{"id":8445,"date":"2025-10-08T15:36:08","date_gmt":"2025-10-08T19:36:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/toyznation.com\/?p=8445"},"modified":"2025-10-08T15:36:22","modified_gmt":"2025-10-08T19:36:22","slug":"ford-explorer-st-power-comfort-and-bluecruise-freedom-on-the-road-to-atlanta","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/toyznation.com\/?p=8445","title":{"rendered":"Ford Explorer ST \u2014 Power, Comfort, and BlueCruise Freedom on the Road to Atlanta"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Automotive review for Toyznation.com by Damola Idowu<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I had an exceptional time driving the 2025 Ford Explorer ST<\/strong>\u2014a 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<\/strong>, heading down I\u201195 to Atlanta<\/strong>, and the drive was nothing short of spectacular.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Power That Moves You<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Under the hood, the Explorer ST packs a 3.0L twin-turbo EcoBoost V6<\/strong> that delivers 400 horsepower<\/strong> and 415 lb-ft of torque<\/strong>. It\u2019s mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission<\/strong>, 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\u2019s got that rear-wheel-drive bias that makes it feel planted and confident, even when the road gets curvy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Comfort for the Whole Crew<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This SUV seats seven adults<\/strong>, and yes\u2014I mean full-grown adults. Even the third row<\/strong> was comfortable enough for my family to stretch out and enjoy the ride. The second-row captain\u2019s chairs<\/strong> were roomy, and the third-row power-folding seats<\/strong> 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\u2014all while riding in style. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Tech That Keeps You Connected<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Explorer ST is loaded with tech. I used the wireless charging pad<\/strong> to keep my phone powered up while streaming music and navigating. The panoramic roof<\/strong> brought in sunshine and made the cabin feel open and airy. But the real game-changer was Ford\u2019s BlueCruise hands-free highway driving system<\/strong>. On long stretches of I\u201195<\/strong>, I was able to let the car handle steering while I stayed engaged with the road. It\u2019s one of the best semi-autonomous systems I\u2019ve used\u2014smooth, intuitive, and reliable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Fuel Efficiency That Surprised Me<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For a performance SUV with this much power, I was impressed by the fuel economy. I averaged 23.8 MPG<\/strong> on the highway, and I only spent under $200<\/strong> on fuel for the entire round trip. With a 20.2-gallon tank<\/strong> and a range of nearly 500 miles<\/strong>, I didn\u2019t have to stop often\u2014just smart planning at places like Love\u2019s in South Carolina<\/strong> and Richmond<\/strong> kept me moving. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Style That Stands Out<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Explorer ST looks the part. It\u2019s got black accents<\/strong>, red ST badging<\/strong>, and 21-inch wheels<\/strong> that give it a bold, athletic stance. Inside, the 13.2-inch touchscreen<\/strong>, digital instrument cluster<\/strong>, and massaging front seats<\/strong> wrapped in suede and leather made the cabin feel premium and performance-ready. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Final Thoughts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re in the market for a high-performance, all-wheel-drive SUV<\/strong> that can handle long trips, family duties, and still make you feel like you\u2019re driving something special, the Ford Explorer ST<\/strong> is worth a serious look. It\u2019s fast, comfortable, tech-savvy, and surprisingly efficient. For me, it was the perfect ride to celebrate freedom, family, and the open road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Base Price:<\/strong> ~$56,495
As Driven:<\/strong> ~$61,460
EPA Fuel Economy:<\/strong> 18 city \/ 25 highway \/ 20 combined MPG
Cargo Space:<\/strong> Up to 87.8 cu. ft.<\/strong> with seats folded
Seating Capacity:<\/strong> 6\u20137 passengers, depending on configuration<\/p>\n\n\n\n

for more information visit www.ford.com <\/p>\n\n\n\n