2026 Ford Explorer® Model Information in Barrington, IL
Make the most of your active lifestyle with the dynamic, capable, and spacious 2026 Ford Explorer®. As the mid-size three-row SUV in the Ford lineup, the Explorer boasts a versatile interior, two muscular engine options, and some of today’s latest connectivity and driver assistance features. Learn more about all the Explorer has to offer using this model review crafted by the team at Wickstrom Ford.
Find your new Ford Explorer for sale in Barrington, IL, and form a firsthand impression of its systems and space on a test drive.
Have questions about the Explorer? Your dedicated Wickstrom Ford representative will be happy to answer all of them when you contact us online or by calling (847) 381-8850. They will be your guide through each step of the shopping journey with us — just the first step in a streamlined approach to vehicle shopping we call The Wickstrom Way.
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What’s New for the 2026 Ford Explorer?
New trim options and available tech define the 2026 Ford Explorer. The Active 100A is the new base trim for the 2026 model year, and the Tremor® is a new, off-road-oriented trim that provides an off-road suspension, underbody cladding, and all-terrain tires. Newly included with a one-year subscription, the Ford Connectivity Package gives you 5G connectivity with unlimited Wi-Fi® data and the ability to connect to video conferencing, video streaming, and other entertainment apps. If you want the convenience and support of BlueCruise hands-free highway driving technology, the 2026 Explorer is available with a one-time purchase option for the hardware and subscription.
What are the new features, changes, and options for the 2026 Ford Explorer?
- New trims: Active 100A and Tremor
- Panoramic fixed glass roof with power shade optional
- New 18- through 21-inch wheel designs
- ST trim offered with second-row bench seat
- Ford Connectivity Package
- BlueCruise one-time purchase subscription option
2026 Ford Explorer Interior Design & Technology
Comfortable and connected for top-tier versatility, the 2026 Ford Explorer interior is designed to support your everyday needs. As the new base trim for the 2026 model year, the Active 100A model includes a power driver’s seat, second-row captain’s chairs, tri-zone automatic climate control, and the Ford Digital Experience with a 13.2-inch center display and wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ connectivity as standard equipment. With each step up the trim ladder, new interior and technology features range from heated and ventilated seats with Active Motion® massage to a heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel, wireless device charging, and a 14-speaker B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen® with ten speakers.
What are the Ford Explorer standard and available interior features?
Standard (Active 100A):
- Unique cloth seat upholstery
- Six-way power driver’s seat
- Four-way manual front passenger’s seat
- Second-row captain’s seats with E-Z Entry and armrests
- Third-row 50/50 split-fold bench seat
- Tri-zone automatic climate control
Available in higher trims:
- Ten-way power driver’s seat
- Eight-way power front passenger’s seat
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Heated second-row seats
- ActiveX® and cloth, ActiveX with Miko® inserts, or leather seat upholstery
- Multicontour front seats with Active Motion
- 35/30/35-split second-row bench seat or second-row captain’s seats with E-Z Entry and armrests
- PowerFold® third-row seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Vinyl- or leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Ambient lighting
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
Optional:
- Premium leather seat upholstery with quilting and stitching
- Quilting and stitching on door panels
- Panoramic fixed glass roof with power shade
What are the standard and available Ford Explorer technology features?
Standard (Active 100A):
- 12.3-in. instrument cluster display
- Ford Digital Experience with 13.2-in. center display
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- SiriusXM® with 360L capability
- 4G/5G modem
- Six USB ports in first and second rows
- Six speakers
- Ford Connectivity Package capability
- 5G connectivity for Ford Digital Experience
- Unlimited Wi-Fi hotspot
- Audio and video streaming
- Productivity (video conferencing and web browser)
- Voice assistant
- Entertainment
Available in higher trims:
- Active noise cancellation
- Two third-row USB ports
- B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen with ten speakers or 14 speakers, including subwoofer
- HD Radio™
- Remote start system
- Universal garage door opener
- 110V/150W AC power outlet
2026 Ford Explorer Engine & Performance
Two potent engine options provide responsive strength and towing ability for your family’s daily drive in the 2026 Ford Explorer. With the standard 2.3L EcoBoost® inline four-cylinder (I4) engine, you get 300 horsepower and up to 29 highway MPG. Upgrade to the 3.0L EcoBoost V6, which is standard with the ST and available with the new Tremor trim, for 400 horsepower and up to 25 MPG on the highway. Both engines can tow up to 5,000 pounds thanks to the Class III Trailer Tow Package included with every Explorer trim.
What are the Ford Explorer engine options and performance specs?
| Engine | 2.3L EcoBoost I4 | 3.0L EcoBoost V6 |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 300 HP | 400 HP |
| Torque | 310 lb.-ft. | 415 lb.-ft. |
| MPG (City/Hwy) | 20 / 29 | 18 / 25 |
| Max. Towing | 5,000 lbs. | 5,000 lbs. |
| Drivetrain | RWD / intelligent 4WD | RWD / intelligent 4WD |
| Transmission | Ten-speed automatic | Ten-speed automatic with SelectShift® |
2026 Ford Explorer Capacity & Seating
Adaptable and spacious, the 2026 Ford Explorer offers generous room for both passengers and cargo. Three rows of seating allow you to accomodate up to seven people in the Explorer, with 43 inches of legroom in the front seats, 37.5 inches of legroom in the second row, and 31.8 inches in the third row. The Explorer offers up to 85.8 cubic feet of cargo volume when the rear two rows of seats are folded down.
What are the Ford Explorer interior dimensions and cargo specs?
| Max. Seating | Seven |
|---|---|
| Interior Volume | 150.3 cu.-ft. |
| Headroom (First/Second/Third Row) | 40.7 / 40.5 / 38.9 in. |
| Legroom (First/Second/Third Row) | 43 / 37.5 / 31.8 in. |
| Max. Cargo Volume | 85.8 cu.-ft. |
| Cargo Volume Behind Second Row | 46 cu.-ft. |
| Cargo Volume Behind Third Row | 16.3 cu.-ft. |
2026 Ford Explorer Safety Options
Respond and react to dynamic situations on the road with support from the advanced safety features in the 2026 Ford Explorer. The Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist+ suite is standard in the Active 100A trim, and includes systems like adaptive cruise control, BLIS® (blind spot information system) with trailer coverage, and rear cross-traffic braking. Higher trim levels add features like a 360-degree camera and BlueCruise hands-free highway driving technology, elevating your driving experience with premium visibility and support.
What are the standard and available Explorer safety and security options?
Standard (Active 100A):
- Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+
- Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go and lane centering
- Auto high-beam headlights
- BLIS with cross-traffic alert, exit warning, and trailer coverage
- Intersection assist
- Lane keeping system
- Pre-Collision Assist® with automatic emergency braking
- Rear cross-traffic braking
- Rearview camera
- Rear parking sensors
- Post-collision braking
- Speed sign recognition
- Rear parking sensors
- SecuriLock® passive anti-theft system
- Perimeter alarm
Available in higher trims:
- 360-degree camera with split view
- Front parking sensors
- BlueCruise hands-free highway driving capability
2026 Ford Explorer Available Colors
- Star White Metallic Tri-Coat
- Vapor Blue Metallic
- Marsh Gray
- Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat
- Agate Black Metallic
- Space White Metallic
- Carbonized Gray Metallic
2026 Ford Explorer Available Trims
- Active 100A $38,465*
- Active $40,585*
- ST-Line $45,155*
- Tremor $48,465*
- Platinum® $50,965*
- ST $54,905*
2025 Ford Explorer® Model Information in Barrington, IL
Step into an SUV that’s designed for your active lifestyle with the 2025 Ford Explorer®. Robust engine options, premium tech, eye-catching colors, and a spacious interior keep your day moving forward with ease, comfort, and confidence in this three-row model. Read more about everything the Explorer has to offer, from the price to the performance specs, cargo space, interior design, colors, and more with this model review from the Ford pros at Wickstrom Ford. More details about the standard features in each Explorer trim option are available on our trims page.
Ready to take the next step in your shopping journey? See the new inventory at our dealership and schedule a test drive with your favorite new Ford Explorer for sale in Barrington, IL. Then, see whether one of our Ford Explorer lease deals makes it the right choice for your monthly budget.
Have a question about the Explorer for your dedicated Wickstrom Ford sales associate? Reach out online or by calling us at (847) 381-8850. We are dedicated to creating a special shopping experience for each of our customers — something we like to call The Wickstrom Way.
2025 Ford Explorer Exterior Design
Bring your daily routine to life with the dynamic looks and versatile exterior features available on the 2025 Ford Explorer. The classic Explorer profile is punctuated by standard LED headlights at the front of the vehicle, with available adaptive functionality for greater visibility around corners. Three different wheel sizes and a wide range of designs ensure you find the sleek or sporty look you’re after in your new SUV. Accentuate the mystique of the Explorer with unique black exterior styling details and blackout treatment on the lights for the ST-Line and ST trims.
Available exterior features include:
- 18-, 20-, or 21-in. wheels
- Adaptive LED headlamps
- LED fog lamps
- LED taillamps
- Heated, power-folding, power-adjustable, side mirrors with security approach lamps, LED turn signal indicators, memory, and driver’s side auto dimming
- Rear privacy glass
- Power liftgate
- Roof rack side rails
- Front and rear skid plates
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Panoramic Vista Roof® with power shade
- Four-door Intelligent Access
2025 Ford Explorer Interior Design & Technology
Luxurious amenities greet you from the moment you step into the 2025 Ford Explorer. Inside, this family-friendly SUV boasts all-season comfort with heat and ventilation for the front seats and heat for the rear seats, along with a standard tri-zone automatic temperature control system so you, your co-pilot, and your rear-seat passengers can ride in comfort. Soft-touch materials abound, from cloth to leather with Miko® inserts and premium sanctuary leather that pairs with sumptuous quilted paneling on the doors with the Lux Leather Package.
Digital innovations fill the cabin with intuitive ways to stay entertained and in command throughout every drive. The 2025 Explorer includes a standard 13.2-inch touchscreen that provides easy access to the Ford Digital Experience — with Google Built-in capabilities, wireless smartphone compatibility, and Amazon Alexa Built-in capability for voice command integration. It’s connectivity for the modern era. Fill the cabin with rich tones and powerful beats through the available 980-watt B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen® with 14 speakers.
Available interior features include:
- Unique cloth, ActiveX® with cloth, ActiveX with Miko inserts, leather with Miko micro-perforated inserts, or premium sanctuary leather seat upholstery
- Ten-way power driver’s seat
- Eight-way power front passenger’s seat
- Heated and ventilated, multicontour front seats with Active Motion® massage
- Heated second-row seats
- Second-row 35/30/35 split-fold-flat bench seat with E-Z Entry or second-row captain's chairs with E-Z Entry
- Third-row 50/50 split-fold bench seat or PowerFold® third-row seats
- Tri-zone automatic temperature control
- Heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Power tilt/telescoping steering column
- Ambient interior lighting
- Memory function for side view mirrors and driver's seat
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- Quilting and stitching on door panels
- Second-row sunblinds
Available technology features include:
- 12.3-in. instrument panel productivity screen
- Ford Digital Experience with 13.2-in. touchscreen
- Amazon Alexa Built-in
- Google built-in
- Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
- FordPass® Connect with 5G LTE Wi-Fi® hotspot capability
- SiriusXM® with 360L capability
- USB, 12V, and 110V/150W AC power outlets
- Wireless charging pad
- Universal garage door opener
- Remote start
- Six speakers, ten-speaker B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen, or 980-watt B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen with 14 speakers, including subwoofer
- HD Radio™
2025 Ford Explorer Engine & Performance
Busy schedules and big days require power you can count on. Both 2025 Ford Explorer engines deliver dependable muscle and robust capability. With the 300-horsepower 2.3L EcoBoost® inline four-cylinder (I4) engine, you get not only muscle, but efficiency — with up to 29 MPG on the highway. The 400-horsepower 3.0L EcoBoost V6 engine offers thrilling acceleration and a connected driving experience with the ST trim, with its SelectShift® transmission capability with paddle shifters and sport-tuned suspension. Because family fun is better with all your toys and trailer along for the ride, both Explorer engine options can tow up to 5,000 pounds using the standard Class III Trailer Tow Package.
Both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and intelligent four-wheel drive (4WD) systems are available, which you can optimize using the Terrain Management System™ with selectable off-road, slippery, tow/haul, sport, eco, and normal drive modes.
See the Explorer engine specs in the accompanying chart.
Engine | 2.3L EcoBoost turbo I4 | 3.0L EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 |
Horsepower | 300 HP | 400 HP |
Torque | 310 lb.-ft. | 415 lb.-ft. |
MPG (City / Hwy) | 20 / 29 | 18 / 25 |
Max. Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs. | 5,000 lbs. |
Transmission | Ten-speed automatic | |
Drivetrain | RWD / 4WD | RWD / 4WD |
2025 Ford Explorer Capacity & Seating
When your to-do list requires generous cargo space and seating for up to seven, the 2025 Ford Explorer is ready to help. Its three-row cabin offers 43 inches of front legroom and 39 inches of legroom in the second row. With both the rear rows folded down, the Explorer yields up to 85.8 cubic feet of cargo space. Behind the third row, you’ll find over 16 cubic feet of cargo space — ideal for quick pick-ups or backpacks.
Consider the Explorer interior specs in the following table.
Max. Seating | Seven |
Passenger Volume | 152.9 cu.-ft. |
Headroom (First/Second/Third Row) | 40.7 / 40.5 / 38.9 in. |
Legroom (First/Second/Third Row) | 43 / 39 / 32.2 in. |
Cargo Volume (Max./Behind Second/Behind Third Row) | 85.8 / 46 / 16.3 cu.-ft. |
2025 Ford Explorer Safety Options
Base your peace of mind upon the extensive collection of safety features in the 2025 Ford Explorer. The powerful Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist+ suite includes nice-to-have systems like adaptive cruise control with modern essentials like Pre-Collision Assist® with automatic emergency braking and rear cross-traffic braking for comprehensive support. In select trims, you gain enhanced camera visibility thanks to the available 360-degree camera system which, combined with the front and side parking sensors, makes navigating into tight spaces easier. The pinnacle of driver assistance in the Explorer is BlueCruise hands-free highway driving system, which functions on compatible highways, allowing you to enjoy the journey.
Available safety features include:
- Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+
- Adaptive cruise control with stop and go and lane centering
- Auto high beams
- BLIS® (blind spot information system) with cross-traffic alert, exit warning, and trailer coverage
- Evasive steering assist
- Intersection Assist 2.0
- Lane-keeping system
- Pre-Collision Assist with automatic emergency braking
- Rear cross-traffic braking
- Rearview camera
- Reverse parking assist
- Post-collision braking
- Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0
- 360-degree camera with split view
- Front and side parking sensors
- Intersection Assist 2.2
- BlueCruise 1.2
- Lane change assist
- In-lane repositioning
2025 Ford Explorer Available Colors
- Star White Metallic Tri-Coat
- Vapor Blue Metallic
- Agate Black Metallic
- Carbonized Gray Metallic
- Space White Metallic
- Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat
2025 Ford Explorer Available Trims
- Active — $40,050
- ST-Line — $45,020
- Platinum — $52,525
- ST — $54,770
Learn More About the Ford Explorer
Continue researching the Ford Explorer with help from the SUV professionals at Wickstrom Ford. Our Explorer trims guide contains detailed lists of features included with each model option.
Consider the differences between all your favorite models when you schedule a test drive at our Ford dealership in Barrington, IL. We offer both new Explorer SUVs and a carefully selected inventory of used Explorer models to choose from. If you want a new model, focus your shopping on the models that align with our current Explorer lease offer.
Connect with your dedicated Ford expert from Wickstrom Ford and let us answer any questions you may have about the Explorer — contact us online or by calling (847) 381-8850.
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