Although it wasn't the first sport utility vehicle when it came out in 1991 as a replacement for the Bronco II, the Ford Explorer was the first mainstream SUV. Once the Explorer hit the streets, everyone had to have an SUV, and all the manufacturers answered by offering their own SUVs like the Explorer. Now, 35 years later, the Explorer remains one of the best-selling SUVs of all time in the American market.
The 2026 Ford Explorer SUV continues its role as a suburban family shuttle slotted between the larger Expedition and the smaller Escape in the brand's SUV lineup. With its three rows, powerful engines, top-notch features and offering more off-road capabilities this year, the Explorer continues to be a standout in its class.
After a much-needed mid-cycle refresh last year that gave the Explorer a new grille, headlights, and lower air inlets, along with new taillights, the Explorer continues to look much like it did when this sixth generation made its debut in 2020.
The Explorer's strong point is its family-friendly interior and third-row seat capability. While that back row is not as comfortable as some rivals, just knowing that it's there for when you need it buys some peace of mind. Fold it down, and it reveals a reasonable amount of cargo space.
New for 2026 is the off-road, go anywhere Tremor trim package. Replacing the Timberline trim, the Tremor should sound familiar as it is available on other Fords including the F-150, Super Duty, Expedition and Maverick.
The Explorer is available in six trim levels, each sculpturing the Explorer in a distinct way. The Active 100A is the base, but doesn't feel that way, as it comes with 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, keyless entry and start, three zone climate control and a 13.2-inch touchscreen. Move up to the Active and a power liftgate, 10-way power seat and heated front seats are added. Step up to the ST-Line, and the Explorer changes into a sportier outfit by blacking out its grille, emblems and lower body cladding along with 20-inch wheels, adaptive cruise control and BlueCruise (Ford's hands-free driving system). The new Tremor package fits the Explorer with 18-inch all-terrain tires, a 1-inch raised suspension, a limited slip rear differential, skid plates and grill-mounted auxiliary lights. To highlight the Tremor package, orange accents can be found both on the exterior and well as the interior. The ST retaining the blacked-out look from the ST-Line and adds 21-inch wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, upgraded brakes and paddle shifters. Rounding out the lineup is the Platinum. It gets 20-inch wheels, a twin-panel sunroof, leather interior with suede inserts and heated second row seats.
The Active 100A, Active, and ST-Line are powered by Fords EcoBoost turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder that makes 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. The Tremor and Platinum also come standard with the turbo four, but the more powerful EcoBoost V6, which uses a twin turbocharged 3.0-liter that makes 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft. of torque, is available as an option. The performance-oriented ST gets the EcoBoost V6 as standard equipment.
The tester arrived as the Explorer Tremor with the optional EcoBoost V6. It carries a price tag of $64,705.
I recall previous Explorers having an interior design that generally favored function over form. That changed last year as Ford has focused on comfort and upgraded materials and has incorporated new soft-touch surfaces on the center console and door panels, and new color schemes. A redesigned dashboard is shaped to provide front passengers with more space. Second row seats continue to be roomy and getting into the standard third row is easy thanks to a mechanism that moves the second-row seat out of the way at the touch of a button. Also new is the Ford Digital Experience - a new software system that is designed to easily integrate a user's favorite apps and provide native streaming and internet browsing.
The main emphasis of the Explorer is to be able to haul passengers and cargo. The first two rows of seats provide great comfort for its occupants. The standard third row seat is a bit tight for me but won t pose a problem for children. Maximum cargo capacity is about 87 cubic feet, typical for this class.
The Explorer Tremor that I am in is motivated by the turbocharged V6 and with its whopping 400 hp, can hit 60 mph in just a tick over 5 seconds. Even the base four is no slouch, as I recall it needed just a second more to reach the same speed. So far, I have been surprised with how well the Tremor's off-road suspension does in city driving. The damping feels composed and smooth throughout and it takes corners well, so far never hinting of floating or being unstable. I hope to take the Explorer Tremor off-road, to get a taste of what it can do.
The Explorer sure has come a long way since it hit stardom back in the 1990's. Like many of us, it has gotten bigger as time has gone by. But it has aged well and grown to be more luxurious, comfortable and capable. While it may not get the credit and recognition that it deserves, the Ford Explorer set a trend in this country that is still alive and well.