2026 Ford Explorer Review, Pricing, and Specs

Car and Driver

a day ago

Overview
Long a pillar of its segment, the Ford Explorer continues to provide a familiar mid-size solution to three-row family schlepping. After a much-needed mid-cycle refresh that upped its interior game last year, the Expedition's cabin is modern and spacious in the first two rows. Its wayback seating is passable for children and can be folded down when not in use, revealing a competitive amount of cargo space. The choice between a turbocharged four-cylinder and a twin-turbo V-6, along with either rear- or all-wheel drive, means the Explorer offers plenty of variety. However, it lacks the well-rounded appeal of rivals like the Mazda CX-90 and Kia Telluride, which are both more upscale and less expensive.
What's New for 2026?
Ford hasn't revealed any specific details on the 2026 Explorer. However, last year's mid-cycle refresh brought subtly revised exterior styling, interior design improvements, and a revamped tech suite, so it's unlikely that the Explorer will change in any significant way for 2026.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The price of the 2026 Ford Explorer is expected to start around $42,000 and go up to $56,000 depending on the trim and options.
Active
$42,000 (est)
ST-Line
$47,000 (est)
Tremor
$53,000 (est)
Platinum
$54,000 (est)
ST
$56,000 (est) 0 $10k $20k $30k $40k $50k $60k $70k $80k $90k
We think the ST-Line makes the most sense. It has the sporty cosmetic features of the ST and keeps the standard 300-hp turbo four-cylinder, but it's also significantly less expensive. It rolls on standard 20-inch painted alloy wheels (the Active has 18s), tows the same 5000 pounds as the V-6-equipped Explorers, and opens the door to the optional BlueCruise and black painted roof, which aren't available on the base Active. It also includes a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, a flat-bottom ST steering wheel, heated second-row seats, and power folding mirrors. We'd also add all-wheel drive for $2000.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The base Active, ST-Line, and Platinum trims come with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine rated for 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The ST is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 rated at 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet, and this V-6 is also optional on the Platinum. (All power figures are dependent on premium fuel.) A 10-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive are standard, but all-wheel drive is available. In our test drive, we found the Explorer's driving experience to be nearly identical to the previous version. Ride and handling are composed and predictable, and the Explorer ST's extra power makes it legitimately quick.
0–60-MPH Times
The base turbocharged 2.3-liter inline-four motivates the Explorer with a reasonable amount of authority. When we tested the Explorer with the four-cylinder engine in the now-discontinued Timberline trim in 2022, it hit 60 mph in 6.0 seconds. The lead-footed drivers among us will prefer the ST model, which is powered by a 400-hp twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 and got to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds in our testing.
View Exterior Photos
Michael Simari
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Car and Driver
Towing and Payload Capacity
The maximum towing capacity for the 2026 Ford Explorer is 5000 pounds. All models come with the Class III Towing package, which includes a hitch, a trailer wiring harness, and a trailer sway control system.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA hasn't released any fuel economy information for the 2026 Explorer yet, but without any significant changes, the newest Explorer should achieve similar results as last year's model. The thriftiest 2025 model had rear-wheel drive and the turbo four, which earned it ratings of 20 mpg city and 29 highway; all-wheel drive drops the highway figure 2 mpg. With the twin-turbo V-6, the 2025 Explorer was rated for 18 mpg city and 25 highway with rear- or all-wheel drive. On our 75-mph highway route, a 400-hp Explorer ST earned 25 mpg. We also tested a four-cylinder Explorer with all-wheel drive on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, where it returned 28 mpg, beating its EPA estimate by 1 mpg. For more information about the Explorer's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The Explorer's interior design has generally favored function over form, but its comfortable cabin got a boost last year with some new interior color schemes and the incorporation of more soft-touch materials on the center console, door panels, and dashboard. Getting into the standard third row is fairly easy thanks to a mechanism that moves the second-row seat out of the way at the touch of a button. Once back there, however, taller kids and adults will find that the seat is too close to the floor to be comfortable. Rivals such as the Chevrolet Traverse and Volkswagen Atlas provide more comfort in the third row. We managed to fit four carry-on suitcases behind the Ford's third row, and we fit a total of 31 carry-ons with both back rows folded flat.
View Interior Photos
Michael Simari
|
Car and Driver
Infotainment and Connectivity
A 13.2-inch LCD touchscreen infotainment system is standard. Standard software, dubbed the Ford Digital Experience, allows drivers to access apps and services from Google and Amazon, as well as with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto through compatible devices. With the vehicle parked, it allows users to stream videos from YouTube and other providers, browse the internet, and play games via Google Play. There are also eight USB ports—including two for third-row passengers and three 12-volt power sockets. A 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo is standard on all but the base Active Explorer.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Ford outfits every Explorer with a host of standard driver-assistance technology and offers upgrades such as self-parking assist. For more information about the Explorer's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
Standard blind-spot monitoring and rear-cross-traffic alert
Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Ford provides wholly average limited and powertrain warranties that align with most competitors' plans. However, the company doesn't provide the complimentary maintenance that Toyota and Chevy do.
Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
No complimentary scheduled maintenance
Specifications
Specifications
2025 Ford Explorer ST AWD
Vehicle Type: front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 6-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $57,755/$66,140
ENGINE
twin-turbocharged and intercooled, DOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 180 in3, 2956 cm3
Power: 400 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque: 415 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
TRANSMISSION
10-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 14.3-in vented disc/13.8-in vented disc
Tires: Pirelli Scorpion Zero All Season
275/45ZR-21 110W M+S
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 119.1 in
Length: 198.7 in
Width: 78.9 in
Height: 69.8 in
Passenger Volume, F/M/R: 63/56/36 ft3
Cargo Volume, Behind F/M/R: 85/46/16 ft3
Curb Weight: 4788 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 5.1 sec
100 mph: 13.8 sec
1/4-Mile: 13.8 sec @ 100 mph
130 mph: 29.1 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 5.8 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 3.1 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 3.7 sec
Top Speed (C/D est): 146 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 172 ft
Braking, 100–0 mph: 350 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.83 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 16 mpg
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 20/18/25 mpg
C/D TESTING EXPLAINED
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