For the first time, the Ford Explorer has been named Automotive Fleet’s 2025 SUV of the Year! 

The Ford Explorer has been a popular vehicle since 1991 and offers a powerful engine, available 4WD, enhanced tech, and ample cargo space.  

“We’re grateful to the customers who count on Explorer to keep their businesses moving, from rental agencies to service and corporate fleets that depend on its proven capability and durability,” said Lindsey Bertino, police brand marketing manager at Ford Motor Company.  

“Every Explorer sold in America is built with pride at our Chicago Assembly Plant, and it reflects the dedication of our teams who engineer and manufacture the SUV to meet the demands of hard-working industries across the country.” 

The Fleet Car, Truck, and SUV of the Year awards celebrate excellence in the automotive industry from a fleet perspective. They are judged exclusively by professional fleet managers, who oversee thousands of vehicles and millions of miles per year.  

Judging is based on how well the vehicle meets the unique demands of fleet service, reliability, safety, ownership costs, and driver satisfaction.  

The awards have been bestowed since 2003, with the inaugural Fleet Car of the Year award presented to the Chevrolet Malibu and the Fleet Truck of the Year award presented to the Ford F-150. Fleet SUV of the Year was introduced in 2019 and was won by the Chevrolet Equinox.  

“Fleet Vehicle of the Year awards are unique because they reflect the perspective of the people who manage and drive these vehicles every day,” said Chris Brown, associate publisher of Automotive Fleet. “These awards highlight the vehicles that perform reliably, safely, and efficiently under the demands of real-world fleet operations that help businesses keep moving mile after mile.”

Ford Explorer Updates for 2025 Model Year

The Ford Explorer went through a major mid-cycle refresh the 2025 model year. Inside, every trim now features a 13.2-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, along with upgraded materials, a cleaner dashboard design, and added USB-C ports throughout. Outside updates include a wider grille, new lighting, fresh wheel designs, and an available black-painted roof for higher trims. 

Ford’s new Digital Experience — complete with built-in Google apps, 5G connectivity, OTA updates, and a standard Wi-Fi hotspot — now comes on all models. Key driver-assist features such as Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering, Evasive Steering Assist, the Class III Trailer Tow Package, and expanded safety-belt sensors are also standard across the lineup. Higher trims add features such as BlueCruise hands-free driving, Intersection Assist, Reverse Brake Assist, and Road Edge Detection. 

The Explorer’s performance options remain familiar, with the 400-hp EcoBoost V6 still exclusive to the ST, while Platinum shifts to the 2.3-liter EcoBoost.  

Fleet SUV of the Year: Ford Explorer – Fun Facts 

• First U.S. model year: 1991 

• One of the pioneers of the modern 3-row SUV segment 

• Debut sales exploded to nearly 300,000 units by the end of 1991, kickstarting the midsize SUV boom  

• Over 8 million Explorers have been sold since 1991 

• The Police Interceptor Utility (based on the Explorer) is one of the best-selling police vehicles in the U.S. 

 Fleet SUV of the Year, Historical 

The 2025 Ford Escape finds itself in good company as the SUV of the year.  

• 2025  Ford Explorer 

• 2024    Toyota RAV4 Hybrid 

• 2023    Ford Escape 

• 2022    Chevrolet Equinox 

• 2021    Chevrolet Equinox 

• 2020    Jeep Grand Cherokee 

• 2019    Chevrolet Equinox