The 2026 Ford Explorer is more than just a refresh—it’s the next chapter in one of America’s most recognizable three-row SUVs. Built to serve families, weekend adventurers, and anyone who expects both capability and comfort, the 2026 Explorer brings a fresh look, refined interior, and updated technology that raise the bar. While the Explorer’s reputation for seating up to seven and handling everything from daily errands to road-trip hauls remains intact, this new iteration adds an extra layer of sophistication and modern functionality.
With bold new styling, advanced driver-assistance systems, elevated cabin design, and proven powertrains, the 2026 Explorer is designed for drivers who want SUV versatility without compromise. Whether you’re navigating city streets, heading up north for a getaway, or hauling gear behind, this SUV brings a strong combination of space, technology, and strength. Let’s take a closer look at how the 2026 Explorer stands out—from its interior and comfort features to its performance capability and trim choices.
MSRP: $38,465 [a]
Towing: 5,000 lbs
Cargo Space: 85.8 cu.ft.
Screen Size: 13.2 in
Interior
When you step into the 2026 Ford Explorer, the focus is squarely on comfort, technology, and intelligent design—everything you’d want from an SUV built for modern families and active lifestyles. The refreshed cabin highlights a cleaner dash design, upgraded materials, and user-friendly tech that bring a premium feel to a vehicle that remains deeply practical.
At the heart of the interior is a robust cockpit featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster paired with a 13.2-inch center touchscreen serving as the base of operations for your standard infotainment center. These displays provide crisp visuals, intuitive access to media and vehicle controls, and integrate seamlessly with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making it easy to stay connected on the go.
But tech is only part of the story. Comfortable seating and thoughtful space make this SUV feel as refined as it is functional. Available heated and ventilated front seats, premium leather-trimmed options, and optional captain’s chairs in the second row elevate the ride quality. The third row remains accessible thanks to clever design and sliding/tilting second-row seats. And storage is more generous than ever: you’ll find plenty of cubbies, USB-C ports throughout, and flexible surfaces that adapt to whatever the day throws at you.
Key dimensions illustrate the Explorer’s practicality:
- Front headroom is around 43 inches, and there’s 43 inches of legroom in the front.
- Second row seats offer 40.5 inches of headroom and 37.5 inches of legroom.
- Third row seats supply 38.9 inches of headroom and 31.8 inches of legroom.
- In terms of cargo space: behind the third row, you’ll have 16.3 cu.ft. of space, behind the second row is 46 cu.ft., and with both rows folded, you get a maximum cargo capacity of 85.8 cu.ft.
On the materials front, between touch-point surfaces like soft-touch dash tops, stitched door-armrests, seat coverings, and ambient lighting, the cabin feels less utilitarian and more premium than what you may find in older models. Combine that with quiet-cabin engineering—thicker glass, superb insulation, refined suspension—and the result is an SUV that’s comfortable for everyday commuting and long-haul trips alike.
From a safety and technology perspective, standard and available features include a 360-Degree Camera system, blind-spot monitoring with trailer coverage, Rear Cross Traffic Braking, and USB-C ports in each row so your passengers can keep their wireless devices powered on at all times. These details underline how this interior isn’t just spacious—it’s thoughtful, contemporary, and built to serve the entire family.
In short, the 2026 Explorer’s interior blends big-SUV utility with near-premium ambiance. It doesn’t just carry people—it carries them with comfort, technology, and confidence.
Performance
Behind the 2026 Ford Explorer’s doors lies a capability match for its expansive interior and modern flair. With proven engine options, a smooth 10-speed automatic transmission, and available all-wheel drive, this SUV is ready whether you’re hauling gear, towing trailers, or simply driving the kids around town.
Under the hood, you’ll find two main powertrain options: the standard 2.3L EcoBoost turbocharged I-4 engine, rated at 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. For those seeking more muscle, an available 3.0L twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 develops 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque on trims that support it. Both engines pair with the same transmission and offer either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, depending on your choice.
Towing capability is strong for the class—the 2026 Explorer has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs—and models fitted with the Class III Trailer Tow Package make hitching and hauling seamless. Terrain-ready versions such as the Tremor enhance that capability even further with off-road-tuned suspension, skid plates, and all-terrain tires that let you take the Explorer beyond the pavement.
Driving comfort is enhanced by selectable drive modes—Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery, Trail, Tow/Haul—which adjust throttle mapping, shift behavior, and steering feel to match your driving scenario. The suspension tuning emphasizes a controlled ride with minimized body roll, and the cabin remains quiet thanks to its excellent sound insulation and dampening materials.
Advanced driver-assist features support the performance envelope, too. The available BlueCruise hands-free highway driving system allows you to maintain lane positioning and speed on compatible highways. Meanwhile, systems such as Trailer Sway Control, Hill-Descent Control, and Active Park Assist add confidence whether you’re hauling a trailer or navigating crowded parking lots.
In practical terms, that means the 2026 Explorer is capable of being an everyday family SUV, a weekend adventure vehicle, or a comfortable long-distance cruiser all in one. It doesn’t compromise—whether you’re driving the kids to school, hitching the boat to the lake, or settling in for a long drive, the Explorer is built to serve.
And what’s most impressive about the 2026 Explorer is its ability to balance power with poise. It’s quick when you need it to be, but equally composed when cruising. The combination of strong engines, confident steering feedback, and finely tuned suspension makes the Explorer equally comfortable climbing mountain roads, merging in highway traffic, or gliding through city streets. It’s a vehicle that feels planted, capable, and reassuring—whether you’re behind the wheel for five minutes or five hours.
Trims
The 2026 Ford Explorer lineup offers distinct trims designed to match varying driver needs—from value-oriented to performance-driven to off-road focused. Each level builds upon the strong base of capability and comfort inherent in the model.
- Explorer Active: The entry trim presents excellent value, offering the 2.3L EcoBoost engine, standard digital displays, core driver-assist technologies, and family-friendly functionality. It’s a well-rounded pick for those who want three rows, technology, and practicality without extra complexity.
- Explorer ST-Line: Sport-inspired styling defines this version: black exterior accents, larger wheels, red interior stitching, and a B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen. It retains the 2.3L engine but adds sharper design cues and upgraded interior finishes.
- Explorer ST: Performance takes center stage here. With the potent 3.0L EcoBoost V6 engine under the hood, this trim delivers enhanced agility, quad exhaust tips, and a sport-tuned suspension. Ideal for drivers who want SUV space with a sporty mindset.
- Explorer Tremor: Built for adventure, this trim includes off-road-tuned suspension, raised ride height, front and rear deflector plates, all-terrain tires, and exclusive terrain management modes. If you go off the beaten path regularly, the Tremor is made for you.
- Explorer Platinum: At the top end, the Platinum trim blends luxury and tech. Premium leather seating, panoramic glass roof, a high-end 14-speaker premium audio system by Bang & Olufsen, and hands-free driving technology like BlueCruise are available at this level. Every detail speaks to refinement and sophistication.
Each trim retains a core set of high-value features: three-row seating, digital displays, strong engine options, and advanced safety tech. But as you move up, you gain more luxury, performance, or off-road capability—meaning there’s a version of the Explorer for nearly every driver profile:
- Value-focused families who want space and tech.
- Style-minded buyers who want sportiness without going full performance.
- Enthusiasts who want power and agility.
- Adventurers who need rugged capability.
- Luxury-oriented drivers seeking upscale comfort.
The 2026 Explorer demonstrates that versatility isn’t just about choosing a function—it’s about choosing a style that fits your life. And no matter which trim you pick, you’re getting a vehicle designed to deliver on that promise.
Get to Know Us
If you’re searching for three-row SUV capability, advanced tech, and refined design—all in one package—the 2026 Ford Explorer is a standout. At Future Ford of Sacramento, we’re proud to offer this new generation of the Explorer and to help area drivers discover exactly how it fits into their lives.
With decades of Ford experience, our team at Future Ford of Sacramento is committed to offering transparent, relaxed, and informative vehicle guidance. Whether you’re interested in the Active model for everyday utility, the ST for added performance, or the Tremor for weekend adventure, we’ll walk you through the choices and help tailor it to your lifestyle and budget.
Our on-site service center is staffed by Ford-certified technicians who know your vehicle inside and out, and our financing team will help you explore flexible options that make sense. At Future Ford of Sacramento, our goal isn’t just to sell you a vehicle—it’s to become your trusted partner in driving.
Explore the 2026 Ford Explorer in person or browse our online inventory to learn more. With space for your whole crew, power for your adventures, and technology for your everyday life, your next SUV begins here with Future Ford of Sacramento.
