Verified vehicle record
2026 Ford Explorer
A source-linked guide to the 2026 Ford Explorer trim range, powertrain choices, drivetrain, seating and capability. The 2026 Ford Explorer is a mid-size SUV that Kelley Blue Book lists in 5 trims, from the Active to the ST. Its engine choices are 2.3-liter 4-cylinder (EcoBoost, Turbo) and 3.0-liter V6 (EcoBoost, Twin Turbo). Power runs from 300 to 400 horsepower, and Kelley Blue Book lists four-wheel drive. Its curb weights run 4,360 to 4,688 lb and its combined fuel economy 20 to 23 mpg. Key figures on record: Powertrain 2.3-liter 4-cylinder (EcoBoost, Turbo), 3.0-liter V6 (EcoBoost, Twin Turbo), Output 300–400 hp, Drivetrain 4WD, Seating 6–7, Maximum towing 5,000 lb. Against the 2025 model year in Kelley Blue Book's rows, Tremor joins the lineup.
Current archiveChecked Sep. 20, 2026United States specification
Powertrain2.3-liter 4-cylinder (EcoBoost, Turbo), 3.0-liter V6 (EcoBoost, Twin Turbo)
Output300–400 hp
Drivetrain4WD
Seating6–7
Maximum towing5,000 lb
Decision answers19Trim, ownership and verification
Research paths
Move from the vehicle to the decision.
Compare like with like: the closest configuration, not an unrelated advertised maximum.
Record summary
What to know first
The 2026 Ford Explorer is a mid-size SUV that Kelley Blue Book lists in 5 trims, from the Active to the ST. Its engine choices are 2.3-liter 4-cylinder (EcoBoost, Turbo) and 3.0-liter V6 (EcoBoost, Twin Turbo). Power runs from 300 to 400 horsepower, and Kelley Blue Book lists four-wheel drive. Its curb weights run 4,360 to 4,688 lb and its combined fuel economy 20 to 23 mpg.
Model-year note
Against the 2025 model year in Kelley Blue Book's rows, Tremor joins the lineup.
Trim map
How the lineup separates.
Trim descriptions identify the meaningful change from one trim to the next; individual options can still vary.
| Trim | Place in the lineup | Notable equipment |
|---|---|---|
| Active | Entry trim | See full equipment map |
| ST-Line | Trim 2 of 5 | See full equipment map |
| Tremor | Trim 3 of 5 | See full equipment map |
| Platinum | Trim 4 of 5 | See full equipment map |
| ST | Top trim | See full equipment map |
01
Entry trim
Active
02
Trim 2 of 5
ST-Line
03
Trim 3 of 5
Tremor
04
Trim 4 of 5
Platinum
05
Top trim
ST
Trim-by-trim specifications
The 2026 Ford Explorer: 5 trims compared.
Kelley Blue Book specifications, one row per trim.
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drive | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | EPA city / hwy / comb | Seats | Basic warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Active | 2.3-liter 4-cylinder (EcoBoost, Turbo) | Automatic, 10-Spd | 4WD | 300 | 199 | 20 / 27 / 23 mpg | 7 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| ST-Line | 2.3-liter 4-cylinder (EcoBoost, Turbo) | Automatic, 10-Spd w/SelectShift | 4WD | 300 | 199 | 20 / 27 / 23 mpg | 7 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Tremor | 2.3-liter 4-cylinder (EcoBoost, Turbo) | Automatic, 10-Spd | 4WD | 300 | 199 | 19 / 23 / 21 mpg | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | |
| Platinum | 2.3-liter 4-cylinder (EcoBoost, Turbo) | Automatic, 10-Spd | 4WD | 300 | 199 | 20 / 27 / 23 mpg | 7 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| ST | 3.0-liter V6 (EcoBoost, Twin Turbo) | Automatic, 10-Spd w/SelectShift | 4WD | 400 | 415 | 18 / 25 / 20 mpg | 6 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Trim | Curb weight | Length | Height | Wheelbase | Ground clearance | Turning circle | Fuel tank | Front headroom | Front legroom | Towing | Tires |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Active | 4,360 lb | 198.7 in | 78.9 in | 119.1 in | 7.8 in | 38.7 ft | 17.9 gal | 40.7 in | 43 in | 5,000 lb | P255/65R18 |
| ST-Line | 4,360 lb | 198.7 in | 78.9 in | 119.1 in | 7.8 in | 38.7 ft | 17.9 gal | 40.7 in | 43 in | 5,000 lb | P255/55R20 |
| Tremor | 4,523 lb | 198.7 in | 78.9 in | 119.1 in | 8.7 in | 38.7 ft | 17.9 gal | 40.7 in | 43 in | 5,000 lb | P265/65R18 |
| Platinum | 4,360 lb | 198.7 in | 78.9 in | 119.1 in | 7.8 in | 38.7 ft | 17.9 gal | 40.7 in | 43 in | 5,000 lb | P255/55R20 |
| ST | 4,688 lb | 198.7 in | 78.9 in | 119.1 in | 7.8 in | 38.7 ft | 20.2 gal | 40.7 in | 43 in | 5,000 lb | P275/45R21 |
Equipment by trim
Which 2026 Ford Explorer trim has what.
Std is standard, Opt is optional, a dash means Kelley Blue Book lists it as not available.
| Equipment | Active | ST-Line | Tremor | Platinum | ST |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | |||||
| Adaptive headlights | – | – | – | Std | – |
| Anti-theft alarm | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Blind-spot alert | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Child door locks | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Child-seat anchors | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Forward collision warning | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Driver-attention monitor | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Hill-descent control | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Hill-start assist | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Pedestrian detection | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rearview camera | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Side-view cameras | – | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Surround-view camera | – | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Front and rear parking sensors | – | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rear parking sensors | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Electronic stability control | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Traction control | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Technology | |||||
| Built-in internet access | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Premium audio system | – | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Real-time traffic information | – | Std | – | Std | Std |
| Satellite radio | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Apple CarPlay or Android Auto | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Steering-wheel audio controls | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Touchscreen | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Parental (teen-driver) controls | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Comfort | |||||
| Heated front seats | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Heated rear seats | – | Opt | Std | Std | Std |
| Heated steering wheel | Opt | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Heated mirrors | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power front seats for driver and passenger | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power driver's seat | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Leather seats | – | – | – | Opt | – |
| Leather-wrapped steering wheel | – | Std | – | Std | Std |
| Front and rear climate zones | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Panoramic moonroof | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt |
| Tilt steering wheel | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Cup holders | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Third-row seat | Std | Std | Opt | Std | Std |
| Power-folding third-row seat | – | – | Opt | Std | Std |
| Folding rear seat | Opt | Std | Opt | Std | Std |
| Exterior and convenience | |||||
| Alloy wheels | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Fog lights | Opt | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Privacy glass | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rear spoiler | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Roof rails | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power-folding mirrors | – | – | Opt | Std | Std |
| Power liftgate or trunk | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| 12-volt power outlet | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power windows | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Remote keyless entry | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Remote engine start | Opt | – | Std | Std | Std |
| Push-button start | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Cruise control | – | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Integrated garage-door opener | – | Std | – | Std | Std |
| Rear-window defroster | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rain-sensing wipers | – | Opt | Opt | Std | Std |
Complete certification table
6 configuration records.
| EPA ID / label | Engine / technology | Drive / transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 49907Explorer AWD | 2.3L 4-cyl SIDI & PFIConventional | Part-time 4-Wheel DriveAutomatic 10-spd | Regular | 20 | 27 | 23 | N/A |
| 49906Explorer AWD | 3L 6-cyl SIDIConventional | Part-time 4-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S10) | Regular | 18 | 25 | 20 | N/A |
| 49878Explorer RWD | 2.3L 4-cyl SIDI & PFIConventional | Rear-Wheel DriveAutomatic 10-spd | Regular | 20 | 29 | 24 | N/A |
| 49877Explorer RWD | 3L 6-cyl SIDIConventional | Rear-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S10) | Regular | 18 | 25 | 21 | N/A |
| 49908Explorer Tremor AWD | 2.3L 4-cyl SIDI & PFIConventional | Part-time 4-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S10) | Regular | 19 | 23 | 21 | N/A |
| 50012Explorer Tremor AWD | 3L 6-cyl SIDIConventional | Part-time 4-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S10) | Regular | 17 | 22 | 19 | N/A |
Direct answers
19 questions tied to this model-year.
Each answer names its source.
Q01How many trims does the 2026 Explorer come in?
Kelley Blue Book lists 5 trims for the 2026 Ford Explorer (mid-size SUV): Active, ST-Line, Tremor, Platinum, ST.
Source: Kelley Blue Book
Q02What are the 2026 Explorer trims?
Kelley Blue Book lists these 5 trims for the 2026 Ford Explorer, in this order: Active, ST-Line, Tremor, Platinum, ST.
Source: Kelley Blue Book
Q03What engine or powertrain does the 2026 Explorer use?
The 2026 Ford Explorer is built around 2.3-liter 4-cylinder (EcoBoost, Turbo), 3.0-liter V6 (EcoBoost, Twin Turbo), rated at 300–400 horsepower across its mid-size SUV body style.
Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications
Q04Is AWD or 4WD available on the 2026 Explorer?
The 2026 Ford Explorer is offered with 4WD.
Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications
Q05What changed for the 2026 Explorer?
Against the 2025 model year in Kelley Blue Book's rows, Tremor joins the lineup.
Source: Kelley Blue Book model-year information
Q06How many recall campaigns does NHTSA list for the 2026 Ford Explorer?
NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation records 13 recall campaigns for the 2026 Ford Explorer, covering engine cooling, visibility/wipers, seats, engine.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall campaigns
Q07How did the 2026 Ford Explorer do in NHTSA's side crash and rollover tests?
The 2026 Ford Explorer earned 5 stars in the side crash test (5 stars driver side, 5 stars passenger side) and 4 stars for rollover resistance, a 14.7% to 15.1% chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program
Q08What brake fluid, refrigerant and key-fob battery does the 2026 Ford Explorer use?
The 2026 Ford Explorer owner's manual names a CR2032 coin-cell battery in the key fob. Source: 2026 Ford Explorer owner's manual.
Source: Manufacturer owner's manual
Q09What suspension does the 2026 Ford Explorer use?
MotorTrend describes the 2026 Ford Explorer's suspension this way. Front: a MacPherson-type strut design. Rear: a multi-link design.
Q10Did the 2026 Ford Explorer earn an IIHS Top Safety Pick award?
IIHS lists the 2026 Ford Explorer as a Top Safety Pick. IIHS states the rating applies to 2020-26, 2022-26 and 2025-26 models, based on a test of the 2020 Ford Explorer XLT 4-door 4wd.
Source: iihs.org (opens in a new tab)
Q11How did the 2026 Ford Explorer do in IIHS crash tests?
IIHS rated the 2026 Ford Explorer: Good in the small overlap front test, Good in the updated moderate overlap front test, Good in the updated side test. IIHS states the rating applies to 2020-26, 2022-26 and 2025-26 models, based on a test of the 2020 Ford Explorer XLT 4-door 4wd. Grades run Good, Acceptable, Marginal, Poor.
Source: iihs.org (opens in a new tab)
Q12What size wheels does the 2026 Ford Explorer have?
The 2026 Ford Explorer's wheel diameter is 18 inches on the Active and Tremor, 20 inches on the ST-Line and Platinum and 21 inches on the ST. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q13How much cargo space does the 2026 Ford Explorer Active RWD have?
CarBuzz lists 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space for the 2026 Ford Explorer Active RWD.
Source: CarBuzz model-year specification page
Q14What warranty does the 2026 Ford Explorer Active RWD come with?
CarBuzz lists the 2026 Ford Explorer Active RWD with basic coverage of 36 months or 36,000 miles, powertrain coverage of 60 months or 60,000 miles, corrosion coverage of 60 months with unlimited miles and roadside assistance of 60 months or 60,000 miles.
Source: CarBuzz model-year specification page
Q15What is the GVWR of the 2026 Ford Explorer Active 4dr SUV?
CarDealerships.com lists a gross vehicle weight rating of 5,770 pounds for the 2026 Ford Explorer Active 4dr SUV.
Source: CarDealerships.com model-year specification page
Q16What is the payload capacity of the 2026 Ford Explorer Active 4dr SUV?
CarDealerships.com lists a maximum payload of 1,467 pounds for the 2026 Ford Explorer Active 4dr SUV.
Source: CarDealerships.com model-year specification page
Q17How quickly does the 2026 Ford Explorer ST accelerate from 0 to 60 mph?
0-60Specs.com lists a tested 0 to 60 mph time of 4.9 seconds (Car and Driver) for the 2026 Ford Explorer ST.
Source: 0-60Specs.com model-year specification page
Q18How do the 2026 Ford Explorer trims differ from one another?
The ST-Line has cruise control, fog lights, a folding rear seat and 8 more as standard equipment over the Active. The Tremor has heated rear seats and remote engine start as standard equipment over the ST-Line. The Platinum has adaptive headlights, a folding rear seat, an integrated garage-door opener and 6 more as standard equipment over the Tremor. The ST has 400 hp against 300 over the Platinum.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q19What does the 2026 Ford Explorer cost across its trims?
Kelley Blue Book's national base prices for the 2026 Ford Explorer run from $40,260 for the Active to $58,700 for the ST, across 5 trims.
Source: Kelley Blue Book
Live NHTSA evidence
Current federal safety records for 2026 Ford Explorer.
Exact-vehicle evidence desk
Move from the guide to the VIN record.
Trim research establishes the marketed lineup. These primary-source paths resolve recall applicability, manufacturer-submitted identity fields and exact EPA configuration data.
01 · NHTSARatings, recalls, complaints and manufacturer communicationsExact model-year search → (opens in a new tab)02 · NHTSACheck unresolved safety recalls by VINOfficial remedy status → (opens in a new tab)03 · vPICDecode manufacturer-submitted vehicle attributesInternal VIN tool →04 · EPAResolve the exact fuel-economy configuration1984–current browser →
Other model years
Compare the Ford Explorer across model years.
Source trail
Evidence behind the record
01
Kelley Blue Book 2026 Ford Explorer specificationsPer-trim specifications and standard and optional equipment
↗ (opens in a new tab)02FuelEconomy.gov vehicle dataEPA-certified configuration and fuel-economy records
↗ (opens in a new tab)03NHTSA vehicle data and recallsVIN attributes, safety campaigns and ratings
↗ (opens in a new tab)Specifications and pricing can change after publication. Critical purchasing decisions should be confirmed against the exact vehicle window sticker or manufacturer build record.