The 2026 Ford Explorer comes in six trims — from the value-focused Active to the luxury Platinum, the performance ST, and the brand-new off-road Tremor. Here’s what separates each one, and how to pick the trim that fits your family, verified against the official Ford Order Guide.
What are the 2026 Ford Explorer trim levels?
| Trim | Engine | Drive | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active | 2.3L I-4 (300 hp) | RWD / 4WD | Value & efficiency |
| ST-Line | 2.3L I-4 (300 hp) | RWD / 4WD | Sport looks, efficient engine |
| ST | 3.0L V6 (385 hp) | RWD / 4WD | Performance |
| Platinum | 2.3L I-4 (300 hp) | RWD / 4WD | Luxury |
| Tremor | 2.3L or 3.0L V6 | 4WD standard | Off-road capability |
Ford Explorer Active
Explorer Active
2.3L EcoBoost I-4 · 300 hp · RWD or 4WD
The foundation of the lineup — and far better equipped than most base trims. Standard tri-zone climate control, three rows of seating, the 13.2″ touchscreen with Ford Digital Experience (Google built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), and the full Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ suite of driver aids. The 200A equipment group adds a power liftgate, heated front seats, a 10-way power driver’s seat, and active noise cancellation. New for 2026, a value-focused Active base joins the lineup as the most accessible way into an Explorer.
Best for: families who want three rows, modern tech, and the best fuel economy in the lineup without paying for luxury features.
Ford Explorer ST-Line
Explorer ST-Line
2.3L EcoBoost I-4 · 300 hp · RWD or 4WD
The look of the ST with the efficient four-cylinder underneath. ST-Line adds a blacked-out grille, black lower cladding and skid-plate elements, an EXPLORER hood badge, unique 20″ Ebony machined-aluminum wheels, and a sport-styled interior with red stitching and a heated leather-wrapped wheel. It also steps up the tech with the B&O sound system and Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0, which adds the 360-degree camera. All the sporty style, none of the V6 fuel-economy penalty.
Best for: buyers who want the aggressive ST look but prefer the four-cylinder’s better gas mileage.
Ford Explorer ST
Explorer ST V6 Performance
3.0L EcoBoost V6 · 385 hp · RWD or 4WD
The performance Explorer. The ST comes standard with the 3.0L EcoBoost V6 (385 horsepower, 415 lb-ft), a sport-tuned suspension, quad exhaust tips, red-painted performance brakes, paddle shifters, and 21″ wheels. Inside, Miko suede sport seats with ST logos, red accent stitching, and BlueCruise hands-free highway driving. New for 2026, the ST can be ordered with a second-row bench for seven-passenger capability — previously it was captain’s-chairs only.
Best for: buyers who want a genuinely quick three-row SUV with performance handling and the V6.
Ford Explorer Platinum
Explorer Platinum
2.3L EcoBoost I-4 · 300 hp · RWD or 4WD
The luxury Explorer. Platinum brings leather seating, adaptive headlamps, a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, 20″ Luster Nickel-painted wheels, multicontour front seats with massage, and premium interior finishes throughout. The available Lux Leather Package adds quilted premium leather seating and door panels. One important 2026 change: the 3.0L V6 is no longer offered on Platinum — it now runs the 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder, which also improves its fuel economy over the old V6 Platinum.
Best for: buyers who want the most comfortable, best-appointed Explorer and don’t need V6 performance.
Ford Explorer Tremor
Explorer Tremor New for 2026
2.3L EcoBoost I-4 standard · 3.0L V6 available · 4WD standard
The first off-road Explorer, and the biggest news in the 2026 lineup. The Tremor comes with 4WD standard, all-terrain tires, a Torsen limited-slip rear axle, front and rear skid plates, off-road-tuned shocks, front tow hooks, off-road auxiliary lighting, and unique 18″ black wheels. Inside, Miko suede seating and Tremor badging. The 2.3L is standard; the 3.0L V6 is available (a no-charge engine option within the Ultimate Package) for buyers who want off-road capability plus V6 power.
Best for: buyers with gravel roads, hunting land, or rougher rural property who want a capable Explorer, not just a styling package.
Which 2026 Explorer trim should I buy?
The honest way to narrow it down: start with what you need the Explorer to do. If it’s a family hauler and commuter, the Active or ST-Line gives you everything most people use, with the best fuel economy. If you want it to feel special inside, the Platinum is the one. If you want performance, the ST’s V6 delivers it. And if you actually drive gravel, pasture, or hunting land, the Tremor is the first Explorer built for it. For a deeper look at the engine choice behind these trims, see our 2026 Explorer engines guide, and for real-world gas mileage by trim, our Explorer MPG guide.
All trim and equipment details sourced from the official 2026 Ford Explorer Order Guide and verified Ford window stickers. Equipment and availability can change during the model year; confirm the exact configuration on any specific vehicle via its window sticker or with our team.
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 and a Ford Credit Partners in Quality award winner — one of roughly 111 dealers nationally. We stock the Explorer across trims, so you can compare an Active, an ST, and a Tremor in person rather than guessing from a spec sheet. Read why Kansas City families drive to Gower for their Explorer →
Where can I compare 2026 Explorer trims near Kansas City?
2026 Ford Explorer trim questions, answered
How many trims does the 2026 Ford Explorer have?
The 2026 Ford Explorer has six trims: Active, ST-Line, ST, Platinum, and the all-new Tremor. Active and Platinum use the 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder, the ST-Line uses the four-cylinder with sport styling, the ST comes with the 3.0L V6, and the Tremor offers both engines with standard 4WD.
What is the difference between the Explorer ST-Line and ST?
The ST-Line gives you the sporty appearance — blacked-out styling, unique wheels, red-stitched interior — with the efficient 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder. The ST is the true performance model, adding the 3.0L EcoBoost V6 (385 hp), a sport-tuned suspension, quad exhaust, performance brakes, and paddle shifters. In short: ST-Line is the look, ST is the performance.
What’s new for the 2026 Ford Explorer lineup?
The biggest additions are the new off-road Tremor trim and a new value-focused Active base. Other changes include a new Marsh Gray color, an available panoramic glass roof across the lineup, expanded BlueCruise availability, a new second-row bench option on the ST, and the removal of the 3.0L V6 from the Platinum trim.
Which 2026 Explorer trim is the most luxurious?
The Explorer Platinum is the luxury trim. It includes leather seating, adaptive headlamps, a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, multicontour front seats, and premium interior finishes, with an available Lux Leather Package that adds quilted premium leather. For 2026 the Platinum runs the 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder rather than the V6.
Which Explorer trims come with the V6 engine?
The 3.0L EcoBoost V6 (385 horsepower) comes standard on the Explorer ST and is available on the new Explorer Tremor. The Active, ST-Line, and Platinum trims use the 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder (300 horsepower). Note that for 2026 the V6 is no longer offered on the Platinum.
Is the Explorer Tremor good off-road?
Yes — the Tremor is the first Explorer genuinely built for off-road use, not just an appearance package. It comes with 4WD standard, all-terrain tires, a Torsen limited-slip rear axle, skid plates, off-road-tuned shocks, front tow hooks, and off-road auxiliary lighting. It’s well-suited to gravel roads, hunting land, and rougher rural property.
Which 2026 Explorer trim is best for a family?
For most families, the Active or ST-Line hits the sweet spot — three rows, modern tech, driver-assist safety features, and the best fuel economy in the lineup. Step up to the Platinum for luxury, the ST for performance, or the Tremor if you need off-road capability. The right choice depends on your budget and what you need the vehicle to do.
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