Discovered Soaring CO2 Levels in 2025 Ford Explorer ST While Utilizing Air Conditioning, EVEN with 'Fresh Air' Setting Activated
The 2025 Ford Explorer ST, a sport-tuned version of the popular SUV, is making waves in the automotive world. Powered by a 3.0 L twin-turbo V6 engine, this beast produces around 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, delivering significantly sharper acceleration and higher towing ability compared to the standard turbo-4 engine[1]. However, it seems that the vehicle's climate system might need a bit of fine-tuning when it comes to air quality.
Lars Remsen, an owner of a Ford Explorer ST, recently discovered that the air quality inside the vehicle can significantly increase when the climate system is set to AUTO, even with the fresh/recirculate setting on fresh[1]. In a test spanning a 7-day trip across various conditions, Remsen found that with 3 people inside, CO2 levels inside the vehicle rose from about 400 ppm (typical outdoor level) to over 1600 ppm within 10 minutes[1]. This indicates that the vehicle’s climate system on AUTO mode ignores the fresh/recirculate setting and defaults to recirculation, causing CO2 buildup inside the cabin[1].
To ensure fresh air intake and maintain better air quality in the 2025 Ford Explorer ST:
- Drivers should avoid using the AUTO climate control mode when fresh air intake is desired because it defaults to recirculation, limiting outside air exchange[1].
- Manually setting the ventilation system to fresh air intake (not recirculation) and manually controlling fan speed might help, but even with some manual overrides tested, air outlets set to auto can still cause recirculation[1].
- Periodically opening windows or fully cycling the ventilation system with fresh outside air may be necessary to reduce CO2 buildup during extended drives[1].
It's worth noting that the infamous 2011-2015 Explorer cabin exhaust debacle involved CO, while the issue discovered by Lars Remsen involves CO2. The ST version of the Explorer has an approximate length of 198.8 in, width of 78.9 in (without mirrors), height of around 69.9 in, and wheelbase near 119.1 in[1]. The towing capacity of the ST version of the Explorer is rated up to 5,000-5,300 lb depending on configuration[1].
The ST option helps attract buyers seeking both family-friendly SUV utility and enthusiast-level performance in one vehicle. However, it's essential to be aware of the air quality concerns when using the automatic climate control settings in the 2025 Ford Explorer ST.
[1] Source: Remsen's personal test results and observations.
- The climate system in the 2025 Ford Explorer ST, when set to AUTO, may default to recirculation, causing CO2 buildup inside the cabin.
- To maintain better air quality in the 2025 Ford Explorer ST, drivers should manually set the ventilation system to fresh air intake and control fan speed.
- Periodically opening windows or fully cycling the ventilation system with fresh outside air may be necessary to reduce CO2 buildup during extended drives in the 2025 Ford Explorer ST.
- While the ST version of the Explorer offers performance and utility, it's crucial to be aware of the air quality concerns when using the automatic climate control settings.
