Considering the Ford Explorer EV in 2025?
This is the review that cuts through the fluff to answer what really matters: Does it handle family life? Will the range hold up in British weather? And crucially—is it worth your money?
The Explorer marks Ford's shift from beloved Fiestas and Focuses to an all-electric future, built on Volkswagen's MEB platform and promising up to 374 miles of range.
We've tested it in real British conditions—motorway runs, school pickups, supermarket car parks—to give you the honest assessment you need before making this investment.
The Final Verdict
The Ford Explorer delivers where it matters most for family EV buyers: Excellent range, responsive handling, and practical interior space.
The Extended Range RWD model strikes the perfect balance of performance and efficiency, comfortably covering 300+ miles on one charge.
While the ride is firmer than some rivals and the boot space isn't class-leading, the Explorer compensates with solid build quality, intuitive tech, and a driving experience that reminds you this is a big-hearted Ford.
For buyers seeking a reliable, well-equipped electric SUV from a trusted brand, the Explorer represents a confident step into an electric future.
It doesn't sacrifice the fundamentals that matter in daily family life.
What is in the Review?
Retail Price: £41,485.00
Savings: £10,325.00
Motorfinity Price: £31,160.00
Specific Trim: 125kw Style 52kwh 5dr Auto [driver Assist Pack]
A Quick Overview
6.4 sec
Acceleration 0-62 mph (for RWD Model)
282
Brake Horse Power
374 miles
Range- Maximum
470 litres
Boot Capacity
14.6-inch
Touchscreen
Things We Liked The Most
- Impressive real-world rangeThe Extended Range RWD model delivers close to 300 miles in mixed driving, making long journeys practical without anxiety.
- Responsive handling Feels more composed and engaging to drive than many rivals, with well-weighted steering and good body control.
- Efficient powertrain Achieves around 4.1 miles per kWh in daily driving, beating many competitors and keeping running costs down.
About the Ford Explorer
The 2025 Ford Explorer EV is Ford's newest electric SUV in Europe, launched in late 2024 as part of the company's pivot towards electrification.
Unlike its American namesake, this European model is built on Volkswagen's MEB platform (the same used in the Volkswagen ID.4) through a technology-sharing deal.
Three main powertrains
- Standard Range RWD: 52 kWh battery, 168 bhp, 239-mile range, from £39 285.
- Extended Range RWD: 77 kWh battery, 282 bhp, 374-mile range, from £45 000+.
- Extended Range AWD: 79 kWh battery, 335 bhp, 329-mile range, from £54 000+.
Three trim levels
- Style: Base model with 19-inch wheels, LED headlights, dual-zone climate control.
- Select: Adds heated seats, massaging driver’s seat, wireless phone charging.
- Premium: Includes panoramic roof, powered tailgate, 20-inch wheels, matrix LED lights.
What has changed in the 2025 variant?
The 2025 Ford Explorer EV represents the model's first full year of availability in most markets. There are no significant changes from 2024. This is effectively the same vehicle that was introduced in late 2024.
Ford has maintained the same three trim levels, battery configurations and pricing structure. If you were looking at an Explorer EV last year, you'll find the same package now.
Ford hasn't rushed to implement updates or price increases in this short timeframe.
The Extended Range variants continue to be the sweet spot in the line-up, offering the practical 300+ mile real-world range most families need for daily use and occasional longer trips.
Is the Ford Explorer X worth buying in 2025?
For drivers looking for a practical electric SUV that actually delivers on range promises, the Ford Explorer makes a strong case.
Its 300+ real-world miles in the Extended Range model solves the anxiety problem that keeps many buyers from going electric.
While Kia and Hyundai offer longer warranties, and the VW ID.4 provides more boot space, the 2025 Explorer's combination of responsive handling, spacious cabin, and straightforward tech makes daily life with it pleasantly drama-free.
The value proposition is particularly strong in the mid-spec Select trim, giving you all the essentials without forcing you into the pricier premium model just to get the features families actually use.
Just remember to budget for the heat pump option if you live anywhere that sees proper winter weather - it's essential for maintaining range in the cold.
Comparison Between the trims
The Ford Explorer comes in three trim levels: style, select and premium.
Style: Only available with smaller 52kWh battery (239 miles), but has all essential features for daily use. Good for city drivers with regular charging access.
Select: The smart choice for most buyers. Gets you the crucial Extended Range battery (300+ real miles), plus heated seats and steering wheel you'll actually use. This is the value sweet spot in the range.
Premium: Mainly worth it if you specifically need AWD, which is exclusive to this trim. The panoramic roof and 20-inch wheels look nice but don't improve practicality. Bigger wheels may worsen ride comfort.
Note: The prices account for exclusive Motorfinity discounts and can change at any time. Please check related model pages for any updated prices.
| Ford Explorer Select From £34,895 | Ford Explorer Premium From £37,741* | |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | 225 bhp PHEV | 225 bhp PHEV |
| Performance | 0–62 mph in 6.4 s | 0–62 mph in 6.4 s (RWD) or 5.3 s (AWD) |
| Real-world EV range | ~300 miles | ~290 miles (RWD) or ~270 miles (AWD) |
| Additional features | Heated front seats, massaging driver’s seat, heated steering wheel, wireless phone charging | Panoramic glass roof, powered tailgate, Matrix LED headlights, 20-inch alloy wheels, B&O premium audio, ambient lighting |
The Following prices mentioned are Motorfinity prices and are only eligible for the exclusive customers.
Comparisons in the EV SUV Category
If you're weighing up electric SUV options, here's how the Ford Explorer compares to its main rivals in the areas that matter day-to-day.
Comparison in terms of range and efficiency
The Explorer delivers on range, sitting near the top of the class. Only the Renault Scenic edges it slightly in efficiency, while the Explorer comfortably outperforms its platform-mate, the ID.4. If range anxiety is your main concern, both the Explorer and Scenic should be on your shortlist.
Comparison based on Practicality
The Explorer's flat floor and good rear headroom work well for families, but its boot is noticeably smaller than rivals.
If you regularly pack for family holidays or have dogs, the ID.4 or Scenic give you significantly more space. The Explorer doesn't offer a front trunk either, unlike the Kia EV6.
Comparison in terms of value for money
The Explorer Select with extended range battery (£45,000) hits the value sweet spot in this class. You're getting a genuine 300+ mile range that means weekly charging for most families – practical usefulness you'll appreciate.
Standard features like heated seats, wireless phone charging, and a massaging driver's seat would cost thousands as options on German rivals. The 4.1 miles/kWh efficiency also means lower running costs than most competitors, saving you around £150-200 annually on a typical 12,000-mile year.
For company car drivers, the benefit-in-kind tax savings are substantial, with monthly payments starting from just £78 for basic rate taxpayers.
While the Renault Scenic offers similar range for less money, the Explorer delivers a more substantial all-around package with better driving dynamics. It focuses on what matters: giving you the range, comfort and features families actually use daily, without the gimmicks you'll never touch.
Note: The prices mentioned are Motorfinity prices and are only available for the eligible customers through Motorfinity. Please be aware that discounts can vary from time to time.
Range and Battery
Range anxiety and efficiency concerns
The Explorer shines in range and efficiency – consistently delivering around 300 real-world miles on one charge.
This eliminates range anxiety for most families, giving you a full week of driving without needing to plug in.
At 4.1 miles/kWh in everyday conditions, it's among the most efficient in its class, outperforming many premium rivals and keeping running costs impressively low.
Even on motorways, the Explorer maintains strong performance and enough range for comfortable long journeys.
The charging experience
The Ford Explorer EV delivers solid charging performance that meets most owners' daily needs, with the RWD model supporting 135kW fast charging and the premium AWD version reaching an impressive 185kW. It completes a convenient 10-80% charge in just 25 minutes during travel stops.
Home charging works seamlessly with standard 7kW wallboxes, providing a full battery overnight when most EVs are typically charged.
While Korean rivals like the EV6 offer faster peak charging speeds, the Explorer's charging times remain practical for real-world use, fitting perfectly with natural rest breaks on longer journeys.
The optional heat pump (£1,050) provides enhanced charging efficiency in colder weather for those who need it, though many UK drivers in milder climates may find the standard setup perfectly adequate.
The Explorer's charging interface is refreshingly simple to use, with clear status indicators and straightforward controls through the main touchscreen, making the overall charging experience reliably stress-free for everyday ownership.
Highway vs city range
The Ford Explorer EV shows impressive versatility across different driving environments, delivering excellent efficiency of 4.1 miles/kWh in everyday city driving.
This translates to approximately 315 miles of urban range, perfect for a week of commuting without charging.
On motorways, where all EVs face greater challenges, the Explorer maintains a respectable 2.9 miles/kWh, providing around 220 miles of highway range. This will comfortably covering most UK intercity journeys on a single charge.
This highway efficiency compares favourably with rivals like the Volkswagen ID.4 and is only slightly behind the class-leading Renault Scenic.
Ford Explorer Exterior Design
The Ford Explorer EV presents a confident, boxy profile that stands out among its more streamlined rivals.
Its pronounced two-box silhouette and minimal rear overhang create a distinctive, purposeful stance that feels more characterful than many competitors, including its platform-mate, the Volkswagen ID.4.
The front end features crisp LED lighting and a clean, modern fascia that signals its electric powertrain without resorting to quirky styling tactics.
Available in wheel sizes from 19 to 21 inches, the Explorer balances traditional SUV ruggedness with contemporary detailing. This design feels both familiar to Ford loyalists and forward-looking enough to appeal to EV converts.
Does the styling compromise visibility and practicality?
Not at all. The Explorer's upright, boxy styling has mixed effects on visibility and practicality. The higher seating position provides a commanding view forward, but the wide windscreen pillars can obstruct sight lines at junctions – a common SUV trade-off.
The rear visibility is somewhat compromised by the rising window line and substantial rear pillars, though Ford compensates with standard front and rear parking sensors and a reversing camera.
On the practicality front, the squared-off roof design actually enhances rear headroom, allowing even six-footers to sit comfortably in the back.
The boxy silhouette contributes to the 470-litre boot space, which, though smaller than rivals like the ID.4, offers a practical shape with minimal wheel arch intrusion.
Unlike some competitors like the Kia EV6, the Explorer doesn't feature a 'frunk' storage area, which is a missed opportunity given the generous bonnet proportions.
How does Ford balance tradition with EV design needs?
The Ford Explorer EV balances tradition with electric innovation by retaining the brand's familiar SUV proportions while embracing modern EV packaging advantages.
Unlike some manufacturers who pursue radical styling departures for their electric models, Ford has maintained a recognisable, squared-off silhouette that appeals to traditional SUV buyers – a deliberate decision to ease the transition to electric for loyal customers.
Where Ford innovates is in the details: The clean front fascia acknowledges the absence of a combustion engine's cooling needs, while the minimal rear overhang takes advantage of the MEB platform's packaging efficiency.
The Interior Design Features
What defines the 2025 Explorer's UK interior design?
The 2025 Ford Explorer's UK interior is defined by its bold minimalist approach centred around a massive 14.6-inch portrait touchscreen.
The design philosophy prioritises spaciousness and storage with a commanding driving position and an impressive 17-litre centre console described as "deeper than the Mariana Trench"—easily swallowing laptops and 1.5-litre bottles
The panoramic roof (standard on Premium trim) enhances the airy feel, while the deliberately squared-off exterior translates to excellent headroom throughout.
What can be considered challenging in it's interior?
Though some may find the minimal physical controls challenging (most functions route through the touchscreen), Ford has sensibly kept climate controls permanently visible at the bottom of the display.
The compact 5.3-inch driver's display and firm, distinctively shaped steering wheel complete the forward-looking, tech-focused cabin that balances practicality with a modern aesthetic.
How practical is the interior of the vehicle?
The Explorer delivers impressive passenger accommodation, particularly in the rear where the squared-off roofline and flat floor create a genuinely spacious environment.
Even six-footers can get comfortable in the back seats with good headroom and decent legroom, though the Kia EV6 offers even more stretch-out space.
The middle rear seat benefits from the completely flat floor – a notable advantage over many combustion SUVs with transmission tunnels.
Up front, the Explorer provides a commanding driving position with good visibility forward.
The 470-litre boot is the Explorer's main practical weakness, trailing noticeably behind the Volkswagen ID.4 (543L) and Renault Scenic (545L). Unlike the Kia EV6, there's no front trunk to compensate for the smaller rear cargo area.
Is the interior quality sufficient to justify choosing the Ford Explorer over budget alternatives?
Definitely. The Explorer's interior quality sits firmly in the middle of the electric SUV market – better than budget alternatives like the MG4 and Cupra Born, but not matching premium offerings like the Genesis GV60.
Ford has created a cabin that feels robust and well-assembled, with consistent fit and finish throughout.
The materials mix various textures of grey with some soft-touch surfaces, though hard plastics dominate in many areas.
When compared to similarly priced Korean alternatives like the Kia EV6, the Explorer offers comparable material quality.
Rivals carry longer 5-7 year warranties.
Driving Quality - Does it Shine in this Area?
How responsive is the Explorer EV's acceleration?
The Ford Explorer EV delivers impressive acceleration that outperforms its official figures.
The Extended Range RWD model, despite its official 0-62mph time of 6.4 seconds, has been clocked at 5.8 seconds in our testing – putting it firmly in hot hatchback territory and making it noticeably quicker than rivals like the base Kia EV6 (7.1 seconds).
The punchy performance comes courtesy of the instantly available 402lb ft of torque, which provides a satisfying surge of acceleration whenever you press the accelerator.
This immediacy is particularly evident in everyday driving situations like joining motorways or overtaking, where the Explorer responds promptly and confidently.
For those seeking even more performance, the AWD variant cuts the official 0-62mph time to just 5.3 seconds – quick enough to surprise many sports cars at traffic lights.
What's particularly impressive is how effortlessly the Explorer delivers its performance. The smooth, linear power delivery makes rapid acceleration feel utterly natural and drama-free, regardless of speed or road conditions.
How good is the handling?
The Explorer offers better handling than many electric SUV rivals, with composed cornering and well-controlled body roll.
Ford's engineers have tuned the steering to provide decent precision and natural weighting, making it more engaging to drive than the Hyundai Ioniq 5 or Volkswagen ID.4.
The rear-wheel drive layout contributes to a subtle dynamic balance, allowing some playful adjustability that's rare in this segment.
While it's not as sharp as a Focus, the Explorer sits at the more engaging end of the electric SUV spectrum – tidier than most competitors but lacking the dynamic polish of the Kia EV6.
Its relationship with the motorways
The Explorer EV comes into its own on motorways, where its slightly firm suspension actually settles nicely at higher speeds, providing a more composed ride than around town.
Wind and road noise are well suppressed too, which creates a pleasantly refined cabin environment that makes long-distance cruising relaxing rather than tiring.
With approximately 220 miles of motorway range from the Extended Range models, most UK intercity journeys can be completed with minimal charging stops, if any.
Read more about the range in our range section above.
How does the ride quality compare to conventional EV SUVs?
The Explorer EV takes a distinctly different approach to ride quality than many competitors, with Ford prioritising handling precision over outright comfort.
While most electric SUVs like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Renault Scenic embrace a softer, more floaty character that emphasises the EV experience, the Explorer retains more traditional Ford dynamics with firmer damping.
This approach means the Explorer feels more connected to the road surface—for better or worse. It's significantly more composed than the somewhat harsh Tesla Model Y, but lacks the plush isolation of the Genesis GV60.
The wheel size makes a noticeable difference, with the base 19-inch wheels delivering the most balanced ride quality.
The Resale and Depreciation Value
How strong is the residual value?
The Ford Explorer EV is still relatively new to the market, making precise residual value predictions challenging. However, early indicators suggest it should maintain reasonable value retention compared to some competitors.
The AWD versions are likely to hold their value slightly better than RWD models due to their additional performance and desirability, while the middle-spec Select trim represents the best balance of equipment and value for future resale.
Does the ST-Line X trim level offer better value retention than the competition?
Industry forecasts suggest the Explorer could retain approximately 40-45% of its value after three years, putting it in the middle of the electric SUV pack - not as strong as Tesla's exceptional value retention, but better than some less established brands or models with shorter range capabilities.
How competitive is the overall price?
The Ford Explorer EV sits in the mid-range of electric SUV pricing at £45,820 for the Select 77kWh model. This positions it competitively against similarly-specified rivals like the Kia EV6 and VW ID.4, while undercutting premium options such as the Genesis GV60 and BMW iX1.
For fleet managers and company car users specifically, the 2% BIK rate provides significant tax advantages that make the overall ownership proposition more attractive than many traditionally cheaper alternatives.
Motorfinity and the Ford Explorer
Motorfinity offers exclusive discounts on the Ford Explorer and other vehicles, potentially saving you thousands.
Our dedicated account managers handle the entire process, from enquiry to delivery, ensuring a seamless experience.
Are you eligible?
Our nation’s Armed Forces, Veterans, Emergency Services, NHS, Police and Prison Services, the Education and Social Care sectors and more form our eligible audience.
Related Car Reviews and Articles
Audi Q3 S Line Review
Estimated Read Time: 2 minutes
The Audi Q3 S Line is a compact SUV that combines style, performance, and practicality. With impressive features such as a top speed of 130 mph and 0-62 mph in just 7.3 seconds, stylish and sturdy wheels, and a comfortable interior, the Q3 stands out with its remarkable qualities.
Read More
SUV vs Estate
Estimated Read Time: 2 minutes 30 sec
Choosing the right car can be a challenging task, especially when you’re torn between two popular types: SUVs and estate cars. They are two of the most practical and spacious styles available for a family car, but there are significant differences between them. The choice ultimately comes down to your particular lifestyle and driving needs.
Read More
VW Partnership
Estimated Read Time: 3 minutes 30 sec
While many manufacturers closed all their operations when Lockdown began in 2020, Volkswagen applied the same determination to serve our Emergency Services as we did. And so, a very strong partnership was forged between us.
Read More