We currently have a 2021 BMW X3 M and my wife drives a 2018 Mazda CX-9. I started looking at options to replace the CX-9 with something similar in size and stumbled across the Explorer ST. Now I’m considering replacing both cars.
The plan would be for me to daily drive the ST and get my wife a smaller, easier-to-drive SUV. The ST would handle family road trips and outings with our two young kids (ages 2 and 4) when we need the extra space.
But while researching, I’ve seen mixed experiences. Some owners report major issues like engine or transmission failures, while others seem to have no problems at all with regular maintenance. I’m curious—have you had any significant problems with the ST that would make you not recommend it?
The ST checks all the boxes for what I need in my price range, but I don’t want to deal with constant trips to the dealer or worse—being stranded on the side of the road during a family trip. I’m hoping to hear some positive feedback to help me decide. My X3 M has been great, but it’s not the most family-friendly car and can be uncomfortable for longer drives. The idea of having a larger performance SUV that’s also fun to drive is really appealing.
We’ve had a 2020 XLT (lemon), a 2020 Limited (great car), and now a 2025 ST. I enjoy the ST—it handles great, the massage seats are awesome, and the power is ridiculous. Passing cars can easily mean hitting 100 mph if you’re not careful.
What I don’t like: no HUD on a top-tier model is disappointing. And the safety features are annoying. The lane-centering and BlueCruise features constantly nag me even when I’m in control. It’s frustrating on straight rural roads where I’m cruising but still get alerts to keep my hands on the wheel or eyes on the road.
If you could turn these features off entirely, it’d be a much better experience.
@Winslow
Lane centering can be turned off with a button on the steering wheel. BlueCruise and adaptive cruise control can also be switched to standard cruise control in the settings.
I drive similarly to you and found the assisted features more of a hassle, so I stick to regular cruise control.
@Winslow
Interesting, I’ve seen a lot of complaints about safety features in various cars, but not specifically with the ST. I usually turn those features off entirely in my X3 M because they’re more annoying than helpful.
Look into the 2023 ST—it had a lot of fixes for issues found in the 2020-2022 models. The 2025 is essentially the same as the 2023. They skipped the 2024 model year due to a production stop related to backup camera problems, which now seem resolved.
We’ve had our 2023 ST for a year with 10,000 km on it and no issues at all.
@Cass
It’s reassuring to hear the problems seem limited to the 2020-2022 models. I haven’t read much about major issues with the 2023/2024, so that gives me hope for the 2025. Thanks!
We were considering the 2025 Explorer ST but ended up going with a VW Atlas. The Explorer’s back seat and ergonomics were disappointing—especially the rear cupholders in the doors. The Atlas felt roomier in both the front and back seats.
This was our first non-Ford purchase in 25 years despite having access to family discounts through Ford. We have two kids (7 and 8) and two dogs, so space was a big factor.