The All-New 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum: A Premium Adventure Awaits
The 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum takes luxury SUVs to new heights. Ford continues to push the limits of performance, technology, and comfort with its flagship Explorer Platinum model. This SUV stands out as one of the top choices in its class for drivers who want a blend of rugged performance and upscale features. In this review, we’ll dive deep into everything you need to know about the 2025 Explorer Platinum – the good, the bad, and the standout features that make it a strong contender in the crowded SUV market.
A First Look at the 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum
When you first lay eyes on the 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum, it’s clear that Ford’s designers aimed to make a statement. This SUV is sleek and bold, but it’s also refined in all the right ways. With its newly redesigned front grille and stylish LED lighting, the Platinum trim has a striking presence on the road.
Exterior Design and Styling
The exterior design of the 2025 Explorer Platinum has received some notable updates. The front fascia features a bold new grille with chrome accents exclusive to the Platinum trim. The new headlight design gives the Explorer a more modern look and also provides better visibility on the road. The 21-inch machined aluminum wheels add a touch of elegance, while also improving handling and ride comfort.
However, the large size of the Explorer can sometimes make it feel cumbersome in tight spaces, like narrow parking spots or congested urban streets. While its sheer size is great for road presence and interior space, it might not be ideal for drivers who prioritize maneuverability.
Available Exterior Colors
- Agate Black
- Iconic Silver
- Star White Metallic
- Rapid Red
For those who want to personalize their ride, Ford offers an array of colors that match the SUV’s premium positioning. The Star White Metallic option, in particular, has been a hit with drivers looking for a sleek, clean aesthetic.
A Luxury Cabin for the Whole Family
One of the biggest draws of the 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum is its upscale interior. This model is designed to provide comfort and convenience for both drivers and passengers, and Ford has certainly delivered in that regard.
Premium Materials and Seating
The Explorer Platinum features leather-trimmed seats with multi-contour functions and heating and cooling options. The front seats are also massaging, adding an extra layer of luxury for long drives. The third-row seats are spacious enough for adults, which is a huge plus for families or those who often have extra passengers. However, like many three-row SUVs, the third row can feel a bit cramped on longer trips.
Interior Features at a Glance:
- 10-way power-adjustable front seats
- Heated and ventilated seats in the first and second rows
- Massaging function for the driver and front passenger
- Premium leather upholstery with contrast stitching
As Alex Collantes, a proud owner of the 2025 Explorer Platinum, puts it, "The leather seats feel like sitting on clouds. My wife loves the massage function on road trips. It’s just the little details that make the Platinum worth the extra cost."
Technology and Infotainment
Ford has made sure the 2025 Explorer Platinum doesn’t fall short in terms of technology. At the center of the dashboard is a 10.1-inch vertical touchscreen that runs Ford’s SYNC 4 infotainment system. The system is intuitive and features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, as well as a high-quality B&O Sound System with 12 speakers.
While the interface is smooth, some users have mentioned that the system can be a bit laggy at times, especially when multiple functions are running simultaneously. This may be a small drawback for those who expect instantaneous responses from their infotainment system.
Key Technology Features:
- SYNC 4 with Voice-Activated Navigation
- Wireless charging pad
- Digital instrument cluster
- Wi-Fi hotspot (supports up to 10 devices)
For families, Ford has also included rear-seat entertainment options, allowing kids to watch movies or play games during long trips. However, the rear-seat controls can be somewhat unintuitive, leading to occasional frustration when setting up devices.
Performance: Power Meets Efficiency
The 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum doesn’t just excel in looks and comfort; it also delivers under the hood. This SUV is powered by a 3.0L EcoBoost V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. With 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, this engine provides plenty of power for both daily commutes and weekend adventures. The Explorer Platinum can also tow up to 5,600 pounds, which is impressive for its class.
Driving Experience
When it comes to driving dynamics, the Explorer Platinum offers a smooth, composed ride. The suspension system soaks up bumps with ease, making it comfortable for long road trips. However, given its size, it can feel a bit bulky when navigating city streets or parking in tight spots. It’s not the most agile SUV in its class, but it makes up for that with its powerful engine and refined ride quality.
Fuel Efficiency
- City: 18 MPG
- Highway: 24 MPG
- Combined: 20 MPG
For a vehicle of its size, the Explorer Platinum delivers respectable fuel economy. However, if you’re looking for a more fuel-efficient option, the hybrid variant might be worth considering, though it lacks some of the power of the V6 engine.
Advanced Safety Features
Ford has outfitted the 2025 Explorer Platinum with a full suite of advanced safety features. Ford’s Co-Pilot360 system comes standard, offering a wide range of driver-assistance technologies. The adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality is particularly useful for highway driving, as it can automatically adjust the vehicle’s speed based on traffic flow.
However, some users have reported that the lane-keeping assist system can be overly sensitive, leading to unnecessary corrections on winding roads. While it’s a helpful feature in most scenarios, it may take some getting used to for drivers unfamiliar with such systems.
Notable Safety Features:
- Pre-Collision Assist with automatic emergency braking
- Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross-Traffic Alert
- Rearview camera with 360-degree camera option
- Lane-Keeping System with Driver Alert
Despite these minor drawbacks, the Explorer Platinum’s overall safety package is comprehensive and user-friendly, giving drivers peace of mind behind the wheel.
Room for Everyone and Everything
The 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum shines when it comes to space and practicality. With three rows of seats and plenty of cargo room, this SUV is perfect for families, weekend warriors, and road trippers alike. When the third-row seats are folded down, the Explorer offers 87.8 cubic feet of cargo space, which is more than enough for most needs. However, with all three rows in use, the cargo area can feel a bit limited.
Flexible Storage Solutions
Ford has integrated several smart storage solutions throughout the interior. From the large center console to the numerous cupholders and door pockets, there’s a place for everything. The hands-free power liftgate makes it easy to load groceries or gear, even when your hands are full.
One downside is that the second-row seats can be a bit tricky to fold down, which can be frustrating when you need to expand the cargo area in a hurry.
Pricing and Trims
The 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum sits at the top of the Explorer lineup, with a starting price of around $58,000. While it’s more expensive than some competitors, the Platinum trim offers a level of luxury and technology that justifies the price tag for those looking for a premium experience.
Other Trim Options:
- Explorer Base – For those looking for an entry-level option with fewer features
- Explorer XLT – A mid-range choice with a good balance of features and price
- Explorer Limited – Offers more luxury features without the Platinum price tag
- Explorer ST – Focused on performance with a sportier feel
Though the Platinum trim is more expensive, drivers like Alex Collantes believe it’s worth every penny. "It’s a high-end SUV without the flashy badge. You’re paying for quality and comfort, not just a logo."
Final Thoughts on the 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum
In summary, the 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum offers a great blend of luxury, performance, and practicality. Its powerful engine, premium interior, and advanced safety features make it a standout choice for those in the market for a high-end SUV. While it has some minor drawbacks, such as its large size and occasional tech hiccups, these are small trade-offs compared to the overall experience it provides.
For families, adventurers, or anyone looking for a versatile SUV, the 2025 Explorer Platinum is a strong contender in its class.