2025 Ford Explorer XLT Interior: A Perfect Blend of Comfort and Practicality

If you're in the market for a family SUV that combines comfort, style, and convenience, the 2025 Ford Explorer XLT is an excellent option. The interior of this SUV doesn't just look good—it performs well in terms of space, features, and overall usability. We'll take a closer look at the Explorer XLT's interior, covering everything from seating and infotainment to design elements and potential drawbacks. But don't worry, even the few drawbacks are nothing deal-breaking.

Spacious Seating and Comfort

The 2025 Ford Explorer XLT is designed with families in mind, and nowhere is this more evident than in the seating. This midsize SUV offers three rows of seats, providing room for up to seven passengers.

Front Row Comfort

The front seats are comfortable and well-padded, with power-adjustable seats for both the driver and front passenger. If you're the type who enjoys taking long road trips, you'll appreciate the support these seats offer. Additionally, the seats are heated, which is a lifesaver during colder months. One thing that stands out is the leather-wrapped steering wheel, which adds a touch of luxury to an otherwise practical interior.

However, some drivers might find that the seats don't offer enough lateral support during tight turns. While the padding is comfortable, more aggressive drivers may wish for a bit more bolstering to keep them snug in place.

Potential Drawback: Seat Support

While the padding is generous, if you're someone who enjoys a spirited drive on winding roads, the lateral support could be improved. You might find yourself sliding a little during sharp corners—not a dealbreaker but something to note if you're an aggressive driver.

Middle Row Convenience

In the second row, you'll find captain's chairs or a bench seat option. The captain's chairs are a nice touch, as they provide additional comfort for your passengers, plus there's a pass-through to the third row. The bench seat, on the other hand, gives you more seating capacity, which is a better option for larger families.

What makes the middle row even more appealing is the available heated seats. Even though it’s usually a feature reserved for more premium trims, Ford has generously included it in the Explorer XLT’s package.

Potential Drawback: Limited Legroom in the Middle

For taller passengers, the legroom in the middle row might feel a bit cramped compared to the front. It's fine for short trips but could become an issue on longer journeys.

Third Row: Suitable for Kids

While the third row is a welcome feature, it's better suited for kids or smaller adults. The legroom here is limited, and adults will likely find it uncomfortable for anything longer than a short drive across town. That being said, the power-folding third-row seats make it easy to increase cargo space when not in use.

Potential Drawback: Tight Space for Adults

If you’re planning on regularly using the third row for adult passengers, it’s not ideal. The legroom is tight, and the seats are positioned low to the floor, making it uncomfortable for taller individuals. But for kids, it's perfectly fine.

Interior Materials and Build Quality

Stylish Yet Practical Design

Ford has done a great job with the overall design of the 2025 Explorer XLT. Soft-touch materials are abundant throughout the cabin, giving it a premium feel without being overly luxurious. You'll find a mix of high-quality plastic, soft cloth, and leatherette upholstery, which strikes a good balance between durability and comfort.

Potential Drawback: Plastic Materials in Lower Trims

One downside, though, is that some of the plastic materials used in the lower parts of the cabin feel a bit cheap. You might notice this around the center console or door panels. While it's not uncommon for this class, it’s something that stands out in an otherwise well-thought-out interior.

Ambient Lighting

Ambient lighting is included, which enhances the Explorer XLT's interior atmosphere, especially during nighttime driving. It may not be a deal-sealer, but it adds a certain charm to the cabin, making it feel more upscale than some of its competitors.

Infotainment System: Simple Yet Effective

One of the standout features of the 2025 Ford Explorer XLT is its infotainment system. At the heart of the dashboard is an 8-inch touchscreen display, which serves as the command center for most functions in the SUV.

Sync 4 System

Ford's Sync 4 system is intuitive and user-friendly, providing access to a wide range of features, from navigation to smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. If you're the type who needs to stay connected on the go, the Sync 4 system will keep you satisfied. The system is fast and responsive, with clear menus and minimal lag.

Potential Drawback: Screen Size

That said, some drivers might feel that the 8-inch display is a bit small, especially compared to the larger screens found in competitors like the Kia Telluride or the Chevrolet Traverse. While the screen works well, upgrading to a larger display could make the experience even better.

Audio System

The standard audio system offers clear sound quality, but if you’re a true audiophile, you might want to consider upgrading to the B&O Sound System, which offers premium sound. The upgraded system brings out the richness of your music, making those road trips more enjoyable.

Voice Commands: Could Be Better

While the voice command functionality is useful, it sometimes struggles with recognizing more complex commands. Simple tasks like adjusting the radio or making a phone call work fine, but more detailed instructions can cause the system to falter.

Cargo Space and Storage Options

Excellent Cargo Room

The Ford Explorer XLT offers ample cargo space, making it a great choice for families or those who need to haul a lot of gear. With all seats in place, you get 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row. When you fold the third row down, that expands to 47.9 cubic feet, and with both the second and third rows folded, you get a cavernous 87.8 cubic feet.

• Behind Third Row: 18.2 cubic feet
• With Third Row Folded: 47.9 cubic feet
• With All Seats Folded: 87.8 cubic feet

Whether you’re going on a family vacation or just doing a big grocery run, the Explorer XLT has more than enough space for your needs.

Small Storage Solutions

Beyond the main cargo area, the Explorer XLT also has plenty of small storage spaces for everyday items. You’ll find a good number of cupholders, a large center console, and decent-sized door pockets. There's also an available under-floor storage area in the cargo space, which is great for hiding valuable items.

Potential Drawback: Cargo Floor Height

One minor issue is the height of the cargo floor. Some users have noted that it's a bit high, making it slightly more difficult to load heavier items. But unless you're frequently loading and unloading bulky equipment, it’s a small inconvenience.

Advanced Safety and Driver Assistance Features

Ford Co-Pilot360

The Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features comes standard with the 2025 Explorer XLT. It includes essential safety systems like:

• Automatic Emergency Braking
• Blind-Spot Monitoring
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
• Lane-Keeping Assist
• Adaptive Cruise Control

These features go a long way in helping you feel safe on the road, especially if you're driving in heavy traffic or taking long trips. The lane-keeping system is particularly impressive, as it gently steers the car back into its lane if you start to drift.

Potential Drawback: Over-Sensitivity

However, some drivers might find the lane-keeping assist to be a bit too sensitive. It can sometimes intervene even when you’re not drifting, which can be annoying. Thankfully, you can adjust the sensitivity or turn it off if it becomes bothersome.

Interior Climate Control and Cabin Quietness

The tri-zone automatic climate control in the Explorer XLT ensures that everyone stays comfortable, no matter where they are seated. Whether you're sitting in the front row or all the way in the back, you'll have access to your own climate controls.

Additionally, Ford has done a commendable job with sound insulation. The cabin remains quiet even at highway speeds, allowing for a more relaxing driving experience.

Alex Collantes’ Thoughts

Alex Collantes, a long-time automotive enthusiast and parent of three, shares, "The Ford Explorer XLT is just the perfect balance for a family SUV. I love how the seats are comfortable enough for long trips. The only downside is the lack of support for taller passengers in the third row, but honestly, my kids love sitting back there!"

Summary of the 2025 Ford Explorer XLT Interior

• Pros: Spacious interior, user-friendly infotainment system, advanced safety features, ample cargo space.
• Cons: Limited legroom in the third row, small infotainment screen, and some cheap-feeling materials.

Overall, the 2025 Ford Explorer XLT offers a comfortable and well-equipped interior that should satisfy most families' needs. While there are a few minor drawbacks—such as the tight third row and plastic materials in certain areas—these are relatively small issues compared to the many positives this SUV has to offer. For families or anyone looking for a spacious, tech-savvy vehicle, the Explorer XLT is definitely worth considering.