By: Uday Mohan
May 13, 2025
The Ford Explorer was introduced to the market back in 1990 as a 1991 model. It came with a modest power output from a pretty sizable 4.0L V6 engine, and for the most part, it was pretty well received, selling over 100,000 units in its first full year of being on sale. It garnered decent popularity with families looking for a spacious and capable vehicle to move them around. Fast forward 35 years, and things have only gotten better — and to be honest, one wouldn’t expect anything less from a company that has been around for over 120 years.
The 2025 Ford Explorer ST-Line has arrived, and it’s making quite an impression in the automotive world. This SUV seamlessly combines performance-inspired styling with practical features, making it an excellent choice for both families and driving enthusiasts. Thanks to Ford Canada for providing this example for us to sample for the week. Let’s delve into what makes the Explorer ST-Line stand out, and where it might make you want to level up.
From the moment you lay eyes on the Explorer ST-Line, its performance-inspired styling is evident. The blacked-out accents, bumpers, and grille give it a sporty vibe that’s hard to ignore. The exclusive ST-Line badging adds a touch of exclusivity, making you feel like you’re driving something special. But it’s not just about looks; the performance brakes, complete with red-painted front and rear brake calipers, provide the stopping power you need when pushing the limits.
Step inside, and you’ll be greeted by a spacious interior that offers plenty of room for passengers and cargo. Whether you’re embarking on a long road trip or running to the local shops, the Explorer ST-Line ensures comfort and convenience. With numerous storage options and charge ports, everyone’s devices stay powered up — which, in this day and age, in itself is a godsend. Unlike some SUVs where the third row is more of an afterthought, the Explorer ST-Line offers usable third-row seating that’s comfortable enough for adults, all the while still offering a very usable boot space for your groceries or even golf bags. Need some additional cargo space? Ford has made accessing the additional storage in the trunk a breeze thanks to the power-folding feature, allowing you to load and unload cargo with ease.
The digital gauge cluster and infotainment system are clean and easy to use, with intuitive layouts and sharp graphics that make it simple to keep track of important information while on the go. Though we did note that the UI for the Explorer was a bit simplistic and lacked the flair of some of the other offerings in the market, it’s not to say it’s bad — just simple, if that makes sense. Under the hood, the Explorer ST-Line doesn’t disappoint. The ST-Line comes equipped with the 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, producing a respectable 300 horsepower and just about the same pound-feet of torque. The engine delivers effortless power, and the automatic transmission shifts smoothly, providing a butter-smooth driving experience. Whether you’re cruising on the highway or navigating city streets, the Explorer ST-Line handles it all with ease. For an SUV of its size, it offers excellent fuel economy, making it a great option for those who want the space and versatility of an SUV without sacrificing fuel efficiency. The suspension geometry of the Explorer ST-Line is top-notch, offering a connected yet very smooth ride over bumps, as well as a very level driving experience even in the corners. This ensures a comfortable journey for all passengers, no matter the terrain. The addition of a Bang & Olufsen 10-speaker system (over the base trim) is the right choice by Ford. The sound system provided ample punch as well as clarity to the driver, while keeping the signature warm, high-quality sound that enhances your listening experience.
Safety is a priority in the 2025 Ford Explorer ST-Line, and it comes equipped with a range of features to ensure peace of mind on the road. The 360-degree camera provides a clear view of the environment around your Explorer ST-Line, making parking and navigating tight spaces a breeze — though the clarity of the cameras was perhaps not as sharp as we would have liked. Evasive steering assist adds an extra layer of safety by providing steering support if it detects an imminent collision. The Explorer ST-Line also comes equipped with Ford’s Co-Pilot360™ technology, which includes a suite of driver-assist features such as blind-spot monitoring, cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking. Unfortunately, though, in our experience (limited as it were), the system worked better on the highway than it did during our daily drive. Perhaps some more extended testing on our part would yield a truer opinion on the system.
However, the Explorer ST-Line isn’t without its quirks. One of the oddities is the positioning of the infotainment system, which doesn’t face the driver directly; it almost points straight back instead of being ever so slightly angled towards the driver. This can make it a bit awkward to use, especially when you’re trying to keep your eyes on the road. Additionally, while all the surfaces you touch are made of soft materials, there’s still enough plastic to make the interior feel a bit inconsistent — which is particularly evident when you look at the gear selector dial. It just seems extremely dated and something they pulled from the parts bin, and to me, it really shouldn’t be — especially when you have spent this much time addressing other aspects of your SUV. It’s neither here nor there, which might be a letdown for those expecting a more premium feel. The electronic engine and exhaust sounds are fun while in sport mode, but knowing that the exterior sound doesn’t match can be a bit of a letdown. It’s a small gripe, but for purists, it might take away from the overall driving experience.
To summarize, the 2025 Ford Explorer ST-Line is a well-rounded SUV that offers a great blend of performance, practicality, and safety. Its performance-inspired styling and driving dynamics make it a joy to drive, while the spacious interior and usable third-row seating ensure it’s practical for everyday use. The Explorer ST-Line remains a solid choice for those looking for a stylish, performance-oriented SUV that doesn’t compromise on practicality or safety at a very appealing price. Whether you’re taking a long road trip or just running errands around town, the Explorer ST-Line is ready to take on the journey with you.
Vehicle Specs
Segment: Full-Size SUV
Engine: 2.3-liter EcoBoost Inline 4 Cylinder
Horsepower: 300 horsepower
Torque: 310 pound-feet of torque
Fuel Efficiency (City/Highway/Combined): 11.9L/100km / 8.7L/100km / 10.4L/100km
Observed Fuel Economy: 12.2L/100km (mixed driving)
Base Price: $56,535
As-Tested Price: $64,110