2026 Ford Explorer
Three rows. Two powertrains. One SUV built for everything Hickory life demands. Explore specs, trims, and available inventory at Cloninger Ford of Hickory.
2026 Ford Explorer: Powertrain & Cabin Highlights
The 2026 Explorer is a genuine three-row midsize SUV that earns its place in the Catawba Valley with a powerful EcoBoost engine lineup, seating for up to seven, 5,000 lbs of towing capacity standard across all trims, and a cabin loaded with the technology families and adventurers expect. New for 2026: the trail-ready Tremor® trim joins the lineup, and a panoramic fixed glass roof is now available across more models than ever.
Powertrain & Capability
Engine specs, drivetrain options & towing hardware
Whether you're hauling the family down I-40 toward the mountains or towing a boat to Lake Norman for the weekend, the Explorer's EcoBoost powertrain lineup delivers the right balance of performance and efficiency for every trip out of Hickory.
- 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 — 300 hp / 310 lb-ft of torque; standard on Active, ST-Line, Tremor®, and Platinum™
- 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 — 400 hp / 415 lb-ft of torque; standard on ST, available on Tremor®
- Transmission: 10-speed SelectShift® automatic — standard on all trims
- Drivetrain: RWD standard on most trims; Intelligent 4WD available on all trims; standard on Tremor®
- Terrain Management System™: Up to 6 selectable drive modes — Normal, Eco, Sport, Tow/Haul, Slippery, and Trail or Off-Road (trim dependent)
- Towing Capacity: 5,000 lbs standard across all trims with the Class III Trailer Tow Package (included standard)
- EPA-Estimated Fuel Economy: Up to 21 city / 28 hwy (2.3L RWD)
- Tremor® Off-Road Hardware: Lifted off-road suspension, Torsen® limited-slip rear axle, steel underbody skid plates, all-terrain tires, and 8.7" ground clearance
- Seating Capacity: 6 passengers (captain's chairs, standard on most trims) or 7 passengers (available bench seat)
- Cargo Space: Up to 85.3 cu ft with rear seats folded
Cabin Technology & Comfort
Infotainment, safety tech & interior highlights
From the Ford Digital Experience infotainment system to available massaging leather seats, the Explorer's interior is built to make every mile — whether it's the school run through Hickory or a long weekend in the Blue Ridge — genuinely enjoyable for every passenger.
- Ford Digital Experience with large center touchscreen — standard across all trims
- Wireless Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™ — standard on all trims
- Available B&O Premium Audio by Bang & Olufsen — 10-speaker or 980-watt 14-speaker system with Sound Stage acoustic sound bar
- Available BlueCruise hands-free highway driving assist — subscription-based, available on ST-Line and above
- Available Panoramic Fixed Glass Roof — now offered across more trims for 2026
- Seating Options: Cloth (Active), premium cloth with contrast stitching (ST-Line), available leather-trimmed; available multicontour massaging seats (Platinum™ / ST)
- Available PowerFold® Third-Row Seats: Standard on ST and Platinum™; available on Tremor®
- Available Surround-View Camera System with top-down parking view
- Ford Co-Pilot360™: Standard suite including Pre-Collision Assist, BLIS, Lane-Keeping System, and Adaptive Cruise Control
- Available Ambient Interior Lighting with personalized color settings
2026 Ford Explorer Trims Compared: Find Your Perfect Match
| Trim | Standout Features | Ideal Buyer |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Active |
2.3L EcoBoost®, 10-speed automatic, standard Class III Tow Package (5,000 lbs), Ford Co-Pilot360™, wireless Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™, LED headlights & taillights, 18" alloy wheels, power liftgate, RWD standard with available Intelligent 4WD; available captain's chairs or 7-passenger bench seat | Families in the Catawba Valley who need a capable, roomy three-row SUV with strong standard features and no-fuss everyday practicality — at the Explorer's most accessible price point |
| ST-Line | Sport-tuned suspension, unique exterior styling with ST-Line badging, premium cloth upholstery with contrast stitching, B&O 10-speaker audio system standard, available BlueCruise hands-free driving assist, available panoramic fixed glass roof, available Premium Package adding leather-trimmed seats and additional tech upgrades | Drivers who want a sportier look and elevated interior without moving into full performance territory — the sweet spot for style-conscious Hickory-area families who still need three rows |
| New 2026 Tremor® |
Standard Intelligent 4WD, lifted off-road suspension, Torsen® limited-slip rear axle, steel underbody skid plates, all-terrain tires, 8.7" ground clearance, off-road auxiliary lights, unique orange accents & exclusive exterior styling, available 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 (400 hp), available PowerFold® third-row seats, 5,000 lb tow rating | Adventure-driven families who want a capable three-row SUV that's just as ready for a trail off the Blue Ridge Parkway as it is for weekend hauls around Hickory and the broader Catawba Valley |
| Platinum™ | 2.3L EcoBoost® standard, available Intelligent 4WD, leather-trimmed multicontour massaging front seats, available B&O 980-watt 14-speaker audio, available BlueCruise, available panoramic fixed glass roof, available surround-view camera, standard PowerFold® third-row seats, premium interior materials and finishes throughout | Buyers who want maximum luxury and comfort in a three-row SUV — ideal for frequent long-distance drivers and families who want the Explorer's capability wrapped in a refined, near-premium package |
| Performance ST |
3.0L EcoBoost® V6 standard (400 hp / 415 lb-ft), sport-tuned & lowered suspension calibrated to Ford Performance standards, 21" Magnetite-painted aluminum wheels, standard BlueCruise, standard PowerFold® third-row seats, standard B&O audio, standard surround-view camera, available Intelligent 4WD, 5,000 lb tow rating | Performance-first drivers who refuse to give up three-row utility — the fastest Explorer in the lineup, built for drivers who want a genuinely thrilling drive on I-40 and the mountain roads surrounding Hickory |
2026 Ford Explorer: Frequently Asked Questions
What engine options are available on the 2026 Ford Explorer?
The 2026 Explorer offers two turbocharged EcoBoost® engines. The 2.3L EcoBoost® four-cylinder (300 hp / 310 lb-ft) is standard on the Active, ST-Line, Tremor®, and Platinum™ trims. The more powerful 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 (400 hp / 415 lb-ft) is standard on the ST and available on the Tremor®. All trims pair with a 10-speed SelectShift® automatic transmission.
What is the new 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor® trim?
The Tremor® is brand new for 2026 and replaces the previous Timberline trim as the Explorer's off-road-focused model. It comes standard with Intelligent 4WD, a lifted off-road suspension, a Torsen® limited-slip rear axle, steel underbody skid plates, all-terrain tires, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance. Distinctive orange accents and off-road auxiliary lights give it a look to match its capability. The available 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 makes it the most powerful off-road Explorer ever offered.
How much can the 2026 Ford Explorer tow?
Every 2026 Explorer is rated to tow up to 5,000 lbs — and the Class III Trailer Tow Package that makes that possible comes standard on every trim at no extra cost. That's enough to haul a boat to Lake Norman or Lake Hickory, pull a loaded camper to the mountains, or tow recreational gear to any of the great outdoor destinations surrounding Hickory. Towing specs are consistent regardless of engine or trim choice.
How many passengers does the 2026 Ford Explorer seat?
The 2026 Explorer offers flexible seating for up to six or seven passengers depending on configuration. Second-row captain's chairs (6-passenger) are standard on most trims and offer a 2-2-2 seating layout with a walk-through to the third row. A second-row bench seat (7-passenger) is available on most trims as an upgrade. The Tremor® is only available with captain's chairs. All Explorers include a third-row bench, with PowerFold® third-row seats standard on the ST and Platinum™ and available on the Tremor®.
What is BlueCruise on the 2026 Explorer, and which trims offer it?
BlueCruise is Ford's hands-free highway driving assist system that allows the driver to take their hands off the wheel on pre-mapped, divided highways. For 2026, it has been updated with Automatic Lane Change capability for added convenience. BlueCruise is available on the ST-Line (via the Premium Package), standard on the ST, and available on the Platinum™. It requires an active subscription after an initial trial period.
Can I find a 2026 Ford Explorer at Cloninger Ford of Hickory?
Yes — Cloninger Ford of Hickory carries a wide selection of 2026 Explorer trims and configurations, including both RWD and Intelligent 4WD models across multiple trim levels. Because popular builds move quickly, we encourage you to browse our current online inventory or contact our sales team directly to check availability on specific trims, colors, and option packages. If your ideal configuration isn't on the lot, we're happy to assist with a factory order as well.