Ford announced that the 2025 Ford Explorer will be the first Ford-branded vehicle to feature their innovative Android-powered infotainment system. This new Digital Experience, first introduced with the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus earlier this year, brings many advanced features to the Explorer SUV.
Advanced digital experience
The 2025 Ford Explorer boasts impressive features as part of its digital experience. These include built-in Google Maps, Google Play Store, Google Assistant, wireless CarPlay, Android Auto, and digital HVAC controls. While it may not include the extravagant 48-inch panoramic screen set up in the Lincoln Nautilus, the Explorer’s main 13.2-inch touchscreen retains the same user-friendly interface. The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster can also project maps, offering an enhanced driving experience.
One notable change in the new Explorer is the absence of physical climate control buttons, a design choice that mirrors Ford’s newly redesigned Maverick truck. Instead, HVAC controls are integrated into the touchscreen. This change follows the trend in other Ford vehicles, such as the Maverick, which uses Ford’s older QNX-powered Sync 4 software.
Adaptable system for various models
The Explorer’s more modest screen size compared to the Lincoln Nautilus demonstrates how Ford’s new infotainment system can adapt to different interiors and use cases. Despite this adaptability, Ford has confirmed that it does not plan to phase out its internal Sync operating system. This system will continue to run on similarly sized screens across many of Ford’s vehicles, ensuring continuity for long-time Ford users.
Ford’s commitment to incorporating its Android-based system into future electric vehicles is also noteworthy. Models like the F-150 Lightning and Mustang Mach-E, which feature more prominent, vertically orientated screens, will require a digital experience tailored to their unique designs. This new system promises to deliver a seamless, integrated experience for drivers of Ford’s cutting-edge electric vehicles.
Introducing this advanced infotainment system in the 2025 Ford Explorer marks a significant step forward for Ford, offering drivers a more connected and intuitive driving experience. Whether navigating with Google Maps, streaming music via the Google Play Store, or using the Google Assistant for hands-free control, the new Explorer is set to redefine in-car technology.
