The Ford Explorer has been a staple of Ford’s SUV lineup for more than three decades and sits between the Bronco and Expedition in the automaker’s lineup. This three-row people-mover provides room for parents juggling school drop-offs and extracurricular activities, and it offers available four-wheel drive (4WD) for when the going gets tough.
The Ford Explorer received a significant refresh for the 2025 model year, highlighted by a revised trim level structure, updated front and rear styling, and a redesigned cabin featuring a new dashboard.
For 2026, the big news is the debut of the rugged Explorer Tremor. As with other Tremor-branded models in Ford’s portfolio, such as the F-150 and Maverick, the Tremor is designed to excel off-road. In addition to standard 4WD, the Tremor features 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, an off-road-tuned suspension, and underbody protection. Ford also improves the Tremor’s approach and departure angles to help ensure it can overcome obstacles on the trail.
In addition to the Tremor, the 2026 Explorer is available in five other trim levels: Active 100A, Active, ST-Line, Platinum, and ST. As the designation suggests, the Active 100A is essentially a stripped-down version of the Active. It loses heated front seats and the power liftgate but includes a Class III Trailer Tow package.
For 2026, Explorer pricing starts just north of $40,000 for the Active 100A and climbs to just shy of $57,000 for the range-topping ST. Two turbocharged engines are available: a 2.3-liter four-cylinder producing 310 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.0-liter V6 producing 400 hp and 415 pound-feet of torque.
Performance enthusiasts will likely gravitate toward the ST-Line and ST trims. The ST-Line features the standard 300-hp engine and adds racy touches, including a black grille, 20-inch alloy wheels, and a 10-speaker B&O sound system. With its 400-hp engine, sport-tuned suspension, and red high-performance brake calipers, the ST aims to be the corner carver of the bunch. The more luxurious Platinum comes standard with creature comforts such as heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats and offers upscale options like a panoramic roof.
All 2026 Explorer SUVs offer 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 46.0 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. When properly equipped, the Explorer can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
Ford Co-Pilot Assist+ is standard across the 2026 Explorer range and includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot warning, lane keeping assistance, automatic high-beam headlights, and adaptive cruise control. Upper trims are available with Ford’s BlueCruise hands-free driving technology.
The Chevrolet Traverse and Toyota Highlander are both segment stalwarts and compelling competitors to the Explorer. The Traverse offers more cargo space and a larger infotainment screen, while the Highlander offers a hybrid powertrain option and premium-adjacent cabin options.
Performance enthusiasts may look to crosstown rival Dodge and its Durango. While lower-spec Durangos are slightly down on power compared with the Explorer, the available 5.7-liter V8 carries its own cachet, and the available 710-hp Hellcat engine is a riot of a power plant, unmatched in the midsize SUV segment.
Ford is the source of information in this article. It was accurate as of February 2, 2026, but it may have changed since then. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker’s website or your local dealership.
John Coyle has spent two decades in the automotive industry. Over that time, he's driven Jeeps through Moab, tackled Fuji Speedway in a Lexus LFA, experienced the insanity of the Gumball 3000, and survived daily driving a 1978 Jaguar. He lives in Sacramento, California, with the coolest girl in the world and three black cats.
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