Sometimes an SUV has to wear more than one hat. It needs to haul kids to hockey practice, carry camping gear for a weekend in Muskoka, and still have enough personality to make the driver smile on an empty stretch of highway. That’s what Ford is aiming for with the 2025 Explorer ST-Line. It’s an SUV that borrows the looks and attitude of the performance-focused ST, but balances it with practicality, efficiency, and just the right amount of fun.
Sporty by Design
The ST-Line is Ford’s way of saying, you can have the look without going all-in on the muscle. From the outside, it’s hard not to admire the sporty flourishes. The blacked-out grille sets the tone, the bold 20-inch wheels give it presence, and the black roof rails and ST-Line badging complete the package. It’s enough to catch your eye in the Costco parking lot, but not so over the top that it feels out of place in a school pickup lane.
Under the Hood
This is where the Explorer ST-Line draws the line between sporty styling and everyday balance. Instead of the 400-horsepower, twin-turbo V6 you’ll find in the full ST, the ST-Line comes with a 2.3-litre EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder. Don’t let the cylinder count fool you. This engine delivers a very healthy 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, paired to Ford’s 10-speed automatic transmission.
No, it’s not a rocket ship, but it’s plenty of power for merging confidently onto the 401, overtaking on two-lane highways, or loading up with gear for a family road trip. It feels capable and composed, not watered down, just balanced. For most families, that’s the kind of confidence that matters.
All-Season Confidence
In Canada, the ST-Line comes standard with Intelligent 4WD, and frankly it wouldn’t make sense any other way. Winter roads demand grip, and the Explorer delivers. Whether you’re navigating slushy streets, the system adapts seamlessly. Add Ford’s terrain management system and you’ve got selectable drive modes for snow, sand and mud if you’re the type who likes to venture off the beaten path.
It’s reassuring to know that a family SUV designed with sporty flair hasn’t forgotten about Canadian winters.
Cabin & Tech
Inside, the Explorer ST-Line lives up to its positioning. It’s roomy, tech-laden, and designed to make long drives easier. Expect a large infotainment screen with SYNC 4, seamless smartphone integration, and Ford’s full suite of driver-assist features. There’s plenty of space for passengers across all three rows, and the cargo area is generous enough to swallow hockey bags, camping gear, or a big Costco haul.
It’s not dripping in luxury like the Platinum trim, but it feels modern and well-appointed; exactly what you’d expect for a sporty mid-tier option.
Price & Value in Canada
Pricing starts at around $55,000 Canadian before fees and taxes, but the model I tested came in at just over $66,000 CAD. That’s a significant jump, but it reflects the sportier styling cues, added tech, and overall positioning of the ST-Line.
It slots nicely between the more basic trims and the higher-end Platinum or performance-oriented ST. In many ways, it’s the Goldilocks of the Explorer lineup: more exciting than the base, more practical than the ST, and far more affordable than a fully loaded luxury SUV.
Rivals & Segment Snapshot
The midsize SUV space is crowded with the Explorer ST-Line facing stiff competition from some very strong contenders.
- Kia Telluride X-Line ($57,000 CAD): Stylish, comfortable, and loaded with tech, the Telluride is often praised as one of the best family SUVs on the market. It offers a naturally aspirated V6 with 291 hp and standard AWD in Canada. It’s smooth and refined, but it lacks the sporty character and blacked-out styling of the ST-Line.
- Hyundai Palisade Urban ($56,000 CAD): Essentially the Telluride’s corporate cousin, the Palisade delivers a premium-feeling cabin, excellent safety features, and a smooth ride. The Palisade feels more upscale inside, but the Explorer counters with sportier styling and more engaging dynamics.
- Mazda CX-90 ($59,000 CAD): The CX-90 offers a turbocharged inline-six with up to 340 hp (depending on fuel), sharp handling, and a premium interior. It feels more like a luxury SUV, but it can get pricey quickly. The Explorer ST-Line slots just below it in polish but offers more rugged practicality and brand familiarity.
Against this field, the Explorer ST-Line distinguishes itself with its sporty looks, balanced performance, and strong four-season capability.
Verdict
So, is the 2025 Ford Explorer ST-Line worth it? For the right buyer, absolutely. If you’re a driver who needs a spacious, capable SUV but doesn’t want to give up a bit of style and fun along the way, the ST-Line is a compelling choice. It looks sporty, drives confidently, and handles Canadian winters with ease.
It won’t thrill you the way the complete ST will, but it also won’t punish you at the pump or on your insurance bill. The Explorer ST-Line is proof that family duty and driving enjoyment don’t have to be mutually exclusive and that makes it one of the more appealing options in the crowded midsize SUV segment.
Kay Layne is a dynamic automotive journalist with a passion for anything with a motor and wheels. Known for her sharp insights and compelling storytelling, she covers everything from industry news and vehicle reviews to the intersection of technology, policy and design. With a background in broadcast journalism, Kay wishes to bring a fresh voice to the world of automotive media. Her website is itskaylayne.com and her email address is info@kayambi.ca.