You nailed it with the acceleration seeming like something is holding it back. Quarter and half throttle feel really good and responsive but it doesnt feel like full throttle adds up to what it should be. Just like you said you kinda have to drive it to feel it. I think it's the tune and they definitely pull power at full throttle just for reliability and longevity. I have a 3" AWE catback, still feels like the tune is holding it back. I do love my ST and think the 25 is a massive improvement over previous years.
What can be improved on the "ST" in terms of better performance response, is a larger intercooler, to me. The more air in and out of an engine, with minimum restriction (s) ='s better response. And that involves aftermarket goodies (larger intercooler, aftermarket exhaust, etc.). I have a 2023 and when stock was still a kick in the britches. Even more so now! The longer you own your vehicle, the more you realize, perhaps what it lacks and/or can be improved upon. I'm more annoyed with the wind noise from probably the roof rails. You can go get a Mercedes, "Jag", Land Rover, paying forty thousand dollars more, which I test drove. But I'm totally satisfied with my "ST." I get damn good performance, reliability & looks in my baby! And I saved a gang of doe even after my easier breathing go fast parts ... Just saying...
We just bought this exact 2025 ST and I agree. Some material feels cheap. Something does seem to lag on the initial acceleration. Everything else not a big deal to me
I was considering a Ford Explorer platinum, with 3.0 v6 twin turbo. I didn't like fit and finish inside of vehicle I thought it was poorly done. And parts were coming apart as I was fiddling with it . The sound system was not that good. And overall price. No shocks to hold up hood. A lot of plastics on outside of vehicle. I also didn't like no heating control knobs . All controls in the infotainment system. But I did wind up buying a Lincolon Aviator Black Label. 2024 Which was alot more more money than I wanted to spend . But I got to say I love driving this car and listening to the sound system of 28 speakers fit& Finish is superb.
worst thing about climate control is that the icon on the center screen doesn't tell you what vents are currently being used and you have to click into it to see!
Yes I forgot about that, I believe you can can use the google to tell it what temp ya want etc. but if ya use the auto setting then ya really don't have to touch it all that much.
I have the same 2025 Explorer ST as you and I don't agree with any of these. I love the new ST!! The one thing I would add is the gloss black panels on the exterior came swirled from the factor/dealer and I had to get the corrected and ceramic coated to prevent more scratches.
Mine does not creak at all, also metal? did they put metal there? Seems like it would get really hot to me being in the sun there. Also I like the fact that id does not have the shiny smooth piano black there that just soaks up dust. I Have not tired to move around the back heating controls, but it is part of the center console , so I would expect it to move a little, however maybe it just needs the bolts tightened a bit. I disagree on the acceleration. I have not stomped on mine because I only have like 1k miles on it but when I press my gas it goes even pressing down half way this ting moves and I'm not even in sport mode. I totally agree with the instrument cluster. I would have appreciated more options as well and more information other than just Trans Temp and Coolant temp. The Blue Cruise sensor it is a little big but after while ya tend to ignore it. Climate control buttons...sigh everyone rants about this, but ya need to think about this. When you use the Auto Function how often are you really touching those buttons and even if your not using the auto function how often are you changing your temps and adjusting the direction of the air etc. also in this car when using the auto setting you can also link in the seats which is nice, so ya set the temp and ya really do not have to touch it again. However I would have liked a physical recirculation button because for some reason when you hit the button it does not stay in recirculation mode it kind of just does what it wants, I think its programmed to give ya fresh air after a certain amount of time but I like mine closed always so that is a little annoying. Also in the auto setting you can adjust the fan speed without hitting the fan button. It has 3 settings. Chevy Traverse from what I hear has a worse engine from what I hear that wont even last 100K miles (just what i hear I personally have no clue) and also it does not come with 400HP. Also mine with AWD was only like 65K and that was with a 6 year 75K mile extended Ford premium warranty and the same year/mileage Service package as well. The extra for the paint color and the top especially is BS in my opinion, but I got the carbonized grey so there was no additional cost. Also Blue Cruise has been updated, but Chevy has been doing it longer so Blue Cruise I'm sure will catch up. One thing ya missed was the buttons under the infotainment center (the panel with start/stop buttons etc..) it is cheap as hell and they are not even separate buttons, its one panel and when you press one button the whole panel moves. All this being said there are 10 things I do not like about mine which I wont list but ya hit on like 2 of them. All this being said though I still love driving mine.
Great comments
Purchased one. Excellent quality. Happy thus far.
Your right ford raised prices and used cheap materials to increase their profit margins.
You nailed it with the acceleration seeming like something is holding it back. Quarter and half throttle feel really good and responsive but it doesnt feel like full throttle adds up to what it should be. Just like you said you kinda have to drive it to feel it. I think it's the tune and they definitely pull power at full throttle just for reliability and longevity. I have a 3" AWE catback, still feels like the tune is holding it back. I do love my ST and think the 25 is a massive improvement over previous years.
lol, I have the 2025 pearl white platinum 4x4, my 7th explorer, I love this one! everybody, go get one! 🥰
That's what I noticed ,first minute I sat in ST...cheap interior plastic, for top of the line Explorer.
I've got a 21 St, and I've noticed a few of features back then are options now or deleted.
What can be improved on the "ST" in terms of better performance response, is a larger intercooler, to me. The more air in and out of an engine, with minimum restriction (s) ='s better response. And that involves aftermarket goodies (larger intercooler, aftermarket exhaust, etc.).
I have a 2023 and when stock was still a kick in the britches. Even more so now! The longer you own your vehicle, the more you realize, perhaps what it lacks and/or can be improved upon. I'm more annoyed with the wind noise from probably the roof rails. You can go get a Mercedes, "Jag", Land Rover, paying forty thousand dollars more, which I test drove. But I'm totally satisfied with my "ST." I get damn good performance, reliability & looks in my baby! And I saved a gang of doe even after my easier breathing go fast parts ... Just saying...
We just bought this exact 2025 ST and I agree. Some material feels cheap. Something does seem to lag on the initial acceleration. Everything else not a big deal to me
I was considering a Ford Explorer platinum, with 3.0 v6 twin turbo. I didn't like fit and finish inside of vehicle I thought it was poorly done. And parts were coming apart as I was fiddling with it . The sound system was not that good. And overall price. No shocks to hold up hood. A lot of plastics on outside of vehicle. I also didn't like no heating control knobs . All controls in the infotainment system. But I did wind up buying a Lincolon Aviator Black Label. 2024 Which was alot more more money than I wanted to spend . But I got to say I love driving this car and listening to the sound system of 28 speakers fit& Finish is superb.
Aviator not Nautilus. nautilus is Edge bothers
worst thing about climate control is that the icon on the center screen doesn't tell you what vents are currently being used and you have to click into it to see!
You nitpicking…
Just tell the climate control to turn itself up or down
Yes I forgot about that, I believe you can can use the google to tell it what temp ya want etc. but if ya use the auto setting then ya really don't have to touch it all that much.
I wish they would get rid of the plastic trim around the wheel well and sides of the car. Makes it look cheap and takes away from its appearance.
I have the same 2025 Explorer ST as you and I don't agree with any of these. I love the new ST!! The one thing I would add is the gloss black panels on the exterior came swirled from the factor/dealer and I had to get the corrected and ceramic coated to prevent more scratches.
You pay extra so you can tell google to change the temp and you to touch nothing.
The cluster is the same size as before, the infotainment is just larger than the cluster is now.
Mine does not creak at all, also metal? did they put metal there? Seems like it would get really hot to me being in the sun there. Also I like the fact that id does not have the shiny smooth piano black there that just soaks up dust. I Have not tired to move around the back heating controls, but it is part of the center console , so I would expect it to move a little, however maybe it just needs the bolts tightened a bit. I disagree on the acceleration. I have not stomped on mine because I only have like 1k miles on it but when I press my gas it goes even pressing down half way this ting moves and I'm not even in sport mode. I totally agree with the instrument cluster. I would have appreciated more options as well and more information other than just Trans Temp and Coolant temp. The Blue Cruise sensor it is a little big but after while ya tend to ignore it. Climate control buttons...sigh everyone rants about this, but ya need to think about this. When you use the Auto Function how often are you really touching those buttons and even if your not using the auto function how often are you changing your temps and adjusting the direction of the air etc. also in this car when using the auto setting you can also link in the seats which is nice, so ya set the temp and ya really do not have to touch it again. However I would have liked a physical recirculation button because for some reason when you hit the button it does not stay in recirculation mode it kind of just does what it wants, I think its programmed to give ya fresh air after a certain amount of time but I like mine closed always so that is a little annoying. Also in the auto setting you can adjust the fan speed without hitting the fan button. It has 3 settings. Chevy Traverse from what I hear has a worse engine from what I hear that wont even last 100K miles (just what i hear I personally have no clue) and also it does not come with 400HP. Also mine with AWD was only like 65K and that was with a 6 year 75K mile extended Ford premium warranty and the same year/mileage Service package as well. The extra for the paint color and the top especially is BS in my opinion, but I got the carbonized grey so there was no additional cost. Also Blue Cruise has been updated, but Chevy has been doing it longer so Blue Cruise I'm sure will catch up. One thing ya missed was the buttons under the infotainment center (the panel with start/stop buttons etc..) it is cheap as hell and they are not even separate buttons, its one panel and when you press one button the whole panel moves. All this being said there are 10 things I do not like about mine which I wont list but ya hit on like 2 of them. All this being said though I still love driving mine.