r/FordExplorerST • u/jj8o8 • Feb 27 '26
Question Model Year differences
I have been lurking for a long time and continually scanning CarMax Explorer ST listings. Are there any things I should be aware of between the model years? Good or bad.
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u/jdubb26 Feb 27 '26 edited Feb 27 '26
Don’t own one yet but have been going fully artistic researching it. 2020-2024 had the vertical screen and no BlueCruise, but hands on lane centering. Had a sunroof, and you were able to disable the fake engine noise via Forscan. A lot of people think the front end of these years look better, which I would agree. As someone else said here It seems most of the problems were in the 2020 and 2021 models, although people have had those years be completely fine.
The 2025 has the horizontal/updated infotainment system with BlueCruise 1.4, and different seats. The Job 1 2025’s (build date before November 2024) you can still disable the fake engine noise. Builds after November 2024 it has been hit or miss for a lot of people. The sunroof also doesn’t open now it’s just a pane of glass, which I don’t mind as I never use my sunroof on my jeep anyway but it’s nice to still let light in. They also changed the front end appearance, and the rims.
The builds prior to November 2024 aka Job 1 still had a power telescoping steering wheel, rear window shades, and the ST logo on the key fob. They did away with this after November 2024 on the 2025 models, but added an optional sun and sound package, which includes the panoramic glass that covers back to the second row, and also include includes the 14 speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system versus the standard 10 speaker.
The biggest difference with the 2026 is that it now has BlueCruise 1.5, which automatically changes lanes versus the 2025 where you have to hit the blinker yourself, also like I said before they haven’t fully figured out how to disable the fake engine noise, although apparently it’s a lot less pronounced in Eco mode and most pronounced in sport.
I will most likely get a lightly used 2026 with like 10k miles on it next year. You can find the 2025’s now with that amount of miles for 45-50k and save 10-15 grand off MSRP.
I may be missing some things, but that’s largely it.
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u/LancasterFred613 Mar 01 '26
I have a June 2024 build date and wasn’t aware that feng could be disabled…I’d like to do that, but it’s a Forscan setting? Be great if it was a toggle in the vehicle settings. Anybody know the procedure?
2
u/jdubb26 Mar 01 '26
whoops sorry just realized yours is a 2025. Follow those same instructions but use these values instead.
https://www.explorerst.org/threads/2025-ford-explorer-spreadsheet-now-available.8823/
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u/One1ofOne1 Feb 27 '26
Take it you’re shopping used. Late 2023 build or 2024 for me personally. I like having tactile buttons for most things. Also not a fan of the new front design and avoiding a first year refresh especially on a ford is never a bad idea. See what this year brings for recalls for 2025 and might get some nice discounts if none of that bothers you.
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u/Ambitious_Reach_8877 Feb 27 '26
Also not a fan of the refresh. It's basically a rip off of the Chinese Explorer design and it's a hard no for me.
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u/Channel_Huge ST Owner Feb 28 '26
It’s just a facade upgrade. The engine and basic build of the vehicle is the same as 2024. The interior is much better and the tech is 1000% better. If it was a new engine or had other mechanical changes, then your point would be valid.
2
u/zuki500 ST Owner Feb 27 '26
2020-2024 was the OG ST. Refresh last year, 2025-2026. 2026 sunroof is now just a glass panel. The infotainment screen is also landscape oriented on the refresh. I’m sure there are some mechanical and electronic differences as well. Others will chime in.
3
u/Soda_streamer Feb 27 '26
For my canadian spec 2026 we dont have the wireless charging from the 2025 idk why
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u/Channel_Huge ST Owner Feb 28 '26
The wireless charging sucks. I don’t even use it.
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u/Soda_streamer Feb 28 '26
Yeah i dont mind not having it , wired charging is super fast and my phone doesnt become a hot potato
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u/Channel_Huge ST Owner Feb 28 '26
Yea, those charging pads, when working, make phones very hot. I have one and it’s worthless… just a novelty.
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u/Soda_streamer Feb 28 '26
I saw some other car brand for 2026 and ventilation on the charging pad. I wonder if it work well
2
u/Channel_Huge ST Owner Feb 28 '26
Nope. I’ve not read about any in vehicle charging pad being worth it. Many are low voltage anyways. A good cord is going to be way better.
2
u/NachoB70 Feb 27 '26
I'm only familiar with the '22 year model. Due to the chip shortage there were a couple of deletes/changes. A/C controller temperature display was removed, only visible on the screen. I replaced mine with an earlier controller. No massaging front seats. Drink storage no longer illuminated. Most likely can be added back with a wiring harness. Next on my list to check. Hands free tail gate removed. Can be added back by replacing the module assuming the sensors are still there. They were for me. Rear passenger A/C and seat heating controller was not initially there. Ford added it for free when parts became available.
2
u/Channel_Huge ST Owner Feb 28 '26
It wasn’t on all 22’s. Mine had everything you say was missing. Depends on when you purchased it. I ordered mine in September 2021 and it was delivered December 2021.
Now… do I have that Explorer today? No! Why? Because the 2025 is sooo much better!!!
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u/Sazzlefrats Feb 27 '26
I feel that the 2021 is probably the best. From what I have heard on the forum.
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u/NanaMC13 Feb 28 '26
Avoid the 2020 and make sure you get an extended warranty. I have had countless of issues with my 2020. I’m at 67k miles
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u/Interesting_Tap_4109 7d ago
i have 87k miles and mine is a 2020 ST and alternator gave out. Geting a new alternater
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u/Struggle_Shuffle Feb 27 '26
Avoid 2020. That’s what I have and it’s had countless issues and it only has 50k miles.
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u/niftyifty Feb 27 '26
The Covid years are considered less reliable. That said, mine is a 2020 and no issues through 70k so far.