2026 Ford Explorer: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2026 Ford Explorer is not redesigned. Its biggest change is the new Tremor, an off-road-focused model with standard 4WD, raised suspension, a traction-enhancing rear differential and underbody protection.
About the 2026 Ford Explorer
6th generation (introduced for 2020), second model year after the 2025 exterior and interior update; 2026 expands the trim range rather than redesigning the SUV.
Ford positions the Explorer as a versatile three-row family SUV that can cover daily commuting, road trips and towing while feeling more athletic than many family-focused rivals. Its core strengths are strong turbocharged engines, standard 5,000-pound towing hardware, large digital displays and a broad range of personalities—from comfort-focused Active and Platinum models to the road-performance ST and trail-focused Tremor.
The Explorer lineup spans practical, sporty, off-road and comfort-focused versions for 2026. Active covers family basics with large digital displays, heated front seats and towing hardware, while ST has a twin-turbo V6 and sport-tuned suspension. Tremor is set up for rougher routes, and Platinum emphasizes comfort with massaging front seats, upgraded audio and a power-folding third row.
What changed, by category
2026 Ford Explorer specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, EcoBoost, Twin Turbo, 3.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, EcoBoost, Turbo, 2.3 Liter | 4-Cyl, EcoBoost, Turbo, 2.3 Liter / V6, EcoBoost, Twin Turbo, 3.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, EcoBoost, Turbo, 2.3 Liter | 4-Cyl, EcoBoost, Turbo, 2.3 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 10-Spd w/SelectShift | Automatic, 10-Spd | Automatic, 10-Spd | Automatic, 10-Spd w/SelectShift | Automatic, 10-Spd |
| Drivetrain | 4WD | RWD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 18 mpg | 20 mpg | 17–19 mpg | 20 mpg | 20 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 25 mpg | 29 mpg | 22–23 mpg | 29 mpg | 29 mpg |
| Horsepower | 400 hp | 300 hp | 300–400 hp | 300 hp | 300 hp |
| Torque | 415 lb-ft | 199 lb-ft | 199–415 lb-ft | 199 lb-ft | 199 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 85.3 cu-ft | 85.8 cu-ft | 85.3 cu-ft | 85.3 cu-ft | 85.3 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 31.8 in | 31.8 in | 31.8 in | 31.8 in | 31.8 in |
| Seats | 6 | 7 | 7 | 7 | |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||||
| Adaptive Headlights | |||||
| Alarm System | |||||
| Automatic High Beams | |||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | |||||
| Hill Descent Control | |||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | |||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||
| 360 Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | |||||
| Fog Lights | |||||
| LED Headlights | |||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | |||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||
| Roof Rails | |||||
| Tow Hooks | |||||
| Trailer Hitch Receiver | |||||
| Premium Audio | |||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||
| Subwoofer | |||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||
| Folding Rear Seat | |||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||
| Heated Rear Seats | |||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | |||||
| Leather Seats | |||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||||
| Power Folding Rear Seat | |||||
| Power Folding Third Row Seat | |||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||
| Remote Start | |||||
| Third Row Seat | |||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2026 Ford Explorer?
The main change is the addition of the off-road-focused Tremor. Ford also added a simplified Active 100A equipment package below the regular Active, while the existing Active, ST-Line, ST and Platinum models received no significant new permanent standard features.
Is the 2026 Ford Explorer redesigned?
No, the 2026 Explorer is not redesigned. It remains part of the sixth generation and arrives one model year after the Explorer's 2025 exterior and interior update.
What makes the 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor different?
The 2026 Tremor is the Explorer's factory off-road model. It has standard 4WD, increased ride height, specially tuned suspension, a Torsen limited-slip rear differential and underbody protection; a twin-turbo V6 is optional.
Is the panoramic moonroof standard on the 2026 Explorer Platinum?
No, the panoramic moonroof is optional on the 2026 Explorer Platinum rather than standard equipment.
Which 2026 Ford Explorer models have the twin-turbo V6?
The 2026 Explorer ST has the 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 as standard equipment, while the new Tremor offers it as an option. The Active, ST-Line and Platinum use the 2.3-liter turbo four-cylinder.