Ford Explorer Platinum

The 2025 Ford Explorer

Maybe I always wanted a cop car. After driving many Explorers, including the police version, I always liked this vehicle. Maybe it’s because it’s built in my city, on the Southside of Chicago. The Ford Explorer never disappoints. Good power. Handles well on the road. Rock steady at highway speeds. The Explorer holds its own in the mid-sized SUV space, but it has a lot of formidable competition.

The 2024 Ford Explorer remains a solid choice in the midsize SUV category, offering a versatile blend of performance, technology, and comfort. With a spacious three-row cabin, it comfortably seats seven, making it ideal for families. The Explorer’s exterior maintains its bold, rugged look, and inside, it boasts modern features, though the interior quality can feel a bit underwhelming for its price.

Performance-wise, the 2024 Explorer offers multiple powertrain options, including a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 300 horsepower, a hybrid option for efficiency-focused drivers, and a twin-turbo V6 for those seeking more power. The handling is composed, and the available all-wheel-drive system enhances traction in tougher driving conditions.

Tech-wise, Ford has integrated a user-friendly infotainment system with an 8-inch or available 10.1-inch touchscreen, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Ford’s Co-Pilot360 safety suite, which includes lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control.

One downside is that fuel efficiency is only average for the class, and the third-row space can feel tight for adults. However, with its blend of power, space, and tech, the 2024 Explorer remains a reliable and versatile SUV option, particularly for families and road-trippers.

The 2024 Ford Explorer gets 3.5 Lambos. Pictured above is the 2025 model.

EC