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 has long been the SUV that defines SUVs, the yardstick for the entire segment. It got that status thanks to its versatile utility, its capability in all sorts of situations, and its comfortable interior. It’s the vehicle that makes doing the things that SUVs do look easy, and the result has been enormous popularity. There are two engines offered, both with an unmatched balance of power and fuel economy, thanks to Ford’s EcoBoost® technology and the standard 10-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive comes standard, for a balanced driving experience. If you’re going to take it off-road or expect to encounter a lot of difficult weather conditions, there is an available Intelligent 4WD System with Terrain Management. Whatever you need to do, the Explorer is a great way to accomplish it.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." -- Edmunds
"Although certainly spacious and family friendly, the latest Explorer is for those who want their SUV to have guts. The standard 2.3-liter turbo engine pumps out more power and torque than its competitors' V6 engines, while bettering their fuel economy as well. The optional V6 engines, meanwhile, are turbocharged and obliterate everything else in the segment, topping out at 400 horsepower in the Explorer ST." -- Autoblog
What’s New for 2026
There’s one significant change to the Ford Explorer model range for the 2026 model year. Debuting this year is the all-new Explorer Tremor, an off-road-focused variant of this legendary SUV that’s sure to excite potential buyers. This new trim offers exclusive equipment including a raised suspension, limited-slip rear differential, dedicated all-terrain tires, and unique 18-inch alloy wheels. Aside from the arrival of the new Tremor, the Explorer is back mostly unchanged after an extensive refresh last year.
Ford Explorer Features
Powerfully Capable
There are two engines available for the Ford Explorer and both come with some serious power. The base engine is a 2.3-liter EcoBoost® four-cylinder that produces 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. If you want more power, you can opt for the 3.0-liter EcoBoost® V6, which is available on the Platinum and standard on the ST. This turns up the power to 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. While every Explorer comes standard with rear-wheel drive and a responsive 10-speed automatic transmission, there’s also an available intelligent all-wheel drive system that offers enhanced control and confidence. The Class III Towing package comes standard and the maximum towing capacity is rated at 5,000 pounds.
Superior Comfort
With its three rows of seats, the Ford Explorer is spacious enough for the whole family. But space alone doesn’t make a great interior. Things like standard tri-zone automatic climate control make the interior comfortable as well. An available twin-panel moonroof lets in a lot of light, for an open and airy feeling, and at night there is available multi-colored ambient lighting. Heating is available for the first and second rows of seats, as well as the steering wheel, and you can opt for first-row ventilated seats as well. Providing an excellent auditory experience is the available B&O® Sound System by Bang & Olufsen®, which comes with 14 speakers. To control this, there is a standard 13.2-inch infotainment touchscreen, which is compatible with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Functional Versatility
The Ford Explorer is available in five different trims, each with a distinctly unique look. All are capable and pack ample power, but some are a bit more specialized. For the full luxury experience, there is the Platinum, which comes with leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a B&O® Sound System by Bang & Olufsen®. The ST focuses on performance, with a standard 400-horsepower V6 and a sport-tuned suspension setup. It even comes with a complimentary trip to the Ford Performance ST SUV Experience Driving School, so that you can get the most out of the performance abilities of the ST. There’s also the available Intelligent 4WD with 7 Selectable Drive Modes and Hill Descent Control, to maximize performance over all kinds of terrain and in all kinds of conditions.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 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.