What is the difference between the 2024 and 2025 Ford Explorer?
The Ford Explorer is a popular midsize SUV that has undergone several updates and changes over the years. While the 2024 and 2025 models share many similarities, there are some notable differences between the two model years.
Exterior Design
The 2024 Ford Explorer features a more traditional SUV design, with a boxy and rugged appearance. In contrast, the 2025 model has a more streamlined and modern look, with a more aerodynamic body shape and updated front and rear fascias. The 2025 Explorer also features new wheel designs and a revised grille, giving it a more premium and sophisticated appearance.
Interior Updates
The interior of the 2025 Ford Explorer has received several updates compared to the 2024 model. The 2025 Explorer features a larger and more advanced infotainment system, with a standard 12-inch touchscreen display and the latest version of Ford's SYNC software. Additionally, the 2025 model offers more premium materials and updated interior trim pieces, giving the cabin a more upscale feel.
Powertrain Options
The 2024 and 2025 Ford Explorer offer a similar range of powertrain options, including a turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, and a hybrid powertrain. However, the 2025 model year introduces a new high-performance variant, the Explorer ST, which features a more powerful 3.0-liter V6 engine and a sportier suspension setup.
Technology and Safety Features
Both the 2024 and 2025 Ford Explorer come equipped with a range of advanced technology and safety features, including:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane-keeping assist
- Automatic emergency braking
- Blind-spot monitoring
The 2025 model, however, adds several new features, such as a 360-degree camera system, a wireless charging pad, and an enhanced version of Ford's Co-Pilot360 driver assistance suite.
In summary, while the 2024 and 2025 Ford Explorer share many similarities, the 2025 model year introduces several notable updates and improvements, including a more modern exterior design, a more premium interior, a new high-performance variant, and enhanced technology and safety features.
Is the 2026 Ford Explorer changing?
Yes, the 2026 Ford Explorer is changing with the addition of the new Tremor off-road trim level and technology updates, but it is not receiving a full redesign and retains the core features from the 2025 model year. The Tremor model includes off-road enhancements like a lifted suspension, all-terrain tires, and underbody skid plates. All 2026 models will also feature an updated infotainment system and the new BlueCruise 1.5 driver-assistance technology.
You can watch this video to see a detailed walk-around of the 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor: 59sCar ConfectionsYouTube · Jun 24, 2025
Key changes for the 2026 Ford Explorer
- New Tremor trim: The most significant change is the addition of the Tremor model, which is built for off-road capability and features a lifted suspension, all-terrain tires, underbody skid plates, and a Torsen limited-slip rear axle.
- Technology updates: All 2026 models will have a 13.2-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. They also receive the new BlueCruise 1.5 hands-free highway driving system.
- Exterior updates: While the overall design remains the same as the 2025 refresh, some trims will feature new grille and wheel designs. The Tremor trim has a unique grille with an orange accent, a matte finish, and other specific off-road styling elements.
- Powertrain: The engine lineup remains the same: a 300-horsepower turbocharged 2.3L four-cylinder or a 400-horsepower twin-turbo 3.0L V6 on certain trims.
- Interior: The interior design is largely carried over, but the new Tremor trim has specific seats with suede inserts, orange stitching, and other unique styling cues.
This video provides an overview of the 2026 Ford Explorer and its new features: 1mCar ConfectionsYouTube · Oct 25, 2025
Will the Ford Explorer be redesigned in 2025?
The 2025 Ford Explorer SUV is redesigned, so it's a departure from the outgoing 2024 model of this popular midsize three-row SUV. The 2025 Explorer gets a restyled exterior and interior, including a larger front grille, new LED headlights, a new infotainment system, softer touchpoints in the cabin, and more.
Which 2025 Ford Explorer has massage seats?
2025 Ford Explorer Platinum
2025 Ford Explorer Platinum
Get into a new Explorer Platinum edition if you're after the added comfort that comes from its multi-contour seats with Active Motion Massage for the driver and front passenger.
What year to stay away from Ford Explorer?
You should generally stay away from 2002–2006 Ford Explorers due to widespread transmission failures and other issues like engine and suspension problems. Other years with significant problems include 2016, with a large recall involving faulty fuel tanks and suspension components, and 2020, which had many recalls and customer complaints.
2002–2006 models
- These models are widely considered the least reliable, with a major reputation for transmission failures that can be very expensive to fix.
- Owners also reported engine problems (like timing chain and head gasket issues), suspension wear, and electrical malfunctions.
Other years to approach with caution
- 2016: This year had a recall involving faulty suspension components and a fuel tank.
- 2020: This model year had a high number of recalls and complaints, including issues with the transmission, power loss, and a potential rollaway defect.
- 2008: This model year is also listed by some sources as a year to avoid due to low owner satisfaction scores and recalls.
