as standard Platinum equipment.

The driver faces a 12.3-inch LCD digital instrument cluster that can display a variety of information screens, including navigation maps, vehicle status, and off-road telemetry showing pitch and yaw angles.

The display can be configured to show fuel economy data, tire pressures, engine temperatures, and audio information.

Center stage is occupied by a 13.2-inch LCD touchscreen running Ford’s new Digital Experience infotainment system.

This horizontally-oriented display integrates Google Assistant voice commands, Amazon Alexa services, and provides wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

The B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen includes 14 speakers and HD Radio capability.

Ambient lighting offers seven color choices to customize the cabin atmosphere. A heated leather-wrapped steering wheel with mounted controls provides a quality touch point, while a universal garage door opener adds convenience.

USB-C charging ports are available in all three rows, and a 110V/150W AC power outlet can charge laptops or power small devices.

The Explorer accommodates up to seven passengers across three rows, though six-passenger configurations with second-row captain’s chairs are available.

This tested Platinum model features second-row captain’s chairs with E-Z Entry functionality, allowing easier access to the third row at the touch of a button.

Interior dimensions provide 40.7 inches of first-row headroom, 40.5 inches in the second row, and 38.9 inches in the third row.

Legroom measures 43 inches up front, 39 inches in the second row, and 32.2 inches in the rearmost seats. Total passenger volume reaches 152.9 cubic feet for most trim levels.

The third row, while usable for children and shorter adults, remains tight for larger passengers.

This is a common criticism of the Explorer compared to competitors like the Honda Pilot and Kia Telluride, which offer more spacious rearmost seating.

The PowerFold third-row seats fold flat electrically for cargo expansion, and second-row sunblinds are included for rear-passenger comfort.

Behind the third row, the Explorer offers 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space. Folding the third row flat expands this to 46 cubic feet, while folding both rear rows creates 85.8 cubic feet of maximum cargo volume.

Lift-in height measures 31.1 inches, and the cargo opening height is 31.5 inches.

The cargo area is 48.1 inches wide at the wheelhouses and 64.5 inches at its maximum width. Maximum cargo length with all seats folded measures 84.1 inches.

These dimensions allow the Explorer to handle typical family hauling duties, from sports equipment and luggage to larger items requiring the full cargo floor.

Technology and Safety Features

Ford’s Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 suite comes standard on the Platinum trim, providing a comprehensive array of driver assistance features.

Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking can detect vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists in the vehicle’s path and apply emergency braking if the driver fails to respond to warnings.

Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane Centering maintains set speeds and distances from vehicles ahead, bringing the Explorer to a complete stop in traffic and resuming when traffic moves.

Lane Keeping System combines Lane-Keeping Assist and Lane-Keeping Alert with Driver Alert to help maintain lane position.

Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert monitors areas beside and behind the vehicle, warning drivers of vehicles in blind spots during lane changes and cross-traffic when reversing.

Intersection Assist can apply brakes if a collision is imminent when turning left across oncoming traffic.

The Platinum trim includes BlueCruise hands-free highway driving technology with a complimentary 90-day trial.

BlueCruise enables true hands-free driving on approximately 97 percent of controlled-access highways across the United States and Canada in designated Blue Zones.

A driver-facing camera monitors head position and eye gaze to ensure attention remains on the road while the system manages steering, braking, and acceleration.

Lane Change Assist works within BlueCruise, allowing drivers to change lanes by simply activating the turn signal when conditions are safe.

The system has received positive feedback from owners for reducing fatigue during highway commuting and road trips. I know I really enjoyed the BlueCruise experience – it quickly became a favorite hands-free experience out of many of the 2025 cars driven thus far.

FordPass Connect provides 5G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot capability for multiple device connections. The system allows remote start functionality, vehicle status monitoring, and location tracking through the FordPass smartphone application.

SiriusXM with 360L is included for satellite radio entertainment.

The Explorer’s safety equipment includes dual-stage front airbags, front-seat-mounted side-impact airbags, driver and passenger knee airbags, and Safety Canopy side-curtain airbags covering all three rows.

The Individual Tire Pressure Monitoring System alerts drivers to low pressure in specific tires.

Additional safety features include the LATCH child safety seat anchor system, perimeter alarm, and Personal Safety System that tailors airbag deployment based on crash severity and occupant position.

SOS Post-Crash Alert System can automatically unlock doors and activate hazard lights following a collision to aid occupant escape and vehicle visibility.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety rates the 2025 Explorer as “Good” in driver-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, and side-impact crash tests.

Front crash prevention testing for pedestrians also earned a “Good” rating, with the vehicle avoiding collisions in day and night scenarios.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has not yet published complete 2025 ratings, though the tested vehicle’s window sticker shows no overall star rating available at time of sale.

Ford backs the 2025 Explorer with a 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Roadside assistance coverage extends for 5 years or 60,000 miles, providing towing, jump-starts, flat tire service, and fuel delivery.

Ford Protect extended service plans are available through Ford dealerships and are honored at every Ford dealership in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Pricing

The 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum carries a base MSRP of $51,655.

The tested vehicle adds the Ultimate Package for $4,615, which bundles the Lux Leather Package with premium Sanctuary leather seating, quilted door panels, and platinum badges on the front seats, along with 21-inch Dark Alloy Polished Aluminum wheels and matching tires.

The Ultimate Package also includes the 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 engine upgrade.

Destination and delivery charges add $1,595, bringing the total MSRP to $57,865.

This pricing positions the Explorer Platinum competitively against rivals.

The Honda Pilot Touring starts around $51,000, the Kia Telluride SX approaches $52,000, and the Chevrolet Traverse High Country exceeds $55,000.

The Explorer offers more power than most competitors with its available 400-horsepower V6.

The 2025 Ford Explorer is assembled at Ford’s Chicago Assembly Plant, the company’s oldest continuously operated automobile manufacturing facility. The plant has been building Explorers since 2010 and has produced more than 3.3 million Explorer SUVs at this location.

The Explorer nameplate debuted as a 1991 model and helped establish the modern SUV market segment.

At its sales peak during the second generation, Explorer moved more than 400,000 units annually. The nameplate has accumulated over 8 million sales, making it America’s best-selling SUV of all time.

The sixth-generation Explorer that debuted for 2020 moved to a rear-wheel-drive-based platform shared with the Lincoln Aviator, marking a return to the layout used by first-generation models after 15 years of front-wheel-drive-based architecture.

Road noise has been noted as more prominent than some competitors, particularly with sportier tire options.

The Explorer’s rear-wheel-drive platform delivers engaging handling dynamics but can feel less planted in slippery conditions compared to front-wheel-drive-based competitors unless equipped with all-wheel drive.

The 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum RWD with the Ultimate Package delivers a combination of performance, technology, and space that few competitors match at this price point.

The 400-horsepower V6 provides legitimate acceleration that transforms a family SUV into something genuinely enjoyable to drive, while the updated interior finally addresses previous criticisms about material quality and technology presentation.

BlueCruise hands-free driving technology represents a meaningful advantage for highway commuters and road-trip families, reducing fatigue in ways that competitors’ hands-on systems cannot match.

The standard Class III towing package enables legitimate utility for boat and trailer owners without requiring additional option purchases.

For buyers who prioritize performance capability, available technology, and American manufacturing heritage over absolute interior space and fuel efficiency, the 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum presents a compelling option in the competitive three-row SUV segment.