2025 Ford Explorer Active: A Review Of Adventure And Refinement

2025 Ford Explorer Active: A Review of Adventure and Refinement

The 2025 Ford Explorer Active is more than just a refresh; it’s a bold statement of intent. Ford has taken their popular three-row SUV and infused it with a healthy dose of off-road capability, rugged styling, and a refined interior, making it a compelling choice for families seeking adventure without sacrificing comfort.

Exterior: Rugged Elegance

The Explorer Active’s design immediately grabs your attention. It boasts a more aggressive stance than its standard siblings, thanks to a revised front fascia with a bolder grille, larger air intakes, and a sculpted hood. The new LED headlights are sharp and modern, while the signature Ford grille has been redesigned with a more intricate pattern, adding a touch of sophistication to the ruggedness.

The side profile is equally striking, with flared wheel arches housing optional 20-inch wheels wrapped in rugged all-terrain tires. The blacked-out roof rails and side steps further enhance the adventurous appeal, while the "Active" badging on the tailgate leaves no doubt about this SUV’s intended purpose.

Interior: A Blend of Comfort and Capability

Step inside the Explorer Active, and you’re greeted by a spacious and well-appointed cabin. The materials used are high-quality, with soft-touch surfaces and tasteful accents throughout. The seats are comfortable and supportive, offering ample legroom and headroom for all three rows.

The standard 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster provides a clear and customizable display of vital information. The infotainment system is controlled by a 12-inch touchscreen with Ford’s latest SYNC 4A software, offering a user-friendly interface, seamless smartphone integration, and over-the-air updates.

For those who want even more, the Explorer Active offers an optional premium package that includes heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a premium sound system. The panoramic sunroof adds to the airy feeling, while the optional third-row seats provide ample space for passengers or cargo.

Performance: A Balanced Blend

The Explorer Active is available with two powertrain options, both offering a satisfying blend of performance and efficiency. The base engine is a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, producing 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides ample power for everyday driving and light off-roading, while still delivering respectable fuel economy.

For those seeking more power, the optional 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 delivers a staggering 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. This engine transforms the Explorer Active into a performance SUV, capable of accelerating with impressive speed and handling corners with confidence.

Both engines are paired with a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission, which seamlessly adapts to different driving conditions. The Explorer Active also benefits from Ford’s advanced all-wheel-drive system, providing exceptional traction and stability on various surfaces.

Off-Road Capability: Built for Adventure

The Explorer Active doesn’t just look the part; it’s genuinely capable off-road. The standard all-wheel-drive system is complemented by a sophisticated Terrain Management System with seven selectable drive modes, including Normal, Sport, Eco, Slippery, Deep Snow/Sand, Mud/Rut, and Rock Crawl.

The Active model features an increased ride height, providing greater ground clearance for tackling uneven terrain. The off-road tires offer excellent grip on loose surfaces, while the optional underbody skid plates protect the vehicle from damage.

Safety: Comprehensive Protection

Ford has equipped the Explorer Active with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features. Standard features include Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.

Optional features include Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go, Lane Centering Assist, Evasive Steering Assist, and a 360-degree camera system. These features provide drivers with an added layer of confidence and security, making the Explorer Active a safe choice for families and adventurers alike.

Driving Experience: A Smooth Ride

The Explorer Active delivers a comfortable and refined driving experience, thanks to its well-tuned suspension and responsive steering. The ride is smooth and composed, even on rough roads, while the handling is predictable and precise.

The engine choices offer a wide range of performance options, allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience to their preferences. The 2.3-liter engine is efficient and responsive, while the 3.0-liter V6 provides exhilarating performance.

Technology: Connected and Convenient

The Explorer Active is packed with advanced technology features that enhance both comfort and convenience. The 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system is intuitive and responsive, offering a wide range of features, including navigation, music streaming, and smartphone integration.

The optional Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist package includes a head-up display, which projects key information onto the windshield, allowing drivers to keep their eyes on the road. The available wireless charging pad eliminates the need for messy cables, while the optional Bang & Olufsen sound system delivers a premium audio experience.

Fuel Economy: Efficient Performance

The Explorer Active offers respectable fuel economy for its size and power. The 2.3-liter engine achieves an estimated 22 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined. The 3.0-liter V6 delivers slightly lower fuel economy, with an estimated 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined.

Value: A Strong Offering

The 2025 Ford Explorer Active offers excellent value for its price, providing a compelling combination of features, performance, and capability. Its starting price is competitive with other three-row SUVs in its class, and the available options allow buyers to customize the vehicle to their specific needs.

Conclusion: A Winning Combination

The 2025 Ford Explorer Active is a compelling choice for families and adventurers seeking a capable and refined SUV. Its rugged styling, spacious interior, advanced technology, and impressive off-road capabilities make it a standout in its segment.

Whether you’re tackling challenging trails, navigating busy city streets, or simply enjoying a comfortable family outing, the Explorer Active delivers a rewarding driving experience. It’s a testament to Ford’s commitment to building vehicles that cater to the needs of modern drivers, blending adventure and refinement in a package that’s both practical and exhilarating.

Detailed Breakdown of Key Features:

Exterior:

• Bold, redesigned front fascia with larger grille and air intakes
• Sculpted hood for a more aggressive appearance
• Sharp LED headlights and taillights
• Signature Ford grille with intricate pattern
• Flared wheel arches with optional 20-inch wheels and all-terrain tires
• Blacked-out roof rails and side steps
• "Active" badging on the tailgate

Interior:

• Spacious and well-appointed cabin with high-quality materials
• Comfortable and supportive seats with ample legroom and headroom
• 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
• 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system with SYNC 4A software
• Available premium package with heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, and premium sound system
• Panoramic sunroof
• Optional third-row seats

Performance:

• 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (300 horsepower, 325 lb-ft of torque)
• Optional 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine (400 horsepower, 415 lb-ft of torque)
• 10-speed automatic transmission
• Advanced all-wheel-drive system

Off-Road Capability:

• Terrain Management System with seven selectable drive modes
• Increased ride height for greater ground clearance
• Off-road tires for excellent grip on loose surfaces
• Optional underbody skid plates

Safety:

• Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection
• Lane Keeping Assist
• Blind Spot Monitoring
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
• Optional Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go
• Lane Centering Assist
• Evasive Steering Assist
• 360-degree camera system

Technology:

• 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system with SYNC 4A software
• Optional Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist package with head-up display
• Available wireless charging pad
• Optional Bang & Olufsen sound system

Fuel Economy:

• 2.3-liter engine: 22 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, 25 mpg combined
• 3.0-liter engine: 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, 22 mpg combined

Value:

• Competitive starting price
• Wide range of available options for customization

Overall:

• The 2025 Ford Explorer Active is a compelling choice for families and adventurers seeking a capable and refined SUV.
• Its rugged styling, spacious interior, advanced technology, and impressive off-road capabilities make it a standout in its segment.
• The Explorer Active delivers a rewarding driving experience, blending adventure and refinement in a package that’s both practical and exhilarating.