2026 Ford Explorer® Engine & Tow Specs Available in Shorewood, IL
Engaging and muscular, the two engine options for the 2026 Ford Explorer® are designed to amplify everything you and your crew want to accomplish throughout your busiest seasons of life. Choose between a 2.3L or 3.0L EcoBoost® engine with turbocharged thrills that lend excitement and responsive capability to your towing, hauling, or road-tripping days. Learn about the performance specs, options, and towing capability included with the 2026 Explorer using this research guide crafted by the team at Ron Tirapelli Ford. For more information about additional specs, features, and colors, see our Explorer review.
Our Ford dealership in Shorewood, IL, is your local Ford Explorer destination. Browse our current inventory to find the three-row SUV with the engine and features that you want. Then schedule a test drive and experience the power and precision for yourself.
More information about your chosen Explorer is just a call or quick message away. Contact one of our Ford SUV pros online or by calling (815) 725-3033 and we’ll be happy to help.
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2026 Ford Explorer Engine Comparison
Two EcoBoost engine options deliver the power and precision you require for everyday errands and weekend escapes in the 2026 Ford Explorer. The standard turbocharged 2.3L EcoBoost inline four-cylinder (I4) engine makes 300 horsepower and achieves up to 20 city and 29 highway MPG. For a higher level of performance, the Explorer offers a twin-turbo 3.0L EcoBoost V6 that makes 400 horsepower and gets up to 18 city and 25 MPG with either rear-wheel drive (RWD) or intelligent four-wheel drive (4WD). The 2.3L engine is paired with an 18.6-gallon fuel tank, while the larger 3.0L EcoBoost gets a larger 20.2-gallon gas tank.
See the engine specs for both Explorer EcoBoost engines in the following chart.
| Engine | 2.3L EcoBoost I4 | 3.0L EcoBoost V6 |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 300 HP | 400 HP |
| Max. Horsepower RPM | 5,500 RPM | 5,500 RPM |
| Torque | 310 lb.-ft. | 415 lb.-ft. |
| Max. Torque RPM | 3,500 RPM | 3,500 RPM |
| RWD Fuel Economy (City/Hwy) | 20 / 29 MPG | 18 / 25 MPG |
| 4WD Fuel Economy (City/Hwy) | 20 / 27 MPG | 18 / 25 MPG |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.6 gal. | 20.2 gal. |
| Drivetrain | RWD / intelligent 4WD | RWD / intelligent 4WD |
| Transmission | Ten-speed automatic | Ten-speed automatic |
2026 Ford Explorer Drivetrain
To help you maximize efficiency and sure-footed handling, depending on your needs, the 2026 Ford Explorer is available with either RWD or intelligent 4WD. You’ll find RWD equipped as the standard drivetrain on every trim except the new Tremor® model, which comes with standard 4WD capability. Beyond its drivetrain, the Explorer is available with a number of performance-enhancing systems and features, including:
- Terrain Management System™ — Each Explorer features this dial-selectable system, with up to six modes. With availability dependent on the trim you pick, the Explorer can include trail or off-road modes, plus normal, eco, sport, tow/haul, and slippery modes.
- Tremor® off-road features — Let the adventure begin in the newly available Explorer Tremor, complete with intelligent 4WD, a TORSEN® limited-slip differential, a raised off-road suspension, and other rugged mechanical and exterior features.
- ST enhancements — To complement its 400-horsepower 3.0L EcoBoost engine, the Explorer ST trim gets a nimble sport-tuned suspension system and performance brakes that support and enhance your overall driving experience.
2026 Ford Explorer Towing Capacity
The 2026 Ford Explorer is rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds with both of its engine options and either drivetrain. The maximum tongue hitch weight is 500 pounds. All six trim levels are standardly equipped with a Class III Tow Package, which incudes:
- Seven-wire harness and four-/seven-pin connector
- Class III hitch receiver
- Tow/haul mode
- Trailer sway control
- Lane keeping alert
2026 Ford Explorer FAQs
What is new for the 2026 Ford Explorer?
There is a new entry-level trim for the 2026 Ford Explorer, the Active 100A, as well as a new Tremor trim that is optimized for off-road capability. New options include a panoramic fixed glass roof across the trim lineup, Marsh Gray exterior paint, the Ford Connectivity Package as standard equipment, and a one-time purchase option for BlueCruise hands-free highway driving technology.
Does the 2026 Ford Explorer have all-wheel drive (AWD)?
The 2026 Ford Explorer includes standard intelligent 4WD with the Tremor trim and offers it as an upgrade with every other trim level.
2025 Ford Explorer® Engine Options & Towing Capacity | Near Plainfield, IL
Command the road ahead in the 2025 Ford Explorer® — a mid-size adventure-ready SUV that’s ready to take on daily commutes and family excursions. Learn more about its performance capabilities by reading this 2025 Ford Explorer engines and towing guide compiled by the team at Ron Tirapelli Ford. To explore its interior features, exterior color options, safety systems, and more, check out our Explorer review. For a complete list of the standard features of each trim, peruse our Explorer trims guide.
Browse our inventory at our dealership in Shorewood, IL, to select your preferred model, then schedule a test drive to experience it in person. Our friendly Ford experts are happy to assist you if you have any questions; simply reach out to us online or by phone at (815) 725-3033.
2025 Ford Explorer Engine Specs & Towing Chart
Accelerate into thrilling escapades in the 2025 Ford Explorer and its two turbocharged engine options. The 2.3L EcoBoost® inline four-cylinder (I4) engine produces 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. If you’re looking for more power, the 3.0L EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 engine achieves up to 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. Each Explorer model is equipped with the Class III Trailer Package, which enables your SUV to tow a maximum of 5,000 pounds so you can bring your camper, boat, or trailer along for the adventure.
See engine specifications and towing capabilities in the accompanying chart:
| Engine | 2.3L EcoBoost turbo I4 | 3.0L EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 300 HP | 400 HP |
| Torque | 310 lb.-ft. | 415 lb.-ft. |
| Drivetrain | RWD / 4WD | |
| Transmission | Ten-speed automatic | |
| MPG (City/Hwy) | 20 / 29 | 18 / 25 |
| Max. Towing | 5,000 lbs. | |
2025 Ford Explorer Drivetrain & Drive Modes
Both powertrains are paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission that provides reliable capability when you need it. The Explorer offers rear-wheel drive (RWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) with either engine. Additionally, the standard Terrain Management System™ boasts several drive modes — including normal, eco, sport, tow/haul, slippery, and trail — that provide optimized performance during various weather conditions. Deep snow/sand drive mode is available with 4WD.
Towing your favorite toys? Each Explorer model comes standard with a side-wind stabilization feature that is designed to keep your SUV steady during high winds.
2025 Ford Explorer Engine & Trim Availability
2.3L EcoBoost Turbo I4 Engine
The 2.3L EcoBoost inline four-cylinder (I4) engine is standard on the Active, ST-Line, and Platinum® trims.
3.0L EcoBoost Twin-Turbo V6 Engine
The 3.0L EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 engine is standard on the ST, but available on the Platinum trim.
Learn More About the 2025 Ford Explorer
Interested in learning more about the 2025 Ford Explorer? Further your research on its cutting-edge safety features, intuitive technologies, exterior color options, and more by reading our Explorer review. Or, find your favorite model by checking out our Explorer trims guide.
Questions? Please reach out to our Ford specialists at Ron Tirapelli Ford in Shorewood, IL, online or call us at (815) 725-3033.
2026 Ford Explorer for Sale in Shorewood, IL
Discover the Ford Explorer that’s right for you and your family at Ron Tirapelli Ford. Shop our available inventory, then schedule a test drive in Shorewood, IL, to take a closer look. Our team will be happy to help you learn more about your favorite SUV or take the next step toward leasing or buying the model that has caught your eye. Start the conversation with our online contact form or by calling us at (815) 725-3033.
May not represent actual vehicle. (Options, colors, trim and body style may vary)