*Disclosure: The 2025 Ford Explorer ST was provided to me for test drive purposes and editorial consideration. All opinionated opinions are 100% mine!
Some women buy shoes when they’re feeling bold—I test drive SUVs with 400 horsepower. The 2025 Ford Explorer ST RWD caught my eye because it looks bold, confident, and capable of a little trouble. As usual, when I test drive, my internal dialogue is: “let’s see how this beauty handles winding roads, spontaneous detours, and a very enthusiastic playlist.”
First Impressions:
This SUV isn’t trying to be cute or dainty. It’s got presence—like it knows how to hold a stare and prefers dirt roads over polite pavement. From the gloss-black trim to the 21-inch wheels, the Explorer ST looks like it was made to roam—and look good doing it.
The Drive:
That 3.0L EcoBoost V6? It roared to life like it had something to prove. Rear-wheel drive gives it a surprisingly athletic feel, and once you hit the gas, the Explorer moves like it’s late for something important and thrilling. It’s responsive, smooth, and a little mischievous—just how I like my adventures.
Pro: Handles curves like it read the road’s diary.
Con: Makes the speed limit feel more like a suggestion than a rule.
Interior Vibes:
Comfort and Convenience: Includes features like tri-zone automatic temperature control, 360-degree camera, multicontour seats with massage (front), second-row sunblinds, and a heated steering wheel
Inside, it’s refined but not fussy. Heated and ventilated leather seats hugged me in all the right places (which I appreciated more than I expected). The cabin is roomy, quiet, and ready for anything—from a weekend getaway to a long scenic drive just because the sky looks pretty.
Pro: Panoramic sunroof, massage seats, and enough space for all my gear.
Con: The third row takes up a bit of cargo space, but folding it down is easy—and makes room for boots, bags, and an impulsive farmer’s market haul.
Tech That Gets Me:
Ford’s Sync 4A system is modern and intuitive. The 13.2-inch touchscreen didn’t overwhelm me (and trust me, I’ve walked away from tech that did). Wireless Apple CarPlay? Seamless. The Bang & Olufsen sound system? Studio quality. I may have had a full-on concert moment with some ’70s rock on the highway.
Pro: Backup cameras so clear they’d make a mirror jealous.
Con: The alerts beep a bit too enthusiastically when I get close to curbs—but hey, I like a car that’s paying attention.
Also, I still don’t know what this screen meant:
Fuel & Feels:
The Explorer ST isn’t trying to be a gas-sipping saint. Around 20 mpg, give or take. But honestly? That’s the price of power—and worth every drop. Some things you drive to save money. This one you drive to feel alive.
Final Test Drive Verdict:
The 2025 Ford Explorer ST RWD is a confident, capable SUV that doesn’t whisper. It roars. It’s for women who know their way around an open road, who enjoy solo time with the mountains, the coast, or the city lights, and who want a ride that keeps up with their pace.
Social Responsibility Rating:
Ford donated $1 million dollars & vehicles to the current administration’s inauguration (NOT a fan of that) but they also have the following overview regarding social responsibility:
Ford is recognized for its strong social responsibility efforts, particularly in areas like sustainability, philanthropy, and human rights. Ford has been named among the World’s Most Ethical Companies by the Ethisphere Institute for multiple years, demonstrating its commitment to ethical practices. Their social responsibility efforts are integrated into all aspects of their business, including sustainability initiatives and community engagement. Here’s another good link with details: https://www.citizen.org/news/ford-sustainability-report-shows-important-progress/
Zombie Apocalypse Rating: The Explorer ST has a larger fuel tank (20.2 gallons) compared to other Explorer trims which means it can travel approximately 363.6 city miles and 525.2 highway miles on a full tank with RWD so you at least have some time before you’ll need to get into a fight at a gas station (if they are still open!) Also, with the way it sits high, you’ll be able to run over quite a few Zombies without getting stuck
