The Ford Explorer continues to be a benchmark setter for a segment that it basically started as a family-friendly SUV upwards of 36 years ago. Today, the Ford Explorer keeps with tradition in virtually the same aspect as Ford widens the trim level offerings and brings us a Tremor off-roading version of the Explorer.

Available with either the base 4-cylinder EcoBoost engine or the twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6, the Explorer Tremor offers up something different from the normal trim range that has been around for the current sixth generation since being introduced with a new rear-wheel-drive biased platform in 2020.

The new Explorer Tremor trim is just what the mid-sized SUV needed to give consumers another option for those who aren’t shy about getting their SUV a little dirtier and hitting some trails with a little less worry. This is all thanks to underbody skid plates, all-terrain tires, slightly lifted off-roading suspension, and even a Torsen limited-slip rear differential to aid the all-wheel-drive system grapple with different surfaces. There are also other little bits that add to the Tremor experience, such as the orange front tow hooks, LED off-roading lights mounted in the unique front grille, and unique orange-colored trim touches found throughout.

Powering the Ford Explorer Tremor in its standard configuration is the 2.3-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. Though the Explorer Tremor can be optionally equipped with the more powerful 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6, which is found in my test vehicle, giving you 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. It’s the same engine that is found in the Explorer ST, so there’s some welcomed performance for your ‘Exploring’ adventures. The direct-injected 3.0-liter EcoBoost doesn’t lack power as it surges the Explorer Tremor with some authority and gets up to 60 mph in about 5.4 seconds as it shifts smoothly through its 10-speed automatic transmission. There’s a respected feeling of power through most of the rev range that gives you the drive confidence, as does its surprising handling abilities, even with the all-terrain tires wrapping the 18-inch wheels with their Electric Spice colored offset single spoke.

Going off-roading seemingly feels natural with the Explorer Tremor, especially having the extra power of the turbo V6 on tap, along with front and rear steel skid plates just below the bumpers. The extra inch of ride height also helps versus other Explorer trims to clear obstacles and rest your mind when you take to the off-roading trails. Sure, the Explorer Tremor is no Bronco outfitted with Badlands trim equipment, but it does elevate what you can do with a midsized 3-row crossover on questionable surfaces – something that’s somewhat of a rare offering for such.

Fuel consumption takes a slight hit in the Explorer Tremor versus the Explorer Platinum or ST with the same engine, landing at the EPA estimates of 17 mpg city, 22 mpg highway, and 19 mpg combined. Those figures are still decent considering the knobby all-terrain tires, higher ground clearance, and a few extra underbody bits to add to the vehicle’s weight. With a full 20.2-gallon tank of premium unleaded to get the full power output of the twin-turbo V6 engine, you get a highway cruising range of about 444 miles.

The interior of the new Explorer has evolved somewhat, even in its current generation. For the 2025 model year, the Explorer received some updates inside and out. For the interior, the main update took place for its infotainment system now using a Google-based setup fed through a wide 13.2-inch touchscreen. The system is simple enough for a short learning curve and combines rather simplistic core functions and the integration of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

I also welcome the updated digital gauge cluster, which now supports a navigation map view. The only oddity for the Explorer this year is that the wireless smartphone charging pad is no longer available for any trim level, which is rather head-scratching. Ford may have some reasoning behind such a change, but some consumers may look for such considering you have wireless integration of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Thankfully, there are plentiful USB-A and USB-C ports throughout the cabin.

Seating areas are spacious and comfy, especially up front in the Miko Suede perforated heated, ventilated, and massaging seats. The second-row captain’s chairs are accommodating for adults or children, as are the two seats in the third row, but they have less legroom. The 6-passenger setup works well for a balance of space and accommodations, leaving you with just over 16 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row seats. Power folding the third row down opens the cargo volume to 46 cubic feet and then as much as 86 cubic feet when folding the second-row captain’s chairs.

Ford bundles up a myriad of active safety features, all of the typical functions (360 surround camera, lane departure warning/keep assist, blind spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert/emergency braking, forward collision warning/emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, etc.), in addition to having the availability of the ever-evolving BlueCruise hands-free driving system, which works beautifully on pre-mapped highways and interstates.

For pricing, the Ford Explorer remains at a competitive price starting at $33,646 for the base trim before any options or fees. The Explorer Tremor starts at $43,310, which undercuts the outgoing Timberline trim in previous years, which was the previous off-roading trim for the Explorer with a similar theme for added equipment found in the Tremor trim. Moving to the Explorer Tremor with the EcoBoost V6, as in my test vehicle, and the optional Ultimate Package with a few other stand-alone options, pricing creeps up to just over $62K and ends up landing at $64,405 when you include the destination and delivery charge of $1,695.