Ford Explorer Active, XLT, ST & More Trims

Last updated August 4, 2026

Ford Explorer

The Ford Explorer lineup starts with the utility-first base model and the more comfort-equipped Active. XLT is the mainstream family step-up, while the older Eddie Bauer adds an outdoors-inspired, leather-lined feel. Limited moves into upscale family comfort, and King Ranch and Platinum provide the richest gas-powered cabins. The lineup also has several distinct branches. ST-Line and Sport bring a road-sport theme, while Timberline and Tremor are built around rough-road hardware. Limited HEV and Platinum HEV add hybrid efficiency to well-equipped cabins. ST is the dedicated road-performance model with a twin-turbo V6, sport-tuned suspension and stronger brakes.

What each trim is known for

Ford Explorer Base Model

Base Model

Activebase

The Base Model trim level — base and Active — is the straightforward three-row family Explorer, with Active serving as the more comfort-equipped modern version.

Best for: Families who want the Explorer’s space and everyday usefulness without a luxury, off-road or performance theme.

Highlights

  • Three-row family seating and flexible cargo space
  • A 2.3-liter turbo four-cylinder and 10-speed automatic on recent versions
  • Touchscreen phone connectivity, with screen size and features varying by year
  • Heated front seats and a power liftgate on Active
105 in stock
Ford Explorer Mid-Level

Mid-Level

Eddie BauerXLT

The Mid-Level trim level — XLT and the older Eddie Bauer — is the mainstream comfort step-up, adding the convenience features families tend to use every day.

Best for: Shoppers who want a more comfortable family SUV without moving into Limited-level luxury.

Highlights

  • Heated front seats
  • Second-row captain’s chairs on XLT
  • Keyless entry and push-button start on XLT
  • Heated leather-trimmed seating and an outdoors-inspired cabin on Eddie Bauer

Moves beyond the base formula with more comfort and convenience, represented by XLT’s family-friendly upgrades and Eddie Bauer’s warmer leather treatment.

439 in stock
Ford Explorer Premium Comfort

Premium Comfort

Limited

The Premium Comfort trim level — Limited — is the Explorer’s comfort-led upscale family model, centered on leather and all-weather seating features.

Best for: Commuters and road-trip families who value a richer, more comfortable cabin over sporty or trail-focused hardware.

Highlights

  • Leather upholstery
  • Heated and ventilated front seats
  • Heated second-row seats
  • Heated steering wheel

Adds a more upscale cabin than the Mid-Level models, including ventilated front seats, heated rear seating and richer materials.

157 in stock
Ford Explorer Special Editions

Special Editions

ST-LineSportTimberlineTremor

The Special Editions trim level — ST-Line, Sport, Timberline and Tremor — gives the Explorer either a sportier road identity or genuine rough-road hardware, depending on the badge.

Best for: Drivers who want their three-row Explorer to have a distinct sporty or outdoors-focused personality.

Highlights

  • ST-Line pairs sport-inspired styling with upgraded cabin technology rather than the ST powertrain
  • Sport combines a twin-turbo V6, four-wheel drive and sport-tuned suspension
  • Timberline adds four-wheel drive, extra ground clearance and protective skid plates
  • Tremor uses raised off-road suspension, a limited-slip rear axle and underbody protection

Branches away from Limited’s comfort-first formula with specialized styling and driving hardware for sporty road use or rough-road travel.

97 in stock
Ford Explorer Hybrid

Hybrid

Limited HEVPlatinum HEV

The Hybrid trim level — Limited HEV and Platinum HEV — is the fuel-saving branch, pairing a 3.3-liter hybrid V6 with well-equipped three-row cabins.

Best for: Families who want a comfortable Explorer with quieter low-speed driving and a stronger emphasis on fuel efficiency.

Highlights

  • 3.3-liter hybrid V6 powertrain
  • Regenerative braking that recovers energy while slowing
  • Heated and ventilated front seats
  • Surround-view camera with split view

Shifts the emphasis from the Special Editions’ sport and trail themes to efficiency, while retaining upscale comfort and driver-assistance features.

5 in stock
Ford Explorer Top Tier

Top Tier

King RanchPlatinum

The Top Tier trim level — King Ranch and Platinum — is the gas-powered luxury branch, offering either western-inspired craftsmanship or technology-focused comfort.

Best for: Long-distance travelers who want the Explorer’s richest materials, seating comfort and cabin conveniences.

Highlights

  • Two-tone leather and real wood trim on King Ranch
  • Heated and ventilated multicontour front seats on Platinum, including massage
  • Heated second-row seats and a power-folding third row on Platinum
  • Adaptive headlights and a 14-speaker B&O audio system on Platinum

Moves from the Hybrid branch into distinct gas-powered luxury themes: King Ranch emphasizes warm western styling, while Platinum emphasizes seating comfort and technology.

53 in stock
Ford Explorer Performance

Performance

ST

The Performance trim level — ST — is the road-performance Explorer, combining a twin-turbo V6 with permanent suspension and brake upgrades while keeping three-row utility.

Best for: Drivers who need a practical family SUV but want stronger acceleration, sharper road manners and a sportier feel.

Highlights

  • 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 with 10-speed automatic
  • Lower, sport-tuned suspension
  • Upgraded performance brakes
  • Heated and ventilated front seats with heated second-row seats

Trades the Top Tier models’ luxury-first tuning for a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6, lower sport suspension and stronger brakes.

57 in stock

Trim comparison

FeatureHybridTop TierMid-LevelBase ModelPerformancePremium ComfortSpecial Editions
Includes
Limited HEV, Platinum HEV5 in stock
King Ranch, Platinum53 in stock
Eddie Bauer, XLT439 in stock
Active, base105 in stock
ST57 in stock
Limited157 in stock
ST-Line, Sport, Timberline, Tremor97 in stock
Powertrain identity3.3L hybrid V62027: turbo four or twin-turbo V6XLT: 2.3L turbo fourRecent models: 2.3L turbo four3.0L twin-turbo V6Gas-powered LimitedTurbo four or twin-turbo V6 by version
Front-seat comfortHeated and ventilatedHeated and ventilated multicontour seatsHeated; Eddie Bauer adds leatherActive adds heated seatsHeated and ventilatedLeather, heated and ventilatedHeated; Tremor adds ventilation
Rear-seat comfortComfort-focused three-row cabinHeated second row; Platinum power-folding third rowCaptain’s chairs on XLTThree-row family layoutHeated second-row seatsHeated second-row seatsHeated second row on Tremor
Driving hardwareRegenerative brakingComfort-focused road setupComfort-focused road setupEveryday road setupLower sport suspension and stronger brakesComfort-focused road setupSport or off-road suspension by version
Camera or assistance highlight360-degree split-view cameraPlatinum: 360-degree cameraConvenience equipment varies by eraActive: adaptive cruise and lane centering360-degree camera and enhanced assistanceFront parking sensorsRecent ST-Line and Tremor: 360-degree camera
Defining cabin themeUpscale efficiencyWestern luxury or technology-led comfortEveryday comfortPractical family essentialsSporty with family comfortLeather-lined family luxurySporty or rugged, depending on badge

Frequently asked questions

Is the Explorer Active the same thing as the older XLT?

They fill similar mainstream family roles in different eras. XLT was the familiar step-up trim through 2024. Active replaced it in the refreshed 2025 lineup, emphasizing three-row usefulness, a turbo four-cylinder and everyday comfort.

What is the difference between Active 100A and Active?

On newer models that offer both, Active is the more comfortable version. It adds heated front seats, a more adjustable driver’s seat, active noise cancellation and a power liftgate over the simpler Active 100A.

What is the difference between the Explorer ST-Line and ST?

On newer Explorers, ST-Line supplies sporty styling with the 2.3-liter turbo four-cylinder. ST is the true performance model, using a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6, a lower sport-tuned suspension and stronger brakes.

What is the difference between the Explorer Tremor and Timberline?

They are off-road trims from different periods. Timberline used standard four-wheel drive, extra clearance and skid plates on earlier sixth-generation models. Tremor arrived for 2026 with standard four-wheel drive, a raised off-road suspension, a traction-enhancing rear differential and underbody protection.

Is the older Explorer Sport the same as the newer ST?

They serve the same road-performance role in different generations. The 2013–2019 Sport used a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 and standard four-wheel drive. The ST took over for 2020 with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 and dedicated suspension and brake upgrades.

What is the difference between Explorer Limited and Platinum?

On model years that offer both, Limited is the comfort-focused upscale trim, while Platinum sits higher with richer cabin materials and more premium equipment. Engines and hybrid availability changed over time, so the trim name alone does not identify the powertrain.

What is the difference between Limited Hybrid and Platinum Hybrid?

Both 2020–2023-era hybrid trims use a 3.3-liter hybrid V6. Limited Hybrid focuses on leather, heated and ventilated front seats and driver aids. Platinum Hybrid adds richer cabin trim, diamond-pattern leather, adaptive headlights and distinctive 21-inch wheels.

How are King Ranch and Platinum Explorers different?

On sixth-generation models that offer both, King Ranch has a western-themed cabin with two-tone leather, special stitching and real wood. Platinum uses a more conventional premium look and focuses on high-end comfort and technology. King Ranch also uses the 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6.

What does ST-Line add over Active?

On refreshed models, ST-Line adds sportier styling plus a 360-degree camera, a 10-speaker B&O audio system, a heated steering wheel, a more adjustable front passenger seat and an enhanced driver-assistance suite. Both use the 2.3-liter turbo four-cylinder.

What does Platinum add over ST-Line?

On newer models, Platinum shifts the focus from sporty looks to comfort. It adds massaging heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, a 14-speaker B&O system, adaptive headlights and a power-folding third row.

Which Explorer trim makes sense for straightforward family use?

Look at XLT on older used Explorers and Active on refreshed models. Both focus on useful comfort and convenience rather than specialized performance, off-road hardware or luxury trim. Active adds features such as heated front seats and a power liftgate on newer versions.

Should I pick an Explorer off-road trim or a performance trim?

Pick Tremor or the older Timberline for rough roads; their four-wheel-drive, suspension and protective hardware are the point. Pick ST or the older Sport for stronger road acceleration and sharper handling. All retain the Explorer’s three-row usefulness.

Does every Explorer Platinum have a V6?

No. Platinum powertrains have varied by era and include gas and hybrid setups. The refreshed 2025 Platinum made the 2.3-liter turbo four-cylinder standard, while the 2027 lineup also includes a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 version.

Does every Explorer ST have four-wheel drive?

No. The ST debuted with four-wheel drive, but rear-wheel drive became its standard setup for 2022. Later used examples exist with rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, so check the individual SUV rather than assuming from the ST badge.

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