2025 Ford Explorer ST Line
MSRP: $44,595
2.3 Liter Turbo 4 Cylinder
300 HP / 310 TQ
0-60: 5.7
MPG: 23 in mixed driving as observed
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Guy who did stuff: Yousef Alvi
The 2025 Ford Explorer ST-Line enters a crowded segment, aiming to inject a dose of dynamism into the often-mundane world of three-row crossovers. While it doesn't transform the family hauler into a track-ready machine, it successfully differentiates itself through a blend of design cues, competitive performance, and a compelling value proposition.
In a market saturated with visually similar vehicles, the Explorer ST-Line makes an effort to stand out. Unlike many of its competitors, which often prioritize anonymity, the ST-Line adopts a more assertive aesthetic. It features blacked-out exterior trim, including the grille, roof rails, and mirror caps, giving it a more aggressive and athletic stance. The 20-inch aluminum wheels further enhance its sporty appeal, moving away from the more conventional designs seen on many rivals. This visual package aims to appeal to buyers who desire a family vehicle that doesn't completely blend into the parking lot. While it maintains the Explorer's familiar silhouette, these subtle yet effective styling modifications provide a welcome departure from the overtly utilitarian look of many other three-row crossovers like the Kia Telluride or Honda Pilot.
Under the hood, the 2025 Explorer ST-Line is powered by a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering a robust 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. This powerplant is paired with a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission.
When stacked against its direct competitors, the ST-Line's performance figures are quite impressive. For instance, the Kia Telluride typically offers a 3.8-liter V6 producing 291 horsepower, while the Honda Pilot's 3.5-liter V6 generates 285 horsepower. Even the Nissan Pathfinder's 3.5-liter V6 comes in at 284 horsepower. The Explorer ST-Line's turbocharged four-cylinder not only produces more horsepower than many of these larger V6 engines but also offers a significant torque advantage, which translates to strong off-the-line acceleration and confident passing maneuvers. While it doesn't match the raw power of the full-fledged Explorer ST with its 400-horsepower V6, the ST-Line's output is more than sufficient for everyday driving and offers a surprising level of responsiveness for a vehicle of its size.
The 2025 Ford Explorer ST-Line presents a strong value proposition within its segment. Positioned strategically in the middle of the Explorer lineup, it offers many of the visual and technological enhancements found in higher trims without the premium price tag of the top-tier ST or Platinum models.
For its mid-forties to low-fifties price point, the ST-Line comes well-equipped. Standard features include a 13.2-inch infotainment touchscreen with built-in Google services, a B&O sound system, and a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance technologies. Additionally, it offers available features like Ford's BlueCruise hands-free highway driving system. When comparing this feature set to similarly priced trims of competitors, the Explorer ST-Line often provides a more compelling package, particularly for those who appreciate a sportier aesthetic and robust performance without sacrificing practicality or modern technology. It balances a desire for enhanced driving dynamics and curb appeal with the fundamental requirements of a versatile family vehicle, making it a well-rounded option for discerning buyers
In essence, the 2025 Ford Explorer ST-Line carves out a distinct niche in the crowded three-row crossover market by offering a compelling blend of sporty design cues, competitive turbocharged performance, and a strong value proposition. It differentiates itself visually with aggressive styling and blacked-out accents, while its 300-horsepower engine outperforms many rivals. Coupled with a generous array of standard technology, the ST-Line provides a well-rounded and appealing option for those seeking a practical family vehicle with a welcome dose of style and driving enjoyment.
On a weird sidenote. Let me describe to you my love of cloth seats!
One of the quiet joys of the Explorer's lineup, and specifically relevant to its value proposition, is the availability of cloth seats on certain trims. It's truly baffling how leather became the default "premium" material for automotive seating. Think about it: on a sweltering summer day, leather seats become scorching hot, practically branding your legs. Come winter, they're icy cold, sending shivers up your spine until the heaters finally kick in. Leather is a material of extremes, constantly fighting against ambient temperatures.
Cloth, on the other hand, is the unsung hero of automotive comfort. It's inherently more breathable, allowing for better airflow and preventing that dreaded stickiness on hot days. It remains comfortably neutral, neither too hot nor too cold, adapting to your body temperature with ease. From the moment you sit down, cloth seats offer an instantly supportive and welcoming embrace, a stark contrast to the often-slippery and stiff feel of new leather. It's time more automakers recognized the superior, pragmatic comfort of cloth and brought it back as a widely available option across their lineups.
BRING BACK MORE CLOTH SEATS PEOPLE!
Yousef Alvi
