The 2025 Ford Explorer lineup arrives with a variety of welcome upgrades, and one of the most notable changes comes to the new entry-level trim: the Explorer Active. Designed to provide value without compromising on comfort or features, the Explorer Active now comes standard with second-row captain’s chairs, enhancing both passenger experience and third-row access.

Captain’s chairs—individual seats that offer more comfort and separation than a bench—are now standard in the second row of the Explorer Active. This configuration allows for six-passenger seating and includes Ford’s Power E-Z Entry system, which automatically folds the captain’s chairs forward at the touch of a button to make accessing the third row easier and more convenient.

For those who need a bit more passenger space, a traditional 35/30/35 second-row bench seat is available as a no-cost option. This boosts capacity to seven passengers while still maintaining third-row access, albeit with manual seat-folding levers. This flexibility lets customers choose between added passenger volume or a more upscale seating configuration at no additional cost.

Rounding out the Explorer Active’s feature set is a new 13.2-inch full-color touchscreen that supports the all-new Ford Digital Experience across all trims. This intuitive interface is paired with thoughtful changes like the shift from a full-size spare tire to an inflator kit to help save space. With these updates, the 2025 Ford Explorer Active blends affordability with modern comfort and family-friendly functionality, making it a strong contender in the midsize SUV segment.