Most of the 2026 Explorer range runs a 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder rated at 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, which is more output than many six-cylinder SUVs managed a generation ago. The ST steps up to a twin-turbocharged 3.0L EcoBoost V6 good for 385 horsepower and 415 lb-ft.

A 10-speed automatic is the only gearbox, and rear-wheel drive is the starting point with Intelligent 4WD available across the lineup and standard on the Tremor. Drivers can select among as many as six modes through the Terrain Management System depending on configuration.

• 300-horsepower 2.3L EcoBoost across most of the lineup
• 385-horsepower 3.0L EcoBoost V6 in the ST
• 310 lb-ft of torque from the 2.3L
• 10-speed automatic on every configuration
• Intelligent 4WD available, standard on Tremor
• EPA-estimated 20 city/27 highway MPG with the 2.3L and 4WD

Ford put its newest software in the 2026 Explorer. Ford Digital Experience drives a 13.2-inch center touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital cluster on every trim, with Google built-in supplying Google Maps navigation, Google Assistant voice control, and app downloads from Google Play straight to the dash.

The Ford Connectivity Package became standard for 2026 with a year of service included and a 5G modem behind it. BlueCruise is the headline option: on prequalified divided highways it steers, accelerates, and brakes without your hands on the wheel, and the 2026 Explorer runs version 1.5 or higher, which can change lanes on its own.

• 13.2-inch touchscreen standard on every trim
• Google built-in with Maps, Assistant, and Play
• Standard Ford Connectivity Package with a 5G modem
• Available BlueCruise 1.5 with Automatic Lane Change
• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
• Available 10-speaker B&O Sound System

Driver assistance arrives standard on the 2026 Explorer in one of two forms. Active models carry Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+, while ST-Line, Tremor, Platinum, and ST receive Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0, which layers a 360-degree camera with split view on top.

Both packages include Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane Centering, Auto High-Beam Headlamps, and BLIS with Cross-Traffic Alert, Exit Warning, and Trailer Coverage. Hill Start Assist, Trailer Sway Control, and AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control are standard throughout, and 4WD models add Hill Descent Control.

• Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ or Assist 2.0 standard by trim
• Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane Centering
• BLIS with Cross-Traffic Alert and Exit Warning
• Standard Hill Start Assist and Trailer Sway Control
• Available 360-Degree Camera with split view
• Hill Descent Control on 4WD models

Second-row seating decides how many people the 2026 Explorer carries. Captain's chairs are standard on most trims for six-passenger seating, and a bench is available to make it seven. The ST-Line flips that arrangement, and the Tremor is offered with captain's chairs only.

Cargo grows from 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row to 46.0 cubic feet behind the second, and up to 85.8 cubic feet with everything folded. Heated front seats start on the Active, tri-zone climate control is standard, and a PowerFold third row is standard on ST and Platinum.

• Six or seven passengers depending on second-row choice
• Standard second-row captain's chairs on most trims
• 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row
• Up to 85.8 cubic feet with both rows folded
• Standard tri-zone automatic climate control
• PowerFold third row standard on ST and Platinum

The 2026 Explorer stretches 198.7 inches on a 119.1-inch wheelbase and stands between 69.6 and 70.8 inches tall depending on trim. The Tremor sits highest with 8.7 inches of minimum running ground clearance against 7.6 inches on the base models.

Every Explorer includes a Class III Trailer Tow Package from the factory, so both engines carry the same 5,000-pound rating without adding an option. Trailer Sway Control and BLIS Trailer Coverage back it up when a boat or a small camper is behind you.

• 198.7 inches long, 78.9 inches wide without mirrors
• Ground clearance from 7.6 to 8.7 inches by trim
• Standard Class III Trailer Tow Package on all trims
• 5,000 pounds of towing with either engine
• Tremor adds off-road-oriented hardware
• Trim-specific wheels from 18 to 21 inches