Just last year, Ford refreshed one of their most popular models, the Explorer, to give this SUV even more value and performance in a competitive segment. And, as we continue into 2026, Ford is already adding to the Explorer, with new trims, features, and more for this year. So, is this 2026 Ford Explorer the SUV you should consider for your family?? For an in-depth review, check out the video linked at the bottom of this article!
What’s New for 2026?
- New “Base” Active 100A Package for lower price
- New Tremor trim
- Platinum loses V6 option
- Panoramic roof optional on all models
- New Marsh Gray color
- Bench now available on ST
- BlueCruise optional on ST-Line+
- BlueCruise can be had with one-time purchase on Tremor V6, Platinum, and ST
Trims and Pricing
MSRP with RWD unless noted
Active 100A: $38,465
Active: $40,585
ST-Line: $45,155
Tremor 4WD: $48,465
Platinum: $50,965
ST: $54,905
The prices on the top trims are lower for 2026, as well as the new lower base price with the Active 100A.
Air ball and slam dunk
Slam Dunk: The Explorer continues to be a great package following its refresh
Air Ball: We wish Ford would’ve kept the V6 available on the Explorer Platinum
Design and Features
The Explorer’s design was tweaked last year to make this model bolder and more modern within the segment, and that design continues for 2026. The biggest change will be with the new Tremor model, which adds more capability with unique facias and orange accents throughout. For an in-depth look at the design, please view the video below!
As for the features, here is a breakdown of what will be on the 2026 Ford Explorer:
|
Feature |
Availability |
Exterior |
|
|
LED Headlights |
Standard LED Reflector Headlamps | Platinum: Adaptive Projectors |
|
Fog Lamps |
ST-Line+ | Off-Road Lamps exclusive to Tremor |
|
Wheels |
18-21-in alloys depending on trim |
|
Mirrors |
Standard: BSM and heating | Platinum+: Power-folding, Auto-Dimming, Puddle Lamps |
|
Black Roof |
Available on Platinum and ST for $4,895 |
|
LED Taillights |
LED |
|
Exhausts |
Exposed only on ST |
|
Tow Rating |
Up to 5,000lbs |
|
Forward Emergency Braking |
Standard Equipment and Improved for 2026 |
|
Lane Keep Assist |
|
|
Auto High Beams |
|
|
Adaptive Cruise Control |
|
|
BlueCruise 1.4 |
Newly Available |
The interior tech is perhaps the biggest change on the 2026 Explorer!
Interior |
|
|
Smart Entry |
Standard |
|
Remote Start |
ST-Line+ |
|
Materials |
Cloth, Leatherette, Leather, or Premium Leather depending on trim |
|
Seat Adjustment |
ST-Line+: Power | Platinum: 12-way Power with Massage and Memory (optional on ST/Tremor) |
|
Push Button Start |
Standard |
|
Gauge Cluster |
Standard: 12.3-in full digital display |
|
Head-up Display |
Not Offered |
|
Steering Wheel |
Standard Leather Wrapped | Heating on ST-Line+ |
|
Wireless Charging |
Platinum+ |
|
Ambient Lighting |
Platinum+ |
|
360 Degree Camera |
ST-Line+ |
|
Three Zone Automatic Climate |
Standard |
|
Heated and Ventilated Seats |
Heated: ST-Line+ | Ventilated: Platinum+ |
|
Audio System |
Standard: 6-Speakers | ST-Line+: 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen | Platinum+: 14-Speaker Bang & Olufsen |
|
Infotainment |
Standard 13.2-in touchscreen display with New Ford Digital Experience | Google Built-in Software | Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto |
|
Moonroof |
Optional Panoramic Roof on all trims |
The rear seats of this model continue to be well appointed, providing much passenger comfort.
Rear Amenities |
|
|
USBs and Vents |
Standard |
|
Heated Rear Seats |
Upper Trims |
|
Rear Climate Controls |
ST-Line+ |
|
Sunshades |
Available on upper trims |
|
Captain’s Chairs |
Standard on all but ST-Line | Bench optional on all but Tremor |
|
Third Row Air Vents |
Standard |
|
Power Folding Third Row |
Platinum |
|
Power Tailgate |
Standard |
For in depth details on the 2026 Explorer, watch our full review linked at the bottom of this article.
LOOKING TO BUY any New VEHICLE?
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What’s Under the Hood?
The 2026 Ford Explorer will have two familiar powertrains, but will drop any hybrid offerings for now:
Standard: 2.3L Turbo I-4: 300 hp | 310 lb.ft
ST (optional on Tremor only): 3.0L Twin-Turbo V6: 400 hp | 415 lb.ft
All models will have a 10-speed automatic transmission, with 4WD being optional on all models except for the new Tremor. The 2026 Fuel Economy ratings are as follows:
2.3 RWD: 20/29/24 MPG
2.3 4WD: 20/27/23 MPG
Tremor 2.3 4WD: 19/23/21 MPG
3.0 RWD: 18/25/21 MPG
3.0 4WD: 18/25/20 MPG
We hope you have found this overview of the 2026 Ford Explorer helpful! For a more detailed first look of the Explorer, please watch our video below! What do you think of the new Explorer? Let us know in the comments!
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