The 2026 Ford Explorer is a three-row midsize SUV built for families who need real passenger space and genuine towing capability without stepping into a full-size truck-based rig. Ford adds a new Tremor trim this year for buyers who want light off-road ability, while the rest of the lineup carries forward with updated pricing. At MotoPickers, we dug into every trim to help you figure out which one is worth your money.
MotoPickers Rating
The Explorer’s strongest argument is its combination of three-row seating, up to 5,000 lbs of towing per manufacturer specs, and a 300 hp base engine that handles highway merges without hesitation. The 13.2-inch touchscreen is large and easy to read, and the hands-free liftgate is one of those features you’ll wonder how you lived without. The new Tremor trim adds genuine off-road credibility to a lineup that previously skewed suburban.
Where the Explorer stumbles is technology depth. The infotainment scores reflect a system that looks modern but is missing some connected features that rivals now offer as standard — there are no over-the-air software updates, for example, which means you’ll need a dealer visit just to keep the system current. There’s also no wireless charging pad on the base trims, which feels like an oversight in 2026.
This is a family hauler that earns its keep on road trips, school runs, and weekend trailer pulls. It’s not the driver’s choice in the segment, but it does the practical stuff well.
| Category | Score (out of 10) |
|---|---|
| Performance | 6.8 |
| Comfort | 7.7 |
| Technology | 5.5 |
| Value | 7.2 |
| Practicality | 7.0 |
What’s New / Updates Over Previous Version
The headline addition for 2026 is the new Tremor trim, which slots into the lineup with standard four-wheel drive and an off-road-oriented setup. If light trail work or gravel road confidence matters to you, that’s covered in detail under the Trim Guide below.
Beyond the Tremor, Ford carries the sixth-generation Explorer forward with updated pricing across the board. The powertrain lineup stays the same, with the 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder handling most trims and the 3.0L twin-turbo V6 reserved for the ST. Full engine details are in the Power and Performance section.
If you were hoping for a hybrid option or a major interior overhaul, this isn’t that year. The 2026 Explorer is a steady continuation of the current generation, with the Tremor as the one genuinely new reason to take a fresh look.
Competitors
The Toyota Grand Highlander offers a similar three-row layout but adds hybrid powertrain options and more cargo room behind the third row. The Honda Pilot is the most direct rival, matching the Explorer’s family-SUV mission with comparable pricing and seating. The Hyundai Santa Fe comes in at a lower entry price with an available hybrid, making it worth a look if budget is the priority. The Subaru Outback starts lower and comes with standard AWD, though it only seats five. The Chevrolet Traverse rounds out the three-row competition with its own take on family-hauling features and packaging.
Exterior Spotlight
The Explorer wears a clean, upright shape with a wide front fascia and squared-off proportions that read as purposeful rather than flashy. It’s a design that ages well precisely because it doesn’t chase trends. The Tremor adds some visual muscle with its off-road-specific details, while the ST-Line and ST trims push toward a sportier look.
Color Options
Ford offers around seven exterior colors for the 2026 Explorer, according to Ford: Star White Metallic Tri-Coat, Oxford White, Agate Black Metallic, Vapor Blue Metallic, Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat, Carbonized Gray Metallic, and Space White Metallic. Carbonized Gray and Agate Black suit the Explorer’s boxy shape particularly well, giving it a more serious presence. Rapid Red and Vapor Blue are the bolder picks if you want the SUV to stand out in a parking lot full of white and silver.
Wheel Options
The Active and Tremor trims ride on approximately 18-inch alloys, which is the sweet spot for ride comfort. Larger wheels look sharper but transmit more road texture into the cabin, so if you’re covering a lot of broken pavement, the 18s are the practical pick. The ST-Line and Platinum step up to 20-inch alloys, according to Ford’s specs, for a cleaner, more polished look. The ST gets approximately 21-inch alloys that fill the wheel wells nicely but will make you feel every expansion joint on the highway.
Interior Analysis
The Explorer’s cabin is wide and upright, with a layout that prioritizes usability over drama. The 13.2-inch touchscreen dominates the center stack, and the overall feel is functional and spacious rather than luxurious.
Features
The 13.2-inch touchscreen is large enough to use without squinting, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connect quickly without needing to dig for a cable. That matters on a busy school morning when your phone is already in your pocket. Bluetooth 5.0 keeps the connection stable even when you’re moving between seats or stepping out briefly.
The 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster puts speed, navigation, and driver assist status directly in your sightline. It’s not a head-up display, but it keeps your eyes close to the road.
USB-C ports sit in both the front and rear, so back-seat passengers can charge without fighting over the front outlets. The rear two ports are positioned well enough for kids in the second row to reach them without contorting. There’s no wireless charging pad on the base Active trims, which is a real gap. It becomes available on higher trims, and standard on the Platinum.
The available premium multi-speaker audio system sounds noticeably better than the base 6-speaker setup on a highway commute, where road noise competes with the music. If you spend a lot of time on the road, the upgrade is worth considering.
Comfort
Front seat legroom comes in at 43.0 inches, which is enough for a six-foot driver to sit without the seat all the way back. The second row offers 39.0 inches of legroom, which is comfortable for adults on a two-hour drive. Hip room in the second row measures 59.2 inches, so three adults across is tight but workable for shorter trips.
The third row is best suited for kids or shorter adults on trips under an hour. Most three-row SUVs in this segment share that limitation, and the Explorer is no exception.
Front heated seats are available on the Active 200A and standard on the Tremor, Platinum, and ST. Ventilated seats are available on the Platinum and ST, which makes a real difference on summer road trips. The heated steering wheel is a welcome touch for cold-weather buyers.
The panoramic moonroof, available across most trims, opens the cabin up considerably and makes the second row feel less boxed in on long drives. Climate control keeps the cabin temperature consistent front to back, though rear passengers will want to manage their own vents on hot days.
The suspension setup absorbs highway miles without beating up passengers. The ride leans toward comfort over sportiness, which is the right priority for a family hauler covering mixed roads.
Cargo
Behind the second row, the Explorer holds 46.0 cubic feet of cargo. That’s enough for a large dog crate, a full-size stroller, and a weekend bag alongside it. Fold the second and third rows flat and you’re looking at 85.3 cubic feet total, which is enough to move a college dorm room or carry a full sheet of plywood with the liftgate closed.
The hands-free liftgate is one of the most practical features on this SUV. Kick your foot under the rear bumper and the gate swings open, which you’ll appreciate every time you’re carrying groceries in both hands or wrangling a toddler.
The cargo floor is not flat when the seats are folded, so there’s a slight step-up where the second row folds down. That’s worth knowing if you’re loading heavy or awkward items. There is under-floor storage in the cargo area, which is useful for keeping a first aid kit, jumper cables, or valuables out of sight.
For families with a double stroller, the 46.0 cubic feet behind the second row handles it without needing to fold anything. Add a third-row passenger and you’ll need to compress or rearrange, but day-to-day grocery runs and school pickups are no problem.
Power and Performance
The Explorer offers two engines across its trim lineup. Most buyers will live with the 2.3L four-cylinder, but the ST’s V6 is a different experience entirely.
Engine Specs
The base engine is a 2.3L turbocharged four-cylinder producing 300 hp — a strong number for a four-cylinder that shows in how the Explorer pulls away from a stop. Merging onto a freeway from a short on-ramp doesn’t require planning ahead, and the engine has enough reserve to accelerate confidently even with five passengers and a loaded cargo area.
Step up to the ST trim and you get the 3.0L twin-turbo V6 at 400 hp, a jump that’s noticeable the moment you press the accelerator. Passing on a two-lane highway becomes a quick, decisive move rather than a committed one, and if you regularly tow near the 5,000 lb limit or simply want extra headroom on mountain grades, the V6 earns its premium.
Both engines pair with a 10-speed automatic transmission that keeps the engine in its power band efficiently and shifts smoothly under normal driving. The wide gear spread also helps fuel economy on the highway, where the transmission can drop into a tall overdrive gear and let the engine loaf.
Drivetrain options vary by trim: the Explorer is available in rear-wheel drive, AWD, or four-wheel drive, with the Tremor coming standard with four-wheel drive and AWD available on the ST-Line, Platinum, and ST.
Performance Data (0-60)
The 300 hp four-cylinder moves the Explorer’s 4,248 lb curb weight with enough urgency that you won’t feel like you’re working against the car in everyday driving. Merging onto a busy highway, the engine responds quickly when you put your foot down, and the 10-speed transmission doesn’t hunt for gears or hesitate between shifts.
The ST’s 400 hp V6 is a different character. The power arrives early and builds steadily, and the transmission holds gears longer in Sport mode. For a three-row SUV, the ST feels genuinely quick in a way that surprises passengers who aren’t expecting it.
In Normal mode, the transmission is smooth and unobtrusive, but switch to Sport and it holds gears longer while responding more eagerly to throttle input, making the Explorer feel more alert in city traffic without becoming twitchy. The 10-speed’s close ratios mean the engine rarely feels caught between gears, which is one of the better aspects of this powertrain combination.
Rear-wheel drive is standard, which is an unusual choice in the segment. For most buyers in mild climates it’s fine, though in snow country the available AWD is worth the extra cost.
Fuel Economy
The 2.3L engine returns around 20 MPG city and 27–29 MPG highway depending on trim, with combined figures in the 23–24 MPG range. On a 17.9-gallon tank, that works out to roughly 430–520 miles between fill-ups on the highway, depending on how you drive. The ST’s V6 drops to around 18 MPG city and 25 MPG highway, which puts highway range closer to 445 miles per tank.
The Tremor’s off-road setup pulls combined economy down to around 21 MPG. If you’re doing mostly city driving, expect real-world numbers to land a few MPG below the highway figures.
Suspension, Braking, and Handling
The Explorer uses MacPherson strut suspension up front and a multi-link independent setup at the rear. In plain terms, that means each rear wheel moves independently, so a pothole on one side doesn’t upset the whole axle. On broken city pavement, the ride absorbs impacts without jarring passengers. Highway expansion joints pass under the car with a muted thud rather than a sharp jolt.
The fixed suspension setup is tuned for comfort, which works well for the Explorer’s family-hauling mission. It’s not adjustable, so what you get is what you get across all road conditions.
Four-wheel disc brakes handle stopping duty front and rear. In hard braking situations, the pedal feels firm and progressive. The ABS and electronic stability control work in the background and rarely intrude unless you’re pushing the car into a situation it wasn’t designed for.
On a highway on-ramp, the Explorer tracks predictably and doesn’t feel nervous. Body roll is present in tighter corners, as you’d expect from a 4,248 lb SUV with a comfort-tuned suspension. The steering is light and doesn’t communicate much road feel, which makes parking and low-speed maneuvering easy but takes away some confidence on winding roads. If driving feel matters to you, this is the Explorer’s clearest weakness in the segment.
Tech Overview
The Explorer’s tech package centers on a large touchscreen and a solid suite of driver assists. It covers the basics well, though some connected features are missing, most notably, there are no over-the-air software updates, which buyers will find on newer competitors.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The 13.2-inch touchscreen is responsive and easy to read in direct sunlight. Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto connect reliably and stay connected through a full drive without dropping. The 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster keeps navigation and speed visible without requiring you to look away from the road.
Satellite radio is included, and Bluetooth 5.0 handles hands-free calling clearly. The system doesn’t have a head-up display, which some buyers in this price range will miss. The B&O 10-speaker audio system, available on upper trims, handles highway road noise well enough that you won’t need to crank the volume to hear detail in music.
Features / Drive Modes
The Explorer offers three drive modes: Normal, Sport, and Eco. Normal is where most people will leave it. Sport sharpens throttle response and holds gears longer, which makes the Explorer feel more engaged in city traffic. Eco softens throttle input and shifts earlier to stretch fuel economy, useful on long highway stretches where you’re not in a hurry.
Adaptive cruise control holds a set following distance and adjusts speed smoothly in highway traffic. In stop-and-go conditions, it slows the car to a stop and resumes with a tap of the accelerator. It’s not a hands-free system, but it reduces fatigue on long commutes. The Tremor’s four-wheel drive system adds terrain management capability beyond the standard drive modes.
Safety Capabilities
The 2026 Explorer earned strong scores from both major testing organizations. The safety architecture is built around protecting all three rows of passengers, which matters when you’re regularly carrying a full load of people.
Safety Ratings
The Explorer holds an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating and a 5-star overall score from NHTSA. Those are the two highest ratings each organization awards, and the Explorer holds both simultaneously. IIHS testing covers multiple crash scenarios including small overlap front, side, and roof strength. NHTSA’s 5-star rating reflects strong performance across frontal, side, and rollover tests. For a three-row family SUV, those results mean the structure is doing its job in the scenarios that matter most.
Safety Features
Eight airbags cover the cabin, including front, side, curtain, and knee airbags. The curtain airbags extend across all three rows, which means third-row passengers have overhead protection in a side impact. That’s not universal in the segment and worth noting if you regularly carry passengers in the back.
Three LATCH anchor positions make installing car seats straightforward. Having three positions means you can fit two car seats in the second row without fighting for the center position. ABS and electronic stability control are standard across all trims.
Driver Assists
The Explorer’s driver assist suite covers the scenarios you’ll actually encounter. Forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking activate when the system detects a vehicle or pedestrian ahead and you haven’t responded. Lane keeping assist applies gentle steering correction if you drift toward a lane marker without signaling. Lane departure warning alerts you before the correction kicks in.
Adaptive cruise control handles highway following distance automatically. The driver attention monitor watches for signs of drowsiness and prompts you to take a break. Traffic sign recognition reads posted speed limits and displays them in the gauge cluster, which is useful in unfamiliar areas. Automatic high beams switch between high and low beams based on oncoming traffic.
Additional Safety Features
Blind-spot monitoring watches the lanes beside you and lights up a warning in the mirror when a vehicle is in your blind spot. On a busy interstate lane change, it’s the system you’ll rely on most. Rear cross-traffic alert adds coverage when you’re backing out of a parking space and can’t see traffic approaching from the side.
Front and rear parking sensors give you audio feedback as you close in on objects, which pairs well with the standard rearview camera. There’s no surround-view camera system on the Explorer, so tight parking garage maneuvers rely on the sensors and the standard rear camera. A 360-degree view is not available, which is a gap at this price point compared to some rivals.
Trim Guide
Trim and Price
The Active w/100A ($38,465) is the entry point, offering the 13.2-inch touchscreen, wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, and the 300 hp four-cylinder with cloth seats and a standard 6-speaker system. It suits shoppers who want the Explorer’s size and towing without paying for extras. Stepping up $2,120 to the Active w/200A ($40,585) adds heated seats and wireless charging, making it worth it for cold-climate buyers.
The ST-Line ($45,155) brings sport styling, 20-inch alloys, and leatherette seating for those after a sharper look without the ST’s V6. The Tremor ($48,965) is new for 2026 and comes standard with four-wheel drive, an off-road setup, and heated seats. Fuel economy drops to around 21 MPG combined, which is the trade-off for drivers who regularly tackle gravel or light trails.
The Platinum ($50,965) is the luxury pick, with leather seating, a panoramic moonroof, standard wireless charging, and available ventilated seats. The ST ($54,905) swaps in a 400 hp twin-turbo V6 with available ventilated seats, justifying its price for anyone towing near the 5,000 lb limit or wanting the strongest powertrain available.
Our pick is the Platinum. It’s where the Explorer’s comfort potential is fully realized, and for families doing long road trips, the step up from the ST-Line is worth it. If off-road use is part of the plan, get the Tremor instead.
Warranty and Maintenance Information
The 2026 Explorer comes with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Roadside assistance is included for 5 years or 60,000 miles. Ford does not offer a standard complimentary maintenance program with the Explorer, so factor oil changes and routine service into your ownership cost from day one.