What Makes the 2026 Ford Explorer One of the Most Versatile SUVs Today

The 2026 Ford Explorer remains one of Ford’s most versatile choices for drivers who need three rows without moving all the way into a full-size SUV.

At Anderson Ford Kingman in Kingman, Arizona, that versatility makes particular sense for families and drivers who regularly combine everyday errands with long highway trips, towing, camping, outdoor recreation, and travel throughout northwestern Arizona and Nevada.

Every 2026 Explorer comes with three-row seating, a 13.2-inch center display, a Class III Trailer Tow Package, and up to 5,000 pounds of towing capability when properly equipped.

For 2026, the lineup becomes even more interesting with the arrival of the new Explorer Tremor®, which adds real off-road hardware rather than simply rugged styling.

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2026 Ford Explorer Lineup

The main 2026 Explorer models are:

• Active
• ST-Line
• Tremor®
• Platinum™
• ST

Ford also offers a lower-content Active 100A configuration for buyers who want the essentials at a lower starting point.

That gives Explorer shoppers a wide range of personalities without changing vehicle platforms: practical family SUV, sporty-looking daily driver, trail-oriented Tremor, premium Platinum, or performance-focused ST.

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What’s New for the 2026 Ford Explorer?

The current-generation Explorer arrived recently, so 2026 focuses on expanding the lineup and adding equipment rather than redesigning the SUV again.

Major updates include:

• New Explorer Tremor
• New lower-content Active 100A configuration
• Panoramic fixed glass roof with power shade now available across the lineup
• New Marsh Gray exterior color on ST-Line, ST, and Tremor
• Second-row bench seat now available on ST
• Ford Connectivity Package with one year included across the lineup
• 5G modem replacing the previous FordPass Connect hardware
• Additional BlueCruise subscription options on compatible models
• New Tremor Convenience and Tremor Ultimate Packages

There is also an important powertrain change: Platinum is now 2.3L EcoBoost only. The 3.0L EcoBoost V6 previously available on Platinum has been removed for 2026.

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Two EcoBoost Engine Choices

2.3L EcoBoost® — 300 Horsepower

The standard engine across most of the lineup is Ford’s turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder.

It produces:

• 300 horsepower
• 310 lb-ft of torque

It is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

The 2.3L is used in:

• Active
• ST-Line
• Tremor
• Platinum

Depending on model, buyers can choose rear-wheel drive or available Intelligent 4WD. Tremor comes standard with Intelligent 4WD.

For most families, the 2.3L offers plenty of power for commuting, highway travel, passengers, cargo, and moderate towing without requiring the performance-oriented V6.

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3.0L EcoBoost® V6 — 385 Horsepower

The available 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 increases output to:

• 385 horsepower
• 415 lb-ft of torque

For 2026, the V6 is:

• Standard on Explorer ST
• Available on Explorer Tremor

That creates two very different ways to get the strongest Explorer engine.

The ST uses it in a performance-focused SUV with sport-tuned suspension and upgraded brakes.

The Tremor combines the V6 with Intelligent 4WD, a Torsen limited-slip rear axle, additional clearance, underbody protection, and an off-road-tuned suspension.

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Every 2026 Explorer Can Tow Up to 5,000 Pounds

Ford simplifies the towing story for 2026.

Every Explorer includes the Class III Trailer Tow Package, and both available engines can provide up to 5,000 pounds of maximum towing capability when properly equipped.

The factory tow package includes:

• Class III hitch receiver
• Seven-wire harness
• Four-pin trailer connection
• Seven-pin trailer connection
• Trailer Sway Control

That gives Explorer useful capacity for appropriately sized:

• Small boats
• Utility trailers
• Compact campers
• ATVs and recreational equipment
• Other weekend gear

Actual trailer weight, passengers, cargo, tongue weight, and other vehicle-loading factors still matter, so always verify the exact vehicle and trailer combination before towing.

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Three Rows and Up to Seven Seats

The Explorer remains a genuine three-row SUV.

Depending on trim and seating configuration, it can accommodate six or seven passengers.

Second-row captain’s chairs are standard on most versions, while available or standard second-row bench seating on applicable models increases capacity to seven.

The third row folds when cargo space matters more than passenger space.

That flexibility is useful for families who may need all three rows one day and substantially more cargo room the next.

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Up to 85.8 Cubic Feet of Cargo Space

Cargo capacity is another Explorer strength.

Active and ST-Line can provide up to approximately 85.8 cubic feet of maximum cargo volume with the rear rows folded.

Tremor, Platinum, and ST provide up to approximately 85.3 cubic feet.

With all seats in use, Ford lists 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row.

That gives Explorer owners useful flexibility for:

• Family luggage
• Camping equipment
• Sports gear
• Coolers
• Home-project supplies
• Road-trip cargo

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Ford Digital Experience Comes Standard

Every 2026 Explorer features Ford’s modern Digital Experience interface with a 13.2-inch center display.

Available and standard technology across the lineup includes:

• 13.2-inch center touchscreen
• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
• Wireless Apple CarPlay®
• Wireless Android Auto™
• Google Maps integration
• Google Play compatibility
• 5G connectivity
• USB-C charging ports throughout all three rows
• Available wireless phone charging
• Available B&O® premium audio
• Available 360-Degree Camera

For families taking longer trips from Kingman, having charging access and connectivity across all three rows can matter almost as much as the headline screen size.

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Available Ford BlueCruise

The 2026 Explorer also offers Ford BlueCruise® hands-free highway driver assistance on compatible models.

For 2026, availability depends on trim and equipment.

BlueCruise hardware is standard on:

• ST
• Tremor with the 3.0L EcoBoost
• Platinum

It is also available in certain ST-Line and 2.3L Tremor configurations when equipped appropriately.

The latest system includes features such as Automatic Lane Change on compatible mapped highways.

For drivers regularly traveling I-40 or U.S. 93, that can be particularly appealing on longer highway stretches.

BlueCruise remains a driver-assistance system. The driver must remain attentive and ready to take control.

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2026 Ford Explorer Trims Explained

Explorer Active — The Everyday Family Choice

The Active is the practical starting point for most Explorer shoppers.

Highlights include:

• 300-hp 2.3L EcoBoost
• Rear-wheel drive or available Intelligent 4WD
• 13.2-inch Ford Digital Experience display
• 18-inch aluminum wheels
• Power liftgate
• Class III Trailer Tow Package
• Ford Co-Pilot360® driver-assistance technology
• Available Active Comfort Package
• Up to seven-passenger seating

Best for: families who want three rows, useful towing, modern technology, and everyday comfort without paying primarily for luxury or performance equipment.

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Explorer ST-Line — Sportier Style Without the V6

The ST-Line keeps the 300-horsepower 2.3L EcoBoost but gives Explorer a more athletic look and additional equipment.

Highlights include:

• 20-inch Ebony-painted machined aluminum wheels
• Black exterior accents
• Unique ST-Line badging
• 360-Degree Camera
• Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0
• B&O 10-speaker sound system
• Heated front seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Available BlueCruise
• Rear-wheel drive or available Intelligent 4WD

Best for: drivers who like the ST’s appearance but do not need the additional power or performance hardware of the full ST.

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Explorer Tremor — New for 2026

The Tremor is the biggest addition to the 2026 lineup.

It is not simply a wheel-and-badge package.

Ford equips Tremor with:

• Standard Intelligent 4WD
• Torsen® limited-slip rear axle
• Off-road-tuned suspension
• Specially tuned springs and sway bars
• Approximately one additional inch of ride height
• 8.7 inches of minimum running ground clearance
• Improved approach and departure angles
• Front and rear underbody protection
• 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires
• Front tow hooks
• Off-road auxiliary lighting
• Selectable Off-Road drive mode

The standard engine is the 300-horsepower 2.3L EcoBoost.

Drivers wanting additional power can choose the available 385-horsepower 3.0L EcoBoost V6.

Best for: families who spend most of their time on pavement but regularly encounter rough access roads, dirt, gravel, campsites, snow, or other conditions where additional traction and clearance are valuable.

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Explorer Platinum — Premium Three-Row Comfort

The Platinum shifts the Explorer toward luxury and long-distance comfort.

For 2026, Platinum uses the 300-horsepower 2.3L EcoBoost exclusively. The previously available 3.0L V6 has been removed.

Highlights include:

• Available premium leather seating surfaces
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Heated second-row seats
• Available multicontour front seats with Active Motion®
• PowerFold® third-row seats
• B&O 14-speaker sound system
• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
• BlueCruise hardware
• Available panoramic fixed glass roof with power shade
• Rear-wheel drive or available Intelligent 4WD

Best for: families and highway travelers who prioritize cabin comfort, premium materials, technology, and a quieter ownership experience over maximum performance.

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Explorer ST — The Performance Choice

The ST remains the performance-focused Explorer.

It includes:

• 3.0L twin-turbo EcoBoost V6
• 385 horsepower
• 415 lb-ft of torque
• 10-speed automatic transmission
• Sport-tuned suspension
• Performance brakes with red-painted calipers
• 21-inch wheels
• Quad exhaust tips
• 360-Degree Camera
• BlueCruise hardware
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• PowerFold third-row seating
• Rear-wheel drive or available Intelligent 4WD

Best for: drivers who need the passenger and cargo flexibility of a three-row Explorer but still want significantly stronger acceleration and sportier road manners.

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Quick “Which Explorer Should I Get?” Guide

• Best family value: Active
• Best sporty appearance: ST-Line
• Best for rough roads and outdoor recreation: Tremor
• Best premium comfort: Platinum
• Best on-road performance: ST
• Best combination of trail hardware and V6 power: Tremor with available 3.0L EcoBoost
• Best seven-passenger premium configuration: appropriately equipped Platinum or ST

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Explorer Tremor or Bronco?

The new Tremor creates an interesting comparison for Ford shoppers in northern Arizona.

Choose the Explorer Tremor if your priorities include:

• Three-row seating
• Family-friendly highway comfort
• Up to 5,000 pounds of towing
• Modern interior technology
• Meaningful additional ground clearance
• Traction and protection for rough access roads

Choose the Bronco if dedicated off-road capability is the primary goal and you want equipment such as:

• Low-range four-wheel drive
• Available locking differentials
• Greater ground clearance
• Removable doors and roof panels
• Available Sasquatch® hardware
• More specialized rock-crawling and trail capability

Explorer Tremor is still fundamentally a three-row family SUV. Bronco is a purpose-built off-road SUV that can also handle daily use.

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Explorer or Expedition?

If you need three rows, another decision is whether Explorer provides enough SUV or whether the larger Expedition makes more sense.

Consider the Explorer if you prioritize:

• Up to seven seats
• Up to 5,000 pounds of towing
• A more manageable midsize footprint
• Easier everyday maneuverability
• Up to approximately 85.8 cubic feet of cargo volume
• Available 4WD

Move toward an Expedition when you need substantially more interior space, heavier towing capability, or the additional passenger and cargo capacity of a full-size SUV.

For many families, Explorer occupies a useful middle ground: more passenger flexibility than a compact crossover without the size of a full-size SUV.

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Why the Explorer Fits Kingman, Arizona

The Explorer’s combination of highway comfort and available capability is particularly relevant around Kingman and northwestern Arizona.

Kingman sits at the intersection of Interstate 40 and U.S. 93, so regional driving often involves more highway mileage and elevation changes than a typical urban commute.

An Explorer can serve the same household for:

• Daily driving around Kingman
• Family transportation
• School and activity schedules
• Historic Route 66 drives
• I-40 travel toward Flagstaff or western Arizona
• U.S. 93 trips toward Las Vegas
• Camping and outdoor recreation
• Towing a smaller recreational trailer
• Dirt or gravel access roads in an appropriately equipped Tremor

For families spending most of their time on pavement, Active, ST-Line, and Platinum provide comfortable three-row transportation without requiring specialized off-road hardware.

For drivers who regularly leave pavement to reach campsites, recreation areas, rural property, or rough access roads, the Tremor’s extra clearance, Torsen rear differential, all-terrain tires, underbody protection, and off-road-tuned suspension provide a meaningful step up.

And for someone who primarily enjoys paved highways and winding roads, the ST takes the lineup in the opposite direction with 385 horsepower, performance brakes, and sport-tuned suspension.

That range is what makes Explorer particularly useful here: one basic three-row platform can be configured around family travel, premium comfort, rougher roads, or performance.

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The First Explorer Tremor Adds a New Chapter

The 2026 model is the first Explorer Tremor, bringing Ford’s Tremor name into the Explorer family for the first time.

That matters because Ford did not simply create a visual package.

The Torsen rear axle, additional ride height, off-road suspension tuning, all-terrain tires, underbody protection, tow hooks, and available V6 give Tremor meaningful mechanical differences from the conventional Explorer lineup.

For a three-row SUV, that creates an interesting middle ground between a road-focused family crossover and a dedicated off-road vehicle.

It is especially relevant for Kingman-area buyers who may spend hours on pavement getting to a destination and still need more capability once the pavement ends.

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A Long-Running Ford SUV Name

Explorer has been part of Ford’s SUV lineup for more than three decades.

Ford describes Explorer as America’s all-time best-selling SUV, a history that stretches back to the model’s introduction for the 1991 model year.

The 2026 lineup shows how much that formula has evolved.

Today’s Explorer combines three rows and family utility with technologies such as the Ford Digital Experience and available BlueCruise, while Tremor and ST push the same platform toward two very different types of performance.

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Shop the 2026 Ford Explorer at Anderson Ford Kingman

Ready to compare Active, ST-Line, Tremor, Platinum, and ST?

Browse current Explorer inventory at Anderson Ford Kingman in Kingman, Arizona and compare seating arrangements, 4WD, towing equipment, technology, premium features, and performance options.

🚙 Shop Ford Explorer Inventory

🏠 Visit Anderson Ford Kingman

-TJ

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