2025 Ford Explorer vs 2024 Ford Explorer

• The 2025 model comes with some new tech features that make it hard to beat.
• With the lineup cut in half from 2024, the 2025 model comes with more features that are spread around.
• If you're wanting something that can tow, then a 2024 Limited is for you. This is thanks to the towing package that turns your daily driver into a workhorse, making it perfect for handymen, and soccer mom alike.

Yes, the Explorer will see some redesigns.

The redesigned features of the Explorer are with the grille, headlights, and lower air inlets. The rear of the vehicle comes with new taillights that help keep things fresh.

That isn't the only change for 2025, however. This year sees the trim levels reduced, now coming with only 4 options. If you opt for a trim that isn't the base trim, then you can add BlueCruise hands-free driving for the first time. The Ford Digital Experience also comes on the Explorer. This is the first of Ford's vehicles to come with it, and it makes it even easier to integrate your favorite apps, as well as having native streaming for when you're parked.

The 2025 Ford Explorer starts at $39,755

Now that the 2025 lineup has been significantly reduced, there's less options to pick from, but that means you'll get even more features. The trims and their prices are:

• Active starting at $39,755
• ST-Line starting at $44,615
• Platinum starting at $52,250
• ST starting at $54,260

For comparison, the 2024 Explorer came in these trims, and prices:

• Base starting at $38,355
• XLT starting at $40,165
• ST-Line starting at $48,495
• Limited starting at $49,015
• Timberline starting at $50,925
• ST starting at $51,600
• King Ranch starting at $56,665
• Platinum starting at $56,810

With so many options to pick from across both year models, it may be hard figuring out what you want. Car and Driver takes the time to fully review vehicles to give you the best recommendation possible, and for 2024, that was the Limited trim. This is because the “Limited model is the best Explorer for the money.” Also noting that it “can tow a sizable 5300 pounds when equipped with the towing package.”

Finishing up by stating that “the Limited trim's desirable standard features should suffice.” Because it comes with “a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, 20-inch wheels, a heated and power-adjustable steering wheel, leather upholstery, a power-folding third row, and upgraded driver assists such as adaptive cruise control.”

While the Limited trim doesn’t exist on a ‘25, Car and Driver thinks that the “ST-Line makes the most sense.” Because it “has the sporty cosmetic features of the ST and keeps the standard 300-hp turbo four-cylinder, but it's also nearly $11K less expensive.” It also “tows the same 5000 pounds as the V-6-equipped Explorers, and opens the door to the optional BlueCruise and black painted roof, which aren't available on the base Active.” Some of the standard features are 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, a flat-bottom ST steering wheel, heated second-row seats, and power folding mirrors.

When comparing the two years, the 2020 recommendation comes with some of the same features, but at an even lower price, making it hard to beat.