Ford Explorer trim levels explained
By CarWhere Research · Updated
The refreshed Explorer has five trims: Active, ST-Line, Tremor (added for 2026), Platinum and ST. Active, ST-Line and Platinum use the 2.3L EcoBoost four; ST gets the 400-hp 3.0L V6, also optional on Tremor and Platinum. The step that matters most is Active to ST-Line, which adds the 360-degree camera and Bang & Olufsen audio.
Current Explorer trim levels: 6th generation (2020–present)
Rear-drive-based Explorer launched for 2020 and refreshed for 2025, when Ford cut a ladder of Base, XLT, ST-Line, Limited, Timberline, King Ranch, ST and Platinum (plus hybrids) to Active, ST-Line, Platinum and ST; Tremor joined for 2026 as the off-road trim.[1][2][3]
| Trim | Base MSRP (2025, USD) | Engines | Key standard equipment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active | $39,755Feb 2025 pricing, RWD; $1,595 destination extra |
|
|
| ST-Line | $44,615Feb 2025 pricing, RWD; $1,595 destination extra |
|
|
| Tremor | —Added for 2026 MY; no 2025 price |
|
|
| Platinum | $52,250Feb 2025 pricing, RWD; $1,595 destination extra |
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| ST | $54,260Feb 2025 pricing, RWD; $1,595 destination extra |
|
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MSRP excludes destination unless noted. "—" means we could not confirm the price from a Ford or press pricing source.
Explorer equipment group codes (2020–present)
Ford orders each trim with a numbered equipment group (the “A” package codes on the window sticker). Higher numbers within a trim add equipment; the codes below are as listed in Ford order guides and press material.
| Code | Trim | What it is | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 200A | Active | Active (2025+, replaces XLT) | [1] |
| 300A | ST-Line | ST-Line (2025+, previously 250A) | [1] |
| 400A | ST | ST (2025+) | [1] |
| 600A | Platinum | Platinum (2025+, previously 601A) | [1] |
| 100A | Base | Base (pre-2025; deleted for 2025) | [1] |
| 202A | XLT | XLT (pre-2025; deleted for 2025) | [1] |
| 250A | ST-Line | ST-Line (pre-2025) | [1] |
| 300A | Limited | Limited (pre-2025) | [1] |
| 301A | Limited | Limited (pre-2025) | [1] |
| 310A | Limited Hybrid | Limited Hybrid (pre-2025) | [1] |
| 401A | ST | ST (pre-2025) | [1] |
| 601A | Platinum | Platinum (pre-2025) | [1] |
| 701A | King Ranch | King Ranch (pre-2025) | [1] |
| 800A | Timberline | Timberline (pre-2025) | [1] |
Previous Explorer trim levels: 5th generation (2011–2019)
Unibody, front-drive-based Explorer. For 2016 Ford added the Platinum trim and the 2.3L EcoBoost four, with the twin-turbo 3.5L EcoBoost V6 standard on Sport and Platinum.[4][5][6]
| Trim | Base MSRP (2016, USD) | Engines | Key standard equipment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base | $30,7002016 MY; $895 destination extra |
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| XLT | $33,4002016 MY; $895 destination extra |
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| Limited | $41,3002016 MY; $895 destination extra |
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| Sport | $43,3002016 MY; $895 destination extra |
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| Platinum | $52,6002016 MY; $895 destination extra |
|
|
MSRP excludes destination unless noted. "—" means we could not confirm the price from a Ford or press pricing source.
Related Explorer research
See exactly which trim, equipment group and options a Explorer has.
Trim names on a used listing are not always right. The CarWhere build sheet decodes a Ford Explorer VIN into its factory record — trim, equipment group, engine, axle and options as built. $9.99, instant.
Frequently asked questions
What are the 2025 Ford Explorer trim levels?
For 2025 the Explorer comes in Active, ST-Line, Platinum and ST. Ford added the off-road Tremor for 2026. Active, ST-Line and Platinum use the 2.3L EcoBoost four, while the ST gets the 400-hp 3.0L V6.
What happened to the Explorer XLT and Limited?
With the 2025 refresh Ford renamed XLT as Active and dropped Base, Limited, Timberline, King Ranch and the hybrids. Ford’s order guide moves the old XLT slot to equipment group 200A.
What is the difference between Explorer ST-Line and ST?
ST-Line is a sport-styled trim with the 2.3L four-cylinder, 20-inch wheels and Bang & Olufsen audio. The ST adds the 400-hp twin-turbo 3.0L V6, a sport-tuned suspension and red brake calipers.
Which Explorer trims have the V6?
On 2025 and later models the 3.0L EcoBoost V6 is standard on ST and available on Platinum (with 4WD) and Tremor. On 2016–2019 models the twin-turbo 3.5L EcoBoost V6 was standard on Sport and Platinum.
What does equipment group 202A mean on an Explorer XLT?
202A is Ford’s order code for an XLT equipment group on pre-2025 sixth-generation Explorers. Ford retired it for 2025, when XLT became Active with code 200A.
Sources
Prices and equipment are as published by Ford for the model year shown; trim content changes between model years, so confirm a specific vehicle against its window sticker or build sheet.
- 2025 Explorer Order Guide (dealer-posted Ford order guide, 06/07/24) — Ford Motor Company
- How Much Is the Refreshed 2025 Ford Explorer? — Cars.com
- 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor debut: first look — Edmunds
- 2016 Ford Explorer pricing revealed in configurator — Autoblog
- 2016 Ford Explorer base price unchanged; new Platinum trim is $53,495 — Cars.com
- 2016 Ford Explorer: first look — Cars.com
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