- The 2026 Ford Explorer is a three-row midsize SUV offered in six trim levels ranging from the entry-level Active 100A to the performance-focused ST.
- It comes equipped with either a 300-horsepower 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder or an available 400-horsepower 3.0L EcoBoost V6, with EPA-estimated fuel economy up to 29 MPG highway on the base engine.
- Every new 2026 Ford Explorer is backed by Ford’s 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
If you are in the market for a capable, comfortable, and technology-rich three-row SUV, the 2026 Ford Explorer deserves a serious look. Ford has refined the iconic Ford Explorer once again for the 2026 model year, adding a rugged new Tremor trim and a host of standard features.
2026 Ford Explorer Overview
The 2026 Ford Explorer is a three-row midsize SUV available in six trim levels: Active 100A, Active, ST-Line, Tremor, Platinum, and ST. The biggest news for 2026 is the addition of the off-road-focused Tremor trim, which joins the lineup as a replacement for the previous Timberline model.
The exterior is defined by a wide-set grille and LED lighting signatures. ST-Line and ST trims feature blacked-out exterior accents. This includes a unique honeycomb grille and “EXPLORER” hood lettering. Platinum trims use satin chrome finishes for a more refined aesthetic. When it comes to exterior colors, the 2026 Explorer is offered in eight colors, with three available at no extra cost on every trim.
2026 Ford Explorer Exterior Colors:
- Agate Black Metallic
- Carbonized Gray Metallic
- Marsh Gray
- Oxford White
- Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat
- Space White MetallicStar
- White Metallic Tri-Coat
- Vapor Blue Metallic
Distinctive Performance
There are two distinct powertrains available for the 2026 Ford Explorer. The Active 100A, Active, ST-Line, Tremor, and Platinum trims are equipped with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque.
A turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 is available on the Tremor and standard on the ST. It generates 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Maximum towing capacity is rated at 5,000 pounds.
The 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor ALSO benefits from:
- An off-road-tuned suspension with increased ride height
- A standard Torsen limited-slip rear axle for improved traction
- Underbody steel deflector plates to shield critical components on the trail
Impressive MPG
Fuel efficiency is a strength of the base powertrain. The 2026 Ford Explorer with the standard 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder achieves an EPA-estimated 20 MPG city, 29 MPG highway, and 24 MPG combined with rear-wheel drive. Opting for all-wheel drive adjusts those ratings to 20 city / 27 highway / 23 MPG combined. The 3.0-liter V6 returns approximately 18 MPG city, 25 MPG highway, and 21 MPG combined with rear-wheel drive.
0-60 MPH
The base 2026 Ford Explorer with the 2.3L EcoBoost engine covers 0 to 60 MPH in approximately 7.2 seconds. This is adequate for daily driving and highway merging. The 2026 Explorer ST, equipped with the 400-horsepower V6, reaches 60 MPH from a standstill in around 5.5 seconds. This puts it in genuinely quick territory for a three-row SUV.
An Interior Worth Exploring
Inside, the 2026 Ford Explorer offers a range of upholstery options including unique cloth, ActiveX, ActiveX with Miko inserts, leather, and leather with micro-perforated inserts. Available features include heated, ventilated, and multicontour front seats with Active Motion massage, as well as a panoramic fixed glass roof. Multicolor ambient lighting lets you personalize the cabin mood, and two available Bang & Olufsen speaker packages round out the interior experience.
Seating accommodates up to seven passengers across three rows on most trims, with available PowerFold third-row seats on the Tremor and standard on the ST and Platinum. The 2026 Explorer also offers over 85 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded.
Technology at the Center of the Explorer
The 2026 Ford Explorer cabin centers on the Ford Digital Experience, anchored by a standard 13.2-inch LCD capacitive touchscreen. The system features Google Built-in, allowing native access to Google Maps and Google Assistant, and supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is also standard. For drivers who spend a lot of time on the highway, Ford BlueCruise hands-free highway driving assistance is available. For 2026, it now includes an Automatic Lane Change feature, helping drivers spend even more time hands-free.
Connectivity Features Include:
- Bluetooth
- Amazon Alexa
- Six Audio Speakers
- Eight USB Ports
- Wi-Fi Hotspot
- Google Built-in
A Variety of Safety Features
Ford BlueCruise, which includes the full Co-Pilot360 suite, is available as an option on the ST-Line for $2,495 and comes standard beginning with the Platinum trim. The ST-Line trim adds the Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 suite, which brings a surround-view camera, front parking sensors, and reverse brake assist.
Standard Safety Features On The 2026 Ford Explorer Include:
- Forward Collision Warning
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Rear Parking Sensors
- Automatic High-Beam Assist
- Pedestrian Detection
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Lane Departure Warning
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
- Blind Spot Monitoring
Price of the 2026 Ford Explorer
The least-expensive 2026 Ford Explorer is the Active 4dr SUV, arriving with an MSRP of approximately $40,000. Pricing across the full Explorer lineup ranges from around $40,000 to $57,000 before options and packages.
Price by Trim
The prices below are only estimates. We highly recommend visiting your local Ford dealer in person to ensure 100% accurate prices. Here is a quick look at starting MSRPs across the 2026 Explorer lineup:
- Active 100A (RWD): $38,330
- Active AWD: $40,330
- ST-Line (RWD): $45,020
- ST-Line AWD: $47,020
- Tremor AWD: $48,330
- Platinum (RWD): $50,830
- Platinum AWD: $52,830
- ST (RWD): $54,770
- ST AWD: $56,770
Ford Warranty
Every new 2026 Ford Explorer comes backed by Ford’s standard factory warranty package. New Explorers include a 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. The factory warranty also includes safety restraint and corrosion coverage for seatbelts, airbags, and body panel rust perforation, as well as roadside assistance covering towing, jump-starts, lockout service, and fuel delivery.
Buy a 2026 Ford Explorer at Metro Ford of OKC
The 2026 Ford Explorer is one of the most well-rounded three-row SUVs on the market today, offering a strong combination of performance, technology, interior comfort, and safety for families of all sizes. Whether you are drawn to the efficiency of the base 2.3L EcoBoost, the thrilling acceleration of the ST, or the off-road capability of the Tremor, there is a 2026 Ford Explorer trim built for your lifestyle.
Ready to get behind the wheel of a 2026 Ford Explorer? Metro Ford of OKC is ready to help you find the perfect Maverick for your lifestyle and budget. Call Metro Ford and speak with one of our Ford experts. Our Ford cars for sale include the Ford Maverick, Ford Escape, Ford Expedition, Ford Bronco, Ford Transit, Ford Explorer, Ford F-150, Ford Mustang, Ford Ranger, and the Ford F-250. Reach out to our Ford dealership to schedule a test drive today. Send us an email and speak to a representative today.
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