2025 Ford Explorer vs 2025 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

The 2025 Ford Explorer continued to build on its previous redesign, which had shifted the SUV from a front-wheel-drive to a rear-wheel-drive platform. This change had already given the Explorer a more balanced and sleek appearance, and the 2025 refresh further enhanced its aesthetic appeal. The front end was restyled to appear wider and more ruggedly handsome, while new LED taillights and a strip of trim connecting them added a modern touch. Inside, the Explorer saw significant improvements in materials and design, making it more competitive in its segment. Ford streamlined the trim levels to four, offering a range from the base Active to the performance-tuned ST, with prices starting at $39,755.

The 2025 Land Rover Range Rover Sport was positioned as a sportier option within the Range Rover family, boasting a more athletic appearance due to its shorter wheelbase and chopped top. Despite its tall stance, the Sport sometimes appeared too narrow from certain angles. The lineup included SE, Dynamic SE, Autobiography, and SV Edition Two trims, with the Dynamic SE offering a Stealth appearance package. The SV Edition 2, the highest-performance model, featured unique design elements like carbon-fiber wheels and a hood with an exposed patch. Inside, the Range Rover Sport maintained a minimalist aesthetic, with a focus on luxury and sportiness, though the high console and dash created a more enclosed feel.

The 2025 Ford Explorer offered two EcoBoost engine options. Most trims came with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The Explorer ST and optionally the Platinum trim featured a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 with 400 hp and 415 lb-ft. All models had a 10-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, with four-wheel drive available. The Explorer's driving modes included Eco, Normal, Sport, and more, with the ST-Line test vehicle averaging 23.8 mpg. The Explorer's turbo four provided quick acceleration, while the V6 offered fast acceleration and a pleasant sound. The Explorer's handling was firm yet comfortable, and the ST-Line Street Package added performance brakes and larger wheels.

The 2025 Land Rover Range Rover Sport offered multiple powertrains, all with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. The base SE model had a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with 355 hp, while the Dynamic SE offered 395 hp and a plug-in hybrid option with 454 hp. The Autobiography trim could be equipped with a plug-in hybrid producing 543 hp or a BMW-sourced twin-turbo V8 with 523 hp. The SV Edition Two used the same V8 but with 626 hp, making it the most powerful Range Rover model. The SV Edition Two could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds and had a top speed of 180 mph. The Range Rover Sport's sport-tuned air suspension and four-wheel steering provided agility and a luxurious ride, while its Terrain Response system and off-road capabilities remained strong.

The 2025 Ford Explorer seated six people in its standard configuration, with an optional second-row bench seat increasing capacity to seven. The ST-Line trim featured comfortable front seats with black artificial leather upholstery and cloth inserts. The Premium Package added amenities like ambient lighting and heated second-row seats. The third row was less comfortable for adults, but storage space was competitive, with 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row and a maximum of 85.8 cubic feet.

The 2025 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, a two-row, five-seater, offered more room than the Velar but remained midsize. Front-seat headroom was similar to other luxury SUVs, while rear-seat headroom was slightly less than some competitors. The Sport provided 31.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 53 cubic feet with the seats folded. It had a maximum towing capacity of 7,716 pounds for turbo-six and V8 models, with plug-in hybrids rated at 6,614 pounds.

The 2025 Ford Explorer featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a new 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system called Ford Digital Experience. It included Google Built-in, Amazon Alexa, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with Google Maps and voice recognition. The Explorer offered B&O sound systems, with the ST-Line having 10 speakers and the Platinum and ST boasting 14 speakers.

The 2025 Land Rover Range Rover Sport had a 13.7-inch digital instrument cluster and a 13.1-inch touchscreen for infotainment. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The minimalist design had functional shortfalls, with most controls on the touchscreen. The Pivi Pro infotainment system was responsive, and the SV Edition 2 featured "Body and Soul Seats" with embedded transducers for a unique audio experience.

The 2025 Ford Explorer came with Ford CoPilot 360+, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and other driver assistance systems. The ST-Line and higher trims featured BlueCruise, Ford's hands-free highway driving system. The Explorer had not been fully rated by NHTSA or IIHS at the time of publication.

The 2025 Land Rover Range Rover Sport included standard driver-assist features like automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. A 360-degree camera system and digital rearview mirror aided visibility. The Range Rover Sport had not been rated by IIHS or NHTSA at the time of publication.