2025 Ford Explorer ST-Line Review: A Sporty Take on Family Practicality

When it comes to midsize SUVs, the Ford Explorer is a name that has long been a staple in its segment. With decades of experience and consistent refinement, the Explorer continues to offer families a well-rounded package of space, tech, and reliability. For 2025, the Explorer ST-Line presents itself as a stylish middle ground, blending sporty aesthetics with day-to-day practicality. While it may not deliver the same thrills as its high-performance ST sibling, the ST-Line stands out in its own right as a solid, family-friendly SUV.

Sporty Looks, Practical Foundation

At first glance, the 2025 Ford Explorer ST-Line doesn’t stray too far from the familiar design language of the Explorer lineup. Its bold stance is enhanced by a number of cosmetic upgrades that give it a sportier edge. My review model came in Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat, a vibrant color that highlights the Explorer’s sharp lines and aggressive styling. The black mesh grille insert, black-capped side mirrors, and blackout treatment on the LED headlamps and taillamps distinguish the ST-Line from other trims, while subtle touches like the EXPLORER badge on the hood and quad exhaust tips complete the look.

The ST-Line Street Pack further enhances its presence with 21-inch aluminum wheels and red brake calipers, giving the SUV a sportier road-hugging stance. Black skid plate elements and body-color door handles tie everything together for a cohesive design. While these exterior upgrades are purely cosmetic, they successfully elevate the Explorer’s appearance without overdoing it.

Interior Comfort with Modern Tech

Inside, the Explorer ST-Line continues its balance of sporty flair and family-friendly design. The cabin is clean and functional, with Onyx ActiveX seats featuring red contrast stitching adding a sporty touch. The materials are solid, though not overly luxurious, which fits its position as a mid-range trim. The multi-contour front seats in my review model offered good comfort, though I couldn’t say whether the multi-contour tech itself or just the power adjustments made the difference.

Tech-wise, the Explorer ST-Line is well-equipped. The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system provide a modern, tech-forward driving experience. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration worked seamlessly during my drives, and the B&O sound system delivered impressive audio quality. Ford’s decision to include USB-C ports in all three rows ensures that passengers stay connected and charged, an important consideration for family road trips.

Driving Dynamics: Safe, Comfortable, and Predictable

Driving the Explorer ST-Line for a full week through downtown Dallas, suburban neighborhoods, and out on backcountry roads gave me a comprehensive feel for its performance. The 2.3-liter EcoBoost I-4 engine, producing 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, offers sufficient power for day-to-day driving. Merging onto highways and overtaking slower vehicles was never an issue, and the 10-speed automatic transmission shifted smoothly without any notable quirks.

While the Explorer’s rear-wheel-drive platform provides a sportier foundation compared to front-wheel-drive competitors, the AWD on my review model limited any noticeable RWD characteristics. That being said, the AWD system handled light off-road conditions well. I tested it briefly on a closed-off dirt road, and the Explorer maintained traction and stability even on loose surfaces. The suspension is tuned for comfort, soaking up bumps and potholes effectively without feeling too soft. Around town, the steering was responsive, and the 360-degree camera system proved invaluable when navigating tight parking spots.

Fuel Economy That Holds Up

With EPA ratings of 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined, the Explorer ST-Line offers competitive fuel efficiency for its class. During my week of mixed driving, which included highway commutes, suburban errands, and some spirited country road driving, I found the fuel economy figures to be generally accurate. As expected, fuel consumption increased slightly during heavier AWD usage on rougher terrain, but overall, it remained reasonable.

Cargo Capacity and Family Usability

When it comes to cargo space, the Explorer ST-Line is practical but not class-leading. With 18.2 cubic feet of space behind the third row, it’s adequate for small grocery runs or backpacks, but families needing more room may feel limited when the third row is in use. Folding the third row flat expands the capacity to 47.9 cubic feet, which is much more usable for everyday needs. For maximum cargo-hauling capability, folding both the second and third rows yields 87.8 cubic feet of space. My kids fit comfortably in the third row, but as a larger adult, I found it a bit cramped—making it best suited for kids or shorter trips.

Safety and Convenience Features

Ford’s Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 system ensures that the Explorer ST-Line offers peace of mind on the road. The suite includes advanced safety features like lane-keeping assist, blind spot monitors, and adaptive cruise control. The power-folding side mirrors were a particularly convenient feature, helping prevent dings in parking lots while also serving as a visual confirmation that the vehicle is locked as I walked away. Overall, the Explorer’s safety tech worked well without being too intrusive, though some features, like lane-keeping assist, could occasionally feel overbearing.

Final Verdict: A Balanced, Stylish Family SUV

The 2025 Ford Explorer ST-Line doesn’t try to be something it’s not—and that’s its greatest strength. With its sporty looks, tech-filled cabin, and reliable driving dynamics, it’s a practical option for smaller families who occasionally use the third row but mostly prioritize cargo space and comfort. While it won’t thrill enthusiasts like the ST trim, it doesn’t need to. For those seeking a safe, comfortable, and stylish midsize SUV that can handle everything from daily errands to weekend getaways, the ST-Line strikes the right balance. If you’re looking for practicality with a sporty twist, the Explorer ST-Line deserves a spot on your shortlist.