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View New Ford Explorer Inventory Schedule Your Test Drive Shopping for a 3-row SUV that blends muscle with modern convenience? The 2025 Ford Explorer is built for families, adventurers, and anyone who needs serious versatility. With available Intelligent 4WD, seating for up to seven, and up to 400 horsepower on select trims, the Explorer is as confident on the road as it is off it. If you’re comparing midsize SUVs in Morganton, Asheville, or Forest City, the Explorer stands apart with its bold design, trail-ready capability, and high-end tech like SYNC® 4 and Ford BlueCruise hands-free driving. Whether you're heading into the mountains or just making school drop-offs, it's ready for anything. This guide breaks down what makes the 2025 Ford Explorer a standout—covering performance, interior space, safety, and key technology. So you can shop smarter and drive better. When choosing a versatile SUV that delivers capability, safety, and style, the 2025 Ford Explorer and 2025 Toyota RAV4 are two standout contenders. Both bring unique strengths to the table, but which one suits your lifestyle best? In this head-to-head comparison, we’ll break down performance, interior features, safety, and more to help you make an informed decision. Cloninger Ford of Morganton proudly offers the 2025 Ford Explorer—a vehicle crafted for families, weekend adventurers, and drivers who need more from their SUV. With superior off-road ability, bold engine options, and best-in-class interior space, the Explorer is designed to handle North Carolina’s roads, trails, and everything in between. Performance & Capability Whether you're heading into the city or hitting the open road, performance matters. The Ford Explorer offers a lineup of powerful engine options, while the Toyota RAV4 focuses on fuel efficiency and hybrid availability. Performance Comparison Capability 2025 Ford Explorer 2025 Toyota RAV4 Standard Engine 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 (300 hp) 2.5L I-4 (203 hp) Optional Engine 3.0L V6 (400 hp in ST trim) 2.5L Hybrid (219 hp combined) Transmission 10-speed automatic 8-speed automatic / eCVT (Hybrid) Drivetrain RWD / AWD FWD / AWD Max Towing Capacity Up to 5,600 lbs Up to 3,500 lbs (with Adventure trim) Verdict: The Ford Explorer delivers stronger performance and towing capability, making it better suited for drivers needing power and utility. Interior Comfort & Space The 2025 Ford Explorer and Toyota RAV4 both offer well-designed interiors, but their sizes serve different needs. The Explorer caters to larger families or those needing third-row seating, while the RAV4 is perfect for urban drivers and weekend adventurers. Interior & Cargo Space Feature 2025 Ford Explorer 2025 Toyota RAV4 Seating Capacity 6–7 passengers 5 passengers Cargo Space (max) 87.8 cu ft 69.8 cu ft Rear Legroom 39.0 inches 37.8 inches Touchscreen Size 8" or optional 10.1" 8" or available 10.5" Premium Audio B&O Sound System (available) JBL Premium Audio (available) Verdict: The Explorer offers more space and flexibility, while the RAV4 provides a cozy, tech-savvy environment for smaller households. Technology & Connectivity Both SUVs pack in the latest infotainment and driver-assist technology, but with different focal points. Ford leans into powerful features and size, while Toyota emphasizes efficiency and simplicity. Technology Features Detail 2025 Ford Explorer 2025 Toyota RAV4 Apple CarPlay/Android Auto Standard Standard Digital Instrument Cluster Available 12.3-inch Available 12.3-inch Wireless Charging Available Available Navigation System Available with voice control Available Wi-Fi Hotspot Standard Standard Verdict: Both vehicles offer the tech features today’s drivers expect, though the Explorer’s premium trims give you more upscale upgrades. Safety & Driver Assistance Safety is a top priority for both Ford and Toyota. Each SUV includes comprehensive safety suites with modern driver-assist technologies. Safety Features Safety Feature 2025 Ford Explorer 2025 Toyota RAV4 Forward Collision Warning Standard Standard Blind Spot Monitoring Standard Standard Lane Keep Assist Standard Standard Adaptive Cruise Control Available Standard Parking Assist Available (Active Park Assist 2.0) Available Verdict: It's nearly a tie—both models deliver solid safety tech. Toyota edges out slightly by offering more features standard. Fuel Efficiency Efficiency is key for many SUV shoppers. The Toyota RAV4, especially in hybrid form, delivers excellent fuel economy. The Explorer performs well for its size but leans toward performance over efficiency. Fuel Economy Fuel Type 2025 Ford Explorer 2025 Toyota RAV4 (Hybrid) Standard MPG (Combined) 24 MPG (EcoBoost) / 21 MPG (ST) 30 MPG (Gas AWD) / 40 MPG (Hybrid) Fuel Tank Capacity 17.9 gallons 14.5 gallons Driving Range (est.) ~429 miles ~580 miles (Hybrid) Verdict: The RAV4 wins for eco-minded drivers, while the Explorer balances size and reasonable efficiency. Off-Road Capabilities Both the 2025 Ford Explorer and Toyota RAV4 offer off-road variants, ideal for weekend adventures or tackling tough terrain. Let’s break down how each SUV performs when the pavement ends. Off-Road Features Feature 2025 Ford Explorer Timberline 2025 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road Ground Clearance 8.7 inches 8.6 inches All-Wheel Drive Intelligent AWD w/ Terrain Management Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD Skid Plates Front and underbody protection Front skid plate Off-Road Suspension Heavy-duty off-road tuned TRD-tuned suspension Max Payload 1,560 lbs 1,050 lbs Verdict: The Explorer Timberline offers more payload and advanced trail control, while the RAV4 TRD Off-Road is agile, capable, and efficient for moderate trails. Final Thoughts: Explorer or RAV4? If you're shopping for a capable, well-equipped SUV in Morganton, the 2025 Ford Explorer is the clear winner. It brings the muscle, space, and tech you need for daily life, long drives, or off-road escapes around North Carolina. With best-in-class power, flexible seating for up to seven, and rugged options like the Timberline, the Explorer is ready for anything. Visit Cloninger Ford of Morganton to test drive the 2025 Ford Explorer today. Our team is here to help you explore trims, finance options, and current specials to match your needs and budget. Explore Our SUV Inventory | Get Pre-approved | Contact Us Today

As the first redesign in almost a decade, the 2020 Ford Explorer brings a lot of value to the seven-seater SUV category. This SUV has a lineup of new and improved features that will undoubtedly impress drivers and critics alike. Safety, tech, and interior upgrades ensure that you get an epic driving experience for an SUV of its size. more Towing Titan The 2020 Explorer comes with new architecture, a rear-drive-wheel setup that increases its towing capacity. The latest edition tops up at an incredible 5,600 pounds from 2019's 5,000 pounds. For an extra towing package, you can tow up to 5,300 pounds with the lower trims. Several Engine Options The all-new Explorer gives you the option to select from three different engine choices. The base motor, which comes with the base, Limited, and XTL trims, is a 2.3L turbocharged four-cylinder motor that whips up an impressive 300 horsepower. If you are looking for a performance-oriented engine, the Explorer ST is a good option. This trim level whips up nearly 400 horsepower and can hit the 140 mph top speed mark with ease. If you upgrade to the Platinum trim, you get a bigger, meatier engine- a 365 horsepower, 3.0L V6 EcoBoost engine- with 10-speed transmission. Fun to Drive The saying "Don't judge a book by its cover" stands true for this SUV; the most vital change in the latest Explorer is what you can't see. Shifting to the rear-drive-wheel architecture has not only helped topple its competitors from a design perspective, but it has also made this three-row SUV fun to drive. For such a large SUV, it handles pretty well: it remains solid even on sharp bends and winding roads. The steering wheel feels steadier than its 2019 model. The brakes feel responsive and smooth as well. Ample Cargo and Passenger Room A tiny but essential feature available in the new Explorer is the ample storage area in its cabin. Need more space to keep RV gear or camping bags? No worries- the huge console between the captain's seats in the rear bench gives you a lot of additional space for your things. There's also a lot of cargo inside the Explorer: an impressive 87.8 cubic feet, with an additional 18 cubic feet behind the third bench. Since you've got more than enough space to ferry DIY supplies, luggage, and golf clubs, your family vacations just got better with this SUV. High-End Tech Features Explorer's Co-Pilot 360 safety package is another genius upgrade from its previous model. With it, you get high-tech safety features including: Automatic forward braking system Lane keep assist Blindspot warnings Lane-centering steering Adaptive cruise control For more than 30 years, the Ford Explorer has continued to impress SUV buyers across America. The 2020 Explorer doesn't disappoint; it sees elite changes made to its predecessor. With this three-row SUV, drivers can expect rear-wheel-drive layout, advanced tech, ample room in the interior, and more! Are you looking for a brand new Ford Explorer near you? Get in touch with the team at Cloninger Ford Of Morganton and let us connect you with the Ford of your dreams!