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Yesterday, when we discussed newly released information about the 2025 Ford Explorer, we promised Torque News readers a deeper dive into the Blue Oval’s latest offering of its popular SUV. Tomorrow, we will check out the Explorer in more depth than today.
First Ford Digital Experience
The Explorer is the first Ford vehicle to include the new Ford Digital Experience, which allows customers to access their digital life inside the car. It is designed to allow greater connection and personalization for our customers through profiles, content, and apps, helping make time behind the wheel more enjoyable, even when parked.
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The displays on the 13.2-inch touchscreen allow for easy control, and integration with Google Maps allows navigation screens to be displayed on both the touchscreen and the 12.3-inch digital cluster.
Designed to prioritize the use of voice, Google Assistant serves as the default voice assistant, and Alexa Built-in is also available as an alternative for in-vehicle controls, including setting in-vehicle temperature, search information, finding and setting a destination, and requesting a specific broadcast or satellite radio station. It can also help make calls, send texts, set meetings, and control connected home devices.
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Customers can enjoy streaming music, audiobooks, and podcasts using entertainment apps downloaded on Google Play, including Spotify, Amazon Music, Audible, and iHeartRadio, and embedded SiriusXM6 with 360L for a personalized listening experience. Hence, they are always available in the vehicle, regardless of whether a smartphone is connected in the vehicle.
Things You Can Do While Parked
While parked, Explorer customers can:
- Watch videos and stream their favorite movies and TV shows with apps such as YouTube, Prime Video, and more to stay entertained while out and about on daily journeys
- Surf the web using the available Vivaldi Browser app, Google Chrome, which is coming soon, and a Bluetooth-connected keyboard to make typing easier.
- Play games on the touchscreen by selecting from a growing list of games available on Google Play, including a Ford-exclusive version of the racing game Asphalt Nitro. Users can connect a Bluetooth-enabled gaming controller for a more immersive experience.
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The Ford Digital Experience platform is designed to enable more apps and services in the future and help make the vehicle better over time thanks to over-the-air software update capability, available for the first time to Explorer owners.
Plus, 5G wireless technology7 brings incredibly fast connectivity, and with a Ford Premium Connectivity plan, it will provide the best possible in-vehicle experience. Customers also have the option to activate a Wi-Fi hotspot that gives Internet access to up to 10 mobile devices.
Hands-Free Highway Driving
Select trims of the new Explorer are equipped with Ford BlueCruise hardware, enabling hands-free highway driving that helps make long road trips or navigating stop-and-go traffic easier and more enjoyable.
The system includes features such as Lane Change Assist, allowing a driver to switch lanes hands-free with a tap of the turn signal when the path is clear. In-lane repositioning helps provide more space by subtly shifting away from vehicles in adjacent lanes.
With BlueCruise assisting with the braking, accelerating, and steering, it helps reduce some of the stress of driving, allowing you to arrive more energized and refreshed at your destination.
Blue Cruising Customers To Expand
New Explorer customers with BlueCruise-equipped vehicles can choose to activate a Connected Services plan at the time of vehicle purchase for one year or experience hands-free highway driving with a complimentary 90-day trial. Customers can activate annually or monthly at the end of the trial, based on their needs.
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Yesterday, when we discussed newly released information about the 2025 Ford Explorer, we promised Torque News readers a deeper dive into the Blue Oval’s latest offering of its popular SUV. Tomorrow, we will check out the Explorer in more depth than today.
Ford Motor Photo
Marc Stern has been an automotive writer since 1971. His automotive articles have appeared in venues including Popular Mechanics, Mechanix Illustrated, AutoWeek, SuperStock, Trailer Life, Old Cars Weekly, Special Interest Autos, and others. You can follow Marc on Twitter or Facebook.
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