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2026 Ford Explorer

2026 Ford
Explorer

Ford’s benchmark Explorer SUV has some exciting news for model year 2026 with the introduction of the adventure-ready Tremor. This is the first time a Tremor edition has been made for something other than a Ford pickup. It provides a lifted ride height, revised springs, a limited-slip rear differential, underbody protection plates, and all-terrain tires. With the available 400-horsepower 3.0-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 opted for, the Tremor becomes what Ford calls “the most powerful off-road Explorer ever.”

The automaker also brings back a base edition of the Explorer, now dubbed the Active 100A. It’s an essentials-focused trim that makes America’s all-time best-selling SUV more accessible while still offering above-average standard features like tri-zone automatic climate control and second-row captain’s chairs.

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Trims and Powertrains

The 2026 Ford Explorer lineup includes the Active 100A, Active, ST-Line, Tremor, Platinum, and ST. A 300-horsepower turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine is standard on most trims, while a 400-horsepower twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 comes with the ST and is optional with the Tremor. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) is standard on all trims, except the Tremor, which only comes with four-wheel drive (4WD). Otherwise, 4WD is available. Both drivetrains have a ten-speed automatic transmission.



Fuel economy for the 2026 Explorer was not yet available at the time of this writing, but the EPA-estimated fuel economy for the 2025 Explorer is as follows. The combination of the base engine and RWD yields 20 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. AWD changes the highway ratings to 27 mpg. The larger engine provides 18 mpg around town and 25 mpg on the open road with either drivetrain. The Explore can tow up to 5,000 pounds with the proper equipment. The maximum cargo capacity behind the first row is 85.3 to 85.8 cubic feet, depending on the trim. With two rows in use, the Explorer has 46.0 cubic feet of storage space, changing to 16.3 cubic feet behind the last row.

Standard Features

The Active 100A trim has second-row captain's chairs (for six-passenger seating), a six way power driver's seat, tri-zone automatic climate control, fabric upholstery, LED exterior lighting, rear privacy glass, heated power side mirrors, a 12.3-inch driver information display, proximity keyless entry, a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, four USB ports, a Class III trailer tow package, and 18-inch aluminum wheels. The Active adds heated front seats, a ten-way power driver’s seat, a power liftgate, roof rails, unique exterior elements, active noise cancellation for the cabin, and third-row USB ports.



The upgrades for the ST-Line include ActiveX-trimmed seating with cloth inserts, a heated steering wheel with leather wrapping, heated second-row seats, a second-row bench seat (for seven-passenger seating), an eight-way power front passenger seat, adjustable front row head restraints, LED fog lights, upgraded LED exterior lighting, rear auxiliary climate control, sound-reducing front door glass, black-themed exterior treatments, remote start, and 20-inch wheels. Second-row captain’s chairs, which are standard on all of the other trims, can be elected as an option in lieu of the bench seat.



The Tremor starts with most of the equipment of the ST-Line but gets unique exterior styling. It also has upgraded four-wheel drive with hill descent control, heated and ventilated front seats, ActiveX-trimmed seating with Miko inserts, unique front tow hooks, off-road auxiliary lights, front and rear underbody protection plates, a 110-volt power outlet, and 18-inch wheels. The Platinum also builds on the ST-Line but leans toward more upscale design touches over an athletic appearance. It also has leather-trimmed seats with perforated inserts, multi-contour massaging front seats with heat and cooling, an eight-way power driver's seat, a six-way power front passenger’s seat, a power-folding third-row seat, and adaptive headlights. Ford also includes power-folding side mirrors with driver’s-side auto-dimming, rain-sensing windshield wipers, ambient cabin lighting, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.



The ST continues with the sporty looks of the ST-Line while having most of the premium features of the Platinum. It’s also equipped with a sport-tuned suspension, ActiveX-trimmed seating with Miko inserts, steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, quad exhaust tips, and 21-inch wheels. A fixed-panel panoramic glass roof with a power shade is optional on all 2026 Explorer trims except the Active 100A.

Advanced Driver Aids and Safety Technology

The standard Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ system consists of adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping alert, lane-keeping assist, rear cross-traffic braking, evasive steering assist, intersection assist, exit warning, driver alert, rear parking sensors, and automatic high beams. The ST-Line and higher get upgraded to the Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 platform, which adds a surround-view monitor, adaptive cruise control with predictive speed assist, road edge detection, and front parking sensors. BlueCruise hands-free highway driving is optional on all trims above the base, although it comes standard on the Platinum. All Explorers receive an array of airbags, anti-lock brakes, stability and traction control, and a rearview monitor.

Infotainment and Connectivity

A 13.2-inch touchscreen is used to manage the infotainment features for every ‘26 Explorer trims. The system is based on Google built-in with popular apps like Google Maps and Google Assistant, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM satellite radio, 911 Assist, 5G Wi-Fi hotspot capability, and access to FordPass Connect. Both Active trims have a six-speaker sound system, while a B and O upgrade with 10 speakers is found on the ST-Line, Tremor, and ST. The Platinum has a 14-speaker B and O system, which is optional for the Tremor and ST.


May not represent actual vehicle. (Options, colors, trim and body style may vary)

Sales tax, title, reg, and $784 doc & title prep fee not included in vehicle prices shown and must be paid by the purchaser. MSRP is the manufacturer’s suggested retail price of the vehicle. Stock photos may not represent actual vehicle. MPG ratings are EPA estimates. Actual results may vary for many reasons, including driving conditions and how you drive and maintain your vehicle. See full site disclosure here.