MANILA: Ford has updated the Explorer nameplate.

In a statement, the sport utility vehicle (SUV) comes with a redesigned interior, advanced new technology and bolder exterior aesthetic — making it the Explorer’s best version yet.

“For nearly 35 years, families have chosen the Ford Explorer, making it America’s all-time best-selling SUV. We have refined almost every part of the new Explorer – focusing on a redesigned interior, additional technology like BlueCruise hands-free highway driving and special editions like the 400 horsepower Explorer ST. It’s the right combination of delivering what the next generation of customers want and love in a large SUV,” Ford Blue President Andrew Frick was quoted as saying.

Exterior

Outside, the new Ford Explorer features a larger grille (which resembles the look of the all-new Territory), sleeker headlamps, front skid plate, as well as lower and wider air curtains.

Other trims of the new Ford Explorer have black-painted roof.

At the rear, the LED taillamps have been extended from the vehicle’s corners onto a horizontal nameplate appliqué that stretches across the liftgate.

The vehicle sits on 18- to 21-inch wheels, depending on the trim.

Interior

Inside, the refreshed Ford Explorer is tailored with a redesigned interior that includes a new wrap-and-stitch soft-touch surfaces on the center console, door panels and updated dashboard, and ActiveX durable and premium synthetic seating material. Silver mesh accents can also be seen inside the cabin.

Further, the latest Ford Explorer’s dashboard has been pushed forward for a more spacious cabin. IT has also been fitted with an integrated tray below the touchscreen that comes with a wireless charging dock.

“The new Explorer starts with a great foundation. Customers told us they love the way it drives and the choice of rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. So, we focused on improving other areas including redesigning the interior with new materials, textures and colors to make sitting inside Explorer as enjoyable as driving one,” Ford Explorer Chief Engineer Kelley Clark explained.

The Dearborn-headquartered marque shared that the Explorer is the company’s first offering that comes with the new Ford Digital Experience, which allows customers to access their digital life while inside the vehicle.

The displays on the 13.2-inch touchscreen allow for easy control, and the integration with Google Maps allows navigation screens to be displayed on both the touchscreen and the 12.3-inch digital cluster.

Powertrain options

The new Ford Explorer is powered by either a 2.3-liter or 3.0-liter Ecoboost engine and moves the vehicle in rear-wheel- or four-wheel-drive set-up.

Technology

The vehicle also has Google Assistant (default voice assistant) and Alexa Built-in (available as an alternative) for in-vehicle controls such as setting the in-vehicle temperature, search information, find and set a destination and request a specific broadcast or satellite radio station. It can also help make phone calls, send texts, set meetings, and control connected home devices.

Additionally, new Ford Explorer users can download entertainment apps via Google Play to enjoy streaming music, audiobooks, and podcasts — including Spotify, Amazon Music, Audible, and iHeartRadio, as well as embedded SiriusXM6 with 360L for a personalized listening experience.

Ford noted that the 2025 Explorer allows customers to do the following when parked:

• Watch videos and stream their favorite movies and TV shows via YouTube, Prime Video
• Surf the web using the Vivaldi Browser app (or through the upcoming Google Chrome) including with a Bluetooth-connected keyboard to make typing easier
• Play games on the touchscreen by selecting from a growing list of games available on Google Play, including a Ford-exclusive version of racing game Asphalt Nitro 2 (which can be enjoyed using a Bluetooth-enabled gaming controller)

Further, its 5G wireless technology assures fast connectivity and has the option to activate a Wi-Fi hotspot that gives Internet access to up to 10 mobile devices.

Moreover, select trims of the new Explorer are outfitted with Ford BlueCruise hardware that lets drivers do hands-free highway driving. The aforementioned technology includes lane change assist and in-lane repositioning.

Photos by Ford

Also read:

Ford boosts Explorer’s availability in PH

Ford Philippines Expands Online Reservation Portal to Include Ford Explorer and Ford Mustang

The all-new Ford Explorer will appear in local showrooms on Dec. 21