The Ford Explorer is one of America’s oldest and most beloved SUVs, and every year it gets bigger and better than ever. It’s somewhat difficult to imagine the previous year’s enhancements improving, given the vehicle’s excellent performance, attractive aesthetics, intelligent design, and extreme versatility, which were already phenomenal. If you’re looking for the latest model of the Ford Explorer for sale in Sacramento, Future Ford of Sacramento is here to help. The 2026 Explorer is comfortable, ergonomic, and spacious with its flexible three-row seating. The interior also features high-quality materials, with more luxurious styling and options, innovative technology, and a larger touchscreen display, as well as a best-in-class hybrid powertrain.
Visually, the front of the Explorer features a revamped fascia with a bold, rugged-friendly grille, sleek LED headlights, and unique accents, especially in the Tremor version. There are six trims available, each with thoughtful inclusions so you can fine-tune the SUV to be exactly what you want. Road-worthy, commute-friendly hauler? No problem. A powerful off-trail beast for tackling the toughest terrain imaginable? Yes, that’s an option. Starting with the Explorer Active 100A, from there you have the Active, ST-Line, Tremor, Platinum, and ST. True to its name, each variant is meant for a specific type of Explorer, so let’s break them down.
Exploring the Trim Lineup
Standard in all trims and models is the 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, a turbocharged four-cylinder capable of 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. It’s enough power to handle just about anything you throw at it, but if you want to upgrade, a 3.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged V6 is available in select models—such as the ST, Platinum, and Tremor—which boosts horsepower to 400 hp and torque to 415 lb-ft. The point, however, is that you’re getting some exceptional power no matter which variant of the Ford Explorer you choose. Off-road means power to get over tough rocks, dirt, gravel, and anything you could imagine. On-road, that translates to reliable pickup and go, and a smooth, responsive ride.
The Base-Level Active 100A and Active
The Explorer Active 100A includes the Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ and adaptive cruise control, selectable drive modes to match the road conditions, and a class three trailer tow package, all standard. The Active drops the tow package for a power liftgate and adds heated front-row seats—while still including the Assist+ suite and adaptive cruise control. Both of these trims are for the avid road explorer, ready to take any drive, long or short, with the means to enjoy all of it.
The ST-Line and Tremor
The ST-Line introduces a 360-degree camera for full surrounding views, both parked and in motion, unique seats with red accented stitching that look amazing, and a Bang & Olufsen surround audio system featuring 10 speakers and a subwoofer. The newly-added Tremor really kicks things up a notch with powerful off-road tuning. You get a Torsen limited-slip rear axle for superior traction, which is necessary in mud, dirt, and nearly any tough terrain. An off-road tuned suspension and increased ride height, and underbody protection with front and rear deflector plates, for added tough armor. The latter truly drives home that off-road, off-trail functionality. These trims are just right for the outdoor adventurer, visiting roadside attractions, local parks, camping, hunting, and everything in between.
The Platinum and ST
Meanwhile, the Explorer Platinum and ST models receive lavish and elegant upgrades. The Platinum has heated, ventilated, and massaging seats in the front, and a panoramic fixed glass roof with a power sunshade. ST gets a sport-tuned suspension system and performance brakes with red-painted calipers, making it more zippy and fun, with some brazen visuals, excellent for those weekend sightseeing drives and car meets. These trims are fantastic for casual enjoyers who want an upscale, stylish experience with the features to elevate their drives.
Power, Capability, and Safety
You already know what to expect from the standard engine and its power, but the Ford Explorer also boasts a 5,000-lb towing capacity. That’s the ideal point for any driver that has the mind to pull gear, from trailers and campers to boats, without opting for a full-size vehicle. That also means better fuel efficiency and a more engaging drive versus full-size options. There’s also the point that when you’re not hauling anything significant, you still have incredible versatility to move between roads—highways and byways—and off-road experiences.
Standard is the 10-speed automatic transmission paired with rear-wheel drive. In short, that means the engine’s power hits the rear wheels, delivering improved handling, balance, and superior acceleration. All-wheel drive is available for those who want to make that switch. For those planning to take the Explorer off-road, the all-wheel drive would be great. Altogether, however, the experience is still fantastic with the standard rear-wheel models.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy is about 24 MPG combined with rear-wheel-drive and the 2.3-liter EcoBoost models, while you get 23 MPG combined in the all-wheel drive. With the upgraded 3.0-liter EcoBoost, it’s 21 MPG combined for the rear-wheel-drive and 20 MPG combined for the all-wheel drive. If you’re not a numbers person, these are all fairly solid ratings for an SUV, with top-notch power and performance notable most of all.
Safety Features
Standard safety features across all trims and models include automated emergency braking, forward collision warnings, blind spot monitoring with accurate sensors, rear cross-traffic alerts, lane departure warnings, and lane-keep assist for the driver. As previously noted, select models also get upgrades, like the ST-Line’s 360-degree camera or the Explorer Platinum and ST’s BlueCruise hands-free highway driving functionality.
Connectivity Tech and Cargo Space
The 2026 Ford Explorer includes an upgraded interior, with comfortable seating, lots more space, and visual upgrades to boot. The 13.2-inch touchscreen display for infotainment that comes standard is gorgeous and blends into the center dashboard nicely. The rest of the dashboard remains sleek and minimal, with mood lighting in select models, easy-access center controls, and a revamped steering wheel design.
Enhanced sound insulation provides a quiet ride, but also serves the audio system better. You’ll hear heart-pumping beats when you’re listening to music, or clear, crisp voices when listening to podcasts and audiobooks. If you prefer a silent cabin, well, there’s nothing quite like it outside of what the Explorer delivers. Additionally, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, making it extremely easy to connect your smartphone and other mobile devices. There are a total of eight USB ports, spaced throughout the interior, including two in the third row for backseat passengers.
Cargo Volume
The flexible three-row seating accommodates up to seven people total. But if you need to reclaim some of that space for cargo and storage, you’ll get over 85 cu.ft. with the second and third rows folded. Without any seats folded, you’ll have over 16 cu.ft., plenty for luggage, coolers, camping gear, you name it.
All of this means that the Ford Explorer is one of the top options on the market for modern families, of any size. If it’s just you and a partner, there’s room to grow. If the family is in tow, there’s lots of room to move about. If it’s a solo trip, all that extra space is perfect for luggage, outdoor gear, and anything else you’d need.
A Practical and Powerful Three-Row SUV
With the 2026 Ford Explorer, the strength and prowess are there, whether you need a powerful engine for tough trips, towing capacity for your trailer or camper, or extra space for family and friends across three rows. Additionally, with six trim options, you can find the perfect model to match your personality and needs, whether that’s focused on more efficient driving, added comfort and space, or ultimate power.
Outside the vehicle, the upgraded grille with a more impressive visual boost gives it a sleek, commanding appearance. Inside, you get higher-quality upholstery and materials, thoughtful standard safety and functionality inclusions, and innovative tech—that 13.2-inch touchscreen is gorgeous—not to mention plenty of USB charging ports for everyone going on the trip. There’s a reason why the Ford Explorer continues to be one of America’s favorite SUVs, year after year, and the 2026 model, with its many upgrades, helps to secure that prestigious label once again.
