2025 Ford Explorer: NHTSA & IIHS Safety Ratings, Price
— NHTSA, IIHS, EPA, AAA, RepairPal
In its segment, the 2025 Ford Explorer scores well for safety, with NHTSA's 5-star rating and IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation but below average for fuel cost. NHTSA has 17 recall campaigns on file, more than the 1.7 average for SUVs.
- Starting MSRP
- $40,050 - $56,770
- EPA Combined MPG
- 20-21 MPG
- NHTSA Safety Rating
- 5-Star (Highest)
- IIHS Award
- Top Safety Pick+
- Est. Annual Fuel Cost
- $2,850 - $3,000 per year
- EPA GHG Score
- 4 / 10
- Recalls on File
- 17 recalls on file
- EPA: vs Avg Vehicle
- $1,250 more over 5 yrs
- Owner Complaints
- 72 on file
- Est. Monthly Cost (with fuel)
- $1,370 per month
- Est. Cost per Mile (with fuel)
- $0.84
- Brand Origin
- United States
Priced from $40,050 to $56,770, the 2025 Ford Explorer is one of 201 mid-range SUVs. Safety ratings, recall history, and ownership costs are all covered below.
- Fuel cost $742 per year above mid-range SUVs average
- Base price $3,190 more than 2024 model
- IIHS Top Safety Pick+
2025 Ford Explorer at a Glance
Compared with similar SUVs in our dataset, the clearest positive signals for the 2025 Ford Explorer are high published crash-test results, but the recall history needs a closer look.
- safety
Strengths in the data
- Safety: 5-star NHTSA + IIHS TSP+. Safest SUVs 2025 →
Cautions in the data
- There are 17 recalls on file, which is above the current SUVs average. Zero-recall cars 2025 →
- NHTSA has 72 owner complaints on file, compared to an average of 32 for 2025 SUVs. Top reported areas include Electrical, Visibility, ADAS / Safety Tech.
- Fuel cost is a real drawback here: Above-average fuel cost among gas SUVs. Cheapest SUVs to fuel 2025 →
Similar vehicles to compare
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 |
The NHTSA star rating covers frontal, side, and rollover crashes. IIHS picks up where NHTSA leaves off with small-overlap frontal tests, roof strength, and headlight evaluations.
How Did the 2025 Ford Explorer Perform in IIHS Crash Tests?
IIHS recognized the 2025 Ford Explorer with a TSP+ award. This designation reflects strong performance across frontal, side, and roof strength evaluations, plus crash avoidance capabilities. 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
Lab testing and real-world performance do not always match. The recall section below covers any defects NHTSA or Ford have identified since the 2025 Explorer went on sale.
Does the 2025 Ford Explorer Have Any Recalls?
With 17 recall campaigns on file, the 2025 Ford Explorer exceeds the 1.7 average for SUVs. Affected components include BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE), EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS, EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS, EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS, 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, SEAT BELTS, 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.
17 recall campaigns on file with NHTSA.
Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE), EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS, EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS, EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS, 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, SEAT BELTS, SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER, STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS, TRAILER HITCHES, VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
Most recent: March 2026
Units affected: 2,080,710
What Do 2025 Ford Explorer Owners Report to NHTSA?
NHTSA has 72 owner complaints on file for the 2025 Ford Explorer. This is well above the average of 32 complaints for 2025 SUVs. Owner complaints are self-reported and unverified, but patterns across many reports can indicate real issues.
11 in the last 90 days · 58 in the last 12 months · most recent filed 2026-04-06
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
- Visibility14
- ADAS / Safety Tech13
- Powertrain12
- Brakes12
Source: NHTSA Vehicle Complaints Database. Data last refreshed 2026-04-16.
Families drive more miles and make more trips. That makes fuel economy one of the biggest factors in the real cost of owning the 2025 Ford Explorer.
What Is the 2025 Ford Explorer Fuel Economy?
The 2025 Ford Explorer achieves up to 21 combined MPG according to EPA testing, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,850. That is $742 more per year than the $2,108 average for mid-range SUVs. EPA estimates are based on standardized laboratory tests. Source: EPA (fueleconomy.gov).
Ranges from 20 to 21 combined MPG depending on trim and drivetrain.
| Trim | Combined | City | Highway | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Active RWD GAS | 21 MPG | 18 | 25 | $2,850 per year |
| Active AWD GAS | 20 MPG | 18 | 25 | $3,000 per year |
| ST-Line RWD GAS | 21 MPG | 18 | 25 | $2,850 per year |
| ST-Line AWD GAS | 20 MPG | 18 | 25 | $3,000 per year |
| Platinum RWD GAS | 21 MPG | 18 | 25 | $2,850 per year |
| Platinum AWD GAS | 20 MPG | 18 | 25 | $3,000 per year |
| ST RWD GAS | 21 MPG | 18 | 25 | $2,850 per year |
| ST AWD GAS | 20 MPG | 18 | 25 | $3,000 per year |
Estimated 5-year fuel costs range from $14,250 to $15,000 depending on trim.
A family vehicle racks up miles fast. That means the hidden costs, insurance, maintenance, depreciation, matter as much as what you pay at the pump. AAA estimates them below.
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 per year |
|---|---|
| Insurance | $1,873 per year |
| Depreciation | $5,074 per year |
| Registration & Taxes | $862 per year |
| Financing | $1,815 per year |
| Total (excluding fuel) | $13,584 per year |
| Cost per mile | $0.84 per mile |
Families often prioritize safety features and cargo space over horsepower. The trim table below shows how those factors vary across the 2025 Ford Explorer lineup.
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 | 21 MPG | $2,850 per year | RWD | 300 hp | $116,970 |
| Active AWD GAS | $42,050 | 20 MPG | $3,000 per year | AWD | 300 hp | $95,370 |
| ST-Line RWD GAS | $45,020 | 21 MPG | $2,850 per year | RWD | 300 hp | $121,940 |
| ST-Line AWD GAS | $47,020 | 20 MPG | $3,000 per year | AWD | 300 hp | $100,340 |
| Platinum RWD GAS | $52,525 | 21 MPG | $2,850 per year | RWD | 300 hp | $129,445 |
| Platinum AWD GAS | $54,525 | 20 MPG | $3,000 per year | AWD | 300 hp | $107,845 |
| ST RWD GAS | $54,770 | 21 MPG | $2,850 per year | RWD | 400 hp | $133,190 |
| ST AWD GAS | $56,770 | 20 MPG | $3,000 per year | 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
added 2025
- Active (RWD, AWD)
Trims no longer available
last available 2024
- Base (RWD, AWD)
- XLT (RWD, AWD)
- Limited (RWD, AWD)
- Timberline (AWD)
- King Ranch (RWD, AWD)
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 20 MPG | — | — |
| XLT RWD GAS | $38,670 20 MPG | — | — |
| Base AWD GAS | $38,860 20 MPG | — | — |
| XLT AWD GAS | $40,670 20 MPG | — | — |
| ST-Line RWD GAS | $46,455 20 MPG | $45,020 21 MPG | $45,155 21 MPG |
| Limited RWD GAS | $47,520 20 MPG | — | — |
| ST-Line AWD GAS | $48,455 20 MPG | $47,020 20 MPG | $47,155 20 MPG |
| Timberline AWD GAS | $49,430 20 MPG | — | — |
| Limited AWD GAS | $49,520 20 MPG | — | — |
| ST RWD GAS | $50,105 20 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 20 MPG | — | — |
| Platinum RWD GAS | $54,770 20 MPG | $52,525 21 MPG | $50,965 21 MPG |
| King Ranch AWD GAS | $56,625 20 MPG | — | — |
| Platinum AWD GAS | $56,770 20 MPG | $54,525 20 MPG | $52,965 20 MPG |
| Active RWD GAS | — | $40,050 21 MPG | $38,465 21 MPG |
| Active AWD GAS | — | $42,050 20 MPG | $40,465 20 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
The trim comparison above covers what you pay at purchase. The reliability data below covers what you pay to maintain it over time.
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.
Ford backs the 2025 Explorer with the warranty terms shown below. Coverage begins from the original purchase date and varies by component.
What Warranty Does the 2025 Ford Explorer Come With?
Warranty coverage defines Ford's financial commitment if something fails. The terms below apply to all 2025 Explorer trims. Longer powertrain coverage reflects the manufacturer's confidence in drivetrain durability.
| Basic Warranty | 3yr/36k |
|---|---|
| Powertrain Warranty | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion Warranty | 5yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/60k |
What Are the 2025 Ford Explorer Specs?
Technical specifications for the 2025 Ford Explorer from manufacturer data. Engine size, horsepower, curb weight, and dimensions are shown for the primary configuration.
EPA vehicle class: Mid-size SUV
| Engine | 2.3L I4, 3L V6 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 300 - 400 hp |
| Price per HP | $134 - $182 |
| 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 |
| Est. Range per Tank | 358 - 424 miles per tank (EPA combined) |
| 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
All data shown for the 2025 Ford Explorer comes from EPA, NHTSA, IIHS, AAA, manufacturers, and selected third-party references. The safety and reliability data above is especially relevant for a vehicle your family depends on. Data is refreshed periodically.
Source links
Verify this data
2025 Ford Explorer FAQ
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.
What vehicles compete with the 2025 Ford Explorer?
Vehicles similar to the 2025 Ford Explorer in price and segment include 2025 Subaru Ascent, 2025 Volkswagen ID.4, and 2025 Honda Pilot. The Subaru Ascent is the closest in price (starting at $39,995, 5-star NHTSA, 22 MPG). Each has its own fact sheet with EPA, NHTSA, IIHS, and cost data for comparison. 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 $238 for fuel. That puts non-payment running costs around $1,370 per month. These are estimates based on AAA class averages and EPA fuel data. Actual costs depend on your driving, location, and coverage.
Where is Ford based?
Ford is a United States-based automaker. The 2025 Ford Explorer may be assembled in a different country than where Ford is headquartered. Check the window sticker or VIN decoder for the specific assembly location of any individual vehicle. See our United States-brand cars 2025 list.
What other Ford models are available for 2025?
Each 2025 Ford model on this site has its own fact sheet covering available safety, fuel, reliability, cost, and recall data. Visit our Ford models page for the full lineup.
What is the 2025 Ford Explorer safety rating?
The 2025 Ford Explorer earned a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and has 17 recall campaigns on file. See the safety and recall sections above for the full breakdown, including IIHS results and specific recall details.
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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.