The Explorer has long been Ford’s midsize go-to for families who want space, comfort, and capability. For 2026, everything drivers already like about the Explorer carries over, but Ford is giving the lineup a boost with a new Tremor trim designed for off-road enthusiasts. Find out what’s new in our overview of the 2026 Ford Explorer SUV!
Key Takeaways
- The 2026 Ford Explorer lineup ranges from $40,025 to $56,465, as of August 31, 2025.
- A new Tremor trim joins the lineup with off-road upgrades.
- Most trims arrive in fall 2025, with the Tremor rolling out a little later in early 2026.
What Changes Are Seen From the 2026 Ford Explorer?
The biggest change this year is the addition of the Tremor trim. Ford built it with light off-road adventures in mind, offering a lifted suspension, a limited-slip rear differential, chunky all-terrain tires, and rugged 18-inch wheels.
The rest of the lineup stays the same after the mid-cycle refresh in 2025, which gave the Explorer a cleaner exterior design, updated interior finishes, and a revised infotainment system.
Pricing breaks down as follows:
- Active: $40,025
- ST-Line: $46,715
- Tremor: $50,025
- Platinum: $52,525
- ST: $56,465
Most of the trims will arrive this fall, but Tremor buyers will need to wait a little longer, with deliveries likely starting in early 2026.
Will the 2026 Ford Explorer Offer the Same Engines as Before?
Active, ST-Line, and Platinum trims will stick with the 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder generating 300 horsepower for the new model year. The ST trim continues to get the 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 with 400 horsepower, and that same V6 remains optional on the Platinum.
All models pair with a 10-speed automatic transmission and come standard with rear-wheel drive, though all-wheel drive remains an option across the board. When properly equipped, the Explorer can tow up to 5,000 pounds—more than enough for campers, boats, or small trailers.
Will the Fuel Efficiency of the 2026 Ford Explorer be the Same as Last Year?
Official EPA numbers for the 2026 Explorer should match last year’s ratings. That means rear-wheel-drive four-cylinder models will likely return around 20 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. With all-wheel drive, those figures dip slightly, with highway efficiency around 27 mpg.
Is the 2026 Ford Explorer comfortable?
The 2025 refresh introduced more soft-touch materials, new color themes, and a more streamlined center console and dashboard, and tech carries forward from last year’s updates. A 13.2-inch LCD touchscreen is standard, powered by Ford’s Digital Experience platform. That means compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus access to Google and Amazon apps. When parked, passengers can even stream YouTube, browse online, or play games through Google Play.
For charging and connectivity, the Explorer offers eight USB ports—including two for the third row—and three 12-volt outlets. A 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system comes standard on every trim except the entry-level Active.
When Will the 2026 Ford Explorer Arrive?
Production for the 2026 Explorer kicks off in fall 2025, with the Tremor trim following a few months later in early 2026. If an SUV that can handle a school run just as easily as a weekend trail has always been your wish, this lineup may just check all your boxes. Between the carryover tech upgrades and the new off-road flavor, it’s a good time to contact us at Jarrett Gordon Winter Haven for more information about its arrival!