Yes—the 2025 Ford Explorer ST has the ingredients for a more engaging three-row SUV: Ford rates its specially tuned 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 at 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, with rear-wheel drive standard in the U.S. and four-wheel drive available. That rating establishes substantial output, not sports-car handling or a measured acceleration time. For families, the trade-off is a firmer-feeling ride and a third row Edmunds considers best for children.
What makes the Explorer ST different?
The ST is the performance trim in the 2025 U.S. Explorer lineup, alongside Active, ST-Line, and Platinum. It is distinct from the ST-Line, which offers a different combination of styling and equipment. Ford introduced the refreshed 2025 Explorer with a redesigned interior and added technology; its February 2024 announcement identifies the ST’s specially tuned 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 and rates it at 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. Ford’s 2025 Explorer announcement
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In the U.S., rear-wheel drive is standard on the ST and four-wheel drive is available. Ford’s technical specifications also list 21-inch Magnetite-painted aluminum wheels, P275/45R21 all-season tires, and performance brakes as standard on both ST and ST-Line. Those are equipment details, not evidence of a particular stopping distance, lap time, or track capability. Ford’s 2025 Explorer technical specifications
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Does it actually feel fun to drive?
Ford’s power rating gives the ST a credible performance identity, but it cannot tell you exactly how the SUV accelerates, brakes, or corners on the road. The sources cited here do not establish an ST-specific 0–60 mph time, instrumented braking distance, or firsthand driving evaluation, so those should not be inferred from horsepower alone.
#1 Best Overall
- Custom Fit: HOUCLEMIC floor mats are designed according to the original car, perfectly for Ford Explorer 2027 2026 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 Active/ ST-Line/ ST/ Platinum 6 Passenger version. Your package includes floor mats and a cargo liner with backrest mat for the entire cargo area, ensuring comprehensive protection for Ford Explorer stereo
- Premium Material: Crafted from high-quality TPE material, HOUCLEMIC all-weather car floor mats for 2020-2027 Ford Explorer provide exceptional durability. Waterproof, anti-slip, and anti-scratch features ensure long-lasting protection for your vehicle's interior, while easy cleaning maintenance guarantees lasting quality
- Upgraded Design: Our mat kept the hook and look design but added custom buckle and lanyard for more steadiness. Whether you're driving on rough roads or smooth highways, this design keeps the mat securely in place, offering extra safety and convenience
- All Weather Protection: Engineered for all seasons, these floor mats and cargo liners for 2020-2027 Ford Explorer are capable of handling everything from rain and snow to mud and spills, It does not emit unpleasant odors in hot weather, ensuring that everyone can use it with confidence
- Simple Installation: The backrest mat has a hook and look design, easy to remove and clean, and will not damage the original car. The clip and lanyard can also better fix the backrest mat. You can also refer to our installation video
For broader Explorer-versus-Pilot context, Edmunds described the Explorer as sportier and more tech-forward, with quick turn-in and stable cornering, while judging the Honda Pilot less exciting to drive. That is Edmunds’ comparative assessment of the Explorer, not an instrumented ST-only test. Edmunds’ Explorer-versus-Pilot comparison, carried by AP
How practical is it for family use?
Three rows and cargo space
The Explorer’s third row folds to make room for cargo, but it is not equally useful for every passenger. In its comparison, Edmunds says the third rows in both the Explorer and Pilot are best suited for children, and describes the Pilot’s seat cushioning more favorably. Treat that as a comparative assessment rather than a measurement of every passenger’s comfort.
Rank #2
- Fitment: Our tunk mat with backrest mats is suitable for 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 Ford Explore Active/ ST-Line/ ST/ Platinum 6&7 Passenger. The mat can cover every corner of the trunk well, preventing dust from dirtying your Explorer.
- Function: The connected cargo mat and back seat cover porvides seamless protection for your Explorer's pristine interior seats and cargo area, shielding against scratches, scuffs, and unexpected spills. Helps to maintain cleanliness inside the car. No longer worry about pet hair and dirt. Since the seat back protectors are segmented, you can fold down.
- Material: Cargo Liner and back seat protector are made of high-quality TPE material, flexible, waterproof and scratch-resistant. It is non-toxic and odorless. Let you and your family stay healthy inside the car. If the trunk mat becomes dirty after prolonged use, it can be directly taken out for cleaning. Make your mat new again.
- Installation:There are velcro on the back of cargo liner, which can be pasted on the seat back. It is directly installed on the car, no other tools are required, it is quick and convenient. The backrest mat has reserved holes for baby seats, allowing customers to cut according to your own needs.
- After-sales Service: If the product is damaged during shipping or normal use within 30 days, we will arrange a new one for free. Friendly tips: If you receive the mat with creases, you can let it exposure to the sun to restore its flatness.
Cargo figures depend on which seats are folded. Ford advertises 85.8 cubic feet behind the first row when both the second and third rows are folded. Edmunds reports 46 cubic feet behind the second row in its 2025 comparison. These figures describe different seat configurations and come from different sources; they are not interchangeable. Ford’s 2025 Explorer model page
Ride comfort
Edmunds says the Explorer transmits more road imperfections to occupants than the Pilot, which it describes as riding more smoothly over bumps. That comparison suggests a comfort trade-off for shoppers who value sportier road manners, but it is not a controlled ride test of the ST specifically.
Rank #3
- ★ Silicone Material: Made of high-quality silicone, it has excellent flexibility and durability, and can withstand long-term vibration and pressure during vehicle operation, without being easily deformed or damaged.
- ★ Excellent anti slip performance: The silicone surface has good anti slip characteristics, and the detailed structure includes tight fitting and anti slip design, which can effectively prevent the cup from sliding or tilting during driving, ensuring driving safety.
- ★ Car logo design: Carefully printed car brand logo with clear patterns, bright colors, and realistic, perfectly matching the vehicle brand image, showcasing personality and quality.
- ★ Easy to disassemble: With embedded installation, simply insert the coaster into the cup holder for easy installation. Its waterproof performance is excellent, and liquids are not easy to penetrate. After being stained, it can be easily wiped to restore cleanliness and keep the interior of the car clean.
- ★ Wide compatibility: This car cup coaster has a diameter of 2.75 inches, making it an ideal choice for many car owners due to its excellent compatibility. It is carefully designed to fit the cup holder size of most mainstream cars on the market. Please check the size of the cup holder before purchasing to ensure a perfect fit
Cabin technology
Ford’s 2025 order guide lists the Ford Digital Experience with a 13.2-inch center touchscreen, Alexa built in, Google Assistant, Google Maps and Google Play, plus wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also lists BlueCruise with a 90-day trial on ST, ST-Line, and Platinum; plan options vary by trim and ordering details. Confirm the equipment and any ongoing subscription or plan terms on the specific vehicle before purchase. Ford’s 2025 Explorer order guide
How much can a 2025 Explorer ST tow?
Ford lists a maximum loaded trailer weight of up to 5,000 lb for the 3.0-liter configuration, but that is not a universal limit for every ST in every loading condition. The owner’s manual specifies that the 5,000-lb maximum requires the trailer tow package and lists a maximum trailer frontal area of 40 square feet for the configuration. Ford says the ratings use the SAE J2807 method and warns that exceeding the limitation could reduce vehicle performance. Check the manual, equipment, vehicle loading, and all applicable towing limits for the exact vehicle and trailer. Ford’s technical specifications and 2025 Explorer owner’s manual
Rank #4
- 【13.2Inch Matte Tempered Glass】for 2025 2026 2027 Explorer (Active 100A/Active/ST-Line/Tremor/ST/Platinum), for Ford Explorer 13.2-inch Center Display, 2025 2026 2027 Explorer Accessories
- 【9H hardness】Coleya's 2025 2026 2027 Explorer ST matte tempered glass can resist external force impact and strongly protect your car display. Scratch-resistance, makes your screen still as new for years. Adhesion technology, effectively prevent the screen protector from bursting and splashing
- 【HD&Sensitivity】0.28mm thick 2027 2026 2025 Explorer ST-Line Tempered Glass (Matte), made of thermal nanotechnology, more sensitive to touch. 98% optical grade high light transmittance, enhances screen visibility, and give you the high -definition experience of the original car screen
- 【Anti Glare&Fingerprint】2027 2026 Explorer Platinum screen protector with a matte finish, anti-glare, reducing the brightness of strong light. It make sure you are not affected by glare under the outdoor or strong light, and drive easily. The matte surface, greatly to resistant dirt, oil, sweat and annoying fingerprints
- 【Bubble-free Installation】It is very simple to install 2025 2026 2027 Explorer matte protector according to the instructions. Don't worry about air bubbles and enjoy your Explorer 13.2Inch matte screen protector of silk-like touch feeling. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us, we will be happy to help you!
What should you check before choosing one?
- ST versus ST-Line: Confirm the trim on the window sticker; the ST is the performance trim, while ST-Line is a separate model.
- Drivetrain and options: Verify whether the specific U.S. build has standard rear-wheel drive or optional four-wheel drive, and check the installed equipment.
- Towing equipment: Confirm the trailer tow package and compare the actual vehicle and trailer loads with the manual’s limits.
- BlueCruise terms: Check whether the vehicle has the listed trial and what paid plan or renewal terms apply.
- Cargo accessories: Ford’s order guide lists an optional dealer-installed Cargo Area Management System that includes a cargo mat. For any separate mat listing, verify model year, trim, row configuration, and fitment notes; compatibility is not established by the accessory mention alone.
- Current cost: Get a current build-and-price result or dealer quote for the exact ST. The comparison’s 2025 article-time pricing is not a current quote or an ST-specific price.
The reviewed sources do not establish real-world fuel-economy test results or long-term reliability statistics for this exact model-year and trim. Consult current primary sources for any specific ratings or evidence you need.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Precise size: Customized design for 2026 2027 Ford Explorer. Will not affect the opening or closing of console lid.
- Multi-Zone Storage Solution: 4 divided compartments for classified storage of gum, keys, coins, charging cables, and small items. Keeps your center console organized and clutter-free. There is still a lot of space at the bottom for other things.
- Durable & Premium Material: Made of high-quality ABS plastic, which is not easy to deform. The rubbers mats are custom cut to fit each of the spaces and prevent stuff from sliding around.
- Tool-Free Installation：No drilling or modifications needed. Simply place it into the center console—installation takes less than 3 seconds. Easy to remove for cleaning.
- Enhance Driving Convenience: Quick access to items without rummaging, reduces distractions while driving. A practical interior accessory to upgrade your Ford Explorer!
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