The 2025 Ford Explorer ST is making waves, and as an owner of this powerful SUV for the past four weeks, I’m thrilled with its overall performance and driving experience. The robust engine effortlessly conquers hills, delivering ample power whenever needed. However, like any vehicle, it’s not without its minor drawbacks. While my experience has been overwhelmingly positive, there are nine specific aspects I’ve noticed that I wish Ford had tweaked or reconsidered in the design of the 2025 Explorer St. These aren’t deal-breakers by any means – I still love the vehicle – but they are points potential buyers might want to consider.
1. Integrated Button Panel Feels Less Premium
One of the first things I noticed is the unified button panel for functions like start-stop and other controls. Instead of individual buttons, it’s a single panel, which unfortunately results in the entire section moving slightly when you press any button. This design choice feels a bit less refined, especially considering the sporty and premium positioning of the 2025 Explorer ST. Furthermore, the hazard light button is surprisingly small and could be more prominent for better accessibility in emergencies.
2. Lack of Illumination on the Electronic Parking Brake Switch
In a puzzling oversight, the electronic parking brake (E-brake) switch in the 2025 Explorer ST is not illuminated. Even my older 2015 Jeep Cherokee had a light on this switch, making it easy to locate and operate at night. In the Explorer ST, you have to glance at the dashboard to confirm if the parking brake is engaged or disengaged, which is an unnecessary distraction.
3. Limited Gauge Information in the Instrument Cluster
The digital instrument cluster in the 2025 Explorer ST, while modern, is surprisingly limited in the gauge information it displays. You get essential readings for transmission temperature and coolant temperature, but that’s it. There’s no option to monitor oil temperature or pressure, battery voltage, or other potentially useful metrics. Considering the advanced infotainment system and the performance-oriented nature of the ST model, the lack of comprehensive gauge options is unexpected.
4. Unlit Garage Door Opener Buttons on the Sun Visor
Another nighttime usability issue arises with the garage door opener buttons located on the sun visor. These buttons are completely unlit and black, rendering them virtually invisible in the dark. Again, drawing a comparison, my older 2015 Jeep Cherokee had illuminated buttons in this location. For a vehicle in the 2025 Explorer ST’s class, illuminated visor buttons should be standard for convenience and safety.
5. Static Dash Display Across Drive Modes
The digital dash display remains largely unchanged when switching between different drive modes in the 2025 Explorer ST. While a small icon appears at the bottom indicating the current mode, there’s no dynamic visual change to reflect the altered driving dynamics. It would enhance the driving experience if the display adapted to each mode, perhaps highlighting performance metrics in Sport mode or efficiency data in Eco mode.
6. Limited Customization for Instrument Cluster Layout
Customization of the instrument cluster is restricted in the 2025 Explorer ST. While you can cycle through a few pre-set pages (around seven), these only alter the central section of the display. The tachometer and speedometer sections are fixed, limiting personalization. Offering more flexibility to customize the layout and information displayed would be a welcome improvement for drivers who like to tailor their driving interface.
7. Restrained Ambient Lighting Color Palette
The ambient lighting system in the 2025 Explorer ST offers a limited selection of colors, around five or six. While this is functional, in an era of RGB lighting and extensive customization options in other vehicles, the Explorer ST’s palette feels somewhat basic. The ability to blend colors and create a truly personalized ambient lighting experience is something many modern car buyers appreciate, and it’s a feature that could elevate the interior ambiance of the 2025 Explorer ST.
8. Intermittent Wireless Phone Charger Functionality
The wireless phone charger in my 2025 Explorer ST has been somewhat unreliable. It works intermittently, and while this might be related to my iPhone 16 Pro and its camera bump, it also sometimes fails to register on the infotainment screen’s notification area even when seemingly charging. My Ford dealer acknowledged awareness of potential issues but stated there is no fix available yet. Consistent and reliable wireless charging is expected in a contemporary vehicle, and hopefully, Ford will address this issue.
9. Counter-Intuitive Drive Mode Dial Operation
Lastly, the operation of the drive mode dial presents a minor ergonomic quirk. To cycle through drive modes on the right side of the display, you rotate the dial rightward. However, instead of continuing to rotate in the same direction for modes on the left side, you have to reverse direction and spin the dial to the left. This counter-intuitive back-and-forth motion is a minor annoyance, although drive mode selection isn’t a frequent operation for most drivers.
Despite these nine points, it’s important to reiterate that I genuinely enjoy my 2025 Explorer ST. These are minor quirks in an otherwise fantastic vehicle that delivers on performance and driving pleasure. The power is exhilarating, and the overall package is impressive. For prospective buyers considering the 2025 Explorer ST, these are simply aspects to be aware of, and for me, they are far outweighed by the vehicle’s strengths.
