2025 Ford Explorer interior, design and features review

28 October 2024

What is it?

Just like its slightly larger sibling, the Ford Capri, the new all-electric Ford Explorer is based on VW's MEB platform, which is also the foundation of the Volkswagen ID.4 and ID.5. The Explorer is the smallest of them all, but it's also the cheapest one without making too many sacrifices.

The drivetrain options are the identical to the new Ford Capri, but unlike the Capri, the Explorer can already be bought in its Standard Range version with a 52 kWh battery.

In a way, this is Ford's attempt to offer a more affordable electric midsize SUV. But it might be too late, given that the Explorer was first announced more than a year ago and had several delays before officially entering the market. Let's see what's good and what's not that great.

Who is it for?

The Ford Explorer is designed to be the "working-class hero" for Europeans. It's spacious enough inside and has a good selection of extras. It's not too big for the city, yet big enough to make a highway trip comfrotable. The wide trunk is a plus, too, although it's not the biggest one around either.

In short, the new Ford Explorer EV strikes a great balance. It can get the job done in various scenarios without burdening your wallet as much as some of the alternatives.

Give me the technical stuff

Ford Explorer at a glance:

• Dimensions: 175.9 inches x 73.7 inches x 64.2 inches, 108.9 inches wheelbase.
• Drivetrains available: 52 kWh - RWD 125 kW (168 hp), 229 lb-ft, 77 kWh - RWD 210 kW (282 hp), 402 lb-ft, 79 kWh - AWD 250 kW (335 hp), 501 lb-ft
• Charging: 120 kW CCS (52 kWh), 170 kW (77 kWh), 190 kW (79 kWh), 10-80% in 25 min.
• Range: 236 miles (SR RWD), 374 miles (ER RWD), 352 miles (ER AWD) WLTP
• Weight: up to 4,998 lb
• Trunk: EU: 536 l, no frunk

What's great about it?

MEB platform is objectively a nice EV platform, and if you don't want to spend a price premium for the VW ID.4, for example, the Ford Explorer is a great choice. It offers much of the same experience as an ID.4, but at a lower cost.

It's got a practical spacious cabin with lots of compartments, relatively small dimensions suitable for packed cities and enough range to get you places outside the city. Except for the SR model with 52 kWh cell, that is. The vehicle also offers much of the Ford Capri equipment too. The low loading height and wide boot are definitely a plus.

The interior is well put together, and we are definitely fans of the adjustable central infotainment screen, which reveals a hidden compartment.

What's not that good?

Even though we said the interior is good for the price bracket, the Ford Capri feels a bit nicer, while its price tag is pretty close to that of the Explorer. We are also not huge fan of the touch capacitive buttons, especially those on the wheel. We believe that you need the tactile feedback of physical buttons while driving, especially if those buttons are on the steering wheel.

The vehicle is also pretty close to the Capri, price-wise, which wouldn't make sense for some consumers and they would happily spend a little bit more for larger, more comfortable cabin, extra trunk volume and longer range.

Which version to get?

Our recommendation will be the same as our Ford Capri suggestion — get the Extended Range version with the bigger 77 kWh battery. And if you have a taste for performance go for the AWD option with a 79 kWh battery.

Still, the Extended Range RWD with the 77 kWh is probably the most sensible option because it offers the most range and is cheaper than the AWD variant. You should definitely consider the Premium package as well since it brings a lot of niceties for a reasonable price.