Automotive review for Toyznation.com by Damola Idowu
I had an exceptional time driving the 2025 Ford Explorer ST—a high-performance, all-wheel-drive SUV that blends muscle, comfort, and tech in a way that fits my lifestyle perfectly. I took it on a long road trip during Fourth of July weekend, heading down I‑95 to Atlanta, and the drive was nothing short of spectacular.
Power That Moves You
Under the hood, the Explorer ST packs a 3.0L twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 that delivers 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. It’s mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission, and the shifts are smooth and responsive. Whether I was cruising through Richmond or pushing past South Carolina, the Explorer ST had no problem accelerating, merging, or passing. It’s got that rear-wheel-drive bias that makes it feel planted and confident, even when the road gets curvy.
Comfort for the Whole Crew
This SUV seats seven adults, and yes—I mean full-grown adults. Even the third row was comfortable enough for my family to stretch out and enjoy the ride. The second-row captain’s chairs were roomy, and the third-row power-folding seats gave us flexibility when we needed more cargo space. I was able to visit my partner, hang out with family, and celebrate our independence with good music, good food, and great conversation—all while riding in style.
Tech That Keeps You Connected
The Explorer ST is loaded with tech. I used the wireless charging pad to keep my phone powered up while streaming music and navigating. The panoramic roof brought in sunshine and made the cabin feel open and airy. But the real game-changer was Ford’s BlueCruise hands-free highway driving system. On long stretches of I‑95, I was able to let the car handle steering while I stayed engaged with the road. It’s one of the best semi-autonomous systems I’ve used—smooth, intuitive, and reliable.
Fuel Efficiency That Surprised Me
For a performance SUV with this much power, I was impressed by the fuel economy. I averaged 23.8 MPG on the highway, and I only spent under $200 on fuel for the entire round trip. With a 20.2-gallon tank and a range of nearly 500 miles, I didn’t have to stop often—just smart planning at places like Love’s in South Carolina and Richmond kept me moving.
Style That Stands Out
The Explorer ST looks the part. It’s got black accents, red ST badging, and 21-inch wheels that give it a bold, athletic stance. Inside, the 13.2-inch touchscreen, digital instrument cluster, and massaging front seats wrapped in suede and leather made the cabin feel premium and performance-ready.
Final Thoughts
If you’re in the market for a high-performance, all-wheel-drive SUV that can handle long trips, family duties, and still make you feel like you’re driving something special, the Ford Explorer ST is worth a serious look. It’s fast, comfortable, tech-savvy, and surprisingly efficient. For me, it was the perfect ride to celebrate freedom, family, and the open road.
Base Price: ~$56,495
As Driven: ~$61,460
EPA Fuel Economy: 18 city / 25 highway / 20 combined MPG
Cargo Space: Up to 87.8 cu. ft. with seats folded
Seating Capacity: 6–7 passengers, depending on configuration
for more information visit www.ford.com