Pax said:
I’d prefer the newer interior and infotainment. You can always modify the looks later.
Both of them will have a new interior since they’re 2025 models. I can’t really change captain’s chairs to bench or cloth to leather, especially since I’ll be leasing whichever I choose.
I’m in the same boat. I really dislike the seats in the ST-Line and the red brake calipers on a family SUV. The Active is missing a wireless charger, a 360 camera, and better audio. I think the ST-Line doesn’t even have ventilated seats, but I could be wrong.
Yes, Active is the new XLT. The ST-Line has a lot of upgrades and a much cooler look. I’d easily pick the ST-Line over the Active. If you live in an area with Blue Cruise, it’s fantastic. I just got my wife a 2025 ST, and we drove with Blue Cruise for about 80 miles right off the lot, and it was amazing.
@Asa
ST and ST-Line are really different, though.
Niko said:
@Asa
ST and ST-Line are really different, though.
Yes, but like I said, I’d choose the ST-Line over the Active. It has many upgrades and looks better. Especially with Blue Cruise, it’s a great feature.
@Asa
Is Blue Cruise a subscription service? How much does it cost?
Chen said:
@Asa
Is Blue Cruise a subscription service? How much does it cost?
Yes, it comes with a free trial, then it’s $50 a month. I think that’s crazy, but whatever. They did lower the price, so maybe they’ll make it free someday. But using Blue Cruise and the massaging seats together makes for a comfy drive.
Chen said:
@Asa
Is Blue Cruise a subscription service? How much does it cost?
$50 a month or $495 a year seems like too much for me.
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I’d prefer the newer interior and infotainment. You can always modify the looks later.
@Niko
Oh, I get it. Since you were asking about them, I thought you were looking at an older ST-Line. The ST-Line is basically the same as the Active except for looks and maybe the stiffer suspension, just like it was with the XLT and ST-Line.
@Pax
The seats are better on the Active. The ST-Line has cloth inserts.
Niko said:
@Pax
The seats are better on the Active. The ST-Line has cloth inserts.
Yeah, those seats really annoyed me when I saw them. Our Ford dealership is getting the first batch of 2025s, and I’ve been waiting! I showed up excited to see the usual sales guy who knows I don’t like chrome, so I wanted to look at an ST. He told me he didn’t have the exact car I wanted (an ST) available but thought I’d like the only one on the lot with the black grille. I hated the wheels right away, but I went to check it out. When I saw those cheap-looking seats, I checked the price. The guy asked if I wanted him to unlock it, and I said, ‘Absolutely not. I don’t want to waste your time, and the seats at this price are unacceptable. Call me when you have a real ST, not a fake one.’ Later, he told my husband they probably wouldn’t have one for 6 months since everyone wants them, so I decided to wait for the 2026 model in hopes they offer more than 5 boring colors.
@Arlen
It’s disappointing they didn’t at least offer the same seats in the ST-Line as in the Active.
Niko said:
@Arlen
It’s disappointing they didn’t at least offer the same seats in the ST-Line as in the Active.
Is vinyl better than cloth? I’d choose cloth any day.
Niko said:
@Arlen
It’s disappointing they didn’t at least offer the same seats in the ST-Line as in the Active.
Is vinyl better than cloth? I’d choose cloth any day.
Vinyl is a synthetic material called ‘leatherette.’ It’s much easier to clean and maintain than cloth.
@Niko
It’s way easier. I still have young kids, and I’d drive my pleather seat Explorer until it falls apart before getting one with cloth seats. I don’t care what kind of badge they put on the side to make it look fancy. I want it to look clean and new.
Niko said:
@Arlen
It’s disappointing they didn’t at least offer the same seats in the ST-Line as in the Active.
It’s really disappointing that they only offer 5 colors for 2025, but I haven’t seen many people complain about it. I get that Ford wants to cut back on variety to improve quality control, but how do you go from offering 9 colors and 8 trim levels to just 5 colors and 4 trim levels? People want to feel special and have a car that stands out so they don’t accidentally hop in the wrong one in the parking lot. I know I like an SUV that’s popular, but with my last two Explorers, I never felt like I’d see someone with the exact same one because there were so many different styles before.
I’m also looking at these but don’t want the 275 tires or 21-inch wheels. From what I’ve seen and read, 275 tires seem prone to problems, and everything I’m considering has them. I’ll probably talk to some experts since it’s not my area of expertise. With the ST-Line, adding 4WD comes with the 21-inch wheels.