Venerable Ford Explorer cooks with turbo power plant

Mark Glover’s AutoGlo car reviews can be seen here and in the Cruisin’ News, "Oregon, Nevada and California's classic auto news & marketplace."

Sacramento, California -- It has been through ups and downs over the years, but here is the fact that commands respect for the Ford Explorer: It is America's all-time best-selling sport-utility vehicle.

And of all the Explorers I've test driven over the decades, the recently delivered 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum RWD was the best of the lot.

I'm sure I was influenced by the 3-liter, turbocharged engine with a pavement-scorching 400 horsepower. So strong and so responsive was the power plant that I had to patiently work my way into a comfortable driving pattern.  The first few attempts found me jumping off the line like a dragster.

Once mastered, I easily outperformed everything else on the road, bolstered by a seamless 10-speed transmission.  Silky freeway cruising and cargo carrying capability were once top priorities in my Explorer outings.  Performance bolted to the top spot this time around.

The tester also featured a sleek profile enhanced by 21-inch dark alloy aluminum wheels.

Inside, a comfortable and thoughtfully laid out interior made me (and passengers) feel secure from the get-go. The tester demonstrated admirable stability and agility in both urban and highway runs.

The tester was loaded with off-road chops that included hill start assist and a terrain management system. I also liked the moonroof and ambient lighting, two cool features on a long list of perks.

Fuel mileage clocked in at 18 miles per gallon in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.  My loaded version had a bottom line of $57,865 on the sticker.

Overall, the newest Explorer deservedly retains its spot on the Mount Rushmore of sport-utility vehicles.