Two turbocharged engines power the 2026 Ford Explorer. The 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder produces 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque and serves most of the lineup, while the 3.0L EcoBoost V6, standard on the ST and available on the Tremor, delivers 385 horsepower and 415 lb-ft. Both run through a 10-speed automatic, the only transmission offered.

Rear-wheel drive is standard with the 2.3L and Intelligent 4WD is available across the range, standard on the new Tremor. A Terrain Management System offers up to six selectable drive modes, and 4WD models add Hill Descent Control for gravel and snow.

• 2.3L EcoBoost with 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft
• 3.0L EcoBoost V6 with 385 horsepower and 415 lb-ft
• 10-speed automatic transmission
• Rear-wheel drive standard, Intelligent 4WD available
• Terrain Management System with up to six drive modes
• EPA-estimated 20 city/29 highway MPG with the 2.3L and RWD

Ford Digital Experience runs the 2026 Explorer cabin on a 13.2-inch center touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and both are standard on every trim including the base Active. Google built-in brings Google Assistant, Google Maps, and Google Play app downloads directly into the dash.

New for 2026, the Ford Connectivity Package is standard across the range with one year included, bringing 5G connectivity through a new 5G modem. Ford BlueCruise hands-free highway driving is available on ST-Line, Tremor, Platinum, and ST.

• Standard 13.2-inch center touchscreen
• Standard 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
• Ford Digital Experience with Google built-in
• Standard Ford Connectivity Package with 5G
• Available Ford BlueCruise hands-free driving
• Available B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen with 10 speakers

Every 2026 Explorer comes with a Ford Co-Pilot360 driver-assistance suite as standard equipment. Active trims carry Co-Pilot360 Assist+, which includes Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane Centering, while ST-Line, Tremor, Platinum, and ST step up to Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 and add a 360-degree camera.

BLIS with Cross-Traffic Alert, Exit Warning, and Trailer Coverage is part of the package, and Trailer Sway Control plus AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control come standard across the board.

• Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ standard on Active trims
• Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 on ST-Line, Tremor, Platinum, and ST
• Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane Centering
• BLIS with Cross-Traffic Alert and Trailer Coverage
• Standard Trailer Sway Control
• Available 360-Degree Camera

The 2026 Explorer seats up to seven, with second-row captain's chairs standard on most trims and a bench available to add the seventh seat. The ST-Line reverses that, taking the bench as standard. The Tremor is the exception in the lineup and seats six only.

Cargo room measures 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.0 cubic feet behind the second, and up to 85.8 cubic feet with both rows folded. Heated front seats begin on the Active, and tri-zone automatic climate control is standard from the base trim up.

• Seating for up to seven passengers
• Second-row captain's chairs standard on most trims
• 16.3 cubic feet of cargo behind the third row
• 46.0 cubic feet behind the second row
• Up to 85.8 cubic feet of maximum cargo space
• Standard tri-zone automatic climate control

At 198.7 inches long on a 119.1-inch wheelbase, the 2026 Explorer is a substantial three-row SUV that still fits a Belleville garage. Ground clearance runs from 7.6 inches on the base trims to 8.7 inches on the Tremor, which also brings the lineup's best approach angle at 24.1 degrees.

Each trim gets its own character, from the ST-Line's monochromatic sport treatment to the Platinum's brightwork and the Tremor's off-road-oriented hardware. Every Explorer includes the Class III Trailer Tow Package, so a 5,000-pound rating is standard equipment rather than an option.

• 198.7 inches long on a 119.1-inch wheelbase
• 7.6 to 8.7 inches of ground clearance by trim
• Tremor offers a 24.1-degree approach angle
• Class III Trailer Tow Package standard on every trim
• Up to 5,000 pounds of towing with either engine
• Trim-specific styling from ST-Line to Platinum