The 2026 Ford Explorer comes in five trims: Active, ST-Line, Tremor, Platinum and ST. The Tremor is brand new for 2026, and it adds trail-ready gear to the lineup. If you're shopping around Lexington Park, California or Leonardtown, this guide breaks down what each trim adds, what it costs and which one fits the way you drive.
2026 Ford Explorer trims at a glance
Here's the quick version. Prices are starting MSRP, including the $1,695 destination charge, as of September 2026. Pricing sources don't all agree, so treat these as "starting around" numbers [CONFIRM: 2026 Explorer starting prices on ford.com Build & Price]. Pricing changes; see current offers at Lexington Park Ford Lincoln.| Trim | Starting MSRP (incl. destination) | Engine | Drivetrain | Wheels | BlueCruise |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Active (100A) | About $40,160 | 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 | RWD; 4WD available | 18-in | Optional |
| Active (200A) | About $42,280 | 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 | RWD; 4WD available | 18-in | Optional |
| ST-Line | About $46,850 | 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 | RWD; 4WD available | 20-in | Optional |
| Tremor | About $50,160 | 2.3L EcoBoost I-4; 3.0L V6 optional | 4WD standard | 18-in, all-terrain tires | Optional |
| Platinum | About $52,660 | 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 | RWD; 4WD available | 20-in | Standard |
| ST | About $56,600 | 3.0L twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 | RWD; 4WD available | 21-in | Standard |
2026 Ford Explorer specs that apply to every trim
A few 2026 Ford Explorer specs are worth knowing before you compare trims.Engines. The 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder makes 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The 3.0L twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 is standard on the ST and optional on the Tremor. It launched at 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft. Starting with mid-2026 production, Ford rates it at 385 horsepower because of a new particulate filter. Torque stays at 415 lb-ft.
Drivetrain. Rear-wheel drive is standard. Intelligent 4WD is available on every trim and standard on the Tremor.
Cargo space. You get 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row and about 46 behind the second row. Max cargo is 85.8 cubic feet on the Active and ST-Line, and 85.3 on the Tremor, Platinum and ST.
Fuel economy (EPA estimates, city/highway/combined mpg).
| Setup | MPG |
|---|---|
| 2.3L RWD | 20/29/24 |
| 2.3L 4WD | 20/27/23 |
| Tremor 4WD | 19/23/21 |
| ST RWD | 18/25/21 |
| ST 4WD | 18/25/20 |
2026 Ford Explorer Active
The 2026 Ford Explorer Active is the starting point, and it's a strong one. You get the 300-horsepower 2.3L engine, the 13.2-inch screen, 18-inch wheels and seating for seven. It comes with either the 100A or the better-equipped 200A package. BlueCruise hands-free highway driving is available as an option. If you want the most Explorer for the money, start here.2026 Ford Explorer ST-Line
The ST-Line gives you the sporty look of the ST without the V6 price. It uses the same 2.3L engine as the Active and steps up to 20-inch wheels. It's a nice middle ground if style matters to you but you don't need the extra power. BlueCruise is optional.Ford Explorer Tremor (new for 2026)
The Ford Explorer Tremor is the one people are asking about. It's built for dirt roads and rough boat launches. The Tremor adds a 1-inch lift, skid plates, a Torsen limited-slip differential and off-road lights. It rides on 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, and 4WD is standard. The 2.3L engine is standard, and you can add the 3.0L V6. BlueCruise is optional.2026 Ford Explorer Platinum
The Platinum is the comfort pick. It uses the 2.3L engine, rides on 20-inch wheels and comes standard with BlueCruise. That includes a plan for 1 year plus 90 days. If you spend a lot of time on Route 235 or the drive up to D.C., hands-free driving on approved highways can make those trips easier.2026 Ford Explorer ST
The ST is the performance Explorer. It gets the 3.0L twin-turbo V6 as standard, 21-inch wheels and standard BlueCruise with the same 1-year-plus-90-day plan. RWD is standard, with 4WD available. If you want a family SUV that is quick off the line, this is it.Which 2026 Explorer trim should you buy?
The daily commuter or Pax River driver. If you drive to NAS Patuxent River every day, the Active or ST-Line makes sense. The 2.3L RWD setup has the best EPA highway rating in the lineup at 29 mpg. Add BlueCruise if you do longer highway trips.The weekend Chesapeake family. Hauling kids, coolers and beach chairs to the water? Look at the Platinum or an Active with the 200A package. Add 4WD for wet grass and sandy lots. All trims tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, which covers many small boats and utility trailers.
The performance or off-road fan. Want speed? Go with the ST. Want to explore back roads around Great Mills and St. Mary's County? The Tremor, with its lift, skid plates and standard 4WD, is built for it.
Ready to compare in person? Browse our new Ford Explorer inventory [CONFIRM: Explorer inventory link filters correctly] or see all new vehicles.
Frequently asked questions
How much can the 2026 Ford Explorer tow? Every 2026 Explorer trim can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. That's true for both the 2.3L and the V6. Check your trailer weight and ask us about the right towing setup.Is 4WD standard on the 2026 Ford Explorer? Rear-wheel drive is standard on most trims. Intelligent 4WD is available on every trim. The Tremor is the only trim with 4WD standard.
Which 2026 Explorer trims have BlueCruise? BlueCruise is standard on the Platinum and ST, with a plan for 1 year plus 90 days included. It's optional on the Active, ST-Line and Tremor.
Why did the Explorer V6 horsepower change? The 3.0L twin-turbo V6 launched at 400 horsepower. Starting with mid-2026 production, Ford rates it at 385 horsepower because of a new particulate filter. Torque stays the same at 415 lb-ft.