Core summary
Ford Explorer
The 2026 Ford Explorer is a three-row midsize SUV sold in the United States under six series: Active 100A, Active, ST-Line, Tremor, ST and Platinum. The range combines family-oriented packaging with rear-wheel-drive dynamics, available intelligent 4WD and a standard 10-speed automatic transmission. A 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder produces 300 horsepower and 310 lb.-ft. of torque. The ST uses a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 rated at 400 horsepower and 415 lb.-ft.; that engine is also available on Tremor. Maximum towing capacity is 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, and Ford lists a Class III Tow Package as standard across the 2026 range. Seating varies between six and seven occupants according to second-row captain’s chairs or bench-seat configuration. The 2026 model year adds the off-road-oriented Tremor series and makes the panoramic fixed-glass roof available across the lineup.
History & generations
Ford introduced the Explorer in 1990 as a 1991 model, positioning it as a more comfortable and family-focused successor to the Bronco II. The first generation used a truck-derived formula with two- and four-door bodies, while later generations expanded interior space, powertrain choice and safety equipment. The third generation, introduced for 2002, made the five-door body the mainstream form and increased emphasis on third-row accommodation. The fourth generation continued the body-on-frame approach through 2010. For 2011, Explorer changed substantially to a unibody, front-drive-based crossover architecture. The sixth generation arrived for 2020 and restored a rear-wheel-drive-based layout, providing the basis for the current SUV and the Explorer ST. Ford’s 2022 historical review identifies six generations: 1991–1994, 1995–2001, 2002–2005, 2006–2010, 2011–2019 and the sixth generation beginning in 2020.
First generation
The original two- and four-door Explorer replaced the Bronco II and helped establish Ford’s midsize SUV line.
Second generation
A redesigned Explorer expanded the family SUV formula and added stronger V8 availability.
Third generation
The third generation introduced a larger five-door body and broader third-row practicality.
Fourth generation
A revised truck-based Explorer added updated chassis engineering and expanded comfort equipment.
Fifth generation
Explorer changed to a unibody crossover architecture with front-drive-based packaging and EcoBoost engines.
Sixth generation
The current generation returned to a rear-wheel-drive-based architecture and added the performance ST.
Body, platform & design
The current Explorer uses a tall, upright body with a long wheelbase, short visual overhangs and model-specific front-end treatments. Ford lists a 198.7-inch overall length, a 119.1-inch wheelbase and a 78.9-inch width excluding mirrors. All models use LED headlamps and LED taillamps, while grille, wheel and exterior-trim designs vary by series. Active versions emphasize conventional SUV utility; ST-Line adds sport-oriented visual treatment; ST uses gloss-black detailing and performance styling; Platinum adopts a more upscale finish; and Tremor adds off-road hardware and unique graphics. Ground clearance ranges from 7.6 inches on lower models to 8.7 inches on Tremor. Tremor also has the strongest published approach, departure and breakover angles in the 2026 lineup. The panoramic fixed-glass roof with power sunshade is optional across all 2026 series, including the entry Active 100A.
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Engine & drivetrain
The standard engine is Ford’s 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged, direct-injection I-4 with auto stop-start. It produces 300 horsepower and 310 lb.-ft. of torque and is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard, while intelligent 4WD is available across the 2.3-liter range. The 3.0-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 is standard in ST and available in Tremor; Ford rates it at 400 horsepower and 415 lb.-ft. of torque. Intelligent 4WD is standard with Tremor’s V6 configuration and available with ST. The 2026 Explorer uses selectable drive modes, with Normal, Eco, Sport, Tow/Haul and Slippery modes joined by Trail or Off-Road according to model. Ford lists a 5,000-pound maximum trailer rating for both engines when the vehicle is properly equipped. Regional products differ: European sixth-generation Explorers were offered with a 3.0-liter plug-in hybrid powertrain, while the U.S. 2026 lineup is gasoline-powered.
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Trim differences
The 2026 U.S. lineup begins with Active 100A, a simplified entry series, followed by Active, ST-Line, Tremor, ST and Platinum. Active 100A uses the 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, rear-wheel drive and 18-inch Sparkle Silver-painted aluminum wheels as its core configuration. Active adds equipment and offers additional wheel, roof and drivetrain choices. ST-Line focuses on sport appearance while retaining the 2.3-liter engine. Tremor is the new 2026 off-road series, with 18-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, underbody protection, unique tow hooks and intelligent 4WD; its 3.0-liter V6 is available. ST is the performance-oriented series, using the 400-horsepower V6 and 21-inch wheels. Platinum is the luxury-oriented series, with upgraded interior materials, 20-inch wheels and available 21-inch wheels. Second-row captain’s chairs are standard on most series, while ST-Line uses a second-row bench as standard and Tremor does not offer the seven-seat bench configuration.
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Interior & seating
Every 2026 Explorer has three seating rows and offers six- or seven-passenger capacity depending on second-row equipment. Ford lists 40.7 inches of first-row headroom, 40.5 inches in the second row and 38.9 inches in the third row for the principal configurations. Maximum legroom is 43 inches in front, 37.5 inches in the second row and 31.8 inches in the third row. Cargo volume measures 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 46 cubic feet behind the second row and as much as 85.8 cubic feet behind the front row; ST, Tremor and Platinum list 85.3 cubic feet maximum. The cabin uses Ford Digital Experience with a 13.2-inch center display and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are listed, along with a 5G modem and available B&O audio systems. Available comfort equipment includes heated and ventilated front seats, multicontour massaging front seats, ambient lighting and power-folding third-row seats.
Efficiency & range
Ford’s 2026 Explorer specifications identify a 2.3-liter gasoline engine, a 3.0-liter gasoline V6, rear-wheel drive or intelligent 4WD and fuel tanks of 18.6 or 20.2 U.S. gallons according to engine. Published fuel economy varies by engine, drivetrain, wheel, tire and certification configuration, so the applicable EPA label should be used for a specific vehicle. Ford’s inventory listings show examples including 20 city/29 highway mpg for a rear-wheel-drive 2.3-liter Explorer, 20 city/27 highway mpg for a four-wheel-drive Platinum and 18 city/25 highway mpg for a four-wheel-drive ST. The 2.3-liter engine therefore provides the broadest efficiency opportunity, while the V6 versions prioritize output and towing. The Explorer has no gasoline-electric or plug-in-hybrid version in the U.S. 2026 lineup. European sixth-generation models used different powertrain offerings, including a plug-in hybrid, so their consumption and emissions figures are not directly comparable with the U.S. vehicle.
Safety & equipment
Ford equips the 2026 Explorer with Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ as a standard driver-assistance package. Listed technologies include lane-keeping assistance, automatic high-beam headlamps, blind-spot monitoring with trailer coverage, cross-traffic alert, pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, rear parking sensors and rear-view camera functions. Higher equipment levels add or provide access to 360-degree camera views, front parking sensors, evasive steering assist, intersection assist, reverse brake assist and Ford BlueCruise hands-free highway driving. BlueCruise availability and subscription treatment vary by series and engine. NHTSA records a 2026 recall page for the model, while a March 2026 recall notice concerned certain 2025 Explorers equipped with 2.3-liter engines and a potentially defective EGR valve. Recall status is vehicle-specific and should be checked by VIN through NHTSA or Ford before purchase or operation.
Strengths
The Explorer’s principal strengths are configuration breadth, towing capacity and usable three-row packaging. Rear-wheel drive is unusual among mainstream midsize three-row SUVs and supports a distinct driving layout. The 2.3-liter engine provides 300 horsepower, while the ST’s 400-horsepower V6 gives the range a clearly performance-focused option. All 2026 models carry a 5,000-pound maximum trailer rating when correctly equipped. The Tremor adds a factory off-road interpretation with all-terrain tires, increased clearance, underbody protection and terrain-focused equipment. Interior technology is also a major update, centered on Ford Digital Experience, large displays and available BlueCruise. The six- and seven-seat configurations let buyers choose between second-row access and passenger capacity.
A broad-use three-row SUV with strong towing and varied trim identities.
Considerations
The range is broad, but equipment and capability differ substantially by series. The 2.3-liter engine is standard on most trims, while the 3.0-liter V6 is concentrated in ST and selected Tremor or Platinum configurations. Intelligent 4WD is optional with the 2.3-liter engine and changes from an option to standard equipment in specified higher-performance configurations. Third-row cargo space is 16.3 cubic feet, so carrying seven occupants limits luggage volume. Tremor’s all-terrain hardware increases its clearance and approach angle but gives it a more specialized role than the road-oriented Active, ST-Line or Platinum. BlueCruise depends on hardware, subscription and series-specific ordering rules. The current U.S. Explorer also differs materially from European models, which have used different trims, engines and electrification strategies.
Recommended use
The Explorer suits buyers who need a genuine three-row cabin, substantial towing capacity and a choice between everyday rear-wheel-drive use, four-wheel-drive traction, sport styling, luxury equipment or light off-road capability. Active and Active 100A are the straightforward family configurations. ST-Line adds appearance-focused equipment without the V6. Platinum emphasizes cabin materials and comfort technology. ST is the performance choice, while Tremor is the most trail-oriented series. The 5,000-pound trailer rating supports boats, utility trailers and recreational equipment when the trailer, payload and vehicle configuration meet Ford’s requirements. The third row is best treated as flexible passenger space rather than a substitute for a full-size SUV’s cargo area. Regional buyers should compare local specifications carefully because the U.S. gasoline lineup and European plug-in-hybrid Explorer are materially different products.
FAQ
Q: What is the current Ford Explorer generation? A: The sixth generation, introduced for model year 2020, remains current for 2026.
Q: How many people can the 2026 Explorer seat? A: It seats six or seven, depending on second-row captain’s chairs or bench seating.
Q: Which 2026 Explorer has the most power? A: Explorer ST uses the 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 with 400 horsepower and 415 lb.-ft.
Q: Does every 2026 Explorer have 4WD? A: No. Rear-wheel drive is standard on 2.3-liter models; intelligent 4WD varies by series.
Q: What is the 2026 Explorer’s maximum towing capacity? A: Ford lists 5,000 pounds for both available engines when properly equipped.
Q: Is the 2026 Explorer hybrid in the United States? A: No. The U.S. 2026 lineup uses gasoline engines; some European versions used plug-in hybrid power.
What makes the Ford Explorer different?
A broad-use three-row SUV with strong towing and varied trim identities.
Who should consider it?
Family transport, long-distance travel, towing and light off-road use.
Sources & updates
Reviewed August 29, 2026. Source priority: Ford U.S. model pages and 2026 order guides for current specifications; Ford newsroom and heritage pages for launch history and generation context; NHTSA for recall and regulatory information; regional Ford sources for market-specific differences. The specification card describes the current U.S. production generation only. Older generations are listed in chronological history, and regional equipment or powertrain differences are identified where relevant.
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Last editorial review: August 23, 2026. Specifications remain market- and model-year-specific.