2026 Ford Explorer FAQ: Powertrain, Trims, Seating, Towing & Features

The standard engine is a 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 turbocharged four-cylinder producing 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The 3.0L twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6, which produces 385 hp and 415 lb-ft, is standard on the ST trim and available on the Tremor and Platinum. All engines use direct injection and include Auto Stop-Start technology.

The 2026 Explorer with the standard 2.3L EcoBoost engine is EPA-rated at 20 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined. The available V6 engine may return different figures depending on configuration.

Both. RWD is standard across most trims. Intelligent 4WD is available on nearly every trim and is standard on the Tremor. Shoppers in rural areas around Highland and Prairie du Chien often prefer the Intelligent 4WD option given Wisconsin road conditions.

Ford has not published an official 0-60 mph figure in the provided specifications. The ST’s 3.0L V6 at 385 hp is the quickest configuration available.

A 10-speed automatic transmission is standard on every trim. The ST also offers select-shift capability for manual gear control.

The 2026 Explorer is available in six named trims: Active, ST-Line, Tremor, Platinum, and ST. The Active trim is offered in two package levels (100A and a standard AWD configuration), giving shoppers a wide range of entry points.

The Active focuses on outdoor utility, featuring 18-inch wheels, a 7.6-inch minimum ground clearance, and RWD or AWD configurations. The ST-Line steps up to 20-inch Ebony machined wheels, standard Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 with 360-degree camera, an available B&O 10-speaker sound system, and optional BlueCruise hands-free highway driving.

The Tremor is the off-road-oriented Explorer. It comes standard with Intelligent 4WD, 8.7-inch minimum ground clearance, 18-inch High Gloss Ebony Black wheels with Tremor Orange accents, and a 24.1-degree approach angle. It also adds a Terrain Management System with up to 6 drive modes including a Trail/Off-Road setting. The optional 3.0L V6 is available on the Tremor.

The Platinum adds 8.3 inches of minimum ground clearance, 20-inch Luster Nickel wheels as standard, a 980-watt 14-speaker B&O sound system, standard BlueCruise hands-free highway driving, and a panoramic fixed glass roof option. It is available in both RWD and AWD.

The ST is the performance trim. It comes standard with the 3.0L twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 (385 hp / 415 lb-ft), 21-inch Magnetite wheels, quad chrome exhaust tips, standard BlueCruise, and select-shift capability on the 10-speed automatic. The ST is available in RWD and AWD.

Most trims seat 7 passengers across three rows. The Tremor seats 6 due to its second-row configuration.

Behind the third row, the Explorer holds 16.3 cu ft. With the third row folded, cargo space grows to 46 cu ft behind the second row. Maximum cargo volume with all rear seats folded reaches 85.8 cu ft on most trims (85.3 cu ft on ST, Platinum, and Tremor).

First-row headroom measures 40.7 inches (38.9 inches on Platinum), and first-row legroom is 43 inches. Second-row legroom is 37.5 inches on most trims (37.0 inches on ST, Platinum, and Tremor). Third-row legroom is 31.8 inches. Shoulder room in the first row reaches 62.1 inches.

The 2026 Explorer measures 198.7 inches in length with a 119.1-inch wheelbase and 69.6-inch height (varies slightly by trim). Overall width excluding mirrors is 78.9 inches.

The 2026 Explorer tows up to 5,000 lbs across all trims. Standard AdvanceTrac with Trailer Sway Control and Roll Stability Control comes on every model, giving added confidence when hauling a boat or camper on Wisconsin roads.

Yes. The Terrain Management System with up to 6 drive modes is available. Modes include Normal, Eco, Sport, Tow/Haul, Slippery, and Trail/Off-Road. The Tremor trim makes the most of this system with its standard Intelligent 4WD and raised ground clearance.

Minimum running ground clearance is 7.6 inches on the Active and ST-Line, 7.8 inches on the ST, 8.3 inches on the Platinum, and 8.7 inches on the Tremor.

Every 2026 Explorer includes a 13.2-inch SYNC touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and SiriusXM with 360L Radio. Wireless charging is available.

Yes. The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is standard on all trims.

The B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen in a 10-speaker configuration is standard on the ST-Line. Higher trims can be equipped with a 980-watt 14-speaker B&O system.

Yes. Ford BlueCruise hands-free highway driving is optional on the ST-Line and Tremor, and standard on the ST and Platinum trims. BlueCruise uses a hands-free highway driving system on pre-mapped sections of divided highway.

A panoramic fixed glass roof is available on all trims except the Active 100A.

Tri-Zone Automatic Climate Control is standard on every trim, allowing the driver, front passenger, and rear passengers to set independent temperature preferences.

Every 2026 Explorer includes Forward Collision Warning with Pedestrian Detection, Automatic Emergency Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go, Lane-Centering Steering, Blind Spot Monitors, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Emergency Steering Assist, Driver-Attention Monitor, Road-Sign Recognition, Rear Parking Sensors, Automatic High Beams, and AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability and Trailer Sway Control.

Yes. Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 with a 360-degree camera is standard on the ST-Line trim and all trims above it.

Fillback Family of Dealerships sells the 2026 Explorer at multiple locations across southwest Wisconsin, including Prairie du Chien, Highland, and Richland Center. You can search available inventory for all locations from one place.

Yes. If the exact trim or color you want is not in current stock, the team at any Fillback Ford location can place a factory order. Contact any of the three stores to discuss lead times.

Ford’s basic warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles. Extended coverage options may be available through Fillback Ford.

Yes. All Fillback Ford locations accept trade-ins. You can start a trade value estimate online before visiting any store in Prairie du Chien, Highland, or Richland Center.