Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2025 Ford Explorer
Our scoring places the 2025 Ford Explorer at 7.6/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.4/10, while Reliability at 6.8/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability is the weak spot: 6.8/10, under the class average. Review the recall record on this page and price in extra maintenance headroom. The safety score of 8.4/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance scores 7.7/10 — competent for everyday use. Acceleration and handling are adequate for commuting and highway driving, though enthusiasts will want to look at higher-rated alternatives. Tech rates a reasonable 7.5/10: the essentials are covered and well executed, but rivals at the same price often include more as standard.
Priced from $39,526–$45,659, 25 MPG, seating 7, the Ford Explorer sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. The 7.7/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. At 1 year old, it's recent enough that the core feature set holds up well against current competition.
Our take: The 2025 Ford Explorer is a solid, well-rounded suv that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. The main caveat is reliability — worth checking if those dimensions are priorities for you. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
How It Ranks Among SUVs
The 2025 Ford Explorer ranks #737 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 70% of the segment. Its 7.6/10 overall score is 0.2 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $39,526 starting price is about 10% above the segment's median of $36,079.
$0 — 19 campaigns on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
Insurance
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which Explorer Year Should You Buy?
Smart-money pick: the 2022 Ford Explorer scores 7.6/10 — within striking distance of the 2025's 7.6 — and starts roughly $3,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment
Competent performance that satisfies most everyday driving demands
Modern, intuitive tech suite with wireless connectivity and up-to-date ADAS
Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well
✗ Where it falls short
Reliability scores are mid-pack; some owners report higher-than-expected maintenance needs
Brand resale values vary — check current market data before committing
NHTSA Recalls — 2025 Ford Explorer (19 on record)
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle with our free VIN recall checker.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Lincoln Corsair, 2023-2024 Escape, 2024 Mustang, and 2025 Explorer vehicles. The fuel injectors may have been assembled without O-ring support discs, which can result in a fuel leak.
Back over prevention / Software 25/10/2024 · 24V801000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The rearview camera image may fail when the vehicle speed reaches 10 MPH or greater. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor…
Equipment / Other / Labels 08/11/2024 · 24V852000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these…
Power train / Automatic transmission 17/01/2025 · 25V020000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The transmission may be improperly secured due to loose cross member bolts.
Power train / Automatic transmission / Fluid/lubricant / Valves/valve body 14/03/2025 · 25V164000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 F-150, Bronco, 2024 Ranger, 2025 Mustang, Explorer, and Aviator vehicles. The transmission valve body may have been machined incorrectly, which can cause reverse gear failure, or unexpected forward…
Showing 5 of 19 campaigns — see the full list on NHTSA's site.
Own a 2025 Ford Explorer that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
Common Questions — 2025 Ford Explorer
Is the 2025 Ford Explorer reliable?
We rate the 2025 Ford Explorer's reliability 6.8/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance. It has 19 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2025 Ford Explorer have?
19 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2025 Ford Explorer worth buying?
It scores 7.6/10 overall, ranking #737 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 70% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
How much does the 2025 Ford Explorer cost?
The 2025 Ford Explorer starts at $39,526 and ranges up to $45,659 across trims (MSRP when new). At 25 MPG, expect roughly $2,100/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which Explorer years should you avoid?
Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest Explorer years we've rated are 2016 (7.1/10), 2015 (7.1/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (7.6/10). See the full year table above before deciding.
What problems does the 2025 Ford Explorer have?
The documented issues for the 2025 Ford Explorer are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Fuel system, gasoline, Back over prevention, Equipment, Power train (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
Owner Essentials — Ford Explorer
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More Ford Reviews
Explore the full lineup of Ford models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
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