Pennsylvania’s family-favorite Ford three-row SUV improves with the arrival of the 2026 model that features notable additions. At John Kennedy Ford of Feasterville, we’ve compiled a 2026 Ford Explorer review that explains what worked in the 2025 refresh and what’s been improved. For example, Ford has added the rugged new Tremor off-road trim that may catch your eye if you have an outdoorsy family.
2026 Ford Explorer Tremor: Off-Road Capability Meets Family SUV
The 2026 lineup welcomes the Tremor off-road variant, marking Ford’s return to adventure-ready Explorer models. This three-row family SUV comes standard with all-wheel drive (AWD), featuring a Torsen limited-slip rear differential that transfers power between wheels when traction is uneven. Standing an inch taller, the Tremor’s specially tuned springs and sway bars deliver improved ground clearance while keeping rides smooth on rough roads.
The Tremor stands out with Electric Spice accents on 18-inch dark wheels and grille elements. Bridgestone all-terrain tires and recovery hooks handle off-pavement adventures, while LED auxiliary lights built into the grille illuminate dark trails. With a starting MSRP of $48,465, this variant targets active families.
Exterior Design and Styling Updates
Keeping the bold look from last year’s refresh, the 2026 Explorer tweaks enough details to stay fresh. Size-wise, it measures 119.1 inches between the wheels, stretches 198.7 inches long, spans 78.9 inches wide, and stands 69.8 inches tall. LED headlights and taillights come standard on all trims, giving the Explorer a premium appearance.
With plenty of color choices, you can have a Space White Metallic, Agate Black Metallic, Carbonized Gray Metallic, Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat, Marsh Gray, Vapor Blue Metallic, or Star White Metallic Tri-Coat Explorer. Wheel sizes vary from 18-inch to 21-inch alloys depending on trim level. This mix-and-match approach allows you to customize to your family’s personality.
Interior Redesign and Comfort Features
Showcasing soft-touch materials gives the 2026 Ford Explorer interior an upscale feel. It seats six or seven passengers, depending on whether the second row has captain’s chairs or bench seating. Heated and cooled front seats offer 43 inches of legroom with 39.7 inches of headroom, while the middle row, also heated and cooled, gets 39 inches of legroom with the bench seat or 38.4 inches with captain’s chairs. Third-row passengers have 32.2 inches of legroom and 37.7 inches of overhead space.
Cargo space varies from 16.3 cubic feet behind the power-folding third row, which folds with one button to give you 46 cubic feet. With all seats down, you access 85.8 cubic feet of space. If you’re a parent, you’ll appreciate the four LATCH connectors (two in each back row) for secure car seat installation. Massage functions and a heated steering wheel create a pleasant daily experience for families who spend many hours in their vehicle.
Engine Options and Performance Specs
The 2026 Explorer keeps familiar powertrains with some refinements. The base Active, ST-Line, and Platinum models feature a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The ST gets a 3.0-liter turbo V-6 generating 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, and all are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
The base 2.3-liter accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 6 seconds, while the ST drops the time to 5.1 seconds. All models include the Class III Towing package that allows a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. The six drive modes — Normal, Eco, Sport, Tow/Haul, Slippery, and Trail/Off-Road — adjust transmission, throttle, and AWD system behavior by automatically adapting to conditions.
The four-cylinder with rear-wheel drive (RWD) has an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city, 29 mpg on the highway, and 24 mpg combined, while AWD versions estimate 20 mpg in the city, 27 mpg on the highway, and 23 mpg combined. The V-6 RWD is estimated to get 21 mpg combined, and the AWD 20 mpg combined.
Advanced Technology and Driver Assistance
A 13.2-inch touch screen featuring Ford Digital Experience software that supports Google and Amazon services and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard across the lineup. Eight USB ports, including two in the third row, and three 12-volt outlets keep devices charged. The Active 100A and the Active have a six-speaker audio system, while the higher trims get a Bang & Olufsen system.
The standard Ford Co-Pilot360 includes automatic high beams, blind-spot alerts, and a precollision alert with emergency braking. The available BlueCruise 1.5, standard on the Platinum, adds automatic lane changes on compatible highways, while the higher trims add a 360-degree camera for parking assistance. A 12.3-inch digital dashboard displays customizable information and downloads over-the-air updates for continuous improvements.
2026 Ford Explorer Pricing Guide
Ford’s 2026 Explorer pricing strategy makes this three-row SUV more budget-friendly than before. The entry-level Active trim has an MSRP starting at $38,465, which is $1,585 less than last year’s model. Upgrading to the sportier ST-Line starts at $45,155, while the luxurious Platinum starts at $50,965, and the hot-rod ST starts at $54,905.
The Explorer comes with a solid warranty package: a three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. This pricing makes good sense if your Feasterville family’s shopping for a three-row SUV. The welcome Ford Explorer price drop means it’s the perfect time to contact our finance department to find an Explorer that suits your budget.
The lower starting point doesn’t mean skimping on standard features, and the ability to add packages lets you customize without overstepping your budget. Ford’s vast dealer network means competitive financing rates and strong resale values, which are important when making significant family purchases.
Experience the New 2026 Ford Explorer at John Kennedy Ford of Feasterville
The 2026 Ford Explorer strikes a winning balance between being a practical family hauler and a weekend adventure machine. It’s landed at dealerships nationwide, and you can place custom orders through us to get the feature combinations you want. Because the Tremor won’t be available in showrooms until early 2026, contact us today to learn how you can order it. If you’re eager to experience the 2026 Ford Explorer on the road, schedule a test-drive to discover why so many Pennsylvania families choose the Explorer year after year.
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