TheStraightPipes gave the 2026 Explorer Tremor a solidly positive 75.6/100 rating, praising its excellent practicality, comfort, and design execution. The Tremor impresses with thoughtful details like perfectly-positioned cup holders and visors, a supple suspension that resolved previous stiffness issues, and a striking off-road aesthetic with grill lights and hidden exhaust tips; its 400-hp EcoBoost V6 also delivers engaging performance with rear-wheel-biased torque that invites spirited driving. The major drawback is value—the loaded test vehicle costs $76,675 with a $13,000 engine upgrade, and the infotainment tech lags competitors with a standard-sized screen and wireless-only Apple CarPlay connectivity. The Tremor suits buyers who prioritize comfort, capability, and distinctive styling but have a high budget and aren't shopping primarily on price.

Redline Reviews gives the 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor a solidly positive 66/100 score, praising Ford's return to the Explorer's off-road roots with genuine capability features like an integrated LED light bar, functional tow hooks, and underbody skid plates standard across the board. The Tremor excels in driving technology (100/100) with Ford's intelligent all-wheel drive system offering six drive modes and a 360 camera, plus strong performance (81/100) from either a competitive 2.3L turbo four-cylinder or the segment-leading 3.0L twin-turbo V6 producing 400 horsepower. The main drawback is abysmal fuel economy (0/100)—the Tremor achieves just 17/22/19 city/highway/combined MPG, making it the least efficient Explorer in the lineup, and pricing climbs steeply with options like the V6 adding nearly $12,000. The Explorer Tremor is built for buyers who prioritize off-road capability and don't mind trading fuel efficiency for performance and genuine adventure hardware.

The 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor earns a strong 87/100 OctaneScore, with Auto Buyers Guide highlighting its excellent off-road performance—including Bridgestone all-terrain tires, underbody protection plating, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance—alongside impressive driving technology like Blue Cruise 1.5 and adaptive cruise control. The cabin excels in comfort and connectivity, featuring climate control zones throughout all three rows, USB-C ports, and a distinctive Bang & Olufsen audio system, while the softer suspension and wider tires deliver a refined ride quality. The main caveat is value, where the base $51,600 price is reasonable but fully equipped models can reach $63,500, and the vehicle falls short for buyers seeking maximum off-road capability without family hauling compromises. The Tremor is best suited for families wanting a capable weekend adventurer that doesn't sacrifice daily drivability and comfort.

Redline Reviews gives the 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor a positive assessment (66/100), praising its exceptional off-road credentials and driving technology, including nearly 9 inches of ground clearance, three skid plates with raised suspension, and advanced traction management software. The cabin tech and design standout with a 12.3-inch digital display, ActiveX material with orange stitching, and distinctive styling elements like matte black grille and electric spice accent tow hooks, though the reviewer noted a preference for projector-style headlights. The main concerns are the likely premium pricing near or above $60,000 and modest fuel economy estimates of 20-26 MPG on the base turbocharged engine. The Tremor is built for serious off-road enthusiasts who prioritize capability and technology over fuel efficiency and affordability.

The 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor earned a perfect 100/100 OctaneScore from Auto Buyers Guide, with universal praise across all 17 scoring highlights and zero negative feedback. The Tremor's design excels with distinctive features like Tremor-specific wheels and lighting, recovery hooks, and a lifted suspension 1.2 inches higher than standard models, while its cabin tech impresses with a large touchscreen, 360-degree camera view, and premium Bang & Olufsen audio options. The vehicle delivers strong performance with a standard 2.3L EcoBoost (300 hp) and optional 3.0L EcoBoost (400 hp), all without requiring buyers to compromise on amenities—a key value proposition that makes this trim genuinely functional for off-road use rather than cosmetic. The Explorer Tremor is built for buyers seeking serious off-road capability paired with modern technology and comfort features.

Redline Reviews gives the 2025 Ford Explorer ST a positive assessment with a 62/100 OctaneScore, praising its cabin technology and efficiency as standout strengths—the new infotainment system with Ford's latest digital experience and the touch-activated door handles earn an 86/100 rating, while real-world fuel economy averaging 19.5 MPG scores 75/100. However, the ST struggles with value perception (25/100), with reviewers noting that all-wheel drive costs an extra $2,000 and the black roof paint option adds $5,000, and the SUV's interior space falls short compared to rivals like the Toyota Grand Highlander. The reviewer also notes that the Explorer's modern styling and aggressive 400-hp twin-turbo performance make it a compelling choice, though its design remains intentionally recognizable rather than groundbreaking. This SUV is best suited for driving enthusiasts and families who prioritize performance and technology over maximizing passenger space and want a three-row vehicle that doesn't compromise on driving dynamics.

SavageGeese gave the 2025 Ford Explorer ST a mixed review with a score of 50/100, praising its practical family-hauler capabilities while questioning its performance credentials. The Explorer excels in livability (89/100) with tremendous storage, generous legroom across all rows, and a usable third row, plus cabin tech (80/100) improvements like the new Android Automotive infotainment system and landscape display that frees up space for wireless charging. However, the ST's performance appeal falls short—while the 3.0L twin-turbo V6 delivers 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, SavageGeese notes the Explorer isn't actually fun or rewarding to drive hard and the performance excitement would wear off quickly, and reliability concerns persist with panel fitment issues and kick plates that come off too easily. This vehicle is best suited for families prioritizing space and everyday usability over genuine driving engagement.

Auto Buyers Guide gives the 2025 Ford Explorer a solidly positive review with an OctaneScore of 68/100, praising its performance and driving dynamics as standout strengths—the Explorer offers up to 400 horsepower with 5,000 lbs of towing standard, and its rear-wheel drive layout delivers superior handling without torque steer. The cabin tech and design also impress, featuring a new 13-inch touchscreen with full Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, LED lighting throughout, and a refreshed exterior with a sharper, angrier front end. The main drawback is fuel economy, which maxes out at 24 MPG for the most efficient rear-wheel drive model, and a minor reliability concern about noisy seat adjustment motors on the Platinum trim; additionally, the removal of the hybrid option disappoints the reviewer. The 2025 Explorer is best suited for buyers prioritizing performance, towing capacity, and technology over fuel efficiency in a three-row SUV.

Redline Reviews gives the 2025 Ford Explorer ST a positive rating of 78/100, praising its strong fuel economy (18–29 MPG depending on drivetrain), advanced driving tech including Ford's Co-Pilot 360 suite and new Blue Cruise option, and impressive performance from its 400-hp twin-turbo V6 engine. The redesigned exterior styling impresses with its bold front-end and full-LED headlights, though the cabin falls short with limited cargo space (16.3 cubic feet with the third row up) and some cost-cutting measures like non-perforated third-row leather. At $55,500–$60,000, the Explorer ST is competitively priced despite costing more than some rivals, making it a solid choice for driving enthusiasts who need family space and don't want to compromise on performance.

Auto Buyers Guide gave the 2025 Ford Explorer a solidly positive 73/100 score, praising its sleek redesigned exterior with LED lighting, impressive performance from the twin-turbo V6 and available rear-wheel drive setup, and strong value starting at $41,300 with generous standard equipment including heated seats and safety features. The cabin tech also impresses with native Google Android Automotive running on faster hardware than competitors, supporting both Apple CarPlay and Android apps. However, fuel economy emerges as a significant weakness—the reviewer lamented the discontinued hybrid option and wished for a 35 MPG alternative, while also noting that shiny black plastics in the cabin may scratch easily over time. The 2025 Explorer suits buyers prioritizing responsive handling, modern tech, and competitive pricing who can accept less-than-stellar gas mileage.

Redline Reviews gave the 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum a positive review with a 66/100 OctaneScore, praising its class-leading powertrain (400 hp twin-turbo V6), comprehensive driving technology suite including Co-Pilot 360 and 360-degree cameras, and redesigned exterior with a more aggressive stance and unique Platinum grille. The cabin tech impressed with the new digital infotainment system and Bang & Olufsen audio, while livability benefits from the longest wheelbase in class and standard twin-panel moonroof. However, the elimination of the hybrid option means it's no longer fuel-efficient by segment standards, and oddly the Platinum still features unpainted wheel arch moldings despite its luxury positioning—plus Ford's $5,000 roof blackout charge is criticized as excessive. This Explorer suits buyers prioritizing performance, tech features, and three-row space over fuel economy.

Redline Reviews gives the 2025 Ford Explorer ST a solidly positive 76/100 rating, praising its exceptional performance with a 400-hp twin-turbo V6 engine and impeccable build quality featuring leather-trimmed interiors and a solid door structure, while also highlighting the redesigned full-LED headlights and impressive 13.2-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The main drawback is the discontinuation of the hybrid powertrain option, leaving buyers without a fuel-efficient alternative, and livability is only moderately strong given its 199-inch length makes it about 4 inches shorter than competitors like the Grand Highlander. The ST trim represents a capable, well-appointed three-row SUV best suited for buyers prioritizing performance and modern technology over fuel economy.

Auto Buyers Guide gave the 2025 Ford Explorer an overwhelmingly positive review with a 98/100 OctaneScore, praising nearly every aspect of the redesign. The cabin technology and design stand out most notably, featuring a 13.2-inch touchscreen with Google Automotive OS, full LED headlights and tail lights, and a dramatically redesigned front grille available in four trim-specific styles. The value proposition is solid with the new Active trim starting at $41,250 (a modest $3,000 increase) while adding standard towing equipment, LED headlights, and adaptive cruise control. With no significant negatives identified and strong marks across performance, livability, and driving technology, the 2025 Explorer is positioned as an excellent choice for buyers seeking a modern, well-equipped three-row SUV with practical features like standard towing capability and advanced infotainment at a competitive price.

Edmunds gives the 2025 Ford Explorer a highly positive rating of 93/100, praising its new infotainment system with a standard 13.2-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, plus strong turbocharged performance options (300-hp four-cylinder or 400-hp V6) and improved value with a simplified trim lineup and just $1,000 more than the previous generation. The refreshed design and new BlueCruise 1.2 assisted driving system also earn top marks, though Edmunds notes that second and third-row comfort remains tight and cramped. The 2025 Explorer is ideal for buyers prioritizing tech, performance, and value in a three-row SUV who don't require spacious rear seating.

Auto Buyers Guide gave the 2024 Ford Explorer a perfect 100/100 score, praising its design and cabin technology as standout strengths—particularly the clean rear end with integrated Ford logo, C-clamp LED tail lights, and a motorized 14.6-inch display that differentiates it from its VW ID.4 platform roots. The vehicle also impresses with livability features including Mustang-inspired seats with integrated headrests and standard heated and massaging functions, while the rear-wheel drive variant delivers 168 horsepower and targets low-200s WLTP range. There are no noted negatives or concerns from this review. This Explorer is best suited for European buyers seeking a right-sized SUV that blends American design aesthetics with German engineering.