Ford Brand Assets

Ford Brand Assets

505 W. Franklin St., Chapel Hill, NC 27516

2026 Ford Explorer

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Overview

For more than 30 years, the Ford Explorer has wowed families looking for a roomy, comfortable machine with a capable engine and ample cargo space. Now, for the 2026 model year, this celebrated mid-size SUV follows up on last year’s mid-cycle refresh by continuing to deliver high-tech amenities alongside an all-new, performance-focused trim sure to please enthusiasts.

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Quick Specs

  • Starting MSRP – $38,465*
  • Engine – Standard 2.3-liter EcoBoost® 4-cylinder; Available 3.0-liter EcoBoost® V6
  • Power – Up to 300 hp & 310 pound-feet of torque standard; up to 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque available
  • Drivetrain – Standard rear-wheel drive; available Intelligent All-Wheel Drive
  • Transmission – 10-speed automatic
  • Seating Capacity – Up to 7
  • Fuel Economy – 20 mpg in the city/29 mpg on the highway**
  • Towing Capacity – Up to 5,000 pounds
  • Cargo Capacity – Up to 85.3 cubic feet

What’s New for 2026?

The headliner for 2026 is the all-new Ford Explorer Tremor trim, which lets you get off the beaten path thanks to Intelligent 4WD, a Torsen limited-slip rear axle, front and rear deflector plates for protection, and an off-road-tuned suspension that boasts an increased ride height. Other 2026 changes include a panoramic fixed glass roof (available on all models) and the addition of Automatic Lane Change to the available Ford BlueCruise hands-free highway driving system.

Who's It For?

The 2026 Ford Explorer will be enjoyed by adventurous families, professionals, and road warriors seeking a comfortable ride. Anyone who values versatility in their vehicle will appreciate the Explorer's large cargo area, the seating for seven, and the 5,000 lb. towing capacity. This SUV can handle carpools, transporting equipment for kids' soccer games, and exploring rugged trails on the weekend.

Tech-savvy drivers will appreciate the BlueCruise hands-free highway driving. The driver-facing camera monitors your attention, keeping you safe on road trips. Families will love the built-in 5G hotspot that lets you connect up to 10 devices. Having Alexa built in allows you to ask your Explorer for navigation naturally or to open an app.

Real World Performance

The Explorer Active 100A, Explorer Active, Explorer ST-Line, and Explorer Platinum trims each come standard with a capable 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder engine that generates 300 HP and 310 lb.-ft. of torque. This is paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission for silky-smooth operation.

If you want to step up your power, Ford is more than happy to oblige. The ST trim comes standard with an impressive 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V-6 that cranks out 400 HP and 415 lb.-ft. of torque. It is also mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission, although select shift capability is available on the ST.



Finally, there’s the new-for-2026 Explorer Tremor trim. We covered this off-road specialist's unique abilities in the “What’s New for 2026?” section above, but it’s fitted with the same capable 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder as the Active, ST-Line, and Platinum trims, although the 3.0L EcoBoost V6 with 400 HP and 415 lb.-ft. of torque is an available option.

Every 2026 Ford Explorer features the Class III Tow Package as standard, enabling a 5,000-pound max towing capacity. Also, the Terrain Management system, standard on all trims, includes as many as six selectable drive modes.

Key Features (Standard & Available)

Interior Comfort and Technology

  • Front-Row Heated Seats
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Third-Row PowerFold Seat
  • Ambient Lighting
  • 13.2-inch Touchscreen Display
  • 12.3-inch Digital Cluster
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • 5G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot
  • B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen
  • Wireless Charging Pad
  • Ford Digital Experience

Safety and Driver Assistance

  • Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+
  • Lane-Keeping System
  • Evasive Steering Assist
  • Rear View Camera
  • Hill Descent Control
  • BlueCruise Hands-Free Highway Driving
  • Adaptive Cruise Control
  • Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking
  • Auto High-Beam Headlamps
  • BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) with Trailer Coverage
  • Trailer Sway Control

Alternative Options

Drivers who like the Explorer but still need more space should take a closer look at the Expedition. For those who prefer to keep their exploration to city streets, the smaller Ford Bronco Sport might be a better fit. Not sure which model will be best for you? Contact the # team! Our talented sales professionals can guide you through the entire process. 

*Current Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for base vehicle. Excludes destination/delivery fee plus government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer processing charge, any electronic filing charge, and any emission testing charge. Optional equipment not included. Starting A, Z and X Plan price is for qualified, eligible customers and excludes document fee, destination/delivery charge, taxes, title and registration. Not all vehicles qualify for A, Z or X Plan.

**EPA-estimated city/hwy mpg for the model indicated. See fueleconomy.gov for fuel economy of other engine/transmission combinations. Actual mileage will vary. On plug-in hybrid models and electric models, fuel economy is stated in MPGe. MPGe is the EPA equivalent measure of gasoline fuel efficiency for electric mode operation.