Is the 2025 Ford Explorer ST a BETTER midsize performance SUV than an Acura MDX Type S?

FIRST DRIVE: The Explorer is getting some BIG updates from Ford for 2025. On the outside you will discover new 21in wheels, grill and front fascia. On the inside there is a standard 12in infotainment system, updated center console and 12in digital gauge cluster. Powering the Explorer ST is a 3.0L twin-turbo V6 that pumps out 400HP & is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Is the 2025 Ford Explorer ST a BETTER midsize performance SUV than an Acura MDX Type S?
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videography: Steven Flood 🎥

[RaitisRides]

Good morning everyone! Let me know in the comments section what you are honestly thinking about the updated Ford Explorer ST.

[AkronKid]

I dont care what anyone says. This is a beautiful SUV. The exterior on the previous one was beautiful looking. It was the interior that had questions. But Ford went and redid the whole interior. They nailed it. Not only that. They added a little more flavor to the exterior. And you get the performance! I want this in all black!

[masonadams]

My wife’s 2022 Explorer ST with 50k miles has been in shop for a month now getting a whole new engine. Have had numerous issues literally from the day we bought it.

[DiscretePanda]

Honestly uploading in the morning is pretty great Joe! I get to eat breakfast and watch a brand new video!

[herkamer]

Just picked up a brand new 2024 ST this month, and I've never been happier with a new car purchase in my life. THIS is the car I was waiting for! Yes, the upright infotainment screen without wireless Android Auto is a zonk, but a very minor zonk. I bought a Motorola wifi adapter that plugs into the USB port and presto! Wireless Android Auto! I actually prefer my 24's front end and grill design over the '25. That tiny LED fog lamp disappears, whereas my 24's Fog Lamp is a bold and sizeable that much better fits that commanding grill design. The dash and phone charger is nice, I have to admit, but I'm preferring my climate centers actual buttons, over the screen controls any day. Yes - Blue Cruise seems nice, but I'm not ready to relinquish control of my vehicle to a robot just yet :) And the 24's wheels? WAY better, IMHO... Love the all black design, over the grey spikey thing on the '25. The matte black fender accents don't bother me - in fact they help break up that sea of rapid red on my car :)
GREAT review though Mr. Raiti, as always!

[paulnhbtx]

100% anytime I want to know more about a certain vehicle I check your page. You helped me go from 2019 f 150 fully loaded lariat to my 2022 ford explorer ST. I’ll be going to the 2025 aviator next. Great work !

[MrDillonwiegand]

I’m been waiting for YOU to review the 2025 Explorer ! Thank you

[ralphpaglucca]

I had a 2021 ST. The interior was my biggest complaint with the big awkward screen in the middle. The new interior re design looks better

[metzy]

The 🐐 finally reviewing the 2025 Explorer!

[kervensferdinand]

Joe thank you for bringing the first drive of this nice update Ford explorer 2025. I love this refresh, happy to see that they get rid of the old infotainment system style, this one looks way better.

[OneNidim]

This guys is GLAZING Ford. I’m not seeing any complaints when. Easiest and most obvious is that the air conditioning is stuck in the screen. I thought the auto manufacturers learned from their mistake

[jordanplays-transitandgame]

American manufacturers are cooking in interior design lately ngl. Finally they are turning around!

[oonwing]

You are the JAMES BROWN of car reviews!!!!

👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏

[anthonyjoyner]

I LOVE the new refresh especially the interior looks AMAZING 💯👍

[scottburch]

My favorite part is getting on the freeway and having everyone move over in the fast lane. It’s hilarious. - It’s been the most bang for the buck car I’ve owned, and I’ve had all the European SUVs

[dominickirkwood]

Joe and Lori and Steve keep up the good work real true and I love the video 👍

[rustlesee]

10:08, that was law enforcement vehicles that complained of it, who also drilled holes into the body to attach things to. But there was no actual fault found on Ford.

Ford says it’s to keep the exhausts clean looking. Other manufacturers do two exhausts in one, similar idea. They know we are lazy when it comes to cleaning.

[tylerconnely]

Had a 2020 and nothing but electrical issues. Had the transmission replaced around 40k mi. Such a good performance suv if it worked😩! Lets hope theyve fixed the issues for the new gen🤞🏼

[john]

Interesting that Ford has ditched the rear amber turn signals on the Explorer for red turn signals. Same for the facelift Escape and all F150 trims. The same can be said with Toyota as most of their cars have red turn signals. I think amber is safer than red lights when it comes to turn signals.

[omarcortes]

The design looks great, the performance is really good and it's something you can use as your daily driving.