2026 Ford Explorer
Starting MSRP
$38,330
to $56,770
About the 2026 Ford Explorer
The 2026 Ford Explorer is shaping up to be a seriously versatile three-row crossover, especially if you're looking for a solid blend of power and decent efficiency for your daily grind. With 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque readily available, moving people or gear shouldn't be an issue. The base pricing starts right around $38,330, making it accessible, while still offering that traditional RWD setup which many drivers prefer for handling characteristics. Plus, its 198.8-inch length gives you plenty of road presence without feeling impossibly massive, balancing interior space with maneuverability. It’s designed to handle the routine haul with a confident powertrain.
Key Highlights
Robust Standard Power
The standard gas engine delivers a respectable 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, meaning merging onto the highway with six passengers aboard is generally straightforward.
Efficiency Balance
Achieving a 24 MPG combined rating from a rear-wheel-drive crossover of this size is a respectable number for regular unleaded fuel users.
Generous Front Seating
Front occupants get excellent space with 43 inches of legroom, ensuring comfort on longer family road trips or commutes.
RWD Foundation
The standard rear-wheel-drive configuration paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission offers predictable driving dynamics that many drivers value.
Best For
Families Needing Third-Row Flexibility
- The 2026 Ford Explorer offers seating for six passengers, providing room for the core family plus friends without the bulk of a full-size SUV.
Drivers Prioritizing Performance Over Max Economy
- With 300 horsepower available across the lineup, this vehicle provides more pep than economy-focused crossovers, handling the 20 city MPG demands well.
Buyers Needing a Solid Daily Driver
- The $38,330 starting price for the Active trim makes the 2026 Ford Explorer an attainable choice for regular commuting and errands.
Available Trims
| Trim | MSRP | Drivetrain | Horsepower | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Active 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A) | $38,330 | rear wheel drive | 300 hp | 24 mpg |
| Active 4dr SUV AWD (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A) | $40,330 | all wheel drive | 300 hp | 23 mpg |
| Platinum 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A) | $50,830 | rear wheel drive | 300 hp | 24 mpg |
| Platinum 4dr SUV AWD (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A) | $52,830 | all wheel drive | 300 hp | 23 mpg |
| ST 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 10A) | $54,770 | rear wheel drive | 400 hp | 21 mpg |
| ST 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 10A) | $56,770 | all wheel drive | 400 hp | 20 mpg |
| ST-Line 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A) | $45,020 | rear wheel drive | 300 hp | 24 mpg |
| ST-Line 4dr SUV AWD (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A) | $47,020 | all wheel drive | 300 hp | 23 mpg |
| Tremor 4dr SUV AWD (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A) | $48,330 | all wheel drive | 300 hp | 23 mpg |
Specifications comparison table for 2026 Ford Explorer, 2026 Ford Explorer, 2026 Ford Explorer, 2026 Ford Explorer, 2026 Ford Explorer, 2026 Ford Explorer, 2026 Ford Explorer, 2026 Ford Explorer, 2026 Ford Explorer. Data includes dimensions, performance, fuel economy, and interior specifications. Green highlighting indicates best values, red indicates worst values.
Specifications Comparison
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Comparing 9 vehicles • Drag columns to reorder • Click and drag to select multiple cells
Features Comparison
Feature
Active 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A)
Active 4dr SUV AWD (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A)
Platinum 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A)
Platinum 4dr SUV AWD (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A)
ST 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 10A)
ST 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 10A)
ST-Line 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A)
ST-Line 4dr SUV AWD (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A)
Tremor 4dr SUV AWD (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A)
| Feature | Active 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A) | Active 4dr SUV AWD (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A) | Platinum 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A) | Platinum 4dr SUV AWD (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A) | ST 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 10A) | ST 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 10A) | ST-Line 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A) | ST-Line 4dr SUV AWD (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A) | Tremor 4dr SUV AWD (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety (38 features) | |||||||||
| Adaptive Headlights | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | |||||||||
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Automatic Headlights | |||||||||
| Blind Spot Monitor | |||||||||
| Brake Assist | |||||||||
| Brake Preparation System | |||||||||
| Daytime Running Lights | |||||||||
| Driver Attention Alert | |||||||||
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags (with Head Protection Chamber) | |||||||||
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags (with Head Protection Chamber) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control | |||||||||
| Engine Immobilizer | |||||||||
| Front Fog Lights | — | — | — | ||||||
| Front Head Airbags | |||||||||
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | — | — | — | ||||||
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | |||||||||
| Headlight Delay-Off | |||||||||
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| LATCH System | |||||||||
| LED Headlights | |||||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||||||
| Lane Keeping Assist System | |||||||||
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | |||||||||
| Post-Collision Safety System | |||||||||
| Pre-Collision Safety System | |||||||||
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | |||||||||
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | |||||||||
| Rear Head Airbags | |||||||||
| Rear Headrests | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 2 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | |||||||||
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | |||||||||
| Third Row Head Airbags | |||||||||
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | |||||||||
| Traction Control System | |||||||||
| Engine (9 features) | |||||||||
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.3 L | 2.3 L | 2.3 L | 2.3 L | 3.0 L | 3.0 L | 2.3 L | 2.3 L | 2.3 L |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas | gas | gas | gas | gas | gas | gas | gas |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Fuel Injection Type | |||||||||
| Horsepower | 300 hp @ 5500 rpm | 300 hp @ 5500 rpm | 300 hp @ 5500 rpm | 300 hp @ 5500 rpm | 400 hp @ 5500 rpm | 400 hp @ 5500 rpm | 300 hp @ 5500 rpm | 300 hp @ 5500 rpm | 300 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 | inline 4 | inline 4 | V6 | V6 | inline 4 | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 24 | 24 | 16 | 16 | 16 |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm | 310 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm | 310 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm | 310 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm | 415 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm | 415 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm | 310 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm | 310 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm | 310 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable | Variable | Variable | Variable | Variable | Variable | Variable | Variable |
| Drive Train (4 features) | |||||||||
| Drivetrain Type | rear wheel drive | all wheel drive | rear wheel drive | all wheel drive | rear wheel drive | all wheel drive | rear wheel drive | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | — | — | — | — | |||||
| Rear Differential Type | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Limited Slip |
| Transmission Type | 10-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic | 10-speed shiftable automatic | 10-speed shiftable automatic | 10-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Fuel (5 features) | |||||||||
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 358.0/519.1 mi. | 358.0/483.3 mi. | 404.0/585.8 mi. | 404.0/545.4 mi. | 363.6/505.0 mi. | 363.6/505.0 mi. | 358.0/519.1 mi. | 358.0/483.3 mi. | 358.0/483.3 mi. |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/29 MPG | 20/27 MPG | 20/29 MPG | 20/27 MPG | 18/25 MPG | 18/25 MPG | 20/29 MPG | 20/27 MPG | 20/27 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 23 MPG | 24 MPG | 23 MPG | 21 MPG | 20 MPG | 24 MPG | 23 MPG | 23 MPG |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.9 gal. | 17.9 gal. | 20.2 gal. | 20.2 gal. | 20.2 gal. | 20.2 gal. | 17.9 gal. | 17.9 gal. | 17.9 gal. |
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded | regular unleaded | regular unleaded | regular unleaded | regular unleaded | regular unleaded | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Warranty (4 features) | |||||||||
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Comfort & Convenience (32 features) | |||||||||
| 3rd Row Cupholders | |||||||||
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||||||||
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | |||||||||
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | — | — | — | — | ||||
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | |||||||||
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | |||||||||
| Electric Power Steering | |||||||||
| Front Cupholders | |||||||||
| Front Door Pockets | |||||||||
| Front Parking Sensors | — | — | |||||||
| Front Seatback Storage | |||||||||
| Front View Camera | — | — | |||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | — | |||||||
| Interior Air Filtration | |||||||||
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | — | — | ||||||
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | — | — | — | — | |||||
| Overhead Console with Storage | |||||||||
| Power Rear Seat Easy Entry | — | — | — | — | — | ||||
| Push Button Start | |||||||||
| Rear Cupholders | |||||||||
| Rear Door Pockets | |||||||||
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| Rear Parking Sensors with Side Sensing | — | — | |||||||
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | |||||||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||||||
| Side View Camera | — | — | |||||||
| Three Zone Climate Control | |||||||||
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | |||||||||
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| Universal Remote Transmitter | — | — | |||||||
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | — | — | — | — | ||||
| In Car Entertainment (12 features) | |||||||||
| AM/FM Stereo | |||||||||
| Android Auto (Wired) | |||||||||
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | |||||||||
| Premium Brand Speakers | — | — | Bang & Olufsen | Bang & Olufsen | Bang & Olufsen | Bang & Olufsen | Bang & Olufsen | Bang & Olufsen | Bang & Olufsen |
| Satellite Radio | With Real Time Traffic | With Real Time Traffic | |||||||
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months | 3 months | 3 months | 3 months | 3 months | 3 months | 3 months | 3 months |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 | 14 | 14 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | — | |||||||
| Stereo Power | — | — | 980W | 980W | — | — | — | — | — |
| Subwoofer Count | — | — | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| USB Port | |||||||||
| USB Port with External Media Control | |||||||||
| Power Feature (3 features) | |||||||||
| Heated Mirrors | |||||||||
| Keyless Entry | |||||||||
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Frontseats (21 features) | |||||||||
| Driver Seat Heating | — | — | Multi-level | Multi-level | Multi-level | Multi-level | Multi-level | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | |||||||||
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | — | Power | Power | Power | Power | Power | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | — | — | 3 | 3 | — | — | — | — | — |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way | 8-way | 8-way | 10-way | 10-way | 8-way | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Ventilation | — | — | — | — | |||||
| Front Head Room | 40.7 in. | 40.7 in. | 40.7 in. | 40.7 in. | 40.7 in. | 40.7 in. | 40.7 in. | 40.7 in. | 40.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 59.2 in. | 59.2 in. | 59.2 in. | 59.2 in. | 59.2 in. | 59.2 in. | 59.2 in. | 59.2 in. | 59.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 43.0 in. | 43.0 in. | 43.0 in. | 43.0 in. | 43.0 in. | 43.0 in. | 43.0 in. | 43.0 in. | 43.0 in. |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | — | — | — | — | |||||
| Front Seat Type: Sport | — | — | — | — | — | ||||
| Front Shoulder Room | 61.8 in. | 61.8 in. | 61.8 in. | 61.8 in. | 61.8 in. | 61.8 in. | 61.8 in. | 61.8 in. | 61.8 in. |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | — | Multi-level | Multi-level | Multi-level | Multi-level | Multi-level | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | — | — | ||||||
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | — | — | Power | Power | Power | Power | Power | Power | — |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way | — | — | — | — | — | — | 4-way |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | — | — | 6-way | 6-way | 8-way | 8-way | 6-way | 6-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Ventilation | — | — | — | — | |||||
| Seat Material: Leather | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | — | — | — | — | — | ||||
| Seat Material: Sueded Microfiber | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||
| Rearseats (11 features) | |||||||||
| Folding Center Armrest | — | — | |||||||
| Folding Rear Seatback | — | — | |||||||
| Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level) | — | — | — | — | — | ||||
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | — | — | — | |||||
| Power Folding Third Row Seat | — | — | — | — | — | ||||
| Rear Head Room | 40.5 in. | 40.5 in. | 40.5 in. | 40.5 in. | 40.5 in. | 40.5 in. | 40.5 in. | 40.5 in. | 40.5 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 59.1 in. | 59.1 in. | 59.1 in. | 59.1 in. | 59.1 in. | 59.1 in. | 59.1 in. | 59.1 in. | 59.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.0 in. | 39.0 in. | 39.0 in. | 39.0 in. | 39.0 in. | 39.0 in. | 39.0 in. | 39.0 in. | 39.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 61.9 in. | 61.9 in. | 61.9 in. | 61.9 in. | 61.9 in. | 61.9 in. | 61.9 in. | 61.9 in. | 61.9 in. |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | — | — | — | |||||
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| Tires and Wheels (7 features) | |||||||||
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | Underbody Mounted | Underbody Mounted | Underbody Mounted | Underbody Mounted | Underbody Mounted | Underbody Mounted | Underbody Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary | Temporary | Temporary | Temporary | Temporary | Temporary | Temporary | Temporary |
| Tire Size | P255/65R18 | P255/65R18 | P255/55R20 | P255/55R20 | P275/45R21 | P275/45R21 | P255/55R20 | P255/55R20 | P265/65R18 |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season | All Season | All Season | All Season | All Season | All Season | All Season | All Terrain |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | 18 in | 20 in. | 20 in. | — | — | 20 in. | 20 in. | 18 in |
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | — | — | — | 21 in | 21 in | — | — | — |
| Suspension (3 features) | |||||||||
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | |||||||||
| Front Stabilizer Bar | |||||||||
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | |||||||||
| Instrumentation (5 features) | |||||||||
| Clock | |||||||||
| Compass | |||||||||
| External Temperature Display | |||||||||
| Tachometer | |||||||||
| Trip Computer | |||||||||
| Measurements (12 features) | |||||||||
| Angle of Approach | 21.0 degrees | 21.0 degrees | 21.0 degrees | 21.0 degrees | 21.0 degrees | 21.0 degrees | 21.0 degrees | 21.0 degrees | 21.0 degrees |
| Angle of Departure | 22.0 degrees | 22.0 degrees | 22.0 degrees | 22.0 degrees | 22.0 degrees | 22.0 degrees | 22.0 degrees | 22.0 degrees | 22.0 degrees |
| Cargo Capacity (Seats Up) | 16.3 cu.ft. | 16.3 cu.ft. | 16.3 cu.ft. | 16.3 cu.ft. | 16.3 cu.ft. | 16.3 cu.ft. | 16.3 cu.ft. | 16.3 cu.ft. | 16.3 cu.ft. |
| Country of Final Assembly | United States | United States | United States | United States | United States | United States | United States | United States | United States |
| Ground Clearance | 7.9 in. | 7.9 in. | 7.9 in. | 7.9 in. | 7.9 in. | 7.9 in. | 7.9 in. | 7.9 in. | 7.9 in. |
| Height | 69.9 in. | 69.9 in. | 69.9 in. | 69.9 in. | 69.9 in. | 69.9 in. | 69.9 in. | 69.9 in. | 69.9 in. |
| Length | 198.8 in. | 198.8 in. | 198.8 in. | 198.8 in. | 198.8 in. | 198.8 in. | 198.8 in. | 198.8 in. | 198.8 in. |
| Maximum Cargo Capacity | 85.8 cu.ft. | 85.8 cu.ft. | 85.3 cu.ft. | 85.3 cu.ft. | 85.3 cu.ft. | 85.3 cu.ft. | 85.8 cu.ft. | 85.8 cu.ft. | 85.3 cu.ft. |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | 5300 lbs. | 5300 lbs. | 5600 lbs. | 5600 lbs. | 5600 lbs. | 5600 lbs. | 5300 lbs. | 5300 lbs. | 5300 lbs. |
| Wheelbase | 119.1 in. | 119.1 in. | 119.1 in. | 119.1 in. | 119.1 in. | 119.1 in. | 119.1 in. | 119.1 in. | 119.1 in. |
| Width (With Mirrors) | 89.3 in. | 89.3 in. | 89.3 in. | 89.3 in. | 89.3 in. | 89.3 in. | 89.3 in. | 89.3 in. | 89.3 in. |
| Width (Without Mirrors) | 78.9 in. | 78.9 in. | 78.9 in. | 78.9 in. | 78.9 in. | 78.9 in. | 78.9 in. | 78.9 in. | 78.9 in. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much room is available for hauling gear behind the third row in the 2026 Ford Explorer?
The official cargo capacity listed for the 2026 Ford Explorer behind the rearmost seats is 16.3 cubic feet. This is adequate for weekly groceries or a few duffel bags.
Does the standard 2026 Ford Explorer use premium fuel?
No, the engine powering the 2026 Ford Explorer is designed to run happily on regular unleaded fuel, helping keep running costs down.
What kind of driving dynamics can I expect from the standard setup?
Most trims, including the base Active, feature a rear-wheel-drive setup mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission, suggesting a more traditional and engaging driving feel than FWD competitors.
How large is the 2026 Ford Explorer compared to other three-row vehicles?
It measures 198.8 inches long and 78.9 inches wide, offering a substantial footprint that translates directly into the 39 inches of rear legroom available.
Are the off-road-oriented trims significantly more powerful?
Based on the specifications provided for the initial trims, the performance figures (300 hp/310 lb-ft) appear consistent, suggesting the Tremor trim focuses more on capability than outright engine power upgrades.
Compare the 2026 Ford Explorer
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