Exploring The 2025 Ford Explorer Specs: Great Power And Performance
2025 Ford Explorer Specs at a Glance
- The Ford Explorer is a midsize SUV that can be configured with either six or seven seats.
- You can get up to 300 or 400 horsepower from this vehicle's two adventure-inspiring engines.
- The standard inline-four engine with RWD offers you an EPA-estimated 20/29 MPG (City/Highway),1 though AWD is available.
- Ford Explorer towing capacity is 5,000 pounds when your vehicle is properly equipped with the Class III Trailer-Tow Package.
- Fill up this SUV with gear, as the Ford Explorer contains 85.8 cubic feet of maximum cargo space.

A Look at the 2025 Ford Explorer by the Numbers
Rather than trying to sell you a vehicle, we've dedicated this page to presenting you with straightforward 2025 Ford Explorer specs so that you can make your own decision about this three-row SUV. If you find this model as compelling as we do, we invite you and the family to stop by Lorenzo Ford for a tour and test drive. We'd love to show you around its four trim levels in more depth.
Choose From Two Thrilling Ford Explorer Engines
This SUV starts the morning wide awake, with two ferocious engine options:
2025 Ford Explorer Engine Specs |
||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 with Auto Start-Stop Technology | 3.0L EcoBoost V-6 with Auto Start-Stop Technology |
| Horsepower | 300 | 400 |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft | 415 lb-ft |
| EPA-est. MPG (Cty / Hwy) | 20 / 29 with RWD1 | 18 / 25 with RWD1 |
| Towing | 5,000 lbs2 | 5,000 lbs2 |
| Drivetrain | RWD or 4WD | RWD or 4WD |
Your engine selection is often predetermined by your trim choice and vice versa. The two introductory-level models, the Explorer Active and Explorer ST-Line, exclusively rely on the standard 2.3-liter engine and 10-speed automatic transmission.
The Platinum can utilize either this engine or the 400-horsepower 3.0-liter V-6. Meanwhile, the ST model, with its sport-tuned suspension, red-painted performance front and rear brake calipers, and 10-speed automatic transmission with SelectShift capability with paddle shifters, is motivated only by the V-6. However, any trim or engine can come with either an RWD or a 4WD drivetrain, allowing you to prioritize fuel economy or traction as you see fit.
While the standard engine offers the most fuel efficiency, the higher-torque V-6 presents you with your highest top speed – 143 mph – and has the faster 0-to-60 sprint of 5.3 seconds.3 Explorer 0-60 time with the inline-four was clocked at 6.8 seconds.3
You can learn more about these figures with our team or take a look at our 2024 vs. 2025 Ford Explorer comparison to see how this model has evolved since last year.

When the Towing Gets Tough, Get a Ford Explorer
Both engines mentioned above have an equal Explorer towing capacity of 5,000 pounds,2 empowering you to bring a boat to the lake or a camper to your favorite campsite. However, the added touches that Ford automakers have brought to this SUV are what make it a favorite for towing.
In addition to equipping every trim with the Class III Tow Package, you'll appreciate standard Trailer Sway Control and Side-Wind Stabilization to help you keep control on the road, even when the weather decides to be temperamental. Trailer Coverage is a driver-assistance feature that works in coordination with your Blind-Spot Information System (BLIS) so that you can retain a visual of your blind spots even while towing.
If you already have sporting gear or a utility trailer you're interested in towing, feel free to ask our team at Lorenzo Ford about how feasibly the Explorer can pull it. We can also delve into how its payload capacity compares to other SUVs on our lot. However, if you purchase this SUV and then, in the future, start considering a new camper, you can rely on the provided Towing Guide to determine whether it will work well with your family vehicle.
Ride in Comfort With These 2025 Ford Explorer Dimensions
For many people with large families, their vehicle's size and layout are crucial. Will those in the third row feel cramped? Do the kids have enough space that a rogue elbow won't connect with anybody? We think you'll be pleasantly surprised by our answers.
2025 Ford Explorer Dimensions |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| Active / ST-Line | Platinum | ST | |
| Length | 198.7 in | 198.7 in | 198.7 in |
| Height | 69.6 in | 70.2 in | 69.8 in |
| Width (w/out mirrors) | 78.9 in | 78.9 in | 78.9 in |
| Ground Clearance | 7.6 in | 8.2 in | 7.8 in |
| Seating Capacity | 6-7 | 6-7 | 6 |
| Passenger Volume | 152.9 cu ft | 146 cu ft | 151.8 cu ft |
| Legroom (1st / 2nd / 3rd Row) | 43 / 39 / 32.2 in | 42.9 / 38.3 / 32.2 in | 42.9 / 38.3 / 32.2 in |
| Shoulder Room (1st / 2nd / 3rd Row) | 62.1 / 61.9 / 54.6 in | 62.1 / 61.9 / 54.6 in | 62.1 / 61.9 / 54.6 in |
| Cargo Room (Behind 3rd / 2nd / 1st Row) | 16.3 / 46 / 85.8 cu ft | 16.3 / 46 / 85.3 cu ft | 16.3 / 46 / 85.3 cu ft |
While many third rows don't have the legroom to accommodate adults, this SUV can, or it can provide more spacious seating for kids than many of its competitors. If you have fewer passengers to transport, you can also fold the rear seats down to increase your cargo space. This process is made incredibly simple with this SUV's available PowerFold third row.

Get on Your High Horse in a 2025 Ford Explorer
Despite similarities in most of these new Ford Explorer specs across the various trim levels, you will notice a more significant difference in ride height. The ST trim has more ground clearance than the two introductory models, and the Platinum stands as the tallest of them all. Those who like going off the beaten path tend to prefer this more elevated stance, especially when combined with 4WD, which comes with the following driving modes:
- Normal
- Eco
- Sport
- Tow/Haul
- Slippery
- Off-Road
- Deep Snow/Sand

Feel Safe & Sound With a Ford Explorer
You can also feel reassured by this SUV's Ford Co-Pilot360™ Assist+ driver-support features:
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- BLIS with Cross-Traffic Alert
- Exit Warning
- Trailer Coverage
- Lane-Keeping System
- Hill Start Assist
- Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking
- Forward Collision Warning
- Post-Collision Braking
- Evasive Steering Assist
- Intersection Assist 2.0
- Rear Cross-Traffic Braking
- Reverse Parking Assist
Have a team perform a demonstration of any of these features and learn more about available Ford BlueCruise technology when you stop by our dealership. Other optional safety features include a 360-degree camera, front parking sensors, and Intersection Assist 2.2.
Experience Ford Explorer Performance in Person
To continue this discussion about 2025 Ford Explorer specs or to see what all that horsepower feels like under your hands, visit Lorenzo Ford today. This vehicle has too much energy to like being kept standing still for long, and it would love for you to take it out for a test drive.
As a team, our goal is to give you transparent answers to your burning questions so that you can feel as confident in your investment as possible. So, feel free to ask away. We can also show you the differences between different trims on our lot and explain our streamlined process for how to finance or lease a new Ford Explorer today.
FAQ About Ford Explorer Specifications
How much can a Ford Explorer tow?
A 2025 Ford Explorer can tow up to 5,000 pounds2 in any of its four trims and with either of its two engine options. This is enough capability to tow a camper, although usually not a fifth-wheel camper. You should also keep in mind that the items stored inside your camper will contribute to its weight, so don't overload it to avoid straining your engine.
How many seats are in a Ford Explorer?
A 2025 Ford Explorer contains either six or seven seats. In the Active and ST-Line trims, seven seats – with a second-row bench – is the standard number, although a six-seat option with second-row captain's chairs is available. The Platinum trim does the reverse. It comes standard with six seats, with seven seats available. The ST model always comes with six seats.
Are Ford Explorers good cars?
Ford Explorers are good SUVs for several reasons. They're powerful – offering up to 300 or 400 horsepower, depending on your powertrain selection. They're capable – towing up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped – and they're comfortable across all three rows. To learn more about how this vehicle's specs and features match your priorities, reach out to our Lorenzo Ford team.
How big is a Ford Explorer?
A Ford Explorer is a three-row SUV. At 198.7 inches in length and 78.9 inches in width without mirrors, it provides a comfortable ride. Its height ultimately depends on what trim you select. The two base trims have a ground clearance of 7.6 inches, while the Platinum model has a ride height of 8.2 inches. To learn more about these dimensions, contact our team.
1EPA-estimated city/hwy mpg for the model indicated. See fueleconomy.gov for fuel economy of other engine/transmission combinations. Actual mileage will vary. On plug-in hybrid models and electric models, fuel economy is stated in MPGe. MPGe is the EPA equivalent measure of gasoline fuel efficiency for electric mode operation.
2When properly equipped. See dealer for details.
3Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.motortrend.com/cars/ford/explorer/