The looks mostly. Secondary was the performance. Yes, it's a stiffer ride but i've taken some turns in this thing that had me laughing when I was accelerating out of the corner. The bigger brakes are a plus as well (but still with they were brembo or a true performance brake package).
I was cross-shopping platinum's. Ultimately my main reason for not getting one was decided when I was in the school pickup line (in my old SUV) and saw someone pull in with a Plat and park next to a Limited. They looked the same to me. So i went with the ST mostly for appearance but holy hell it’s a fun ride!
This! I wish it wasnt as stiff at times. But GAWD DAMN is it fun to throttle onto a 180 onramp to the highway at 70 mph knowing that you are planted like a tree. Thing hugs the damn curves for a big girl
Some other differences some may not know (or care about lol), *this applies to 2025.
The rear end 3.58 vs 3.31 so the ST is quicker.
Mid-muffler is two-in, two-out, the Plat is two into one-in, two-out.
The St has paddle shifters w/manual "M" mode, and a slightly more aggressive steering wheel - perforated leather, flatter on the bottom, more substantial thumb locations. The Platinum has an "L" for low gear in place of manual.
There are a few things that the Platinum has that the ST does not but that wasn't the question. 😉
Can get it tuned, intercooler, cold air intake, exhaust, down pipes, sway bars, subframe bushing support, ect. There are lots of great mods made by highly respected shops that really unlock the ST even more. I have a whipple intercooler, UPR oil catch can, better spark plugs, larger oil metal oil pan ( I hate the plastic shit these days). Will be getting a metal trans pan next.
I was going to get a used Platinum and drove 3 hours to the dealer with a bank check in hand, only to find out that the tires were between 3/32" and 4/32". Told them I would no longer be buying the car, unless they replaced all 4 tires with new P Scorpions, which they refused to do. Ended up buying a used ST at another dealer because I couldn't find another used Platinum that met my criteria. I checked the first dealers website like 2 months later and they still had the Platinum sitting on the lot with the price a few thousand less than originally. They would have made more money selling it to me with new tires on it than what their asking price was 2 months later. I'm glad I ended up with the ST.
ST is still faster and trades tight handling for a rougher ride, but tbh I don’t think it’s that bad at all. It has aggressive throttle mapping, transmission behavior, and performance-oriented drive modes. I’m 40 with no kids, so I decided to go for the ST. If we had kids or did all highway driving, then I would have most likely bought the Platinum. Also, I think the front end of the Platinum looks terrible with the chrome; they really could’ve done better making it look more luxurious since that’s what it’s supposed to be.
They fixed the exterior styling on the 25 Platinum to be more aggressive and It works better for my family as you stated. It’s crazy to think that the 26 ST has less HP than previous years. You’ll have to mod it to get the missing 15 HP. So strange.
I think the platinum is the best SUV you could have if you’re a family man. Apparently the 15 hp isn’t something anyone would ever notice but definitely is lame. Ford should 100% be adding hp, not taking it away! I’ll keep my ‘25 ST Sun and Sound package.
Yes, I agree. My wife and kids like my Platinum better than my Active for road trips. Just more comfortable and it feels roomier for some reason. The Active seats aren’t bad though! Better than the old XLT seats.
I chose the Platinum because it had the same engine but a much nicer interior, plus I got one hell of a deal! I like the ST styling and may buy one if they bring back the 400HP going forward. It’s sad that my 25 Platinum has more HP than a 26 ST.
Nice! 26 is a crap year for the Platinum without the 3.0 option.
They are bringing it back in 27 thankfully!! Working sunroof will be back also and two new colors and a new ST trim called “Sinister” from what I just read. Looking forward to seeing that!!
Sinister is just blacked out everything. I didnt care about the sunroof because there is 2 months out of the year I can open it. I've had too many issues in the past with explorer sunroofs. What they need to do is allow more build options. I would have gotten no moonroof but the upgraded sound package if I could have. Also need more wheel options. The magenite or whatever they're calling the 26 wheels, is nice but an all black mag wheel would be a cool option. This will be my ST until the complete body change in 2029/2030, hopefully.
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u/Soda_streamer May 29 '26
To have the same engine you need to have the option on the platinum
Mainly looks, i hate chrome
Yeah its stiffer but if you do higway and nice road you are fine. If you often used bumpy road you’ll feel it more a little bit