2025 Ford Explorer
Now in its 2025 model year, the Ford Explorer is a SUV priced from $40,050 to $56,770 across 8 trims. This page compiles safety, fuel cost, reliability, and ownership data from six independent sources, all linked to the original publisher.
5-star safety. B fuel cost. 3.5/5 reliability. That is the snapshot for the 2025 Ford Explorer among mid-range SUVs. NHTSA has 14 recall campaigns on file, more than the 1.8 average for SUVs.
What the published data indicates
Compared with similar SUVs in our dataset, the clearest positive signals for the 2025 Ford Explorer are high published crash-test results and lower estimated fuel cost, but the recall history needs a closer look.
- safety
- fuel cost
Strongest published signals
- Safety: 5-star NHTSA + IIHS TSP+. Safest SUVs 2025 →
- Fuel: Below-average fuel cost among gas SUVs. Best-case annual fuel cost is $1,800. Cheapest SUVs to fuel 2025 →
Limits and cautions
- There are 14 recalls on file, which is above the current SUVs average. Zero-recall cars 2025 →
- NHTSA has 68 owner complaints on file, compared to an average of 29 for 2025 SUVs. Top reported areas include Electrical, Visibility, Powertrain.
- Best estimated five-year cost in the lineup still lands about $2,630 above the similar-vehicle average.
Comparable models
- Starting MSRP
- $40,050 - $56,770
- EPA Combined MPG
- 20-24 MPG
- NHTSA Safety Rating
- 5-Star (Highest)
- IIHS Award
- Top Safety Pick+
- Est. Annual Fuel Cost
- $1,800 - $2,200/yr
- Recalls on File
- 14 recalls on file
- EPA: vs Avg Vehicle
- $1,250 more over 5 yrs
- Owner Complaints
- 68 on file
- Brand Origin
- United States
How Safe Is the 2025 Ford Explorer?
The 2025 Ford Explorer is one of 82% of SUVs to earn NHTSA's top 5-star rating. It also received TSP+ from IIHS, which tests different crash configurations. Source: NHTSA.
Overall Safety
82% of SUVs share this top rating
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Frontal Crash | |
| Side Crash | |
| Rollover |
Rollover Risk: 15.1%
| Feature | Availability |
|---|---|
| Forward Collision Warning | Standard |
| Lane Departure Warning | Standard |
| Crash Imminent Braking | Standard |
| Dynamic Brake Support | Standard |
While NHTSA uses a star rating system, IIHS rates individual crash types. The two together offer a fuller view of how this vehicle performs in different crash scenarios.
How Did the 2025 Ford Explorer Perform in IIHS Crash Tests?
IIHS awarded the 2025 Ford Explorer a TSP+ designation, which requires good or acceptable ratings in all crashworthiness categories plus effective front crash prevention. IIHS tests are independent of NHTSA and use different crash configurations. Source: IIHS.
| Test | Rating |
|---|---|
| Small Overlap Front | G Good |
| Moderate Overlap Front | G Good |
| Side | G Good |
| Headlights | G Good |
| Front Crash Prevention (Pedestrian) | G Good |
| Child Seat Anchors (LATCH) | A Acceptable |
IIHS vehicle class: Midsize SUVs
Test scores tell part of the safety story. The recall record adds another dimension: real-world defects identified after production.
Does the 2025 Ford Explorer Have Any Recalls?
With 14 recall campaigns on file, the 2025 Ford Explorer exceeds the 1.8 average for SUVs. Affected components include BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE, BACK OVER PREVENTION:WARNINGS:EXTERNAL/PEDESTRIAN ALERT, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL, EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS, EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS:EXTERNAL/PEDESTRIAN ALERT, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:INJECTORS, POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE, POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:FLUID/LUBRICANT:VALVES/VALVE BODY, SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER, STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS, TRAILER HITCHES, VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD. Note that more recalls can indicate more proactive defect identification. All recall repairs are free. Source: NHTSA.
14 recall campaigns on file with NHTSA.
Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE, BACK OVER PREVENTION:WARNINGS:EXTERNAL/PEDESTRIAN ALERT, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL, EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS, EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS:EXTERNAL/PEDESTRIAN ALERT, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:INJECTORS, POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE, POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:FLUID/LUBRICANT:VALVES/VALVE BODY, SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER, STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS, TRAILER HITCHES, VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
Most recent: October 2025
Units affected: 2,080,710
Owner-Reported Problems
NHTSA has 68 owner complaints on file for the 2025 Ford Explorer. This is well above the average of 29 complaints for 2025 SUVs. Owner complaints are self-reported and unverified, but patterns across many reports can indicate real issues.
15 in the last 90 days · 57 in the last 12 months · most recent filed 2026-03-03
Safety-relevant complaints: At least one complaint includes crash reported, injury reported. Review individual reports on NHTSA.gov for details.
Most-reported problem areas
- Electrical15
- Visibility13
- Powertrain12
- Brakes12
- ADAS / Safety Tech12
Source: NHTSA Vehicle Complaints Database. Data last refreshed 2026-03-07.
From safety to cost. How much fuel this vehicle uses directly affects what you pay month to month.
What Is the 2025 Ford Explorer Fuel Economy?
At up to 24 combined MPG, the 2025 Ford Explorer's fuel costs are estimated at $1,800 per year, near the $1,708 average for mid-range SUVs. Source: EPA.
Ranges from 20 to 24 combined MPG depending on trim and drivetrain.
| Trim | Combined | City | Highway | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Active RWD GAS | 24 MPG | 20 | 29 | $1,800/yr |
| Active AWD GAS | 23 MPG | 20 | 27 | $1,900/yr |
| ST-Line RWD GAS | 24 MPG | 20 | 29 | $1,800/yr |
| ST-Line AWD GAS | 23 MPG | 20 | 27 | $1,900/yr |
| Platinum RWD GAS | 24 MPG | 20 | 29 | $1,800/yr |
| Platinum AWD GAS | 23 MPG | 20 | 27 | $1,900/yr |
| ST RWD GAS | 21 MPG | 18 | 25 | $2,100/yr |
| ST AWD GAS | 20 MPG | 18 | 25 | $2,200/yr |
Beyond fuel, the full ownership picture includes insurance, routine maintenance, depreciation, and financing. AAA publishes annual estimates for each vehicle class.
What Does the 2025 Ford Explorer Cost to Own?
Estimated 5-year total ownership cost for the 2025 Ford Explorer ranges from $95,370 to $133,190 depending on trim, based on AAA's Your Driving Costs study for the Medium SUV class. This includes insurance, maintenance, depreciation, registration, and financing. These are class averages, not specific to this model. Source: AAA.
| Maintenance | $1,817/yr |
|---|---|
| Insurance | $1,873/yr |
| Depreciation | $5,074/yr |
| Registration & Taxes | $862/yr |
| Financing | $1,815/yr |
| Total (excluding fuel) | $13,584/yr |
| Cost per mile | $0.84/mi |
Which trim offers the best balance of cost and equipment? The breakdown below compares all 8 options side by side.
How Do the 2025 Ford Explorer Trims Compare?
8 trims are available for the 2025 Ford Explorer, spanning $40,050 to $56,770. All trims use a Gasoline powertrain. Compare specifications and estimated costs in the table below. Prices are MSRP before destination and fees.
| Trim | Base MSRP | Combined MPG | Est. Annual Fuel Cost | Drive Type | Horsepower | Est. 5-Year Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Active RWD GAS | $40,050 | 24 MPG | $1,800/yr | RWD | 300 hp | $116,970 |
| Active AWD GAS | $42,050 | 23 MPG | $1,900/yr | AWD | 300 hp | $95,370 |
| ST-Line RWD GAS | $45,020 | 24 MPG | $1,800/yr | RWD | 300 hp | $121,940 |
| ST-Line AWD GAS | $47,020 | 23 MPG | $1,900/yr | AWD | 300 hp | $100,340 |
| Platinum RWD GAS | $52,525 | 24 MPG | $1,800/yr | RWD | 300 hp | $129,445 |
| Platinum AWD GAS | $54,525 | 23 MPG | $1,900/yr | AWD | 300 hp | $107,845 |
| ST RWD GAS | $54,770 | 21 MPG | $2,100/yr | RWD | 400 hp | $133,190 |
| ST AWD GAS | $56,770 | 20 MPG | $2,200/yr | AWD | 400 hp | $111,590 |
The Ford Explorer lineup has contracted from 15 trims in 2024 to 8 trims in 2025. The entry price has increased $3,190 since 2024.
New trims since 2024
- Active RWD GAS (added 2025)
- Active AWD GAS (added 2025)
Trims no longer available
- Base RWD GAS (last available 2024)
- XLT RWD GAS (last available 2024)
- Base AWD GAS (last available 2024)
- XLT AWD GAS (last available 2024)
- Limited RWD GAS (last available 2024)
- Timberline AWD GAS (last available 2024)
- Limited AWD GAS (last available 2024)
- King Ranch RWD GAS (last available 2024)
- King Ranch AWD GAS (last available 2024)
Price changes since 2024
- ST RWD GAS $50,105 (2024) → $54,770 (2025) +$4,665
- ST AWD GAS $52,105 (2024) → $56,770 (2025) +$4,665
- Platinum RWD GAS $54,770 (2024) → $52,525 (2025) -$2,245
- Platinum AWD GAS $56,770 (2024) → $54,525 (2025) -$2,245
- ST-Line RWD GAS $46,455 (2024) → $45,020 (2025) -$1,435
- ST-Line AWD GAS $48,455 (2024) → $47,020 (2025) -$1,435
View full trim timeline (2024–2026)
| Trim | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base RWD GAS | $36,860 24 MPG | — | — |
| XLT RWD GAS | $38,670 24 MPG | — | — |
| Base AWD GAS | $38,860 23 MPG | — | — |
| XLT AWD GAS | $40,670 23 MPG | — | — |
| ST-Line RWD GAS | $46,455 24 MPG | $45,020 24 MPG | $45,155 24 MPG |
| Limited RWD GAS | $47,520 24 MPG | — | — |
| ST-Line AWD GAS | $48,455 23 MPG | $47,020 23 MPG | $47,155 23 MPG |
| Timberline AWD GAS | $49,430 21 MPG | — | — |
| Limited AWD GAS | $49,520 23 MPG | — | — |
| ST RWD GAS | $50,105 21 MPG | $54,770 21 MPG | $54,905 21 MPG |
| ST AWD GAS | $52,105 20 MPG | $56,770 20 MPG | $56,905 20 MPG |
| King Ranch RWD GAS | $54,625 21 MPG | — | — |
| Platinum RWD GAS | $54,770 21 MPG | $52,525 24 MPG | $50,965 24 MPG |
| King Ranch AWD GAS | $56,625 20 MPG | — | — |
| Platinum AWD GAS | $56,770 20 MPG | $54,525 23 MPG | $52,965 23 MPG |
| Active RWD GAS | — | $40,050 24 MPG | $38,465 24 MPG |
| Active AWD GAS | — | $42,050 23 MPG | $40,465 23 MPG |
Compare Trim Costs
Select two trims and adjust your driving and financing to see how monthly costs compare. Only costs we can compute from EPA data and your inputs are shown. No estimates, no guesses.
Your driving & financing
After narrowing down a trim, it helps to check the broader reliability picture. The section below summarizes the third-party reliability rating we have on file.
How Reliable Is the 2025 Ford Explorer?
RepairPal rates the 2025 Ford Explorer at 3.5 out of 5.0 for reliability, which is about average for mid-range SUVs. RepairPal ratings reflect repair frequency and cost data from a network of certified repair shops. Source: RepairPal.
Warranty coverage sets the floor for what the manufacturer will repair at no cost. Here are Ford's published terms.
What Warranty Does the 2025 Ford Explorer Come With?
Ford provides the following warranty coverage for the 2025 Explorer. Warranty terms are published by the manufacturer and apply to all trims. Coverage begins from the date of original purchase. Warranty terms shown here reflect the most recently published manufacturer data.
| Basic Warranty | 3yr/36k |
|---|---|
| Powertrain Warranty | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion Warranty | 5yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/60k |
What Are the 2025 Ford Explorer Specs?
Detailed specifications for the 2025 Ford Explorer as reported by the manufacturer. Specifications may vary by trim, market, and production date. Source: manufacturer-reported data.
| Engine | 2.3L I4, 3L V6 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 300 - 400 hp |
| Torque | 310 - 415 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic, 10-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drive Type | Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded |
| Fuel Tank | 17.9 - 20.2 gal |
| Length | 198.8 in |
|---|---|
| Width | 78.9 in |
| Height | 69.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 119.1 in |
What Changed for the 2025 Ford Explorer?
- Number of available trims changed
- Pricing changed across one or more trims
- Recall status changed
This page reflects published data from EPA, NHTSA, IIHS, AAA, manufacturers, and selected third-party references for the 2025 Ford Explorer. The trim evolution section above shows how pricing and lineup composition have changed since 2024. All data updates automatically when source agencies publish new information.
2025 Ford Explorer FAQ
How does the 2025 Ford Explorer compare to other suvs?
Based on published data, the 2025 Ford Explorer has a safety grade of A, a fuel cost grade of B, and a RepairPal reliability score of 3.5/5. These grades compare it against similar suvs in its price range. No single metric tells the whole story, so we recommend reviewing each section on this page. See our Safest SUVs 2025 list.
Which 2025 Ford Explorer trim has the lowest ownership cost?
Among 8 available trims, the Active AWD GAS has the lowest estimated five-year ownership cost at $95,370, starting at $42,050 MSRP. The most expensive trim to own is about $133,190. See the full trim comparison table above for a side-by-side breakdown.
How much does 2025 Ford Explorer insurance cost?
AAA estimates the annual insurance cost for the Medium SUV class at $1,873 per year, or about $156 per month. This is a class-level average, not specific to the 2025 Ford Explorer. Your actual premium will depend on your driving history, location, and coverage choices. Source: AAA Your Driving Costs study.
How much does 2025 Ford Explorer maintenance cost per year?
AAA estimates average annual maintenance for the Medium SUV class at $1,817 per year. This covers routine services, wear items, and unscheduled repairs. Combined with insurance ($1,873/yr) and depreciation ($5,074/yr), total non-fuel ownership costs run about $13,584 per year. These are class averages from the AAA Your Driving Costs study.
How fast does a 2025 Ford Explorer depreciate?
AAA estimates the Medium SUV class depreciates about $5,074 per year, or roughly $25,370 over five years. On a base MSRP of $40,050, that represents about 63% of the purchase price. These are class averages and actual depreciation varies by trim, condition, mileage, and market demand. Source: AAA.
How much will I spend on gas with a 2025 Ford Explorer?
The most efficient 2025 Ford Explorer trim costs an estimated $1,800 per year in fuel, or about $150 per month, based on EPA ratings and national average fuel prices. See our Cheapest SUVs to fuel 2025 list.
What vehicles compete with the 2025 Ford Explorer?
Based on price range, body type, and segment positioning, the closest competitors to the 2025 Ford Explorer include 2025 Subaru Ascent, 2025 Volkswagen ID.4, and 2025 Honda Pilot. Each of those pages includes the same safety, fuel cost, reliability, and recall data so you can compare directly. Browse all 2025 SUVs.
What changed on the 2025 Ford Explorer from last year?
Compared to the previous model year, 2 new trims were added, 9 trims were dropped, and the entry price increased by $3,190 for the Ford Explorer lineup. See the trim evolution timeline above for full year-by-year pricing and availability details.
How much does a 2025 Ford Explorer cost per month to own?
Excluding your car payment, estimated monthly costs for the 2025 Ford Explorer include about $1,132 for insurance, maintenance, depreciation, and fees, plus roughly $150 for fuel. That puts non-payment running costs around $1,282 per month. These are estimates based on AAA class averages and EPA fuel data. Actual costs depend on your driving, location, and coverage.
Is the 2025 Ford Explorer safe for families?
The 2025 Ford Explorer earned NHTSA's highest 5-star overall safety rating, which evaluates frontal crash, side crash, and rollover resistance. It also earned IIHS TSP+ recognition, which tests different crash scenarios. A 5-star rating does not guarantee safety in every situation but indicates strong performance in standardized crash tests. See our Safest SUVs 2025 list.
Compare to Similar Vehicles
Other Model Years
Data on this page is compiled from government agencies and independent research organizations. It is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, purchasing, or safety advice. Verify all data with the original source before making decisions.