Top 5 Upgrades For The Explorer ST

Last Updated: May 28, 2025

Top 5 Upgrades For The Explorer ST Guide

When it comes to the SUV, very few vehicles are as recognizable as the Explorer. Taking the world by storm during its initial debut, the popularity of the Explorer has continued to grow, branching into different markets than most SUVs could ever reach. With the newest Timberline model, the Explorer is back to its off-road capable roots, but the most entertaining remains the Explorer ST. With rear-biased performance and a twin-turbocharged V-6 engine, the Explorer ST is easily one of the most thrilling SUVs available on sale to date, especially at its price point. The ST accelerates like a muscle car, handles close to a sports car, and does it all with seating for seven comfortably.

With it being so easy to modify with the EcoBoost motor, picking the top 5 upgrades might seem difficult, but there are some that shine above the others. These engines and vehicles have shown themselves to be incredibly easy to modify - more so than many other family SUVs. Just like performance cars like the Mustang, the Explorer ST is brimming with possibilities for higher performance. As one of the newest hot vehicles, we at Steeda are more than ready to make it the ultimate performance SUV from Ford.

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Video Tuning Intercooler Cat-Back Exhaust Sway Bars Shocks

Explorer ST Review

Explorer ST Tuning

As impressive as the Explorer ST is, it can always perform better, run faster, and drive harder. The 2020-2025 Ford Explorer ST’s twin-turbo 3.0L EcoBoost V6 is a beast, pumping out 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque straight from the factory, with a 0-60 mph sprint in just 5.2 seconds. While it is no slouch in the 0-60, the SUV can get a real boost easily via tuning. Most tuners are simple plug-and-play devices designed to be your ticket to exhilarating performance, tailored for your Explorer.

The twin-turbo V6 is incredibly easy to tune and upgrade for more power, like all EcoBoost engines, and upgrades like this are relatively affordable as well. The SCT X4 is an all-in-one powerhouse, offering full diagnostics, data logging, and custom tuning. Monitor critical parameters like turbo boost, air/fuel ratio, and throttle position, or log data for advanced tuning tweaks.

For those seeking a factory-engineered boost, the Ford Performance M-9603-EX30 Calibration for 2020-2024 Explorer ST, Platinum, and King Ranch models delivers 30 hp and 35 lb-ft of torque, hitting peak power of 430 hp at 6,000 rpm and 467 lb-ft at 3,500 rpm. This dyno-tested, 50-state legal (CARB E.O. #: D-431-4) tune optimizes throttle response and the 10-speed transmission’s shift schedule, shaving fractions off your 0-60 time. Backed by a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty when installed by a Ford dealer or ASE/Red Seal technician, it’s ideal for reliability-focused enthusiasts.

These tuners can add more power and improve fuel economy, functioning as an all-in-one system to keep your vehicle running to its best performance.

Featured Explorer ST Tuning Products

Explorer ST Intercooler

Turbocharged performance is all about breathing, and the 2020-2025 Ford Explorer ST’s twin-turbo 3.0L EcoBoost V6 demands the best. Upgrading your intercooler is critical to keeping intake air cold, boosting power, and maximizing efficiency. For the 2025 Explorer ST, with its updated front fascia and 400-horsepower output, a high-performance intercooler unlocks sharper acceleration, reduced turbo lag, and sustained performance—whether you’re carving corners or towing the family camper.

Steeda offers two top-tier options: the Whipple Mega Cooler and the Steeda Explorer 2.3L/3.0L ProFlow Intercooler (2020-2025). The Whipple Mega Cooler boasts a massive 3x larger surface area than stock, dropping intake temperatures by up to 40°F for 15-20 hp gains and improved throttle response. Its bolt-on design fits 2020-2025 models, including the 2025 refresh, with no modifications needed. Explorer ST owners on forums praise its cost-effectiveness and noticeable power boost, making it a favorite for daily drivers and track enthusiasts alike.

The Steeda ProFlow Intercooler, designed specifically for 2020-2025 Explorer STs, features a 2.5x larger surface area, reducing intake temps by up to 30°F for 10-15 hp gains. Its all-aluminum construction, ensure durability and superior heat dissipation, perfect for hot climates or aggressive driving. For the 2025 model, Steeda now offers an optional intercooler pipe kit to guarantee a perfect fit with the updated front-end geometry, ensuring optimal airflow and easy installation.

Featured Explorer ST Intercoolers

Explorer ST Cat-Back Exhaust

One of the most common upgrades to any vehicle is the exhaust, and when it comes to performance-oriented vehicles there are more options than ever. The Explorer ST actually has multiple aftermarket exhaust options including Borla, MBRP, and more, but not all exhaust setups are made equal, especially in terms of performance.

Depending on your taste, it is easy to say which exhaust is the best for the Explorer ST - the MBRP Explorer ST Pro Series Cat-Back Exhaust - which gives sound, style, and performance. The MBRP exhaust is aggressive without being too loud, and sounds like a performance car, especially when you hear the turbo blow-off after the initial rev. Additionally, this cat-back exhaust flows 25% more efficiently than the stock system which is why it performs better as well as sounds better.

For a versatile alternative, the Borla ATAK Cat-Back kicks it up a notch with a louder, attention-grabbing tone and a muffler that contains an internal H-pipe for enhanced flow. Borla systems add hp and come with a Million-Mile Warranty that ensures the exhaust system will last the life of your vehicle and will provide you with the performance you need and want.

Featured Explorer ST Exhausts

Explorer ST Rear Sway Bar

As powerful and tossable as the Explorer ST is, it is still a large SUV. At 4,700 lbs, the Explorer ST is on the larger end, even when compared to some rivals like the Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Dodge Durango, and others. Thankfully, the ST is as easy to modify for suspension and stability as it is for power and acceleration.

To ensure your Explorer ST stays planted on the ground around corners, the installation of sway bars is highly recommended to help reduce body roll and increase structural rigidity. With the ST's handling in mind, we developed our Explorer Adjustable Rear Sway Bar which we have tested on vehicles from the base Explorers through Police pursuit vehicles.

Tested at high speed and under aggressive cornering, these sway bars are lightweight while being very durable under pressure. With multiple adjustable settings, these can be changed to your liking to be tighter for handling or looser for comfort.

Featured Explorer ST Rear Sway Bars

Explorer ST Shocks

Along with the rear sway bars, there are other upgrades that will improve the handling of your Explorer ST too. Upgrades to suspension are the best ways to improve handling, such as lowering or reinforcing for structural rigidity and lowering the center of gravity.

While there are not many upgrades on the ST currently, the option to nearly create your own ST yields many upgrades like the Steeda Pro-Action Front and Rear Struts and Shocks.

The Steeda Pro-Action Struts are proven to make your Explorer handle at least on-par with the ST, lowering the center of gravity while also keeping the car more stable on the road under corners or hard acceleration. For even more performance, installing the Steeda Explorer Lowering Springs will lower the center of gravity further and allow you even more control over your Explorer ST.