Ford Explorer Models, Specs & Features
The 2026 Ford Explorer remains a versatile SUV, be it for everyday errands in the city, or for the off-road adventure. There are five models, seating for up to seven passengers, and room up to 85.8 cubic feet of cargo space. You can choose a standard 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder with 300 horsepower or step up to a 3.0L twin-turbo V6 with up to 400 horsepower on select models. Every Explorer comes with a Class III Trailer Tow Package and can haul up to 5,000 lbs when properly equipped. Whether you want a road-trip hauler, a sport-tuned driver's SUV, or something built for the trail, there's an Explorer that fits. Let's take a closer look at the 2026 Ford Explorer, available at AutoNation Ford Gulf Freeway.
New Ford Explorer For Sale in HoustonWhat's New in 2026?
Every 2026 Explorer model now comes with the available Ford Security Package, included for a year from the new-vehicle warranty start date or purchasable as a one-time option, giving you theft alerts, remote start inhibit, and access to a dedicated stolen-vehicle recovery line. Two new colors join the lineup, Avalanche Gray and Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat. The Platinum model can now be upgraded with the available 3.0-liter EcoBoost engine, adding quilted leather seating and an exclusive wheel style, while Tremor models with that same engine can add the new Sun & Sound Package with an upgraded B&O® Sound System, massaging front seats, and a power moonroof. ST gains a brand-new dark-themed appearance option, the Sinister Package, with its own wheel style and amber accent lighting. Active, ST-Line, Platinum, and ST can now delete their standard roof rails with the new Slick Roof Conversion option, and every model offers the available panoramic Vista Roof® with power shade. Stop by AutoNation Ford Gulf Freeway in Houston to see everything the 2026 Explorer has to offer.
2026 Ford Explorer Model Lineup
The 2026 Explorer comes in five models, so you can find one that fits how your family likes to drive. The Active models run the 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and pair it with a 10-speed automatic. Step up to the ST and you get the 3.0L twin-turbo V6 with up to 400 horsepower standard. Every Explorer includes Ford Co-Pilot360® driver-assist features, a 13.2-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, and the Ford Digital Experience. Rear-wheel drive is standard on most models, and Intelligent 4WD is available across the lineup (standard on Tremor).
Explorer Active: Starting MSRP of $40,260, up to 20 city / 29 highway / 24 combined mpg
Explorer ST-Line: Starting MSRP of $45,995, up to 20 city / 29 highway / 24 combined mpg
Explorer Tremor: Starting MSRP of $50,995, up to 19 city / 23 highway / 21 combined mpg
Explorer Platinum: Starting MSRP of $52,455, up to 20 city / 29 highway / 24 combined mpg
Explorer ST: Starting MSRP of $55,455, up to 18 city / 25 highway / 21 combined mpg
Ford Explorer Colors
The 2026 Ford Explorer comes in seven colors, with three highlighted below. Other colors include Carbonized Gray Metallic, Marsh Gray, and Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat. Stop by or contact AutoNation Ford Gulf Freeway to learn more about the full color lineup.
Avalanche Gray
Vapor Blue Metallic
Agate Black Metallic
Learn More About the Ford Explorer
The 2026 Explorer is built to keep your whole family comfortable on every drive. A standard 13.2-inch touchscreen runs the Ford Digital Experience, putting your apps, navigation, and media where you need them. Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ come on every model. The available B&O® Sound System by Bang & Olufsen® comes in two options: a 10-speaker setup on most models or a 980-watt, 14-speaker system on higher models. Ford Co-Pilot360® driver-assist features come standard across the lineup with safety features including Pre-Collision Assist® with Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) with Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane-Keeping System, and Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go.
Standard Ford Co-Pilot360® with Adaptive Cruise Control
Watches the road ahead and can brake automatically if it senses a potential collision. Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go keeps you centered in your lane and adjusts your speed in heavy traffic.
Standard BLIS® with Cross-Traffic Alert and Trailer Coverage
Alerts you to vehicles in your blind spot when driving or changing lanes. When you're towing, Trailer Coverage extends that awareness to include the length of your trailer.
Available Ford BlueCruise® Hands-Free Highway Driving
On pre-mapped divided highways, BlueCruise lets you drive hands-free while keeping your eyes on the road, with Automatic Lane Change dynamically monitoring traffic and handling lane changes for you.
Available Ford Security Package
New for 2026 on every model: theft alerts through the Ford app, remote Start Inhibit to lock down your vehicle if a key is lost or stolen, and access to a dedicated 24/7 stolen-vehicle recovery line.
Interested in the Ford Explorer?
Visit AutoNation Ford Gulf Freeway to learn more about features, colors, availability, and options for the Ford Explorer. Our team is happy to walk you through every model and get you set up for a test drive in Houston.
