What's New on the 2025 Ford Explorer?

Here at BK Ford, we're thrilled to announce the much-anticipated 2025 Ford Explorer! This iconic SUV continues its legacy of offering comfort, performance, and functionality, but for 2025, it raises the bar even higher. more Luxurious Comfort Awaits Climb inside the redesigned 2025 Explorer and experience a whole new level of luxury. Ford offers fresh color and material options, creating a sophisticated and inviting atmosphere. Whether you choose the feature-packed Active model or the top-of-the-line Platinum, you'll be impressed by the refined details. Tech Made Easy Get ready for some updated tech in your car. The 2025 Explorer boasts the all-new Ford Digital Experience infotainment system. This user-friendly system offers a simple interface and seamless connectivity, making every drive more enjoyable. Effortless Highway Driving with Ford BlueCruise For the first time ever, Explorer drivers can experience the convenience of Ford BlueCruise hands-free highway driving assistance technology. This innovative system takes the stress out of long journeys, allowing you to cruise in comfort with added peace of mind (available on ST-Line, ST, and Platinum models). The Explorer You Know and Love The 2025 Explorer offers exciting new features, but it retains the core strengths that have made it America's best-selling SUV for years. You can still expect comfortable seating for up to 7 passengers, powerful towing capabilities, and a range of trim levels to choose from, including the sporty ST and luxurious Platinum. Visit BK Ford Today! Ready to learn more about the exciting 2025 Ford Explorer? Check out our build and price calculator! Be sure to swing by BK Ford today, and let us show you all its amazing features.

Choosing between the 2026 Ford Explorer and the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse is a challenge for Central Texas families searching for the perfect family SUV. You need something that handles Waco's daily demands — whether that's squeezing through downtown traffic during the lunch rush or loading up for weekend adventures at Lake Waco. To help you decide, our team at Bird Kultgen Ford compare the Chevrolet Traverse vs. Ford Explorer in terms of performance, interior comfort, technology features, and practicality. 2026 Ford Explorer vs. 2026 Chevrolet Traverse: Complete Specs Breakdown Let's start by comparing the Chevrolet Traverse vs. Ford Explorer specs. The Explorer offers greater engine flexibility with its standard turbo 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque and optional twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 engine that generates 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. The Traverse offers only one engine choice: a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder that delivers 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque. Size differences affect daily driving. The Traverse measures 204.5 inches long, 79.6 inches wide, and 70.9 inches tall with a 120.9-inch wheelbase, making it a big vehicle for downtown parking or school zones. The Explorer is 198.7 inches long, 78.9 inches wide, and 69.8 inches tall, with a 119.1-inch wheelbase, making parking lots and Waco neighborhoods easier to navigate. The Explorer's turbo four engine with rear-wheel drive achieves 20 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, while the twin-turbo V-6 engine delivers 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. The front-wheel-drive Traverse delivers 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, while the all-wheel-drive model drops to 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. Interior Space and Family Comfort Showdown The Chevrolet Traverse's three rows accommodate eight passengers with standard bench seating or seven with captain's chairs, while the Explorer seats seven with bench seating or six with captain's chairs. The Traverse's larger size means more space. Its front headroom reaches 42.6 inches vs. the Explorer's 40.7 inches, and front legroom stretches to 44.3 inches vs. the Explorer's 43 inches. In terms of second-row legroom, the Traverse offers 41.5 inches vs. the Explorer's 39 inches, though the Explorer counters with a superior second-row headroom of 40.5 inches, compared to the Traverse's 39.9 inches. The third-row positions differ dramatically. The Traverse delivers an adult-friendly space with 38.3 inches of headroom and 32.1 inches of legroom. The Explorer offers similar measurements — 38.9 inches of headroom and 32.2 inches of legroom — but feels more cramped for adults. The Traverse provides 22.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the third row, compared with the Explorer's 16.3 cubic feet. Fold the third row, and the Traverse opens to 56.6 cubic feet, while the Explorer provides 46 cubic feet. In terms of maximum capacity, the Traverse provides 98 cubic feet vs. the Explorer's 85.8 cubic feet — a difference that matters if you regularly haul large items. Technology and Infotainment Battle The Traverse features a massive 17.7-inch touch screen that handles climate, navigation, and settings with tablet-like clarity, while the Explorer's 13.2-inch display runs Ford's Digital Experience software with quicker touch response. Both offer wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the Traverse adds Google Built-in with Google Assistant, Google Maps, and Google Play. Driver displays differ significantly. Each Explorer model features a customizable 12.3-inch digital cluster that adapts to your style — navigation for Austin commutes or performance data for Lake Whitney backroads. The Traverse offers an 11-inch driver information center with clear guidance and vehicle data. The Explorer includes a standard 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system on all trims except the base Active. Connectivity varies by approach. The Explorer provides eight USB ports, three 12-volt outlets, and FordPass Connect with 5G LTE Wi-Fi supporting 10 devices — great for I-35 traffic jams. The Traverse includes onboard Wi-Fi and natural voice recognition for conversational navigation commands. Both offer smartphone apps for remote start, cabin preconditioning, and door locks — essential for Central Texas summers. Safety Features and Crash Test Performance The Explorer includes Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Traverse features Chevy Safety Assist with six systems: auto emergency braking, forward collision alert, front pedestrian braking, following distance indicator, lane-keep assist with lane departure warning, and IntelliBeam auto high beams. For highway trips, the Explorer's BlueCruise (available on all trims except the base) handles steering and speed with driver monitoring, and the Traverse offers Super Cruise (optional on LT/Z71, standard on RS/High Country) with similar hands-free capability. The Explorer scored Good in all the major Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) categories, while the Traverse earned the 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick award. The Traverse adds Teen Driver Technology with speed warnings, volume limits, and driving report cards. Towing and Utility for Texas Lifestyle Both models handle 5,000 pounds of towing — enough for boats, campers, or trailers to Canyon Lake and perfect for Jet Skis or travel trailers to Fredericksburg. Identical capacity means your choice depends on features and confidence. Towing packages differ. The Explorer includes a Class III Trailer Tow Package with engine oil cooler, sway control, and AdvanceTrac System with Roll Stability Control. The Traverse offers a standard Trailering Package with hitch and cover, Hitch View and Guidance, heavy-duty cooling, and a 220-amp alternator. It also adds Tow/Haul mode and trailer blind-spot monitoring for lane changes. Ground clearance matters on Texas backroads. The Explorer offers 7.6-8.2 inches vs. the Traverse's 6.7-7.8 inches — extra clearance helps on Brazos River trails or steep driveways. The new Explorer Tremor features a lifted suspension and all-terrain tires for serious off-road work, and both provide all-wheel drive for ice storms or muddy trails after heavy rain. Which Is the Best SUV Choice for You? Your choice boils down to what matters most for your family's lifestyle. The Traverse offers extra space, perfect for large families, and its 17.7-inch screen, Google integration, and IIHS Top Safety Pick award highlight Chevrolet's technology-forward approach and safety commitment. The Explorer counters with dual engine options, better fuel economy, higher ground clearance, and rear-drive handling that feels more balanced on winding Hill Country routes. For most Waco families, the Explorer is the smarter long-term choice. The available twin-turbo V-6 engine handles I-35 highway driving and hill climbs around Cameron Park confidently, while the standard turbo four engine delivers excellent fuel economy for local daily trips. Its 10-speed automatic transmission shifts more smoothly than the Traverse's eight-speed equivalent, and its more compact size makes navigating tight parking lots and downtown Waco streets easier than with the Traverse. The new Tremor trim adds serious off-road capability if you regularly venture beyond city limits. Test-Drive the 2026 Explorer at Bird Kultgen Ford Want to experience the 2026 Explorer firsthand? Contact us at Bird Kultgen Ford to schedule a test-drive. Our experienced team will explain trim differences, arrange competitive financing, and help you find the perfect SUV for your Waco lifestyle.

2025 Explorer vs. Expedition: Choosing the Right Family SUV for Waco, Texas, Roads Shopping for a family SUV in Central Texas? Two models consistently make the shortlist: the 2025 Ford Explorer and Expedition. Both offer significant advantages for Waco families but serve different needs and budgets. In this Ford SUV comparison, we'll help you decide which vehicle fits your family's requirements — whether you're doing daily school runs downtown or heading out for weekend adventures at Lake Waco. Why Waco Families Are Choosing Ford SUVs Texas terrain is varied: hills, flatlands, city streets, and rough country roads. This reality affects your car-buying decision. Whether you're commuting or taking weekend trips to Meridian State Park, you need something that's comfortable, capable, and reliable. Ford SUVs meet these demands with space for passengers and cargo, plus the towing power you need for boating, camping, and other outdoor activities. Their larger frames also provide greater safety in collisions, protecting your loved ones on busy highways such as I-35 or during sudden Texas thunderstorms. Both the Explorer and Expedition are equipped to handle these challenges, backed by Ford's rock-solid reliability. 2025 Ford Explorer: The Balanced Family Choice The Explorer works well for families who want capability and value. It's perfect for parents with two to three kids who occasionally tow smaller boats or trailers. The 2025 Ford Explorer comes in four trims: Active, ST-Line, Platinum, and ST. The base 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 supplies 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. The 3.0L EcoBoost V-6 — available on the Platinum and standard on the ST — produces 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. The Explorer accelerates quickly, hitting 60 mph in just 6 seconds (the ST does it in 5.1 seconds). This makes highway merges feel effortless. Maximum towing capacity is 5,000 pounds with the standard Class III Trailer Tow Package, which is just right for light hauling. Intelligent four-wheel drive (4WD) is an available option for all trims. Fuel economy looks good too — the rear-wheel-drive 2.3L model gets 20 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. The flexible cargo space gives you 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 46 cubic feet behind the second row, and a massive 85.8 cubic feet behind the first row. With the upgraded Sync 4A system, you benefit from faster processing and better voice commands for music, calls, and GPS navigation. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard. Seven passengers fit comfortably, with front legroom reaching 43 inches. Pricing starts at $40,050 for the base Active model and tops out at $54,770 for the high-performance ST. The Explorer offers solid value for growing families. 2025 Ford Expedition: The Full-Size Family Hauler Four 2025 Ford Expedition trims are available — Active, Tremor, Platinum, and King Ranch — along with MAX (extended wheelbase) versions of all but the Tremor. Each targets different lifestyle preferences. Ford's 3.5L EcoBoost V-6 powers both the Expedition and Expedition MAX models, with a high-output version standard in the Tremor and available in both Platinum trims. This engine means business, especially when serious towing and hauling tasks are on the agenda. Maximum towing capacity reaches 9,600 pounds when properly equipped, making it perfect for hauling large boats, RVs, or horse trailers around Central Texas. Eight passengers fit comfortably across three rows, giving larger families the space they need for long-distance travel. The Expedition's massive 24-inch dashboard display anchors the new Ford Digital Experience infotainment system. BlueCruise hands-free driving capability comes with a 90-day trial. If off-road capability is important to you, you'll appreciate this model's standard Intelligent 4WD system, which includes seven driver-selectable terrain modes — even Rock Crawl Mode for extreme terrain. Ground clearance varies from 8.7 inches on the base Active model to 10.6 inches on the Tremor. The Tremor also comes with 33-inch all-terrain tires on 18-inch Dark Carbonized Gray wheels. Its standard 3.73 electronic locking differential engages when a wheel loses traction — crucial for muddy ranch roads or creek crossings common in rural Central Texas. You can get into an Expedition Active for $62,400, while the MAX King Ranch starts at $87,000. This top trim offers distinctive styling, Del Rio leather seats, and 22-inch Sinister Bronze wheels. The Platinum, starting at $74,850, focuses on luxury with high-end materials, advanced technology, and a B&O sound system. Head-To-Head Comparison: Expedition vs. Explorer Let's compare these two SUVs on a few points that may matter to you and your family. Explorer Here's what you can expect from the Explorer: Power: max 400 hp with the 3.0L EcoBoost V-6 Towing capacity: 5,000 pounds Fuel economy: 20 mpg city, 29 highway, and 24 combined Maximum cargo space: 85.8 cubic feet Reliability score: 87 out of 100 from J.D. Power Safety rating: 9.7 out of 10 from U.S. News & World Report Pricing: $40,050-$54,770 Expedition These are the comparable stats for the Expedition: Power: 440 hp with a High-Output 3.5L V-6 Towing capacity: 9,300 pounds Fuel economy: 16 city, 24 highway, and 19 combined Maximum cargo space: 108.5 cubic feet (123.1 cubic feet in MAX trims) Reliability score: 85 out of 100 from J.D. Power Safety rating: 8.7 out of 10 from U.S. News & World Report Pricing: $62,400-$87,000 Safety is strong for the 2025 Explorer and Expedition, with both SUVs earning five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Both models include the Ford Co-Pilot360 safety suite with Pre-Collision Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Lane-Keeping System, and Adaptive Cruise Control as standard. Experience Your Perfect Ford SUV at Bird Kultgen Ford If you're still deciding between the Ford Expedition and Explorer, the right choice depends on your family's needs. The Expedition may be your pick if you have a larger family or significant towing needs, as it offers maximum space and capability. It's time to test-drive. You need to feel the differences in size, handling, and features yourself. At Bird Kultgen Ford, our knowledgeable team understands what Waco families need and can guide you through your decision with personalized recommendations. Visit us today to schedule your test-drives and find out which Ford SUV will serve your family best for years to come.