2025 Ford Explorer ST’s Starting Price Rises $5100 to $56,800

• The 2025 Ford Explorer benefits from a mid-cycle refresh that also sees the lineup trimmed from eight to four models.
• The new entry-level Active starts at $41,220, which is $2765 more than last year’s base model, but it boasts a host of better standard equipment.
• The ST-Line ($45,980) and Platinum ($53,120) are both cheaper than before, but the 400-hp ST’s staring price rises from $5100 to $56,800.

Ford didn’t just give the 2025 Explorer fresh faces and an improved infotainment system, it also took a set of garden shears to the lineup and yo-yoed their price points. On one hand, the redesigned Explorer’s base price is nearly $3000 more than last year, while the 400-hp sport-tuned ST is just over $5K more expensive. On the other hand, the ST-Line and ritzy Platinum trims are about about $2600 and $4200 cheaper, respectively. Let’s discuss.

2025 Ford Explorer Pricing

Previously, the Explorer family included the following eight trims: Base, XLT, ST-Line, Limited, Timberline, ST, King Ranch, and Platinum. For the 2025 model year, there are only four, including the new entry-level Active trim. The other remaining three are the ST-Line, Platinum, and ST (ordered from lowest to highest base price).

The Active essentially replaces the Base and XLT, with the former last year starting at $38,455. While the 2025 Explorer Active has a $41,220 starting price (a $2765 increase), it also has a lot more desirable standard features. Along with a standard 12.3-inch fully digital gauge cluster and a 13.2-inch touchscreen with the new Ford Digital Experience infotainment system, every Active comes with a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, a power liftgate, and a trailer tow package, not to mention new exterior and interior styling.

For 2025, the ST-Line starts at $45,980, which is actually $2615 less than last year. Not only does it benefit from the Explorer’s new looks and upgraded tech, but now it can be had with the new $3735 Street package. That includes the Magnetite-painted 21-inch wheels found on the ST as well as the higher trim’s upgraded brakes and red-painted calipers. On rear-drive models, the Street package also includes the Premium package ($2740 on its own) that adds ambient interior lighting, heated second-row seats, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and a power-folding third row. Opting for all-wheel drive costs $2995, as it requries the ST-Line Street package without the Premium equipment.

Previously, the Platinum was the Explorer’s top-of-the-line trim, as it started at $57,310 in 2024. Its base price has dropped $4190 to $53,120 for the new model year, but that’s also because it now comes standard with the 300-hp turbo 2.3-liter four instead of the 400-hp twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6. The latter engine is still an option, of course, as it comes with the Ultimate package ($4615) that also includes 21-inch wheels and quilted leather upholstery. The fancier interior is available without the engine upgrade as part of the standalone $1695 Lux Leather package.

That leaves the performance-minded Explorer ST, which sees its starting price rise from $51,700 last year to $56,800 for 2025. A Ford spokesperson told Car and Driver that the $5100 increase is due to newly standard equipment, specifically contents from the previously optional ST High Package, Premium Technology package, and the ST Street package. As on the ST-Line and Platinum, the 2025 Explorer ST can be optioned with a black-painted roof for a hefty $4895. Switching from rear-wheel drive to all-wheel drive adds $2000, just like on the Explorer’s Active and Platinum trims.