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For the past few years, the Ford Explorer has been struggling against rival SUVs. It was consistently ranked behind the Toyota Highlander, Kia Telluride, and Honda Pilot. But now the 2025 Ford Explorer has one significant upgrade to get back in the race. 

The 2025 Ford Explorer got a new interior 

The Ford Explorer failed to impress critics for years due to having cheap interior quality. The tech, layout, and cheap materials on premium trim levels felt like a rip-off, especially compared to rival SUVs.

Hard plastics and empty space on the touchscreen were disappointing, especially for the luxurious King Ranch and Platinum models. 

However, the 2025 Ford Explorer got a massive mid-cycle refresh that goes far beyond tweaked exterior features. It received the interior overhaul it desperately needed to compete. 

The 8.0-inch touchscreen with tons of black space and a blurry resolution was replaced by a vibrant 13.2-inch screen with more functionality. It uses the new Ford Digital Experience infotainment system. 

Along with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, you get Google Maps and Google Assistant. The hands-free BlueCruise highway driving system can be added for $75 a month, $800 a year, or $2,100 for three years. 

2025 ford Explorer interior and dash
2025 ford Explorer interior | Ford

Another exciting tech upgrade includes the 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and fabric-covered speakers. You get physical controls for the tech as well. 

Also, the interior is much more attractive than before thanks to ambient lighting, accent stitching to break up large sections of black or white upholstery, vinyl seats with premium fabric inserts, metallic trim pieces, quilted leather upholstery, and matte surfaces. 

There’s more storage space in the font, thanks to a smarter interior layout. There are cubbies and trays to take advantage of along with a deep center console. 

Plus, the 2025 Ford Explorer is practical and functional. The power-folding third-row seats have a button in the rear. The second and third rows fold flat for a level cargo floor. The tailgate hatch opens wide with a convenient liftover height for loading heavy or bulky items. 

However, the third-row seats are still a bit snug with a low sitting height. Other than that, the Explorer is greatly improved.

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Staff Writer

Allison Barfield

Allison Barfield joined MotorBiscuit in 2020 and covers all things trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps. Having grown up on a farm in Rock Hill, South Carolina, she’s no stranger to the “Best in Class” truck and SUV debates; people in her hometown were always gathering to help work on vehicles together, and deliberation would naturally arise.

Allison graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Media Arts. She has helped bring awareness to issues Women In Trucking face and has promoted Truckers Against Trafficking, an anti-trafficking NGO.

A fan of creatively dark literature, Allison appreciates the works of Shirley Jackson and Emily Dickenson. She lives in a mountainous area of the country and enjoys off-roading and camping. Her dog, Bruce, often joins her in testing trucks and SUVs for our site.