2026 Ford Explorer Model Review with Prices, Photos, & Specs
Key Features
- Starting at $38,465 MSRP*
- Standard 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 (300 horsepower / 310 lb-ft of torque) or available 3.0L twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 (400 horsepower / 415 lb-ft of torque)
- 10-speed transmission and optional Intelligent 4WD with Terrain Management System™
- Ford Co-Pilot360™ Assist+ suite of driver-assist technologies
- Standard 13.2-inch digital touch screen with Ford Digital Experience and FordPass Connect™ Wi-Fi service
- Available PowerFold® third-row seats and E-Z entry second-row seats
- Optional B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen
- Available Ford BlueCruise Equipped Hands-Free Highway Driving
About the Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer is the vehicle that first brought SUVs into the mainstream. A vehicle so capable, so practical, and so enjoyable to drive that it changed the automotive market forever. Today, the Explorer continues to set the bar for its segment and remains an incredibly popular choice of midsize SUV. The standard 4-cylinder engine balances impressive power with fuel economy but those wanting more power can opt for the available V6. The interior offers impressive versatility, complete with a third row of seats that can also fold down to offer impressive cargo space. The Explorer features the Ford Digital Experience, the absolute cutting edge of infotainment technology, and the available B&O® Sound System by Bang & Olufsen® will make even the most discerning of audiophiles happy.
What the Critics Say
| “The switch back to traditional rear-wheel drive (all-wheel drive is optional) makes sense on many levels. Handling and overall balance improve dramatically when you stop trying to steer and power a vehicle from the same end. Towing stability and powertrain selection also benefit. Indeed, the Explorer is one of the better choices in the midsize three-row SUV class for towing.” — Edmund | “The latest Explorer can handle lots of power, and Ford takes full advantage. The sturdy turbocharged four-cylinder base engine easily outpaces the competition. And there's a bonkers turbo V6 in the Explorer ST for those who believe too much is never enough. Both are helped along by a 10-speed transmission.” — Edmunds |
What's New for 2026
A fifth trim level of the Ford Explorer makes its debut for the 2026 model year. Known as the Tremor, this adventurous new variant stands out with plenty of bold design cues and performance features. Standard equipment for the Explorer Tremor includes bold 18-inch alloy wheels, dedicated all-terrain tires, a limited-slip rear differential, and an off-road suspension. Otherwise, the Ford Explorer is back for 2026 essentially unchanged from last year’s recently refreshed model.
Ford Explorer Features
Powerfully Capable
Even in base form, the Ford Explorer has a major advantage over its rivals. First of all, the standard 300-horsepower 2.3-liter EcoBoost® four-cylinder engine is more powerful than even some of the V6 options under the hood of some competitors. Second, the Explorer also comes with standard rear-wheel drive, offering a more balanced and enjoyable driving experience than the front-wheel drive competition. This is helped by the 10-speed automatic transmission which gives you smooth application of power and is standard on all trims. Available all-wheel drive gives you additional confidence in bad weather. For those who want a bit more excitement, there is an available 3.0-liter EcoBoost® V6 which bumps up the horsepower to 400 and also comes with 415 lb-ft of torque. This engine is standard with the ST trim which also features sport-tuned suspension and quite a few unique styling features.
Superior Comfort
A highly functional interior has always been a major selling point of the Ford Explorer and that’s more true than ever with the current generation. The comfortable and spacious interior can convert to cargo-carrying duty easily with seats that fold down at the push of a button. Or leave the seats up and take advantage of the 5,000-pound towing capacity and standard Class III Towing package of the Explorer to tow your cargo instead of loading it into the 7-seat interior. Settle into the standard heated front seats and turn on the available 14-speaker, 980-watt B&O® Sound System by Bang & Olufsen® for absolutely incredible sound while you enjoy the natural light that fills the cabin thanks to the available twin-panel moonroof. The Explorer can handle whatever you throw at it and if you need a little extra excitement to go with it, the Explorer ST is on hand to provide you with that adrenaline boost you’re craving.
Functional Versatility
The Explorer is the first Ford vehicle to get the new Ford Digital Experience infotainment operating system. This runs on the standard 13.2-inch center touchscreen and introduces a lot of new features that were never available on the older SYNC systems. The Android-based system includes quite a few built-in Google apps as well as Amazon Alexa voice capability. You can watch YouTube or streaming video from other sources while parked and you can even pair video game controllers for use with games from the Google Play store. Or if you prefer, you can use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto for phone mirroring, an option that is unfortunately being dropped by some competitors. In addition to the driver’s aides that give the sixth-gen Explorer such an outstanding safety record, the Explorer is also available with BlueCruise which adds hands-free highway driving for a relaxing road trip.
Trims & Specs
Active
- Starting at $38,465 MSRP*
- 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 engine
- Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist+
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane-Centering
- First Row Heated Seats
- 5G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot
ST-Line
- Starting at $45,155 MSRP*
- Unique Blackout Treatment on Exterior Accents
- ST-Line Exclusive Badling
- Ford BlueCruise Equipped Hands-Free Highway Driving
- Ford Co-Pilot360™ Assist 2.0
- B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen
Tremor
- Starting at $48,465 MSRP*
- Available 3.0L EcoBoost® engine
- Torsen® limited-slip rear axle
- Off-road tuned suspension with increased ride height
- Underbody protection — front and rear deflector plates
- ActiveX™ Seating Material with Miko® Inserts, Accent Stitching, and Tremor Logo on Front Seats
Platinum
- Starting at $50,965 MSRP*
- Premium Branded Seats with Leather Seating Surfaces and Heating/Ventilation
- Twin Panel Moonroof
- Heated, Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel with Paddle Shifters
- Wireless Charging Pad
- Class III Trailer Tow Package
ST
- Starting at $54,905 MSRP*
- 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 Engine with Sport Tuned Suspension
- Performance Brakes with Red-Painted Front Brake Calipers
- ST Interior with PowerFold® third row
- Intelligent 4WD with Terrain Management System™
- 21-inch machined aluminum wheels
*Current 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.
Although every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on this site, absolute accuracy cannot be guaranteed. This site, and all information and materials appearing on it, are presented to the user "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied. All vehicles are subject to prior sale. Price does not include applicable tax, Doc Fee ($250), and title/license charges ($33.50). ‡Vehicles shown at different locations are not currently in our inventory (Not in Stock) but can be made available to you at our location within a reasonable date from the time of your request, not to exceed one week.