The Ford Explorer SUV has been updated for 2025 and comes loaded with a host of standard features and advanced technology.

New to the Explorer line, the company has added the optional Ford BlueCruise hands-free highway driving on the ST-Line, ST, and Platinum trims. There’s also an available 400 hp engine (more on that below).

“For nearly 35 years, families have chosen the Ford Explorer, making it America’s all-time best-selling SUV. We have refined almost every part of the new Explorer – focusing on a redesigned interior, additional technology like BlueCruise hands-free highway driving and special editions like the 400 horsepower Explorer ST. It’s the right combination of delivering what the next generation of customers want and love in a large SUV,” said Andrew Frick, president of Ford Blue, in a news release.

Ford Canada says the new Explorer comes with softer touch points and premium materials to make the interior more comfortable, and the vehicle includes the Ford Digital Experience infotainment system, allowing drivers to access apps from Google and Amazon. The system is also compatible with Apple CarPlay through iPhone and Android Auto through Android devices.

The centre touchscreen display measures 13.2 inches and features Google Maps integration, while the digital gauge cluster measures at 12.3 inches. Google Assistant is the default voice assistant, while Alexa Built-In is available. These can be used for setting in-vehicle temperature, find and set destinations, change radio or satellite station, and more.

When the vehicle is parked, you can also watch movies and TV shows through YouTube, Prime Video and other services.

Ford BlueCruise features lane change assist, allowing the driver to switch lanes hands-free with a tap of the turn signal when the path is clear, and in-lane repositioning, which helps provide more space by subtly shifting away from vehicles in adjacent lanes. The system also assists with braking, accelerating and steering.

The SUV comes standard with 10-way power, heated driver’s seat, four-way power, heated front passenger seat, eight USB ports (including two for third-row passengers), three 12-volt power points, a Class III trailer tow package, four-wheel drive, 10-speed automatic transmission, power liftgate and LED headlights.

There are four trim levels. They are:

• Active comes with a 2.3 L EcoBoost engine and 18-inch Sparkle Silver-painted aluminum wheels
• ST-Line comes with 20-inch Ebony machine-painted aluminum wheels
• ST comes with a 3 L EcoBoost engine with 400 hp and 21-inch Magnetite-painted aluminum wheels
• Platinum comes standard with the 2.3 L engine, the 3 L is available, plus 20-inch luster nickel-painted aluminum wheels

Canadian pricing starts at $50,535, including destination and delivery charges. The new Explorer is expected to arrive at dealerships in the second quarter of 2024.