Who remembers 1990? It was a good one. It was the year that Nelson Mandela was freed, East and West Germany reunited, and the year Ford introduced the Explorer for the 1991 model year. For me, it coincided with my first year of college. I remember seeing more and more of these maroon and black SUVs rolling around Boston. I was in my Saab 900T, likely blasting ‘Step On’ by Happy Mondays, blissfully unaware that I was witnessing an automotive revolution. Because for the next 35 years, we would all trade in our compact cars, sedans, and hatchbacks for these SUV-looking things. The Ford Explorer was the SUV catalyst.
Along the way, most automakers got in on the SUV game, including brands no one had on their SUV bingo card (I’m looking at you, Lambo). Meanwhile, the Explorer continued to evolve, but as Ford released so many other (let’s face it, far sexier) vehicles–The ReIntroduction of The Bronco, The Badass Yet Controversial Mach-e, and oh so many Mustang trims– the newness of the Explorer was lost on many of us. (raises hand-guilty as charged) So, I took a fresh look at this American classic, and I found so much to get excited about– with just a few caveats.
My Explorer Test Track
My test car was the 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum Reserve. It was delivered to me in New York City, where my goal was to move my daughter into her first apartment. We were also staying with friends in CT, and given that it was late January, the weather was (e–hmm) challenging for this California driver.
Driving The Explorer
As I explain in my YouTube video (which you should watch), I was thoroughly impressed with the drive.
Honestly, I didn’t think I would be this impressed with this vehicle. I originally wanted a fun performance car to whip around my childhood stomping grounds. But then reality set in. It came in the form of a snowstorm, my daughter’s demanding schedule (as a model), and me trying to hold it together while moving my baby across the country.
When that precipitation arrived, and I had to boogie into the city with a daughter who was a ball of nerves, I was so happy to be behind the wheel of such a stable, steady, solid vehicle. The sensors were great, the steering was good, the acceleration was all I needed, and the overall handling surpassed what I expected from this $50k SUV.
Parking The Ford Explorer
Despite being behind a full-sized SUV, I didn’t find that the Explorer felt big behind the wheel. I found the parking seamless, even when I had to parallel park in Manhattan (the automotive equivalent of plucking your eyebrows on a rollercoaster). The backup cameras were solid:
I was delighted to have the bird’s-eye camera and found it excellent. Parking was a bit simpler than in the Kia Telluride or the Hyundai Palisade, but I do prefer the visibility in the Telluride of the three.
How’d My Passengers Do?
Honestly, we were so stressed during this trip because it also came on the heels of the LA fires, where virtually everyone we knew was suffering back home. Add to that winter weather, Freya’s wild schedule, and the pending separation anxiety, it was terrifying. The last thing we needed was a car where we would worry.
Freya consistently reported a “chill ” state in the front passenger seat. If you have a teenager, you know this is the pinnacle of the ever-changing emotional reportcard. Even when we had to run (literally) into the mall 10 minutes before closing so that Freya had the right clothes for a casting the next day:
How About That Cargo Room?
One of the most admirable things about the Ford Explorer is how little it has changed its body style over the years. As other vehicles caved to the less boxy, more coupe-y style or, even worse, came out with a whole other coupe trim (eye roll), Ford held to the old adage “Don’t Fix What’s Not Broken” and kept its body style virtually unchanged.
This is great if you’re looking for maximum cargo room. With the two rows folded down, I found the 84″ of cargo length remarkably generous.
The Third Row!
This is an area that was unimpressible but not abysmal. The problem for Ford here is that many of its competitors (Kia Telluride, VW Atlas) have made some very impressive third rows in the past few years. This one will do in a pinch, but if you’ve got more than five kids or do a regular carpool, they’re more than likely going to argue about who has to sit in “the way back.” (see video for more coverage)
Ford Explorer’s Best Attributes
Here are the top things I loved:
- Bluecruise: My God, it was great. It would pop up on my screen when it was available (Bluecruise only works on pre-qualified highways), and then I’d press one button and BAM! I had hands-free driving. It was solid. Compared to my Tesla’s self-driving feature, it was less aggressive and just as reliable.
- The suspension and interface. Everything about this vehicle was smooth and easy. If it had a soundtrack, it’d be chill country–think Zach Bryan’s ‘Pink Skies’ or for a throwback, John Denver. It’s impossible to be stressed in this car.
- How it handled snow, ice, and bad weather. This vehicle feels tremendously solid. As a IIHS Top Safety pick, it has the data to back it up.
- Flawless Apple CarPlay integration
What I’d Change About 2025 The Ford Explorer
As comfy and enjoyable as it was, the Explorer does feel a tad dated in terms of its finishes and touchpoints. Its competitors, namely Kia, Hyundai, and VW (Toyota and Chevy, not so much), have put significant time and resources into making affordable SUVs feel more luxurious. While the ride was smooth, an excellent indicator of luxury, I’d love to see more refinement in the interior. At the same time, that’s never really been Ford’s game, but I’m an interior snob, so take your pick.
Unlike many of its competitors, Ford also doesn’t offer complimentary scheduled maintenance. I’d love to see them add that.
What’ll It Cost Me?
The base price for the 2025 Ford Explorer is $38,855, which is tremendous. However, the vehicle I tested was the Platinum, whose MSRP is $52,500. Once you add up the good stuff (4WD, audio, wheels, leather), you will get to the edge of sixty grand before you know it. Yes, that’s a lot of money. But this starting MSRP is perfectly in line with its competitors.