The 2025 Ford Explorer ST combines a 400-hp twin-turbo V6 with a refreshed interior and a substantial standard equipment list. Its sport-tuned suspension and 21-inch wheels distinguish it from the similarly named ST-Line. The ST-Line is worth comparing if the appearance appeals to you but the V6 is not a priority.
This guide accompanies our refreshed 2025 Explorer ST video. Canadian manufacturer material and dated factory labels establish the specifications below. The price examples are identified reference builds, not a claim about the exact options or invoice of the vehicle in the video.
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The 2025 Canadian Explorer lineup consists of Active, ST-Line, Platinum and ST. Ford’s Canadian launch information lists four-wheel drive across the range. Active and ST-Line use the 2.3-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder. Platinum starts with that engine and offers the 3.0-litre V6 through the documented Ultimate Package, while ST includes the V6.
ST-Line is not an ST with a smaller equipment group. It has a different engine and can be ordered with a Street Package containing 21-inch wheels and performance-brake equipment. Those additions still do not turn it into the V6 ST. Platinum emphasizes its cabin presentation and luxury packages; compare an equipped example rather than relying on the trim’s position in a brochure.
Engine and transmission
The ST’s 3.0-litre EcoBoost V6 produces 400 hp and 415 lb-ft, with Ford noting that the published rating is achieved using premium fuel. It is paired with a ten-speed automatic and four-wheel drive in Canada. Ford Canada’s 2025 Explorer introduction specifically confirms that Canadian drivetrain, so the rear-wheel-drive standard specification found in U.S. material is not applied here.
The Canadian ST equipment record also lists sport-tuned suspension, red-painted brake calipers and quad exhaust outlets. These establish the hardware and appearance specification. They do not establish a measured stopping distance, ride assessment or acceleration time, and the walkaround is not being turned into an invented road test.
Towing and load limits
Ford Canada’s 2025 Explorer towing guide lists a 5,000-lb maximum for both the 2.3-litre four-cylinder and 3.0-litre V6 when correctly equipped. The Class III Trailer Tow Package is standard. For ST, the guide specifies a 3.58 axle ratio and 10,800-lb gross combined weight rating; the V6 Platinum entry uses a different axle ratio.
The package includes a Class III receiver, 4-/7-pin connector, Tow/Haul mode and trailer sway control. Maximum receiver tongue load is 500 lb, and the trailer frontal-area limit is 40 square feet. The individual vehicle still must remain within its loading and combined-weight limits after passengers, cargo and tongue weight are included.
More horsepower does not produce a higher listed trailer maximum here. If towing is the reason for paying for ST, compare the full towing requirements with ST-Line first. Ford also warns that a trailer fitted with electric brakes requires a compatible aftermarket electronic brake controller; do not mistake the factory wiring connector for the controller.
Fuel economy
Natural Resources Canada’s 2025 ST-matching entry, corroborated by the Canadian ST label, is 13.3 L/100 km city, 9.6 highway and 11.6 combined. The 2.3-litre AWD Explorer is rated at 11.9 city, 8.7 highway and 10.4 combined. A separate 3.0-litre automatic entry has different numbers, so this article uses the ST label to identify the correct V6 rating. NRCan 2025 data.
For 20,000 km a year, the combined values represent 2,320 litres for ST or 2,080 litres for the four-cylinder, a difference of 240 litres. Apply your expected fuel price to estimate the annual difference. The published figures are standardized comparisons, not consumption measured in our video, and city-heavy winter use or towing can change the outcome.
Interior, seating and cargo
The Canadian ST reference has Onyx Miko seating, power-adjustable front seats with heating and cooling, heated second-row seating and a heated steering wheel. Tri-zone climate control, ambient lighting and a panoramic roof are listed as included equipment. They provide more concrete reasons to consider ST than exterior styling alone.
The third row folds to create additional cargo space. Before choosing a vehicle, verify whether its second row has separate seats or a bench and check access with the seats adjusted for your passengers. The video description does not establish the video vehicle’s seat layout. For a household using all three rows, test the remaining luggage area with the third row raised rather than comparing only folded-seat cargo figures.
A power liftgate, rain-sensing wipers and power-folding heated mirrors with memory and signals appear on the ST production label. The reference vehicle’s mini spare and jack kit, however, are a separate $300 item. Confirm the actual puncture-repair equipment instead of assuming a spare is included on every example.
Infotainment and connectivity
The refreshed Explorer uses Ford Digital Experience with a 13.2-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital cluster. Ford Canada describes Google Maps integration on both displays, Google Assistant and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Eight USB ports include connections for third-row passengers.
The ST reference label lists a 14-speaker B&O system, a wireless charging pad and a 110-volt outlet. Connected navigation, apps, hotspot use and subscriptions should be checked separately. Having the physical display or modem does not mean every paid service will remain active indefinitely.
Safety features and BlueCruise
The Canadian ST includes adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert, lane keeping and pre-collision assistance with automatic emergency braking. A 360-degree camera and rear-view camera provide additional visibility. Stability control with rollover-control functions, child-restraint anchors and tire-pressure monitoring are also listed.
BlueCruise equipment is identified with a 90-day trial on the August reference label. Ford Canada states that its hands-free capability requires a connected-service plan and works only in supported conditions. The driver must keep watching the road and remain ready to take control. When buying a previously registered vehicle, confirm whether the trial has already been used rather than treating it as a new entitlement.
Pricing in CAD
These historical Canadian 2025 factory-label figures were checked through retained or indexed original-label text on October 28, 2026. They exclude destination, the $100 air-conditioning excise charge, other options and sales taxes. Dates differ; the table is not a current retail quote.
| 2025 4WD configuration | Historical amount (CAD) | Printed label date | Difference worth pricing |
|---|---|---|---|
| ST-Line 300A, 2.3L | $56,985 | April 22, 2025 | Heated front seats, B&O, large displays and 360-degree camera. Street Package is extra. |
| ST-Line 300A with Street Package | $58,485 | Same April label | Adds $1,500 for 21-inch wheels and performance brakes; retains the four-cylinder. |
| ST 400A, 3.0L V6 | $70,185 | August 4, 2025 | V6, sport-tuned suspension and the documented ST comfort/roof equipment. |
The ST base amount is $11,700 above that Street Package-equipped ST-Line before other options and fees; this is not a pure styling premium. The ST adds $2,295 delivery and $100 excise, giving $72,580 before its other options. With the labelled paint, floor liners, block heater, keypad and spare kit, the total is $74,915 before sales taxes. The April ST-Line uses a different $2,195 delivery charge.
Competition and which Explorer makes sense
ST makes the clearest case when the V6 and sport-specific hardware are priorities alongside the family equipment. ST-Line deserves attention when the styling and technology matter more than additional power. Platinum is the cabin-focused comparison, especially if you are considering its optional V6 and upgraded leather packages.
The Honda Pilot, Mazda CX-90 and Kia Telluride are relevant three-row alternatives. Compare passenger layout, usable luggage space and complete equipped prices. Our 2026 Explorer Platinum guide and 2026 Explorer Tremor review cover separate model-year choices, not prices or equipment to substitute into this 2025 guide.
Frequently asked questions
Does ST-Line have the same engine as ST?
No. The Canadian 2025 ST-Line has the 2.3-litre four-cylinder, while ST includes the 400-hp 3.0-litre V6.
Does ST tow more than the four-cylinder Explorer?
Both have a listed 5,000-lb maximum in Ford Canada’s 2025 guide when correctly equipped and loaded.
Is BlueCruise included forever?
No. The reference ST has a 90-day trial; continued hands-free use requires the applicable active service.