Ford Explorer (2025) Review

Introduction

With the demise of the Fiesta and the Focus, and the success of Ford’s van division, you might be forgiven for thinking the Blue Oval had given up on the new car market. But the loss of those best-selling hatchbacks has allowed Ford to broaden its horizons and expand into new markets, including that of the all-electric SUV. It’s an increasingly crowded sector, but in the shape of the new, battery-powered Explorer, Ford has good reason to be optimistic.

Based on the same underpinnings as the top-selling Volkswagen ID.4 and Skoda Enyaq (if you’re wondering why, it’s because Ford has a partnership with Volkswagen), the Explorer brings Ford’s own brand of technology and styling to the table, offering customers something a little different while still presenting an appealing combination of range and technology. But can the Explorer make an even more compelling case for itself than the cars with which it shares so much?

At a Glance

Although the Explorer’s underpinnings are closely related to those of other electric SUVs, the exterior styling is distinctive. The strange ‘face’ design won’t suit everyone – some say it looks as though it’s already been involved in an accident – but the silhouette is handsome enough and the rear end looks modern. It is a bit colour-dependent, though, and some paint schemes look better than others.

Inside, the Explorer is surprisingly upmarket, with a plush interior dominated by a massive touchscreen, which uses fresh technology and can slide to hide a roomy cubby hole. Material quality is generally good, and the way in which those materials are stitched together is also impressive, making this one of the more premium Ford products out there.

Cabin space is also good, but boot space is a little bit tight, so the Explorer is better at carrying people than ‘stuff’, but it’ll be absolutely fine most of the time. And it has pretty good range, with a choice of three different batteries and motor options. There’s a basic 52kWh option with a 170hp electric motor, a 77kWh option with a 286hp electric motor and a 79kWh version with two electric motors to provide all-wheel drive and 340hp.

Counter-intuitively, the 79kWh option does not offer the greatest range – that honour is bestowed on the 77kWh version – which can achieve more than 370 miles on the official economy test, although we managed about 250 miles on a motorway slog.

Oddly, considering Ford’s reputation for building great-to-drive cars, the Explorer’s road manners are not necessarily its strongest suit. While it drives respectably enough and fares pretty well on the motorway, it isn’t the most comfortable electric SUV on the market and nor is it the most engaging on a good road. But it’s hardly disastrous in any area, and generally makes for a reasonably pleasant companion in any situation.

Key Features

Arguably the Explorer’s best feature is its mid-range Extended Range RWD powertrain. Combining a 77kWh battery with a 286hp motor that drives the rear wheels, it’s the most efficient option in the Explorer line-up, and it provides spectacular range on paper. Getting 374 miles of range on the official test from a battery (and indeed a car) of this size is no mean feat, and it puts the Ford up there with the best in its class. And though you’re unlikely to achieve that range where it matters – on a long motorway drive – our test returned a range of around 240 miles between charges at a steady 70-something and in single-digit temperatures. You will likely get further on a mild summer’s day, assuming you keep the air conditioning usage to a minimum.

And it’s another piece of technology that forms the centrepiece of the Explorer’s interior, with its massive touchscreen infotainment system. Although it’s portrait-orientated, it measures 14.6 inches from one corner to the other, so it’s absolutely enormous. And it moves, allowing you to hide or reveal a large cubby as you see fit.

Normally, Ford’s touchscreens are decent without being spectacular, but the latest-generation Sync technology looks good and works fairly well, with a clean design that’s easy to navigate and decipher. We are massive fans of the reversing camera system in there, too.

Range & Batteries

In essence, the Explorer offers a choice of three different battery packs, with the 52kWh option representing the base version. That battery is paired with a single, rear-mounted motor, offering an official range of 233 miles between charges. And even Ford admits that on the motorway, that range is likely to drop to around 177 miles, which means it might not be ideal for those travelling further afield.

But there’s a 77kWh battery pack above that, offering considerably more range. With a 374-mile official range equating to a quoted 283 miles on the motorway, it’s likely to be the most popular choice. And it benefits from being paired with a more powerful electric motor.

There’s an even bigger 79kWh battery, too, but because that is paired with two electric motors, it’s nowhere near as efficient as the 77kWh ‘Extended Range’ power pack. That version provides an official range of 329 miles from a full charge, but Ford reckons that’s only going to provide 255 miles of range on the motorway.

Performance & Drive

With a choice of different electric motors – albeit a choice that’s dependent on the battery you select – the Explorer can be pretty much as fast as you want it to be. The basic 170hp motor will get you from 0-62mph in 8.7 seconds, which is plenty fast enough. However, all that power goes to the rear wheels, and some might prefer the security of all-wheel drive, particularly in an SUV.

Not that you’ll get all-wheel drive from the mid-range 286hp motor, either, but it’s still the one we’d go for. With the bigger 77kWh battery on board, it isn’t just the version that provides the most range, but it’s also pretty quick off the mark. Nobody really needs an SUV that gets from 0-62mph any faster than the Explorer’s 6.4 seconds.

But if you want to, you can. Choose the range-topping Premium version and you have the choice of upgrading to the twin-motor, all-wheel-drive variant, complete with a chunky 340hp. Because that power is split between the axles, it accelerates rapidly, getting from 0-62mph in 5.3 seconds, which means the Explorer accelerates faster than a Porsche Cayenne.

Not that the Explorer is really a performance car. Although Fords usually handle well, the Explorer is more acceptable than commendable, with a bit of body roll and steering that feels numb and a fraction too light. There’s no problem positioning the car – it’s precise enough – but it isn’t engaging or sharp, and as a result, there’s no reward for chucking the car about.

All of which would be fine were the Explorer remarkably comfortable, but it isn’t. It cushions the bumps quite nicely, particularly at higher speeds, but there’s a slight jiggle to the ride that stops it short of being relaxing or plush. It’s just short of being truly comfy. But while that unsettled feel might not be ideal, it isn’t the end of the world, and the Explorer strikes a decent balance between comfort and handling overall. It’s just a shame it can’t be a bit better in one aspect or the other.

Even so, it is quite refined. Jiggle aside, the car drives smoothly and the electric motors are predictably quiet, so you get to enjoy that lovely interior in the cruise, as well as the ample range.

Charging

If you opt for the basic 52kWh battery, the Explorer offers a maximum DC charge speed of 145kW, which is fast enough to more or less make the most of a 150kW charger and get the battery filled from 10% to 80% in 25 minutes, which is pretty good going.

However, the larger 77kWh battery can only charge at a maximum rate of 135kW, which is a bit counter-intuitive. It can sustain that pace for longer, though, so it’ll take 28 minutes to fill from 10% to 80%, and it can still be filled completely overnight using a domestic 7kW ‘wallbox’ charge point on your driveway.

Finally, the biggest battery – the 79kWh AWD option – will charge at 185kW, which sounds much more like it. However, it still can’t keep that pace up for as long as the 77kWh battery, so it only charges from 10% to 80% two minutes faster. And charging from a wallbox will take much the same time whether you choose the 79kWh option or the 77kWh version.

Running Costs & Emissions

As with any other electric SUV, the Explorer should prove remarkably cheap to run – and certainly much cheaper than most, if not all, petrol-powered alternatives. Assuming you can charge at home using cheap-rate electricity, the Explorer will be especially cost-effective, thanks to its long range and the low ‘fuel’ cost, which make it a no-brainer for some. That said, the difference between running the Ford and any other electric SUV will be pretty small – we’re talking a few pounds here and there, rather than hundreds or thousands – so it doesn’t have much of an advantage over its rivals.

Similarly, the Explorer benefits from the same consideration that all electric vehicles get when it comes to company car tax rates. With such low Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) tax on battery-powered cars, there’s no question that customers can save huge amounts by going electric, but the difference in cost between different electric vehicles won’t vary all that much.

Interior & Technology

Ford’s interiors are rarely their best features, but the Explorer’s cabin is a cut above the rest of the range. Not only is the man-made leather alternative upholstery surprisingly tactile, but the plastics don’t feel brittle or hard, and the way in which everything is connected is up there with the likes of Volkswagen. Perhaps it’s the newfound closeness of the relationship rubbing off on the Blue Oval.

Whatever the reason, the result is quite a nice place to spend time. Sure, the buttons on the steering wheel are a bit awkward, but the Explorer’s cabin is stylish and relatively ergonomic, with lots of storage and plenty of space.

It also gets quite a remarkable centrepiece, in the shape of the massive 14.6-inch touchscreen in the dashboard. It slides up and down, revealing or covering (depending on how you move it) a central cubby hole, which is a nice touch when you want to hide some valuables. More importantly, the screen is crystal clear and uses Ford’s latest operating system technology, so the icons are easy to decipher and they’re easy to access, while the menus feel logically laid out. In a lot of ways, it’s exactly what you want a touchscreen to be.

Admittedly, Ford has entrusted that screen with controlling the heating and ventilation functions, which is a shame, but it’s far from the worst offender in that regard. The temperature settings are always accessible, no matter whether you’re looking at the media, navigation or any other display, so it’s a bit more intuitive than some, even if an old-school dial is still a more ergonomic option.

Anyway, that screen is only part of the Explorer’s technology offering. With a digital instrument cluster providing all the information you really need, you might think the optional head-up display is a bit superfluous, but not a bit of it. Covering a large portion of the screen, it’s great at delivering all the data you need in a digestible way, and doing it with clarity.

We’re big fans of the reversing camera system, too, which is really sharp and makes up for the slight lack of visibility caused by small rear windows and chunky windscreen pillars.

Practicality & Boot Space

In terms of cabin space, the Explorer is very competitive, offering heaps of room for four adults to sit in comfort. Naturally, there’s a massive amount of space in the front, with plenty of elbow room and headroom. Rear legroom is also pretty impressive, and though headroom isn’t quite so plentiful, it’s still adequate for anyone other than exceptionally tall adults.

However, space in the boot is a little less spectacular. The 470-litre luggage space doesn’t sound too bad alongside family hatchbacks and more compact SUVs, but it’s quite small compared with the Explorer’s closest rivals. The VW ID.4, for example, offers more than 540 litres of capacity, and the Skoda Enyaq’s boot is even bigger, leaving the Ford’s cargo bay looking a bit puny.

That said, in the real world, most customers won’t notice that shortage most of the time. The space is more than adequate for the school run, trips away and shopping trips – it’s just a bit short when you’re off to the recycling centre. Happily, though, the Explorer has plenty of storage inside the cabin, which adds to the day-to-day practicality.

Safety

Perhaps predictably, the Explorer achieved a top five-star rating when it was crash-tested by the European independent safety body, Euro NCAP. That means it’s among the safer SUVs on the market, with strong scores for occupant protection and pedestrian protection, as well as a decent score for driver assistance technology.

As you’d expect, there’s plenty of that kit on the car, with the usual suspects, including speed limit warning technology and autonomous emergency braking all fitted as standard. Lane departure warning is also on the menu, helping to keep the car in its lane on the motorway, and you get adaptive cruise control, too, which maintains a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front. Every version of the Explorer also gets blind-spot monitoring technology to warn you if there’s something lurking in the hard-to-see areas over your shoulders.

Options

The Explorer range is relatively straightforward, with a choice of three different trim levels. However, the trim level you choose will determine which battery-and-motor combinations are available to you, so it’s worth ensuring you know which battery you want before considering other specifications.

The range kicks off with the basic Style model, which is solely offered in ‘RWD’ form, with the 52kWh battery and 170hp electric motor. Alongside that powertrain, though, the Style gets 19-inch alloy wheels, black cloth upholstery and adaptive cruise control. It also gets the 14.6-inch touchscreen and all that comes with it, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, two-zone climate control and a reversing camera.

Moving up to the mid-range Select version means you get the RWD Extended Range powertrain, with the 77kWh battery and 286hp electric motor whether you like it or not. But you get more kit, too, including heated front seats, a heated steering wheel and keyless entry and start. You also benefit from a 12-way power-adjustable driving seat, complete with a massage function, and part-leather upholstery.

However, those who want to upgrade can do so, with the range-topping Premium model. That offers a choice of two powertrains – either the RWD Extended Range system from the Select, or the AWD Extended Range option with two electric motors, a 79kWh battery and 340hp – and even more standard equipment. As well as 20-inch alloy wheels, the Premium gets a panoramic glass roof, full faux-leather upholstery and a more upmarket B&O sound system. Clever matrix-LED headlights that can dip only in the direction of other traffic are also included, along with a ‘hands-free’ power-operated tailgate.

For most, then, the Select is the one to choose, but some might prefer the luxury of the premium, not to mention its greater choice of powertrains. In terms of optional extras, those two models don’t require much supplementing, but the heat pump option, which offers more efficient climate control and extends the car’s range, might be worth specifying.

Beyond that, the Driver Assistance Pack, with its head-up display and 360-degree manoeuvring camera, might also be worth a look, but otherwise it’s just a question of picking a paint job. Ford is offering a small but quite appealing selection of colours for the Explorer, with a smart pale blue called Arctic Blue joined by the more vibrant Rapid Red and Blue My Mind. But for the more subdued tastes, Frozen White, Agate Black and Magnetic – a kind of gunmetal colour – are also available.

Rival Cars

Although the concept of an electric SUV is relatively new, the market is already heaving with competitors. Nevertheless, the Explorer’s biggest rival is the Volkswagen ID.4 with which it shares so much. The ID.4 is a comfortable and spacious electric SUV, but it feels a little less upmarket than the Explorer inside. The same goes for the Skoda Enyaq, although that is slightly more fun to drive than the Explorer, and it’s even more spacious.

Elsewhere, the Explorer has to compete with the new Smart #5, which is a really capable and comfortable electric SUV, albeit one that’s less efficient than the Ford and no better to drive, and the Audi Q4 e-tron. While both the Smart and Audi are more premium than the Ford, they’re a similar size and offer similar range, just with a more prestigious badge on the nose.

Other rivals include the Renault Scenic E-Tech, which is a remarkably competent and modern family car, and the new, electric versions of the Vauxhall Grandland. Previous iterations of the Grandland have been pretty uninspiring, but the new model is a much more competent rival to the big Ford.

Delve further, and you could also look at the Tesla Model Y, which feels much taller and more upright than before, and the Peugeot E-3008, which is a significantly more interesting product than ever, both inside and out. Or you could try the Nissan Ariya, which is a nicely built and comfortable option, offered with a high-performance Nismo variant.

Verdict & Next Steps

While the Explorer won’t necessarily suit everyone – those looks will feel a bit awkward to some – there’s no denying its qualities. The promise of great range, the huge central touchscreen and a surprisingly upmarket cabin all stand in its favour, even if some will bemoan the image and the slight lack of boot space compared with the Enyaq.

And therein lies the real challenge facing the Ford. It’s up against some really capable electric SUVs, some of which are very closely related to it, and that would be a sticking point for any electric car, no matter how capable it is. Fortunately, the Explorer is a capable machine, and the fact it offers something slightly different to the ID.4, Enyaq and Smart #5 means it’s well worthy of a place in the market, and indeed on any prospective customer’s shortlist.

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**Score based on Select’s unique meta score analysis, taking into account the UK’s top leading independent car website reviews of the Citroen C3 Aircross.

**Correct as of 27/11/2025. Based on 12 months initial payment, 5,000 miles annually, over a 36 month lease. Initial payment equivalent to 12 monthly payments, or £3,737.64 (Plus admin fee) Ts and Cs apply. Credit is subject to status.