2025 ST. Active motion v regular seats and radio question.

[Fmoser]

Dealers near me all have active motion seats on the lot, can’t compare with standard seats since closest is an hour away. Is there a real difference in general comfort? Do the regular seats have the 3 levels of back adjustments? Any thoughts on the radio- more power and sub… noticeable? Thanks.

 

[KCM]

Don't have a 2025 but have a 2020 with the multicontour seats. I would think they would be the same other than the material. When not using the massaging feature, they feel like any other seat. Mine are very comfortable and I never had any back problems or aches after sitting in them for many hours on a recent road trip. Can adjust the back lumbar at three levels as you said. I actually have not used the massage feature other than to test it out and see what it was. Definitely a weird feeling (not in a bad way). I guess I am not accustomed to massaging chairs. I am surprised by how many different massaging settings there are. On my 2020 it can be controlled either from the touch screen or a four-way switch and button on the side of the seat.

FYI, posted a response on another post today and found out something. On Job 1 builds up to 11/24/24, all ST models had the multicontour seats as standard. Starting on 11/25/24 for Job 2, they are in the optional Sun and Sound Package with the panoramic roof and B&O 14 speaker audio system. On the Ford website, looks like if you one of the features, you have to buy all three. May affect your purchase decision.

 

[Fmoser]

Thanks. Trying to learn about these, been in jeeps for years.
so much info here.

 

[ridered74]

Regular driving they don't do much, but on long road trips it makes a world of difference.

 

[GearHead_1]

I'd forgo the contour seats if that required me to have the sunroof. Sunroofs are bad Juju.

 

[Fmoser]

I'd forgo the contour seats if that required me to have the sunroof. Sunroofs are bad Juju.

Is that because the leak or…?

 

[randyknight]

I am wondering the differences myself. My dealer has a 25 built a few months ago on the lot the has Onyx Activex seats listed on window sticker. They have a 25 built 12/19/2024 that should arrive any day now and it is listed with Onyx miko seats. The one with Onyx miko is more expensive than the one with Activex seats by $2845.00. Only difference is the paint color and thats $795.00 so its $2050.00 more with the same options. So I am curious to what the difference is that makes it more expensive. I am hoping to have them both in front of me soon to compare.

 

[Fmoser]

Regular driving they don't do much, but on long road trips it makes a world of difference.

Thanks, I’m just curious if there’s that much of a difference in comfort between the 2 since I can’t find one local with both.
the massage is a bit of a novelty item, it may have some benefits on the long drives I take but actual comfort is the key.
and since I’ve seen it called out that there’s a comfort difference I need to confirm for myself.

 

[randyknight]

Thanks, I’m just curious if there’s that much of a difference in comfort between the 2 since I can’t find one local with both.
the massage is a bit of a novelty item, it may have some benefits on the long drives I take but actual comfort is the key.
and since I’ve seen it called out that there’s a comfort difference I need to confirm for myself.

I am trying to decide if i want to trade my 23 F150 platinum in for another ST. I had a 2022 ST I loved but I also love this truck, just miss the performance and modability aspects of the ST. Plus We usually take my vehicle on trips and the truck gets about 19 MPG on long trips but my 22 ST got around 24 or 25 depending..

It may be they are exactly the same except for the actual "leather" material used, b ut I am sure they are changes we dont know about where Ford figured out how to give up a little less for much more money. I am hoping they have both in at the same time soon to look at.

 

[randyknight]

Thanks, I’m just curious if there’s that much of a difference in comfort between the 2 since I can’t find one local with both.
the massage is a bit of a novelty item, it may have some benefits on the long drives I take but actual comfort is the key.
and since I’ve seen it called out that there’s a comfort difference I need to confirm for myself.

Well I just re read the title and seems I misread it the first time. lol. You’re wondering about active motion seats and I’m wondering the difference between Miko seats and active X seats.

 

[Fmoser]

Well I just re read the title and seems I misread it the first time. lol. You’re wondering about active motion seats and I’m wondering the difference between Miko seats and active X seats.

lol. Are those options on the Explorer ST?
haven’t come across that in my brief search.
New to the Ford world, coming from jeeps.

 

[randyknight]

lol. Are those options on the Explorer ST?
haven’t come across that in my brief search.
New to the Ford world, coming from jeeps.

It’s not an option they just changed the seats for a little while and from what I understand from searching the active X is some sort of synthetic product that’s made to look like leather, but is more durable.

 

[KCM]

Well I just re read the title and seems I misread it the first time. lol. You’re wondering about active motion seats and I’m wondering the difference between Miko seats and active X seats.

Miko and ActiveX are two different materials. From what I have read, Miko is a faux suede or cloth-like material, and ActiveX is a faux leather. Both are supposed to be made from recycled materials. I have the Miko inserts in my Fusion Sport and they feel like a cloth material. They are supposed to be more durable and not stain like a cloth material, easier to maintain. Maybe it is just me, but they seem to hold body heat, or not transfer it, more than a cloth would, which is not great in the warm months of the year. Otherwise they seem fine. Everything is about recycling these days.

 

[KCM]

lol. Are those options on the Explorer ST?
haven’t come across that in my brief search.

Looks like the 2025 uses the combination of ActiveX and Miko. My Fusion Sport uses leather for the outer perimeter surfaces and the Miko inserts in the seat and back areas where your body makes contact. Looks like the new Explorers use ActiveX instead of leather in the perimeter areas. The ActiveX likely will not show small cracks after repeated flexing like real leather does.

Do the regular seats have the 3 levels of back adjustments?

Don't think so. Looked in the owner's manuals and Ford site and only mentions lumbar as singular. Most likely the usual singular back lumbar adjustment.

Is that because the leak or…?

Not sure what the poster is referring to. My ST has quite a few miles on it and the sunroof works fine and does not leak. I like them personally as they let extra light into the interior, especially since most interiors are black today. Great to open up for cruising in the mountains too. Have read posts where people have had issues with the sunshade coming out of the track, but those might be rare issues.

Per your original post you also asked about the audio system. I have the 14-speaker system and can tell you it is definitely better than the premium 12-Speaker Sony system in my Fusion. More bass and I'm sure the big subwoofer in the back helps. I think it has great sound, but in true Ford fashion, there are only three adjustments on the "equalizer" settings. It looks like two speakers were removed from the "low end" B&O system for 2025 as the earlier models had 12-speakers instead of 10, but the 14-speaker system should be the same. Here are a couple links to the B&O site talking about the Explorer system used in 2020 and the Explorer fact sheet. Should apply to 2025 as well.

Ford Explorer (B&O Website)
B_O_2022_Explorer_English_US.pdf (B&O fact sheet)

 

[GearHead_1]

Is that because of the leak or…?

Leaks, fabric drooping or coming off, frame, and air screen issues, keeping seals lubricated. There is much written about these issues on this forum. I get it, people love them, though most are seldom used. They just aren't for me. My massage seats work very well, but also are seldom used. Having said all that, perhaps Ford has improved this feature.

 

[Cosimo12]

Does the explorer st not come with with the same seats and seat coverings regardless of the package ordered? I assumed they only came with the multi contour black miko with massage?