Ford Explorer (2025) Review
In 2025, the Ford Explorer gets a serious makeover—and while it still wears that unmistakably American blue oval, what lies beneath is more German than you'd think. Built on the VW MEB platform, this all-electric Explorer is a transatlantic collaboration that delivers surprising dynamics, clever tech, and styling that may just be Ford’s best in years.
But for many buyers looking for a well-rounded, stylish EV SUV with enough range and comfort to handle family duties and long-distance drives, the Explorer hits a sweet spot.
First Impressions: Bold Looks, Familiar DNA
The new 2025 Ford Explorer is not the rugged, gas-guzzling SUV of years past. It’s sleek, modern, and fully electric. At first glance, it outshines its VW siblings like the ID.4 and Skoda Enyaq in the style department. The lines are crisp, the stance is assertive, and there’s real road presence—something many EV crossovers struggle to deliver.
But don’t be fooled by the American badge. Underneath, this Explorer shares its bones with VW’s MEB platform. You’ll spot familiar switchgear and design cues throughout, from the haptic steering wheel controls to the driver display.
Performance & Range
Let’s talk numbers. The AWD Explorer delivers 340 PS (around 335 hp) and a 0–62 mph time of 5.3 seconds—plenty quick for an SUV of this size. It feels lively and planted, even in corners, giving you a confidence that’s often absent in large electric SUVs.
Official WLTP range comes in at around 323 miles, though real-world testing showed 250–260 miles in mixed driving. Not bad, but what lets the Explorer down slightly is its 135 kW max charging speed. It’ll get you from 10% to 80% in about 28 minutes, which is decent—but lagging behind rivals like the Tesla Model Y and Hyundai Ioniq 5.
On the Road: Composed, Quiet, and Engaging
On the move, the Explorer is impressively refined. Road noise is minimal, ride comfort is solid, and the steering gives a good amount of feedback. It's comfortable without being too floaty and surprisingly agile for a car of its size.
Even during long stints (over 600 miles in one week), it remained an easy, pleasant drive. Real-world efficiency hovered around 4.1 miles/kWh in urban settings—a strong showing for a boxy SUV.
Interior & Practicality
Step inside, and the cabin strikes a balance between Ford familiarity and VW functionality. The 14+ inch infotainment screen is crisp, vivid, and responsive. Air con controls stay on-screen at all times (thankfully), and the built-in voice commands work reliably. You get wireless Apple CarPlay, sat nav, a B&O sound system, and a head-up display with speed and nav info.
Storage is decent: 450 litres in the boot with a flat floor and a clever built-in load cover. No frunk, thanks to that MEB platform, but you do get a little underfloor storage for cables.
Rear space is solid for two adults and okay for three—though legroom gets tight behind a tall driver. No 7-seat version for now, which feels like a missed opportunity.
Minor Gripes
The Explorer isn’t without its quirks:
The wireless phone charger struggles with common phone cases, throwing up repeated “metal detected” errors.
No mute button for the stereo—just a haptic slider, which is fiddly and feels like overengineering.
Some interior plastics and materials feel a touch underwhelming for the price point.
Rear visibility is a bit restricted, though a reversing camera helps.
Final Verdict
The 2025 Ford Explorer isn’t revolutionary—but it doesn’t need to be. What it is, however, is really good. It takes the underpinnings of the VW ID.4, adds sharper looks, better dynamics, and just a touch more personality. It’s more refined than a Skoda Enyaq, more engaging than a VW ID.4, and more "normal" than a Tesla Model Y if minimalism isn’t your thing.
Would I choose it over a Tesla? Personally, maybe not. But for many buyers looking for a well-rounded, stylish EV SUV with enough range and comfort to handle family duties and long-distance drives, the Explorer hits a sweet spot.
2025 Ford Explorer At a Glance:
Power: 340 PS (335 hp)
0–62 mph: 5.3 seconds
Range (WLTP): ~323 miles
Real-World Range: ~250–260 miles
Charging: 135 kW DC (10–80% in ~28 mins)
Boot Space: 450 litres
Infotainment: 14” screen, wireless CarPlay, B&O audio
Notable Competitors: VW ID.4, Skoda Enyaq, Tesla Model Y, Kia EV6
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