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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 7 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $45,454–$52,507 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 7.6/10, the 2025 Ford Explorer S earns a Recommended rating among the suvs we've scored. 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. We rate reliability at 6.8/10 — below the segment average in our scoring. Budget for potentially higher maintenance costs and check the recall record below before buying. On safety it earns 8.4/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance lands mid-pack at 7.7/10: enough power and composure for everyday needs, without the dynamics that distinguish the segment's driver-focused options. Technology comes in at 7.7/10 — functional and modern, with wireless connectivity and core ADAS features, though some competitors pack more standard tech at this price point.
Priced from $45,454–$52,507, 25 MPG, seating 7, the Ford Explorer S sits in the premium tier of the suv category. Value lands at 7.5/10 — you get what you pay for, no more and no less, with a few rivals offering slightly better per-dollar returns. At 1 year old, it's recent enough that the core feature set holds up well against current competition.
Bottom line: Think of the 2025 Ford Explorer S as the dependable pick rather than the exciting one. Its softer scores in reliability are the only real asterisks. Shoppers who value predictability over headlines will be well served.
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 →
The 2025 Ford Explorer S 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 $45,454 starting price is about 26% above the segment's median of $36,079.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking → · Best SUVs under $50k →
Smart-money pick: the 2022 Ford Explorer S scores 7.5/10 — within striking distance of the 2025's 7.6 — and starts roughly $4,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 (this review) | 7.6/10 | $45,454 | |
| 2024 | 7.5/10 | $44,131 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.4/10 | $42,806 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.5/10 | $41,482 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.4/10 | $40,159 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.3/10 | $38,835 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.3/10 | $37,510 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.3/10 | $36,187 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.2/10 | $34,863 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.1/10 | $33,539 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.1/10 | $32,214 | Read review → |
We rate the 2025 Ford Explorer S's reliability 6.8/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance.
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.
The 2025 Ford Explorer S starts at $45,454 and ranges up to $52,507 across trims (MSRP when new). At 25 MPG, expect roughly $2,100/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Explore the full lineup of Ford models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.