The Ford Explorer continues to “wow” consumers with its refined styling, upgraded tech, and performance enhancements that set it apart from other SUVs on the market. But how do the two most recent model years stand up? This side-by-side comparison highlights what’s changed.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- It was rumored that the 2025 Explorer would see major changes, but that was not to be. This year, changes are mostly cosmetic.
- 2025 Ford Explorer trims are priced from $41,350 to $57,100. 2024 models start at $38,355 and go up to $56,810.
- The 2025 lineup has been streamlined—the XLT, Limited, Timberline, and King Ranch have been discontinued.
What’s Changed in Features and Price for the 2025 Ford Explorer and 2024 Ford Explorer?
The 2025 Ford Explorer was expected with changes galore, but upgrades that have been made are only cosmetic. Soft-touch surfaces have been added for the ultimate in comfort, and Ford’s Digital Experience is a recent addition, allowing you to surf the web, stream videos and play games via Google Play (while parked of course!) BlueCruise hands-free driving system has also been added, and minor adjustments have been made to the Explorer’s front fascia, grille, headlights, lower air inlets, and tail lights.
2024’s Explorer lineup didn’t change much from 2023; however, its hybrid powertrain was discontinued.
It has more trim options than 2025, which has been streamlined down to four trims—the Active (Base), ST-Line, ST, and Platinum.
No matter the year, the Explorer is generally inexpensive, particularly in its lower trims. For 2025, prices are as follows:
- Active: $41,220
- ST-Line: $45,980
- Platinum: $53,120
- ST: $56,800
They go even lower for 2024 models.
- Base: $38,355
- XLT: $40,165
- ST-Line: $48,495
- Limited: $49,015
- Timberline: $50,925
- ST: $51,600
- King Ranch: $56,665
- Platinum: $56,810
How the Engines of the Ford Explorer Delivers Exceptional Power and Efficiency
The engine options for 2025 models are:
- A turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 300 horses and 310 pound-feet of torque for the Active, ST-Line, and Platinum.
- A 3.0-liter V-6 that cranks out 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque standard on the ST and optional on the Platinum trim.)
All engines are mated with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard rear-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is optional.
Available engines for 2024 are:
- A 300-hp turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine for Active, XLT, and Limited trims
- A twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 for the King Ranch, Platinum, and ST models
The horsepower, torque remain the same. Engines are again mated with a 10-speed automatic transmission—rear-wheel drive is standard with the option for all-wheel drive.
Both model years feature the Class III Towing package that includes a trailer hitch wiring harness, and sway control system to help the SUV achieve a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.
Ford Explorer Fuel Economy and Efficiency
So how do both years do on fuel economy? Well, that depends on your choice of powertrain.
Explorers with rear-wheel drive and the turbo four get 21 mpg/city and 28/highway—all-wheel drive drops both numbers down by one. The twin-turbo V-6 gets 18 mpg/city and 26/highway with rear-wheel drive and 18 mpg/city and 24/highway for all-wheel drive Explorers.
Explore Our Deals and Features to Find Your New Ford Explorer Today
The 2025 Ford Explorer is packed with the latest features, but the 2024 SUV gives you more choices at different price points. Not sure which one’s right for you? Stop by our Brighton Ford showroom for a test drive and chat with our friendly sales team—we’re here to help!