How to Choose Between the 2025 Ford Explorer ST and ST-Line

Looking for a sport-inspired SUV with striking design and performance capabilities? The 2025 Ford Explorer offers two distinct options: the high-performance ST and the style-focused ST-Line. Each delivers unique advantages depending on your priorities and driving preferences. This guide breaks down the key differences to help you determine which sport-oriented Explorer fits your lifestyle.

Both models feature athletic styling and premium interior details, but important distinctions in powertrain, features, and price point set them apart. Understanding these differences will ensure you drive home in the Explorer that perfectly balances your performance needs and budget considerations.

Performance Differences

The most significant distinction between these models lies under the hood. The Explorer ST comes equipped with a specially tuned 3.0-litre EcoBoost engine that produces an impressive 400 horsepower and 415 lb.-ft. of torque. This powerplant delivers exhilarating acceleration and confident passing power, making the ST the most powerful Explorer ever created.

The ST-Line, meanwhile, features the standard 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine found across most of the Explorer lineup. While still providing responsive performance for everyday driving, it prioritizes efficiency and accessibility over raw power. Both models come standard with four-wheel drive and are paired with a recalibrated 10-speed automatic transmission for smooth power delivery.

For drivers who prioritize performance above all else, the ST's additional power transforms the driving experience, delivering sports-car thrills in an SUV package. If you occasionally enjoy spirited driving but primarily value the sporty appearance and premium features, the ST-Line offers an excellent balance of efficiency and capability.

Visual Distinctions

From the outside, these two models share many design elements, making them visually similar at first glance. Both feature a distinctive honeycomb gloss black grille with black mesh insert that signals their performance-oriented character, along with unique styling elements that set them apart from other Explorer models.

Look closer, however, and subtle differences emerge. The ST prominently displays "ST" badging on its grille, announcing its performance credentials. The ST-Line maintains a cleaner look without this badging. The wheel options also differ, with the ST featuring standard 21-inch Magnetite-painted aluminum wheels, while the ST-Line comes equipped with 20-inch Ebony machined, painted aluminum wheels.

For 2025, both models can be equipped with the optional black-painted roof, which enhances their athletic profile and creates a distinctive two-tone appearance. The ST also offers exclusive Vapor Blue Metallic paint, an option that further distinguishes it within the Explorer lineup.

Interior Experience

Step inside either model and you'll discover sport-inspired interiors featuring Black Onyx instrument panels, door panels, and consoles with distinctive red accent stitching. This creates a driver-focused environment that reinforces the performance character of both variants.

The seating materials reveal subtle differences between the models. The ST features Black Onyx ActiveX seats with premium Miko suede inserts and red accent stitching. The ST-Line offers Black Onyx ActiveX seats with cloth inserts and matching red accent stitching – still sporty and premium, but with slightly different materials.

Both models feature the new Ford Digital Experience infotainment system, displayed on a 13.2-inch touchscreen that works in concert with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. This advanced system supports voice commands through Google Assistant and Alexa Built-In, providing intuitive control of vehicle functions and entertainment options.

Technology and Features

While both models offer impressive technology, they differ in some available features. The ST-Line can be equipped with the ST-Line Premium Package, which adds power-folding side mirrors, heated second-row seats, PowerFold third-row seats, ambient lighting, rain-sensing wipers, and a wireless charging pad.

For those wanting even more performance-oriented features, the ST-Line offers an available Street Package that includes 21-inch Magnetite-painted aluminum wheels (the same as standard on the ST), performance brakes, and red-painted performance front and rear brake calipers.

The Explorer ST comes with Ford BlueCruise hardware, enabling hands-free highway driving with features like Lane Change Assist and In-Lane Repositioning. This technology significantly reduces driving stress on long journeys or in traffic situations. The ST-Line can also be equipped with BlueCruise, though it's not standard equipment.

Driver Training Experience

One exclusive benefit of choosing the Explorer ST is access to specialized driver training. Every ST customer is eligible to attend the complimentary Ford Performance Racing School's ST Driving Experience, where professional instructors teach techniques to maximize the vehicle's performance capabilities.

This program, available in Park City, Utah or Asheville, North Carolina, provides hands-on instruction that helps you develop confidence and skill behind the wheel of your high-performance SUV. This value-added experience is unique to the ST model and represents a significant advantage for driving enthusiasts who want to fully explore their vehicle's capabilities.

Value Consideration

The Explorer ST-Line offers a compelling value proposition for buyers who appreciate sporty styling and premium features without needing maximum performance. It delivers the athletic appearance and many of the comfort features of the ST at a more accessible price point.

The Explorer ST, while positioned at a higher price point, provides the ultimate performance experience in the Explorer lineup. Its specially tuned EcoBoost engine, performance-oriented chassis tuning, and exclusive driver training program deliver exceptional value for performance enthusiasts.

When evaluating these options, consider how you'll use your Explorer most frequently. If your driving typically involves city commuting with occasional weekend adventures, the ST-Line might provide the ideal balance of style, features, and efficiency. If you're passionate about driving dynamics and want an SUV that delivers genuine excitement on demand, the additional investment in the ST model rewards you with a truly special driving experience.

Making Your Decision

Your choice between the Explorer ST and ST-Line ultimately depends on your personal priorities:

Choose the Explorer ST if:

• Performance is your top priority
• You value the exclusive 400-horsepower EcoBoost engine
• The Ford Performance Racing School experience appeals to you
• You want the most dynamic driving Explorer available
• Hands-free driving technology is important to you

Choose the Explorer ST-Line if:

• You prioritize the sporty appearance with balanced performance
• Fuel efficiency matters in your daily driving
• You want performance-inspired styling at a more accessible price point
• The available Premium and Street packages offer the features you want
• You're seeking the best balance of sportiness and value

Both models deliver distinctive style, premium features, and an engaging driving experience that sets them apart from typical family SUVs. The choice comes down to how you balance performance desires with practical considerations.

Visit Valley Ford today to test drive both the 2025 Explorer ST and ST-Line back-to-back. Experience the differences, and our team will help you identify which sport-oriented Explorer perfectly matches your driving style, preferences, and lifestyle.