2025 Ford Explorer vs 2025 Audi Q5

The 2025 Ford Explorer continued the design evolution initiated in its previous redesign, maintaining its rear-wheel-drive platform that contributed to its balanced proportions and sleek appearance. The refreshed model featured a restyled front end, giving it a wider and more ruggedly handsome look. New LED taillights and a strip of trim connecting them added to its modern aesthetic. Inside, the Explorer saw significant improvements, with upgraded materials and design making it competitive in its segment. Ford streamlined the trim levels to four, offering a range from the base Active to the performance-tuned ST, with prices starting at $39,755.

In contrast, the 2025 Audi Q5 leaned into a more evolutionary design approach, with a large, textured grille and high-mounted headlights giving it an imposing front end. The exterior styling, while new, felt more like a facelift than a complete redesign. The Q5 offered three trim levels: Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige, with features like LED Headlights Plus and programmable OLED taillights on higher trims. The model was available in both standard SUV and coupe-like Sportback body styles, with the SQ5 performance variant offering additional power and sportier design elements.

The 2025 Ford Explorer offered two EcoBoost engine options: a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 producing 400 horsepower. All models came with a 10-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, with four-wheel drive as an option. The Explorer's driving modes included Eco, Normal, Sport, and more, catering to various driving conditions. The ST-Line test vehicle averaged 23.8 mpg with its turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the twin-turbo V6 in the Platinum trim showed fast acceleration and a pleasant sound. The Explorer's handling was firm yet comfortable, with commendable grip from its Pirelli tires.

The 2025 Audi Q5 featured a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive. The base model's 2.0-liter turbo-four delivered 268 horsepower, while the SQ5's 3.0-liter V6 offered 362 horsepower. Despite the impressive specs, both engines exhibited turbo lag and rough shifts, affecting acceleration. The Q5's suspension provided capable handling, with air suspension available on higher trims. While the Q5 handled well, it didn't encourage aggressive driving. Off-road modes were available, but the Q5 was more suited to dirt roads than technical trails.

The 2025 Ford Explorer seated six in its standard configuration, with an optional second-row bench increasing capacity to seven. The ST-Line trim featured comfortable front seats with black artificial leather upholstery and cloth inserts. The second-row captain's chairs were equally comfortable, and the Premium Package added features like manual rear side window shades. The third row was less comfortable for adults, but storage space was competitive, with a maximum of 85.8 cubic feet of cargo space.

The 2025 Audi Q5 maintained similar dimensions to the previous model, offering adequate headroom and legroom. A sliding and reclining second-row bench was standard, with cargo space measuring 27.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 56.9 cubic feet behind the first. The Q5 offered more cargo space than some rivals but less than others. Standard features included a power tailgate and heated front seats, with higher trims adding a heated steering wheel and panoramic sunroof. The Q5's towing capacity was 4,400 pounds, surpassing some competitors.

The 2025 Ford Explorer introduced the Ford Digital Experience, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The system included Google Built-in, Amazon Alexa, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. A 5G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot and web browser apps were available, along with B&O sound systems by Bang & Olufsen. The ST-Line's 10-speaker setup was unimpressive, but higher trims offered a 14-speaker system with 980 watts of power.

The 2025 Audi Q5 came with an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.5-inch central touchscreen, with a 10.9-inch passenger screen on the Prestige trim. The MMI infotainment system, based on Android Automotive OS, offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a cooled wireless charging pad, and a 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system on Premium Plus models. The Q5 also featured a built-in voice assistant and an available head-up display, along with digital key connectivity and a built-in toll transponder.

The 2025 Ford Explorer included Ford CoPilot 360+ with adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and other driver assistance features. Higher trims added a surround-view camera system and BlueCruise, Ford's hands-free highway driving system. The Explorer had not been fully rated by the NHTSA or IIHS at the time of review, but it earned five-star side-impact and four-star rollover resistance ratings.

The 2025 Audi Q5 offered standard driver-assist features like adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning. Premium Plus models added a 360-degree camera system and adaptive cruise assist. Safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of review, but Audi aimed to match the previous generation's five-star overall safety rating.