2026 Ford Explorer

 

Test Vehicle: 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor 4WD

Powertrain: 3.0L EcoBoost V6 

Exterior Color: Carbonized Gray Metallic

Interior Color: Onyx Miko Inserts

Options: Tremor Ultimate Package ($11,850), 18” Spare Wheel & Jack ($400), Conn Package ($745), Sirius XM 3 Yr ($300)

MSRP as tested: $63,910 (With Destination & Delivery)

 

Pros: Capability, Updated tech, Interior Comfort & Space

Cons: Average Fuel Economy, Final Fit & Finish, Infotainment controls (no buttons)

 

 

The Ford Explorer first debuted for the 1991 model year as a five door SUV to replace the Bronco II. It’s a nameplate that has been in production for 35 years straight as it rolls into 2026. The Explorer has traditionally been one of Ford’s best-selling SUVs, and that’s for good reason. The Explorer is now available with three rows seating six or seven passengers (depending on the seating configuration) and is available in five trims known as Active, ST-Line, Tremor, Platinum, and ST. 

 

Active, ST-Line, Tremor and Platinum models come standard with a 2.3 L EcoBoost Inline 4-Cylinder engine that delivers 300 horsepower and pars with a 10-speed automatic. ST models come standard with a 3.0 L EcoBoost twin turbo V6 that pushes out 400 horsepower with 415 lb ft torque paired to a 10-speed automatic. RWD is standard on all models, but intelligent 4WD is optional. The Explorer competes with vehicles like the Chevrolet Traverse, Dodge Durango, Honda Pilot, Kia Telluride, Nissan Pathfinder, Hyundai Palisade, Toyota Grand Highlander, and Volkswagen Atlas. Prices start at $39,260 for an Active 100A model and climb to over $54,905 for the ST. I spent a week in a Carbonized Gray Tremor Model that checked in at $63,910 with some options and here’s what stood out…

 

Exterior Style:

The Explorer received a facelift for 2025 that breathed some new life into its exterior that had been around since the sixth generation debuted for 2020. However, I feel like the Explorer’s general shape and style has been relatively similar since the fifth generation launched in 2011. It definitely evolved for 2025 looking more refined with a larger, more expressive grille. Each trim has a unique design to better define the different models. The Tremor I had came with a black honeycomb grille with orange accents compared to a Platinum model with satin-chrome styling. Flanking the grille are slim LED headlights and the lower fascia has wider air curtains for a more rugged look while also improving aerodynamics.

 

The side profile remains the same aside from various wheel designs that range in size from 18 to 20 inches and again are trim specific. The Tremor comes with exclusivehat added to its aggressive looks.  Also available is an optional, black-painted roof and upgraded side mirrors with LED indicators that auto-fold in.  Around back are LED taillights with Ford’s C-clamp design that extends into a horizontal light bar across the entire liftgate with EXPLORER spelled out across the center.  All trims receive a power liftgate, and many include hands free liftgate capability. Overall, the Explorer has evolved into a much more refined version of itself.  Its proportions are well-balanced  and the updates are subtle yet impactful with a modern LED aesthetic.

 

 

Tremor:

New for 2026 is the introduction of the Tremor grade which is now the most capable off-road Explorer Ford has ever offered. Tremor replaces the previously named Timberline model that was adventure focused. The Tremor receives an approximately 1-inch suspension lift, unique off-road-tuned springs and dampers, improved approach, departure, and breakover angles, and increased ground clearance. It also comes standard with Ford’s Intelligent AWD system that includes a terrain management system and hill descent control. It is specifically calibrated for loose surfaces including sand, mud, snow and rocky terrain. One of Tremor’s most significant upgrades is a Torsen limited-slip rear differential, which actively distributes power between the rear wheels to maintain traction when one wheel loses grip.

 

To prepare for off-road travel, Ford has prepped the underbody with steel skid plates for better protection against rocks and trail obstacles. Also significant to getting off the pavement are upgraded tires which include exclusive 18” wheels that wear all-terrain tires that provide better grip on dirt and gravel, improved traction in mud and snow, and better sidewall protection off road. 

 

As for appearance, the Tremor stands out with a unique grille design, orange Tremor accents, revised front fascia, off-road front bumper, unique badging, heavy-duty roof rails, and exclusive wheels. The appearance is rugged without becoming overly aggressive like a Bronco or Raptor. Inside, the Tremor receives suede-like seat inserts, Tremor-colored contrast stitching, embossed Tremor logos, and unique trim accents. 

Otherwise, it retains the Explorer's modern cabin with a 13.2-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Google-based infotainment. The 3.0L EcoBoost V6 can be added to the Tremor as part of the Tremor Ultimate Package for $11,850. 

 

 

Powertrain:

My test model Explorer Tremor was equipped with the 3.0L EcoBoost twin turbo V6 that pushes out 400 horsepower and 415 lb ft torque. It was a powerful V6 that can also be found in the Bronco Raptor and Ranger Raptor. While it’s not as powerful as one of its biggest competitors, the Dodge Durango SRT, It delivers a respectable 0-60 MPH time of around 5.1 seconds and feels powerful doing so. It pulls hard off the line in Sport Mode and even when on the highway it packs a quick punch for passing or merging. The 10-speed transmission shifts smoothly and confidently through the gears. The steering wheel mounted paddle shifters are responsive and add to the experience if you want more control. 

 

It comes with seven different selectable drive modes for various conditions that include: normal, eco, sport, tow/haul, slippery, trail, and deep snow/sand. Selecting the modes is easy through a dial on the center console and the change is also reflected in the digital gauge cluster. These modes adjust engine mapping, transmission, suspension, traction control, steering feel, and AWD torque distribution on AWD models to best suit the driving terrain and conditions. Regardless of which mode you end in, it will always default back to normal mode each time you start the Explorer. Personally, driving in sport mode was my preference with sharper throttle, firmer steering, and active rev-matching. While I did not have a chance to drive the base powertrain, I can attest to the V6 being engaging and plenty powerful.

 

Handling:

The Explorer strikes a nice balance between comfort and athleticism, making it one of the more enjoyable three-row SUVs to drive. Built on a rear-wheel-drive-based platform, it feels more composed and responsive than many front-wheel-drive-based rivals, with balanced weight distribution and confident road manners. Steering is accurate, well-weighted and light enough to navigate crowded parking lots without too much trouble. Steering is quick and accurate with good feedback, especially in sport mode. 

 

The ST Suspension setup includes an independent MacPherson strut with stabilizer bar up front and an independent multilink with stabilizer bar in the rear. ST models get exclusive “ST calibration” that includes stiffer springs, firmer dampers, and a tighter ride geometry. Adaptive Damping is not standard on ST, but available via the ST High Package or Performance Pack depending on build. The ST’s suspension delivers taut handling and sharp responses, especially in Sport mode. The ride is noticeably stiffer than in the Platinum or XLT trims. It absorbs bigger bumps reasonably well, but you’ll feel more road imperfections, especially on poorly maintained pavement. Road noise and vibration are slightly more noticeable due to the firm setup, but still within reason. Overall, the suspension tuning complements the 400 hp V6, making the Explorer ST one of the most driver-focused midsize SUVs available

 

 

Fuel Economy:

When it arrived with a full 17.9-gallon tank, it offered a driving range of around 340 miles of mixed city/highway driving. EPA estimates are 17/22/19 MPG city/highway/combined for AWD.  After a week of mixed driving, I averaged around 20 MPG. These numbers are average for a midsize SUV with 400 hp. The Tremor gives up a small amount of efficiency compared with the standard Explorer AWD because of its off-road equipment.

 

Interior:

Hopping inside the Explorer offers seating for six or seven depending on if you opt for second row captain’s chairs or the bench. There is plenty of head, leg, and shoulder room for both front passengers as the layout feels expensive. The second row also offers ample legroom, heated seats, sunshades, and recline/slide functionality that users can move with a lever. Third row seats flip electrically and are more spacious than previous generations but are best for kids or occasional adult use. Overall, the seats are comfortable and plush for longer drives and visibility is good for passengers of all sizes.

 

Materials are class appropriate with soft-touch surfaces and sporty red contrast stitching. The steering wheel is thick, and the rest of the dash is well-padded. I liked the layout of the dash that provided an easy access mobile device charging tray at the center easily within reach, but above the center console. Explorer utilizes a dial on the center console for selecting gears and all controls are well-placed. Up above is a twin panel panoramic moonroof that expands across the roof with a decent size opening. Overall, the interior vibe is sporty and clean, but the fit & finish is average. There are some larger gaps and harder plastics that feel like a miss. 

 

 

BlueCruise:

Ford's Blue Cruise is hands-free driving technology available with a 90-day complimentary trial on all Explorer SUVs. This semi-autonomous driving worked phenomenally and is intuitive to use. At the touch of a button on the steering wheel the truck will take over as you set the speed and distance from the vehicle in front of you. A driver-facing camera makes sure you're keeping your eyes on the road while the truck steers and keeps itself centered in the lane. From time to time, it will require hands on the steering wheel, but I generally could spend most of my 20-mile highway commute letting the Explorer do the driving. It operates seamlessly and smoothly as it adjusts speeds to accommodate traffic changes or vehicles merging in front. This was a very comfortable adaptive cruise control / semi-autonomous driving system

 

Technology:

Technology continues to advance in the Explorer with a standard 12.3” digital gauge cluster with customized layouts and different views that correlate with various drive modes. To the right is a 13.2” horizontal infotainment touchscreen that sits at the top of the dash and integrates wirelessly with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Gone is the vertical tablet style touchscreen that was in the previous Explorer. Ford has rebranded their SYNC system as the Ford Digital Experience and the Explorer is one of the first to adopt the new Google-based system. The Google-based operating system comes with Google Maps, Assistant, Play Store, and Amazon Alexa built in. Ford has started to minimize buttons and knobs, moving the majority of controls into the infotainment screen and leaving only a volume knob and a few ancillary buttons. The screen functionality is intuitive, making it very adaptable to learn. Also available will be over-the-air updates for future upgrades without visiting a dealer. 

 

Standard is a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system that includes decent mid/high-range clarity and a subwoofer. An optional and worthy upgrade is the 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium sound system with a 980W amp and subwoofer. This system is standard on the Platinum and offers a richer and more immersive sound experience. 

 

 

Cargo:

The Explorer has plenty of room for most hauling needs, but some midsize SUV rivals can haul more. There's 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 47.9 cubic feet behind the second row and 87.8 cubic feet with both rear rows folded down. The third row is a power folding seat that will raise/lower at the touch of a button located in the cargo area. There is also hidden under-floor storage and corner cubbies for items you’d like to keep upright.  A power liftgate comes standard.

 

Safety:

The 2026 Explorer offers an impressive suite of standard safety features, intelligent advanced systems, and cutting-edge tech like BlueCruise and post-collision alerts. With top-notch crash ratings and a wide array of driver aids, it gives both performance and peace of mind. Ford’s standard Co-Pilot 360 Suite includes pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring with cross traffic alert, lane-keep assist, post-collision braking, and more. Additional advanced driver assistance features available include adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go and lane centering, front cross traffic alert, evasive steering assist, intersection assist, forward and reverse sensing, 360-degree camera, automatic high beams, trailer sway control, and driver monitoring. Additional bonus features like BlueCruise are also available along with Active Park Assist 2.0 which enables hands-free parallel and perpendicular parking. 

 

Final Statement:

The Explorer continues to evolve into an impressive SUV with more and more flavors to choose from. The new Tremor looks good and is equipped with all the essentials to get dirty and get off the pavement. The V6 packs an impressive punch of power that performs well on both suburban streets. The updated exterior enhancements keep it fresh, but it is due for some more significant changes. Inside you’ll find plenty of space and hands-free technology like BlueCruise that many competitors don’t offer. It’s one of the oldest nameplates in the segment and still worth a test drive and consideration.