As you shop for your next SUV, you deserve to get something that looks great, is fun to drive, and perfectly meets your needs when driving around Sacramento. Ford makes some of the finest vehicles on the road, including stylish and innovative SUVs in a wide range of sizes. The Explorer is a three-row SUV that’s perfect if you have a growing family or otherwise need to have more than four people along with you sometimes. With two engines, four trims, and numerous packages available, finding the right Ford Explorer with everything you’ve been looking for can be tricky. So let’s take a closer look at the 2025 Explorer and its four trim levels to see what each one has to offer and figure out which model is right for you.
2025 Ford Explorer Active–Terrific Starting Features
When considering which Explorer model has what you want, the best place to start is with the standard trim so you can see what it brings to the road. The Explorer Active comes with a wide range of impressive features inside and out, so you won’t feel like you’re missing out by going with it. You get a 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 engine with the Active model, which provides 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque and is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) with six selectable Drive modes is standard, although Intelligent four-wheel drive (4WD) with six Drive Modes and Hill Descent Control is available.
You get 18-inch wheels on the Explorer Active model, with 20-inch wheels available if you’re interested in something with a bolder stance. LED headlamps with Auto High Beams are standard, along with LED tail lamps; signature lighting and LED fog lamps are available but not standard. You get body-color door handles, a Black Mesh front grille with chrome bars, and a body-color rear spoiler for an added touch of style. Even a power liftgate at the back is standard for the 2025 Explorer, which makes it easy to load and unload while taking care of everything you need to do around Sacramento each day.
Inside, you’ll find tri-zone electronic automatic temperature control, standard, along with four-door Intelligent Access with Push-Button Start. Cloth seating is standard in the Active model, featuring a 10-way power driver’s seat, four-way power front-passenger seat, and heated front seats that are perfect for cold winter mornings. A gorgeous 13.2-inch infotainment system is standard, along with a 12.3-inch Instrument Panel Cluster screen, plus you get a six-speaker sound system with wireless support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Safety features on the 2025 Explorer Active are fantastic, thanks to the Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package that comes standard on every model. This includes Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking to warn you of a potential crash and help you avoid it, plus Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane Centering that makes your daily drive a lot less stressful. You get a Lane-Keeping System to help you avoid veering from your lane, with a warning if it seems like you need to stop and take a break. Even a Blind Spot Information System and Cross Traffic Alert are included with the starting trim, ensuring you’re safer on the road and get home in one piece at the end of each day.
2025 Ford Explorer ST-Line–Refined Styling and Options
If you like the performance of the standard model, but you’re interested in some sport styling, then the Explorer ST-Line is one to check out. This model has the standard engine and RWD with Intelligent 4WD available, but it comes with 20-inch Ebony wheels that look fantastic; 21-inch wheels are available to take things to the next level. You get LED signature lighting on the ST-Line model, with a unique Blackout Treatment on the headlamps and LED tail lamps, plus Black Skid Plate Elements on the front and rear for added styling and functionality.
Inside, you’ll find a number of details and design touches that transform the cabin of this vehicle and make it stand out compared to the starting model. The distinct cloth seating includes cloth inserts with Red stitching that immediately pops, with an eight-way power front-passenger seat, plus available heated second-row seating. You get a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel that also includes Red stitching to match the details on the seats, plus a stunning 10-speaker B&O sound system that fills your SUV’s interior with rich, gorgeous audio. The result is a vehicle that you’ll love getting into and driving around Sacramento each day.
2025 Ford Explorer Platinum–Enjoy an Enhanced Driving Experience
For a gorgeous, luxury experience, you owe it to yourself to check out the Platinum trim and everything it has to offer. Although it comes with the standard engine, there’s a 3.0L V6 available if you want to elevate performance (we’ll look at it more in a moment). You get 20-inch wheels on the Platinum, with 21-inch wheels available if you’re looking for a bolder overall look. Adaptive headlamps help illuminate the road better as you drive, plus you get rain-sensing wipers on the windshield, a Satin Chrome and Ebony grille, and power-folding side mirrors with LED turn signal indicators and more. Inside, you’ll find some excellent tech upgrades like a wireless charging pad, Remote Start functionality, and ambient interior lighting. You also get a 14-speaker B&O sound system, plus heated and ventilated front seats with leather seating surfaces that feature Miko micro-perforated inserts for incredible comfort.
2025 Ford Explorer ST–Bold Performance and Design
If big performance is what’s most important to you, then you’ll want to check out the Explorer ST and everything it brings to the road. For starters, this model comes with a 3.0L EcoBoost V6 engine that delivers 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque (the one that’s available on the Platinum). This is paired with a 10-speed automatic, plus RWD is standard with Intelligent 4WD available, so you can get whatever driving experience you’re looking for. Massive 21-inch Magnetite-painted wheels are standard on the ST, along with LED signature lighting, Black Skid Plate elements, and quad chrome exhaust tips. The result is a gorgeous SUV designed to turn heads everywhere you go throughout Sacramento.
Inside, you’ll find a number of details similar to the ST-Line model, but with a few exclusive touches that take things further. For example, this ST trim has ActiveX seating with Miko inserts, featuring Red stitching along with a heated, sport-style steering wheel. You get Red stitching on the door interiors, plus great features like a wireless charging pad, ambient interior lighting, and much more, all included. The 10-speaker B&O sound system is standard in the ST model, but the 14-speaker system is available if you’re looking to take things to the next level.
Great SUVs for Sacramento Drivers
As you can see, these four trim levels give you a fantastic selection to choose from so you can easily get everything you’re looking for without missing any feature you want. It’s worth noting that Ford has announced a bold new Tremor model for the 2026 Explorer with incredible off-road capabilities; so if you’re looking for an adventurous three-row SUV designed to take your family on endless outdoor adventures, then that’s one to keep an eye out for. Otherwise, these 2025 Explorer trims provide you with four excellent models to choose from so you can determine the kind of performance you need from your vehicle, decide on the features you want inside and out, and get everything you’re looking for. And if you’re still not sure which of these trims is right for you, then we’re here at Future Ford of Sacramento to show you everything the Explorer has to offer and make sure you drive away in something you love.
