Caught between the 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum and ST-Line? Ultimately, the choice comes down to whether you’re shopping for polished luxury or athletic attitude! Keep reading to get to know each of these three-row midsize SUVs.
Key Takeaways
- For maximum luxury, go for the Explorer Platinum. For a great deal on a stylish three-row SUV, check out the Explorer ST-Line!
- As the Explorer’s top-tier trim model, the Platinum comes standard with the longest list of appearance upgrades, creature comforts, and tech features.
- Both trim models feature a 300-horsepower turbocharged engine, but only the Platinum is available with the 400-horsepower V6 upgrade!
- Get your 2025 Ford Explorer ST-Line starting at $45,020*, or upgrade to the upscale Explorer Platinum from $52,525*.
Which 2025 Ford Explorer trim fits my needs best, the Platinum or ST-Line?
The answer to this one depends on you! If you’re looking for a great price on a handsomely equipped Explorer trim model, you’ll love the ST-Line. Compared to other trims, it features sporty styling, including glossy black exterior trim and red interior accent stitching. The ST-Line also adds to the base lineup with savvy tech upgrades, including hands-free BlueCruise capabilities and a 10-speaker premium audio system.
If you’re shopping for an upscale SUV, on the other hand, the Platinum is the biggest draw. As the Explorer’s most exclusive option, the Platinum delivers everything from leather-trimmed seating to a twin-panel sunroof! This three row SUV also adds everyday convenience with items like wireless smartphone charging and adaptive LED headlamps. Not to mention the Platinum has a style all its own, with glitzy chrome and aluminum trim!
What trim model is better equipped, the 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum or ST-Line?
On the 2025 Explorer trim ladder, the ST-Line is more of a middling model (one step up from the base Active), while the Platinum represents the top rung. However, since all four Explorer models are very handsomely equipped, you can expect plenty of modern comfort and technology no matter your choice.
The Explorer ST-Line caters to your comfort with a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel and tri-zone automatic climate control. It’s also big on technology, featuring Ford’s latest infotainment system, Google-based software, and the wireless versions of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This sporty SUV even treats you to an audio upgrade!
Then again, you can expect even more interior luxury from the top-trim Platinum. Where the ST-Line features sporty styling, the Platinum delivers uptown vibes with diamond-perforated leather seating and ambient interior lighting. This SUV also takes interior comfort to the next level, with front-seat massage settings and heated second-row captain’s chairs!
ST-Line Highlights
- 20-inch Ebony wheels
- Unique cloth seating with Red accent stitching
- Heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel with Red accent stitching
- 12.3-inch digital instrument panel
- Tri-zone automatic climate control
- Ebony door panels with Red accent stitching
- Ford Digital Experience with 13.2-inch central touchscreen
- Google Assistant, Google Maps, and Google Play
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- 10-speaker B&O sound system, including subwoofer
- BlueCruise (90-day trial)
- LED headlamps
- Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 (includes adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warning, and lane-keeping assist)
Platinum Highlights
- 20-inch Luster Nickel wheels
- ActiveX seating with diamond-perforated leather inserts
- Heated and ventilated front seats with Active Motion massage
- Driver’s seat memory
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Leather-covered center console armrest
- Leather-wrapped door rollovers
- Heated second-row captain’s chairs
- Third-row PowerFold bench (folds flat)
- Ambient interior lighting
- 14-speaker B&O sound system, including subwoofer
- Wireless charging pad
- BlueCruise (one-year plan)
- Panoramic Vista Roof with power shade
- Satin chrome and Ebony grille
- Satin aluminum door handles and lower bodyside trim
- Adaptive LED headlamps and LED tail lamps with Amber turn signals
Which is more powerful, the 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum or ST-Line?
Although both Explorer trim models come standard with the 300-horsepower EcoBoost engine, the top-tier Platinum is also available with the 400-horsepower V6. So if you’re looking for the version of this SUV that will do the best job powering through Rocky Mountain trails, you know where to turn! Then again, since the base engine delivers plenty of power and both the ST-Line and Platinum are available with Ford’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system, you can count on either SUV for adventure.
2025 Ford Explorer Powertrain Options
- 2.3L turbocharged four-cylinder engine (300 horsepower, 311 lb-ft of torque)
- Optional for Platinum: 3.0L turbocharged V6 (400 hp, 415 lb-ft)
- 10-speed automatic transmission
- Rear-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive
How much do the 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum and ST-Line cost?
Starting at $45,020*, the 2025 Explorer ST-Line offers the best price on a family-friendly ride down Colorado highways and mountain trails alike. Then again, if you’re shopping for the most luxurious option, the 2025 Explorer Platinum won’t cost you much more, with an MSRP of $52,525*.
*MSRP as of 11/19/25.
Choose Your New 2025 Ford Explorer
So, which SUV is more your speed? Are you all-in on the sporty ST-Line or do you prefer the plush luxuries of the Platinum? Either way, you can — and should — visit us at Brighton Ford to test-drive the 2025 Ford Explorer!