2025 Ford Explorer ST: Most Affordable Twin-Turbo AWD Performance SUV?

Exterior Redesign and Performance Features

• 💡 The 2025 Ford Explorer ST features a redesigned front fascia with new LED headlights, fog lights, and a gloss black grille with the ST badge.
• 🚀 The performance-oriented ST trim, standing for "Sports Technology," draws inspiration from Ford's Focus ST and Fiesta ST models.
• ⚠️ Upgraded components, including red-painted calipers and enlarged rotors, are derived from the Ford Police Interceptor Explorer, enhancing braking performance.
• ⚙️ It rides on new 21-inch gunmetal gray wheels with 275/45 tires and features a rear-wheel-drive-based platform for improved handling dynamics.

Powertrain and Performance Metrics

• 🐎 Under the hood is a 3.0L twin-turbo V6 EcoBoost engine producing 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque.
• 🚀 Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, it achieves 0-60 mph in 5 seconds flat.
• ⛽ Fuel economy is rated at 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway, with a curb weight of 4,788 pounds.
• 💨 Top speed is 146 mph, and the quarter-mile is completed in 13.6 seconds at 101 mph.

Interior Design and Technology

• 🔊 The interior boasts upgraded materials, soft-touch surfaces, red stitching, and a B&O sound system with aluminum speaker grilles.
• 📱 A new 13.1-inch infotainment touchscreen controls features like ambient lighting, app store access, and vehicle settings, though most controls are screen-based.
• 🔌 Connectivity includes wireless charging, multiple USB ports (C and A), and a 12-volt outlet.
• 💺 Front seats offer heating, ventilation, massage functions, and power adjustments, complemented by a black headliner and a panoramic sunroof with a power shade.

Seating, Cargo, and Practicality

• 💺 The second row features Alcantara and leather captain's chairs with a proper armrest, heated seats, and AC controls, but lacks ventilated seats.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The third row uses vinyl material with red stitching and offers two USB-C ports and a cup holder, providing adequate but not luxurious seating.
• 📦 Cargo space is 16 cubic feet with the third row up, expanding to 47 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 87 cubic feet with both rear rows down.
• 🔌 Power folding rear seats and a 12-volt outlet are available in the cargo area.

Driving Dynamics and Handling

• 🛣️ The Explorer ST offers great visibility and a responsive infotainment system, with the B&O sound system providing balanced audio.
• 🕹️ The 10-speed transmission shifts smoothly, and the rear-wheel-drive-based platform contributes to a balanced and agile driving experience.
• 🛑 Beefed-up brakes provide excellent pedal feel, and the all-wheel-drive system performs impressively, even on an autocross track.
• 💨 Despite its sporty intentions and 21-inch wheels, the ride is surprisingly well-controlled, with minimal body roll when attacking corners.
• ⚠️ While the pumped-in engine sound is not obnoxious, the exhaust note could be more pronounced for an ST model.