The new 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum AWD arrives with a confidence that says, “I’ve grown into my own.” For families, daily commuters, and SUV aficionados, this model feels less like a mild facelift and more like a meaningful transformation. What stands out is not just the added luxury, but a blend of performance, tech, and comfort that seems to align with where today’s buyers are headed.
Ride quality has always been a highlight of the Explorer, and the Platinum maintains that legacy. Improved suspension and chassis refinements bring sharper handling akin to what you’d expect from luxury crossovers—and yet it never forgets its roots as a family hauler . During a weekend out-of-state drive, a friend’s mom who had tested the V6 version described the SUV as “effortlessly composed,” gliding through winding country roads and shrinking the miles between coffee stops.
Under the hood, Ford offers buyers a choice: the standard 2.3L EcoBoost turbo-four or the optional 3.0L twin-turbo V6, which is standard in the Platinum. That V6 produces around 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque—competitive with premium offerings such as the Kia Telluride and Honda Pilot lineup . Drivers report lively acceleration, with Highway mph sprints coming in under 6 seconds, making highway merging feel sporty and confident .
One afternoon, my college-age nephew borrowed the keys to run errands. He later confessed, “It’s weird—this SUV makes me feel like I’m driving a performance sedan.” That’s the dichotomy Ford seems to have captured: it’s big, but it handles with poise; it’s powerful, yet smooth. In the world of SUVs, those are qualities that sell.
Fuel efficiency in a large AWD SUV isn’t typically top of mind for buyers. Yet the Explorer turns heads by delivering mid-20s mpg in mixed driving—even with AWD and V6 under the hood . ConsumerGuide recorded over 22 mpg during a city-heavy loop, reflecting real-world gains, not just marketing pitches . That means fewer stops at the pump and longer road trips between fill-ups—a detail appreciated by a suburban family that drove the SUV cross-country this summer and said they saved $50 just in fuel compared to their previous V8 SUV.
Ford hasn’t held back on tech. Every Explorer now features a sprawling 13.2-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. The screens wrap around the driver, creating a cockpit-like effect more common in premium luxury SUVs . Google built into the infotainment lets drivers use familiar voice commands for navigation, music, and smart-home integration while Apple CarPlay and Android Auto work wirelessly .
I tested BlueCruise, Ford’s hands-free highway driver assist, during a long Interstate stretch. It maintained lane centering and kept pace with traffic, letting me relax my grip for a moment. It wasn’t flawless, but it was a glimpse of automated driving becoming real—and useful. My spouse, riding shotgun, admitted she nearly fell asleep, not out of boredom but because the experience was that calm .
Stepping into the cabin reveals another leap forward. Premium leather, diamond-stitched seats, and tasteful wood and metal trim feel more Lincoln than Ford—a key appeal in the luxury crossover segment. The tone is warm yet modern. During a carpool drop-off, a fellow parent complimented the interior, mistaking it for a more costly vehicle. Those moments show how much of a value proposition Ford has built into the Platinum package.
Practical touches mesh with luxury in unexpected ways. Second-row captain’s chairs slide and power-recline, while their backs include buttons to power-fold the third row—perfect for shifting from soccer gear to weekend luggage . The third row suits kids or short trips, but for longer runs, most families will use it occasionally. Cargo space behind seats is ample, and folding seats expands it greatly—ideal for home moves or beach gear.
Safety is a major focus. Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ is standard at this trim level, offering adaptive cruise, lane-keep assist, blind spot monitoring, and evasive steering . Heated seats and steering wheel make winter mornings cozier, while ambient lighting sets a subtle evening mood. Ice scraper bundled in the glove box proves Ford thought of small but welcome touches.
On snow-packed suburban streets, the AWD system impressed me. Engaging slippery mode and letting torque vectoring take over felt like winter-focused driving schools condensed into a few button presses . A neighbor commented she felt more secure driving home after a blizzard in this ride—another testament to balanced design.
Still, the upgrade to Platinum isn’t a bargain. With AWD, V6, and Ultimate package, prices reach close to $60,000 US MSRP . Buyers weighing this against rivals face a decision: is Ford’s blend of power, technology, and cabin flair worth the incremental cost? In my tests, the answer leaned positive—especially considering lower fuel costs and strong AWD performance.
Comparisons to segment rivals are inevitable. Edmunds recently threw Explorer and Honda Pilot against each other. The Pilot edged out slightly on cargo space and daily comfort, but Explorer took the lead with sportier driving, stronger acceleration, larger screens, and BlueCruise . That mirrors discussions I’ve had with friends: do they prefer the smooth comfort of the Pilot, or the dynamic engagement of the Explorer?
Reliability is always top-of-mind for families. Platinum’s materials and build quality seem solid, though some buyers have reported minor issues like wind noise or console glitches . Larger recalls haven’t emerged yet, which is promising. Ford’s warranty—3 years/36,000 miles bumper-to-bumper and 5 years/60,000 miles for powertrain—matches class standards.
Practicality remains a hallmark. This SUV tows up to 5,000 pounds, making it suitable for trailers or light campers . For a weekend getaway, a curb weight under 4,400 lbs helps performance and handling—something my family appreciated on winding mountain roads.
Some critics argue this is “too much Ford,” with cabin details too bold or grille too aggressive . To that I say: bold choices make standouts in a crowded segment. Looks are subjective, but when the goal is a premium feel without luxury airbags, Ford delivered.
Living with a vehicle isn’t just about test drives. Over three weeks of school runs, grocery trips, and park visits, the Explorer proved comfortable, tech-rich, and capable. Daily conveniences like wireless charging, large door bins, and underfloor storage added ease. A cool anecdote: after my daughter’s soccer game she climbed aboard, sank into heated seats, and said, “I wish all cars felt like this.” For a moment, I realized that’s a win for family life.
So, is the 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum AWD the most improved Explorer yet? It’s a strong candidate. With improved styling, luxury cabin, engaging drive dynamics, fuel efficiency in line with expectations, and smart tech including hands-free driving, it raises the bar significantly. It doesn’t eclipse every rival in every category, but it brings a cohesive, well-rounded package that addresses what families really want today—comfort, capability, and connection—both digital and emotional. In the ever-evolving SUV landscape, that’s a notable achievement.