To find the right three-row SUV, you need to balance your family’s seating, cargo, and safety needs with your budget. The 2026 Ford Explorer meets many different needs, no matter your lifestyle. With trims for specific Chester County lifestyles, you can balance your wants with your budget. Our team at John Kennedy Ford Phoenixville put together this guide to the 2026 Ford Explorer trim levels, highlighting each model’s unique features, styling elements, and capabilities.
New Features for the 2026 Model Year
The biggest news for the 2026 Ford Explorer is the new Tremor trim. This model boosts the lineup’s off-road capabilities with a suspension lift, a Torsen limited-slip rear differential, skid plates, all-terrain tires, and 18-inch wheels. The other 2026 Ford Explorer trims retain key features from the 2025 refresh, including modernized exterior styling with updated front and rear fascias, an improved interior design, and new technologies.
The Ford Digital Experience infotainment system comes standard. You can choose between a turbocharged four-cylinder and a twin-turbo V-6, along with rear- or all-wheel drive (AWD). The 2026 Explorer’s varied trim options differentiate it from rivals in the crowded three-row SUV segment, such as the Kia Telluride, Hyundai PALISADE, and Honda Pilot.
Active 100A
With a starting MSRP of $38,465, the entry-level 2026 Ford Explorer sets a strong foundation for the lineup with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine paired to a smooth 10-speed automatic transmission. Despite its approachable price, it’s packed with technology, including a 13.2-inch center display and the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite with features like Adaptive Cruise Control. Drivers can tailor performance through selectable drive modes, while the standard Class III Trailer Tow Package and power liftgate add everyday versatility for towing and weekend trips.
Active
The 2026 Ford Explorer Active, with a starting MSRP of $40,585, offers excellent value. It comes with 18-inch Sparkle Silver-painted aluminum wheels, manual-folding sideview mirrors with black caps, LED headlamps and taillamps, lights, and black roof rack side rails. The 2.3-liter EcoBoost I-4 engine delivers 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, ideal for merging onto the I-76 or tackling the hills of Pennsylvania.
You can choose between the standard second-row captain’s chairs, which provide easy access to the third row, and a 35/30/35-split fold-flat bench seat for enhanced cargo space and flexibility. The Active has a six-speaker audio system, a 13.2-inch touch screen, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality.
Fuel efficiency ratings for the 2026 Explorer Active are impressive for a three-row SUV. With the base engine, the rear-wheel drive (RWD) version is rated at an estimated 20 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, while AWD variants earn 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
ST-Line
The Explorer ST-Line is a smart choice if you prioritize a sporty aesthetic, advanced tech, and balanced performance. Its notable features include 20-inch Ebony machined-painted aluminum wheels, LED signature lighting, and distinctive black lower bodyside cladding with chrome accents.
Inside, you’ll find a Bang & Olufsen sound system with 10 speakers, a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel, ActiveX-trimmed seats with cloth inserts and red stitching, and heated second-row seats. The starting MSRP for the 2026 ST-Line is $45,155.
Tremor
The all-new Tremor, which replaces the Timberline model, is perfect if you want to tackle Valley Forge Park’s trails with confidence. Ford offers it with a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine producing 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, making this the most powerful off-road Explorer ever. It delivers serious off-road capability while maintaining daily driving comfort.
The SUV’s purpose-built suspension with specially tuned springs and sway bars provides an extra inch of ride height for improved ground clearance. Its redesigned front bumper ensures a better approach angle, while steel skid plates protect the underside. A limited-slip rear differential enhances traction on slippery surfaces.
Distinguishing features on this trim include unique front tow hooks, a grille with off-road auxiliary lights, and exclusive exterior badges and graphics. The Tremor continues its adventure theme inside with features such as trim-exclusive logos on the front seats, a flat-bottom steering wheel with accent stitching, and heated and ventilated first-row seats. The starting MSRP for the rugged 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor is $48,645.
ST
The 2026 Ford Explorer ST is powered by the turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine and can achieve a 0-to-60 mph sprint time of around 5.1 seconds. At a starting MSRP of $54,905, you can expect performance-enhancing standard features such as a sport-tuned suspension, RWD with six selectable drive modes, and SelectShift capability with paddle shifters.
Distinctive 21-inch Magnetite-painted aluminum wheels wrapped in all-season tires and quad chrome exhaust tips give the ST a rugged appearance. Upgraded interior features include ActiveX seating surfaces with Miko inserts, red stitching and ST logos, PowerFold third-row seats, and ambient lighting.
Platinum
The top-tier Platinum emphasizes luxury and comfort. It boasts multicontour front seats, leather seating surfaces with Miko micro-perforated inserts and accent stitching, an eight-way power driver seat, and a 980-watt, 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system. The available panoramic fixed glass roof creates a feeling of spaciousness and floods the cabin with natural light. The 2026 Ford Explorer Platinum offers a first-class driving experience at a starting MSRP of $50,965.
2026 Ford Explorer Trim Levels Comparison
Each of the 2026 Ford Explorer trims offers distinct enhancements. Most feature the turbocharged 2.3-liter engine, with the more powerful 3.0-liter V-6 standard on the ST and optional on the Tremor. Both engines pair with a 10-speed automatic transmission and RWD, but AWD is available. All models come with the Class III Trailer Tow Package and have a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
The lineup caters to diverse priorities with the well-rounded and practical Active, the performance-focused ST, the sporty yet high-tech ST-Line, the sophisticated Platinum, and the all-new, adventure-ready Tremor.
Find Your Perfect 2026 Explorer at John Kennedy Ford Phoenixville
Whether you’re seeking affordability, high performance, off-road capability, or luxury, the 2026 Ford Explorer offers a model to fit your preferences and budget. Our team at John Kennedy Ford Phoenixville understands the needs of Pennsylvania drivers. We’re familiar with the 2026 Explorer trims and will help you find the model that perfectly suits your lifestyle. Contact us or visit our dealership today to schedule a test-drive and experience this exciting new vehicle firsthand.
Images from ford.com
Connect with us
