When Ford introduced the Explorer ST a few years back, it sparked an interesting question: Can you really have your cake and eat it too when it comes to family SUVs? The 2025 Ford Explorer ST answers that with a resounding yes, delivering genuine performance credentials while maintaining the practicality that made the Explorer America’s go-to family hauler for decades.
What Makes the 2025 Explorer ST Special
Ford didn’t just slap some sporty badges on a regular Explorer and call it a day. The ST gets a comprehensive performance makeover that transforms this three-row family mover into something genuinely entertaining to drive. At its heart sits a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 that churns out 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque—numbers that would make sports car drivers take notice.
But the real magic happens when all that power meets the road. Ford’s engineers didn’t stop at the engine bay; they’ve fine-tuned the suspension, upgraded the brakes, and recalibrated the steering to create a driving experience that feels surprisingly cohesive. This isn’t just a powerful SUV—it’s a well-rounded performance machine that happens to seat seven.
Performance That Actually Delivers
Numbers on paper are one thing, but how does the Explorer ST perform in the real world? The acceleration figures tell a compelling story. The sprint from zero to 60 mph takes just over five seconds, which puts this family SUV in the same ballpark as many dedicated sports cars from not too long ago.
The handling characteristics are where things get really interesting. Despite weighing in at over 4,600 pounds, the ST manages to generate an impressive 0.86g of lateral grip on the skidpad. That’s genuinely impressive for any SUV, let alone one designed to haul families around. The braking performance backs up these claims too, with 60-to-zero stops happening in just 108 feet.
These aren’t just bragging rights numbers either. On winding roads, the Explorer ST feels planted and confident. The steering responds predictably to inputs, and the suspension manages to strike that tricky balance between sportiness and comfort that so many performance SUVs struggle with.
Interior Updates That Actually Matter
Ford hasn’t forgotten that this is still primarily a family vehicle. The 2025 model year brings significant interior improvements that address many of the criticisms leveled at previous Explorer generations. The cabin now features higher-quality materials throughout, with soft-touch surfaces replacing the hard plastics that once dominated the space.
The ST trim gets special treatment with suede-like seat inserts and red stitching that reinforces the performance theme without going overboard. The new dashboard design centers around a 13.2-inch infotainment screen running Ford’s latest software, which proves refreshingly straightforward to use.
The seating configuration remains practical for real families. The second row can be configured with either a three-across bench or individual captain’s chairs, depending on your needs. The third row, while not the most spacious in the class, provides adequate room for kids or shorter adults during longer trips.
Technology That Works, Not Just Impresses
One of the most significant additions for 2025 is the availability of Ford’s BlueCruise hands-free driving system. While it’s not quite as polished as some competitor systems, it represents a meaningful step forward in making highway driving less stressful. The system handles lane changes smoothly and keeps the vehicle centered well, though it still requires attention on tighter curves.
The infotainment system deserves particular praise for its simplicity. In an era when many automakers seem determined to reinvent the wheel with complicated interfaces, Ford has opted for straightforward functionality. The learning curve is minimal, which means you’ll actually use the features instead of fumbling through menus while driving.
Real-World Practicality Considerations
Living with the Explorer ST day-to-day reveals both its strengths and compromises. The fuel economy, rated at around 18-20 mpg combined, reflects the reality of moving a heavy SUV with a powerful engine. That’s not terrible for what you’re getting, but it’s worth considering if your daily commute involves heavy city driving.
The cargo space remains generous when you need it. Fold down the third row, and you’ll find plenty of room for everything from grocery runs to weekend getaways. The 5,000-pound towing capacity means you can still haul a boat or trailer when adventure calls.
The ride quality strikes a careful balance. It’s firmer than a standard Explorer, as you’d expect from the sport-tuned suspension, but it doesn’t punish passengers on rough roads. Daily driving remains comfortable, with the performance capabilities waiting quietly until you decide to tap into them.
How It Stacks Up Against the Competition
The performance SUV segment has become increasingly crowded, but the Explorer ST carves out its own niche. It’s less ostentatious than some European alternatives but more genuinely sporty than many mainstream competitors. The pricing, starting around $57,000 before options, positions it as a relative value in the performance SUV space.
What sets it apart is the combination of genuine performance capability with everyday usability. Many performance SUVs force you to choose between fun and practicality. The Explorer ST manages to deliver both without major compromises in either direction.
The Bottom Line
The 2025 Ford Explorer ST succeeds because it doesn’t try to be everything to everyone. Instead, it focuses on doing two things well: providing genuine performance excitement and maintaining the practical functionality that families actually need. The result is a vehicle that can handle school pickup duty during the week and weekend canyon runs with equal competence.
Ford has created something increasingly rare in today’s automotive landscape—a performance vehicle that doesn’t require sacrificing the practical considerations that matter in daily life. For families who refuse to choose between driving excitement and real-world utility, the Explorer ST makes a compelling case that you really can have both.
Whether it makes sense for your garage depends on your priorities, but for those seeking a genuine performance SUV that doesn’t forget its family-hauling duties, the 2025 Explorer ST delivers on its promises in ways that many competitors struggle to match.