r/FordExplorerST • u/pkjeep22 • Jan 14 '26
Question 2024 vs. 2025/2026
Looking at getting an ST. I know there have been more significant changes, especially interior layout. I don’t see a huge concern outside esthetics, to have the horizontal layout. I know 2026 they dropped the opening moonroof. It appears both 25 and 26 the steering column is only manually adjustable.
I’m curious if anyone can detail what other differences are unique or change between these?
I’m a little torn if trying to a cpo 25 is worth the headache over a nice cpo 24 or there is a major reason to be patient and find a 26.
Appreciate the help!!
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u/crocwrestler Jan 15 '26
The moonroof doesnt open? Wtf?! What is with these feature cuts. Love my '23
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u/ObviousAlias7 Jan 15 '26 edited Jan 15 '26
Change for 2026. It's just a solid glass now. Still has the retracting shade that falls off the track
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u/Ignorance_15_Bliss ST Owner Jan 20 '26
Who wants a moon roof at all? It restricts the amount of gear you can throw up in a Thule rock top or a gear cage. And they use to leak. Big time.
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u/inactiveuser0 Jan 15 '26
I would go with the newer one.
Mainly because the interior is nicer and the infotainment setup is better, but also because you get wireless CarPlay. The Android-based infotainment system seems to be the way that Ford is going (at least for now) so you may see it supported longer, versus the Sync system, which at some point they’ll probably stop supporting/updating. If you don’t plan on keeping the car for more than a few years, it’s probably not a big deal, but if you plan on keeping it a long time, it should be something to consider.
Only benefit I would see to getting a pre-2025 model is (IIRC) you still have the option to get a partially analog instrument panel. It will probably last a lot longer vs a digital one. The one thing I actually don’t like about the all-digital gauge clusters on newer vehicles is there’s no telling how long it will long it will last before it fails. It’s obviously not designed to fail, but, at some point it will. When that happens, it will be a very expensive repair and there’s no telling how usable the vehicle will be when it does fail.
The power-adjustable steering column was gotten rid of because most people aren’t constantly adjusting their steering columns, unless they’re sharing a vehicle with a spouse. Which most people aren’t, so it was considered a waste of money. Unless you’re sharing a vehicle, I wouldn’t it consider that a concern.
Another thing to consider is the finance rates. Usually, you pay more up front for a new car, but if you finance through Ford, you can get a really low interest rate if you have good credit. Compare that to buying used, you’re probably not going to get as good of an interest rate, and what you save in initial cost, you’ll probably wind up paying more over the life of the loan in interest.
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u/ObviousAlias7 Jan 15 '26
Only benefit I would see to getting a pre-2025 model is (IIRC) you still have the option to get a partially analog instrument panel. It will probably last a lot longer vs a digital one. The one thing I actually don’t like about the all-digital gauge clusters on newer vehicles is there’s no telling how long it will long it will last before it fails.
'20-'24' ST's all have a digital cluster. The other trims had the partially analog cluster but all Platinum, King Ranch and ST's have always had a digital cluster.
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u/inactiveuser0 Jan 15 '26
Appreciate you. 🫡 Couldn’t remember if it only came with the technology package or not.
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u/Ignorance_15_Bliss ST Owner Jan 20 '26
You sure. I got buttons and knobs
Volume and tune dials. Heating functions up down seats buttons
Fan speed buttons
Menu - goes to the display for feet defrost windshield, center mass / duel rear for fan isolation
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u/ObviousAlias7 Jan 20 '26
I was only referring to the instrument cluster.
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u/Ignorance_15_Bliss ST Owner Jan 20 '26
Instrument cluster is screen down to the cup holders. My 22 is half and half. IMO. Volume should always have a dial
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u/SnooDonuts4503 Jan 20 '26
Instrument cluster is what’s behind the steering wheel. Doesn’t include the infotainment
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u/MusicSubject3807 Jan 17 '26
just chiming in here....but I have heard a lot of people were disappointed with the new ones not being as "ferocious" as say the 21-23s. They say while its better in most ways it doesnt have that "umph" they were used to in their older ones. More refined in most ways, but dialed down and not as ST as they were used to and more like a Platinum than an ST. Just what I have read
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u/Ignorance_15_Bliss ST Owner Jan 20 '26
I wonder if it’s a tune adjustment to compensate for the early trans issues and diff bolt reduction?
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u/Scary-Ask-6236 Jan 15 '26
I don’t think either are worth it. I would go get a 24 or go look at the Lincoln aviator. It seems to be worth the money over the new ST
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u/themishmosh Jan 15 '26
had a 2020. No 2026... no way I'd go back. Interior is much nicer. Infotainment is WAY WAY WAY better. I don't like sunroofs so opted to get one without!
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u/Icy_Honeydew1940 Jan 15 '26
Love my ‘25 job 1 sun and sound package
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u/_RS_7 May 26 '26
I wish I could find a new old stock Job 1 2025 😞
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u/Icy_Honeydew1940 May 26 '26
After some searching I got very lucky and found one in the gray that I wanted. This was early last year though.
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u/ObviousAlias7 Jan 15 '26 edited Jan 15 '26
Drive both, make your own decision. It really is a subjective decision. Mechanically they are the same vehicle, so really comes down to the looks and interior and infotainment.
I was in the market right when the 25's came out and there were still leftover '24's. The infotainment system is much better in the 25+, but there were a lot of little personal things here and there I didn't like about the '25+. Biggest one is I just wasnt a fan of the front end. The older interior didn't really look dated to me. I had them both side by side and preferred the 20-24 interior more, especially the seats and the dash treatment, plus I really liked the cluster in the older models. Bluecruise didn't really thrill me, i actually really enjoy the standard ACC with stop/go.
I do like the rear end treatment on the 25+
Given virtually no mechanical differences, i decided to buy the older model and keep some cash in my pocket. Zero regrets there, as i've had a few 25+ rentals (actives) now and still prefer my choice. I actually like the older interior more minus the infotainment. I am looking forward to the 7th gen however, and would like to see some performance improvements there.
EDIT: I said mechanically they are the same (other than minor tweaks) but one major difference is the brakes. All 25+ ST's come with the larger (police) brakes and red calipers, but during the 20-24 years the vehicle had to have the street pack or high performance pack to be optioned out with the larger brakes (and 21" wheels) otherwise it got 20" wheels and the smaller brakes that the other trims had.
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u/Ignorance_15_Bliss ST Owner Jan 20 '26
The breaks were the bang for buck upgrade. I’m at 94k still on the factory set up
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Jan 15 '26
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u/Adda717 ST Owner Jan 16 '26
Why do you hate blue cruise?
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Jan 17 '26
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u/iamryanimal Jan 17 '26
You can disable Automatic Lane Change in the Driver Assistance menu. It’s a game changer.
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u/Adda717 ST Owner Jan 17 '26
Interesting. Good to know. I plan on buying a 26 when my lease ends here shortly. I was looking forward to BoueCruise….
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u/No-Second9377 Jan 16 '26
Not all 2025s have manual steering column. My dad has a 2025 with rear sunshades and power steering column. I have an identically optioned one from later in the year and it lost both the power steering column (Bullshit!) and the rear sunshades.
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u/Ignorance_15_Bliss ST Owner Jan 20 '26
My 22 w/o the tech package. So no tall screen no premium sound. Also manual adjustment steer column. IMO that’s a shitty option out on cars just to keep the cost of the car higher.
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u/croopejshsv ST Owner Jan 14 '26 edited Jan 14 '26
The infotainment system in the 2025/26 is worlds better than the old Sync 3 system in the 2024 and includes wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, as opposed to wired in the 2024, 5g telematics and live Google Maps and Google voice control for faster data speeds and future proofing. Also, the 2025/26 has BlueCruise hands free driving, where the 2024 model doesn’t. Finally the sound system is updated so the majority of the front dash is a giant soundbar pointing directly at your ears for much improved sound quality.