Jun 8, 2026
A red 2026 Ford Explorer ST parked on a backroad.

The 2026 Ford Explorer is a practical yet powerful three-row SUV designed for families and adventurers alike. It can handle it all, from school runs and endless errands to daily commutes, off-road adventures, and long-haul road trips. No matter where the day takes you, you’ll be glad you’re behind the wheel of such a dependable, capable SUV you can count on.

Ford has remained one of the most trusted, sought-after brands on the road for decades, and the 2026 Ford Explorer is a stunning reminder of why. It offers powerful engine options and a wide range of trims to fit the unique lifestyles and needs of every driver, and it is built for everyday adventures. 

Ford has proven time and again that they build tough, reliable, confidence-inspiring vehicles made for real life. When you’re considering your next SUV, you should seriously consider purchasing a 2026 Ford Explorer for sale.

The Most Capable SUV on the Road

The 2026 Ford Explorer comes with two available powertrain options: a 2.3L EcoBoost turbocharged I-4 engine that produces 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque with an EPA-estimated 20 MPG in the city/ 29 MPG on the highway/ 24 MPG combined with standard rear-wheel drive (RWD) and 20 MPG in the city/ 27 MPG on the highway/ 23 MPG combined with all-wheel drive (AWD). This 2.3L engine comes standard on the Active 100A, Active, ST-Line, and Tremor trims.

The second engine option is a 3.0L EcoBoost turbocharged V6 that produces 385 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque with an EPA-estimated 18 MPG in the city/ 25 MPG on the highway/ 21 MPG combined with standard RWD and 18 MPG in the city/ 25 MPG on the highway/ 20 MPG combined with AWD. This engine comes standard on the ST, Platinum, and Tremor trims. 

Both engine options are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard rear-wheel drive, with optional four-wheel drive available. They’re both powerful and offer a smooth, responsive driving experience across even the toughest terrains. No matter where you’re going, you have two powerful, capable engine options to help get you there with ease.

Performance-wise, the 2026 Explorer boasts a max towing capacity of 5,000 lbs and offers six available drive modes to suit your current weather and terrain: Normal, Eco, Sport, Tow/Haul, Slippery, and Trail. It’s built to handle it all so you can drive with total confidence, no matter where you’re headed. 

Explore Which Trim Is Right for You

The 2026 Ford Explorer is available in six main trim levels: Active 100A, Active, ST-Line, Tremor, Platinum, and ST. The impressive lineup ranges from the entry-level standard trims to high-performance and off-road-ready trims. 

  • Active 100A: MSRP $38,465.[a] Entry-level trim designed for great value, essential convenience features, and a combination of daily driving and off-road capability.
  • Active: MSRP $40,585.[a] Adds premium features, comfort, and customization options.
  • ST-Line: MSRP $45,155.[a] Adds sporty, performance-inspired styling and advanced tech.
  • Tremor: MSRP $48,465.[a] The ultimate off-road-ready trim with added features to help tackle even the toughest terrain.
  • Platinum: MSRP $50,965.[a] The luxury trim with premium upgrades to elevate every drive.
  • ST: MSRP $54,905.[a] The high-performance flagship trim with power, precision, and sporty handling.

Choosing the right trim comes down to your lifestyle, needs, budget, and priorities. Each trim builds off of the others, offering different mixes of comfort, features, tech, and performance. Ford understands that every driver is different, and the 2026 Explorer lineup offers a variety of trims to fit your unique lifestyle and needs. Which one you choose depends on how you drive. 

Black interior and dash in a 2026 Ford Explorer.

A Stand-Out, No Matter Where You Are 

The 2026 Ford Explorer stands out everywhere from suburban parking lots to the remotest byways. It boasts bold, athletic styling that reflects its capability and versatility. It emphasizes confidence and adventurous design that demands to be noticed, no matter where you are.

A confident front fascia, sculpted body lines, and wide stance showcase its strength while maintaining everyday practicality. Available in a range of eye-catching colors and a wide variety of trims, it can be customized to fit your style and needs. Every detail has been thoughtfully designed to elevate your experience and make your life easier than ever before.

Whether you’re commuting, running errands, idling in the school drop-off line, or on an off-road adventure, you’ll be turning heads and riding in style.

Take a Look Inside 

As soon as you slide behind the wheel of the 2026 Ford Explorer, you’re met with a spacious cabin that balances premium comfort with everyday utility and advanced technology. There are three rows of seating for up to seven passengers, designed with your family’s comfort and convenience in mind. 

With so much space, you can invite the grandparents, bring the family dog along, or be the hero who offers to carpool. Storage space is never an issue, either with a standard cargo of 85.8 cu.ft. meaning you can easily fit backpacks, groceries, luggage, sports equipment, or whatever hobby your kids are into that week in the back.

Tech and Safety Features

Tech

The 2026 Explorer is packed with tech that takes you further. It comes standard with the Ford Digital Experience, which provides direct access to Google Play apps and services on your 13.2 in center touchscreen infotainment system. It also comes with a 12.2 in instrument cluster display and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

You can personalize your system to suit your specific needs. From adjusting your driver’s seat, steering wheel, and mirrors, to linking your keys to your phone, saving Google Maps destinations, tailoring Google Assistant needs, and more. It’s completely customizable, so you can get the most out of your drives and ensure a smooth ride every time.

The Ford Connectivity Package comes standard for one year. It helps keep you connected with unlimited Wi-Fi, popular streaming apps, podcasts, karaoke, and Google Maps, plus video streaming and games, all while parked, on up to 10 devices. 

You can choose to continue purchasing the service annually after the initial complimentary year is up, or opt for a one-time purchase. In our opinion, it’s more than worth it. You’ll get every penny’s worth in no time.

Safety Features

Ford takes safety seriously, and the 2026 Ford Explorer comes equipped with a suite of safety and driver assistance features to help give you peace of mind on every drive, such as:

  • Lane-Keeping System
  • Blind Spot Information System (BLIS)
  • Adaptive Cruise Control
  • Pre-Collision Assist with Automated Emergency Braking
  • Reverse Brake Assist
  • SOS Post-Crash Alert System

You’ll feel connected in your customized, comfortable cabin that has room for everyone and everything you need for day-to-day life and weekend adventures when you’re behind the wheel of the 2026 Explorer. You’ll be driving with confidence knowing you’re in great hands. 

A person standing near an open tailgate of a silver 2026 Ford Explorer.

Take Home the SUV That Does it All. 

When you’re shopping for your next SUV, you should be putting the 2026 Ford Explorer at the top of your list. It’s a highly capable three-row SUV designed for families and adventurers alike. It offers versatility, comfort, and innovations made to elevate every drive. It’s built to take you anywhere from road trips to school runs, off-road trails, and everywhere in between.

With multiple trim levels, a strong turbocharged engine lineup, advanced tech and safety features, and a comfortable, spacious cabin, the whole family will find something to enjoy about the 2026 Ford Explorer. 

If you need a practical yet powerful SUV that can tackle tough terrain and off-road trails while also offering daily dependability you can count on, the 2026 Explorer is a fantastic choice. Now that we’ve gone over everything you need to know, are you ready to get behind the wheel of your very own model? 

We’re betting the answer is yes, which is perfect because you can check out our unmatched selection of 2026 Explorers at LaFontaine Ford Lansing today.

[a]MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, destination charge, and accessories. MSRP may change without notice. See dealer for complete details.