2026 Ford Explorer Buyer's Guide | Dennis Sneed Ford
The 2026 Ford Explorer adds a new base trim, a new off-road Tremor, a new color, and expanded hands-free driving — while keeping the three-row versatility that made it one of America's best-selling SUVs. Here's the complete guide to trims, engines, fuel economy, and what's new, verified against the official Ford Order Guide.
What's new on the 2026 Ford Explorer?
2026 Ford Explorer — the key changes
- New Active base trim (100A) — a more accessible entry point into the Explorer lineup.
- New Explorer Tremor — the first off-road-focused Explorer, with 4WD standard, all-terrain tires, skid plates, and off-road tuning.
- New Marsh Gray paint color — added to the palette for 2026.
- Panoramic Fixed Glass Roof with Power Shade — now available across every series.
- Expanded BlueCruise — Ford's hands-free highway driving is available more broadly, including one-time-purchase options.
- Second-row bench now available on ST — giving the sporty trim seven-passenger capability.
What trims does the 2026 Ford Explorer come in?
Explorer Active
The foundation of the lineup, and better-equipped than most base trims. Standard tri-zone climate, three rows, the 13.2″ touchscreen with Ford Digital Experience, and Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ driver aids. New for 2026, a value-focused Active base joins the standard Active.
Explorer ST-Line
Active equipment plus a sport-styled exterior — black grille, blackout trim, unique wheels, and red-stitched interior accents — without the V6. The look of the ST with the efficient four-cylinder.
Explorer ST V6 Performance
The performance Explorer, powered by the 3.0L EcoBoost V6 with a sport-tuned suspension, quad exhaust, performance brakes, and BlueCruise. For 2026 it adds an available second-row bench for seven-passenger capability.
Explorer Platinum
The luxury Explorer — leather seating, adaptive headlamps, a 14-speaker B&O sound system, and premium interior finishes. Note that for 2026 the 3.0L V6 is no longer offered on Platinum; it runs the 2.3L EcoBoost.
Explorer Tremor New for 2026
The first off-road Explorer. Standard 4WD, all-terrain tires, a Torsen limited-slip rear axle, skid plates, off-road shocks, front tow hooks, and off-road auxiliary lighting — built for gravel roads, hunting land, and rougher Missouri properties.
What engines does the 2026 Ford Explorer offer?
| Engine | Horsepower | Torque | Found On |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 | 300 hp | 310 lb-ft | Active, ST-Line, Platinum, Tremor |
| 3.0L EcoBoost V6 | 385 hp | 415 lb-ft | ST (standard), Tremor (available) |
For a full breakdown of which engine fits your driving — and an honest look at the 385-vs-400 horsepower question — see our 2026 Explorer engines guide.
What's the 2026 Ford Explorer's gas mileage?
| Configuration | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3L EcoBoost — RWD | 20 | 29 | 24 |
| 2.3L EcoBoost — 4WD | 20 | 27 | 23 |
| 3.0L V6 (ST) — RWD | 18 | 25 | 21 |
| 3.0L V6 (ST) — 4WD | 18 | 25 | 20 |
| 3.0L V6 (Tremor) — 4WD | 17 | 22 | 19 |
Gas mileage is the single most-asked Explorer question, so we built a dedicated guide that breaks down real MPG by every engine and drivetrain, plus what it actually costs to run per year. Read the complete 2026 Explorer MPG guide →
How much can the 2026 Ford Explorer tow?
Five thousand pounds is right in line with the three-row midsize class, and it's plenty for the trailers most Explorer families actually pull. If you regularly tow heavier — a large travel trailer or a loaded equipment trailer — that's a conversation about a truck like the F-150 instead, and we're happy to help you weigh it.
How many people does the 2026 Explorer seat?
Cargo room is a genuine strength: about 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row for everyday groceries and gear, roughly 46 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 85.8 cubic feet with both rear rows down — enough for the big-box run or the road-trip haul.
All specifications sourced from the official 2026 Ford Explorer Order Guide and verified Ford window stickers. Fuel-economy figures are EPA estimates and vary by configuration and driving conditions. Capability figures are maximums when properly configured. Confirm the exact specs on any specific vehicle via its window sticker.
Which 2026 Explorer topics should I research next?
Real gas mileage by engine and drivetrain, plus yearly running cost.
Active through Tremor — what separates them and which fits you.
2.3L vs 3.0L V6, and the honest 385-vs-400 horsepower answer.
The new off-road Explorer — what it adds and who it's for.
30 years family-owned, serving Kansas City and St. Joseph from Gower.
Dennis Sneed Ford is a Top 5 Ford remarketing dealer in the country, purchasing 1,100+ late-model Ford and Lincoln vehicles directly from Ford each year, and a Ford Credit Partners in Quality award winner — one of roughly 111 dealers nationally. For a family shopping a three-row SUV, that means a deep Explorer inventory across trims and model years, a strong used-Explorer selection, and a no-pressure dealership 45 minutes north of Kansas City. Read why Kansas City families drive to Gower for their Explorer →
Where can I see the 2026 Ford Explorer near Kansas City?
2026 Ford Explorer questions, answered
How much horsepower does the 2026 Ford Explorer have?
The 2026 Ford Explorer's 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder makes 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The available 3.0L EcoBoost V6 makes 385 horsepower and 415 lb-ft. Ford lists the V6 at 385 hp for 2026; some earlier-build units and third-party sources cite 400 hp, a difference tied to a new gas particulate filter. We can confirm the rating on any specific Explorer in our inventory.
What is the most fuel-efficient 2026 Explorer?
The 2.3L EcoBoost Explorer in rear-wheel drive is the most fuel-efficient, at up to 20 city / 29 highway / 24 combined MPG. All-wheel-drive 2.3L models return 20/27/23. The 3.0L V6 models return lower figures, from 18/25/21 on the ST down to 17/22/19 on the Tremor.
What's new on the 2026 Ford Explorer?
The 2026 Explorer adds a new value-focused Active base trim, a new off-road Tremor trim, a new Marsh Gray paint color, an available Panoramic Fixed Glass Roof with power shade across the lineup, expanded BlueCruise hands-free driving, and a new second-row bench option on the ST. The 3.0L V6 is no longer offered on the Platinum trim.
How much can the 2026 Ford Explorer tow?
The 2026 Ford Explorer tows up to 5,000 lbs when properly configured, with either engine. The Class III Trailer Tow Package is standard on every trim, so all Explorers are tow-ready out of the box.
Does the 2026 Explorer ST have a V6?
Yes. The 2026 Explorer ST comes standard with the 3.0L EcoBoost V6, rated at 385 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic and a sport-tuned suspension. The V6 is also available on the new Explorer Tremor.
Is the 2026 Ford Explorer available with all-wheel drive?
Yes. Most 2026 Explorer trims offer intelligent 4WD as an option over standard rear-wheel drive, and the new Explorer Tremor comes with 4WD standard. All-wheel drive is a popular choice for Kansas City and northwest Missouri buyers for winter traction.