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2026 Ford Explorer® Model Review | Shorewood, IL
Balancing power, practicality, and innovation, the 2026 Ford Explorer® is ready to keep up with your family’s active lifestyle. This mid-size SUV delivers spirited performance through its two capable engine options and a host of intelligent technologies. With its versatile three-row seating and thoughtful amenities throughout, the Explorer is ready for every family adventure. Learn more about the key features the 2026 Ford Explorer offers with this comprehensive model review prepared by the team at Ron Tirapelli Ford.
To further assist in your research, our Ford Explorer trims guide provides a detailed overview of the standard features of each trim.
Browse our inventory to find the 2026 Ford Explorer trim that aligns with your unique needs and personal style. Schedule a test drive of your preferred model to get behind the wheel at our Ford dealership in Shorewood, IL. Our experts are here to answer any questions you may have — reach out to us at (815) 725-3033 or contact us online.
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2026 Ford Explorer Interior Design
Indulge in the array of premium amenities that surround you and your passengers in the 2026 Ford Explorer. Choose from a range of seat upholstery options, including unique cloth, ActiveX®, ActiveX with Miko® inserts, leather, or leather with micro-perforated inserts. Heated, ventilated, and multicontour front seats with Active Motion® massage functionality enhance year-round driving comfort. Passengers enjoy added flexibility with either second-row captain’s chairs with E-Z Entry and armrests or a second-row 35/30/35 split-fold-flat bench seat. The available panoramic fixed glass roof bathes the cabin in natural light, creating an open and relaxed interior atmosphere.
Available interior features include:
- Unique cloth, ActiveX and cloth, ActiveX and Miko, leather, or leather seat upholstery with tri-diamond micro-perforated inserts
- Ten-way power driver’s seat with memory function
- Eight-way power front passenger’s seat
- Second-row captain’s seats with E-Z Entry and armrests or a 35/30/35-split second-row bench seat
- Third-row 50/50 split-fold bench or PowerFold® third-row seat
- Heated, ventilated, multicontour front seats with Active Motion massage
- Heated second-row seats
- Heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Tri-zone automatic temperature control
- Panoramic fixed glass moonroof with power shade
- Power tilt/telescoping steering column
- Power liftgate
- Ambient interior lighting
2026 Ford Explorer Engine Specs
Enjoy confident capability in the 2026 Ford Explorer with its two available EcoBoost® powertrain options. The standard 2.3L EcoBoost turbo inline four-cylinder (I4) engine delivers 300 horsepower and up to 29 highway MPG. For higher output, choose the 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, boasting an impressive 400 horsepower and up to 25 highway MPG. Each engine is matched to a ten-speed automatic transmission and can be configured with either a rear-wheel (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) drivetrain. Both powertrains have a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, letting you take your small- or mid-size fishing boat or a pair of jet skis to the lake for summertime fun.
When traversing rougher trails, the available Terrain Management System™ adapts to fluctuating ground conditions with its selection of drive modes, including normal, eco, boost, tow/haul, slippery, trail, and deep snow/sand. The ST trim heightens performance through its sport-tuned suspension, while the higher-end Tremor® provides enhanced traction and control with standard intelligent 4WD, an off-road optimized suspension, and a TORSEN® limited-slip differential.
View the Ford Explorer engine specifications in the accompanying table.
| Engine | 2.3L EcoBoost I4 | 3.0L EcoBoost V6 |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 300 HP | 400 HP |
| Torque | 310 lb.-ft. | 415 lb.-ft. |
| MPG (City/Hwy) | 20 / 29 | 18 / 25 |
| Max. Towing | 5,000 lbs. | |
| Drivetrain | RWD / intelligent 4WD | |
| Transmission | Ten-speed automatic | |
2026 Ford Explorer Safety & Technology Specs
Drive with peace of mind in the 2026 Ford Explorer. The standard Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist+ suite provides a range of advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control, BLIS® (blind spot information system) with cross-traffic alert, Pre-Collision Assist® with automatic emergency braking, rear parking sensors, a lane keeping system, a rearview camera, and intersection assist. Higher-end trims are equipped with the Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 suite, enhancing driving confidence even further with features like front parking sensors and a 360-degree camera with split view. BlueCruise technology is available in select trims for hands-free driving on compatible highways.
Stay connected to your digital world in the 2026 Ford Explorer with its multitude of cutting-edge technology features. The standard 12.3-inch instrument cluster display provides vital driving information. The Ford Digital Experience system with a 13.2-inch center display seamlessly integrates with your smartphone via wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, putting your contacts and essential apps right at your fingertips. An available 14-speaker B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen® provides a fully immersive sonic experience when enjoying your favorite playlists, podcasts, or audiobooks.
Available safety features include:
- Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+
- Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go and lane centering
- Auto high-beam headlights
- BLIS with cross-traffic alert, exit warning, and trailer coverage
- Intersection assist
- Lane keeping system
- Pre-Collision Assist with automatic emergency braking
- Rear cross-traffic braking
- Rearview camera
- Rear parking sensors
- Post-collision braking
- Speed sign recognition
- Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0
- Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ features
- 360-degree camera with split view
- Front parking sensors
- SecuriLock® passive anti-theft system
- Perimeter alarm
- Trailer sway control
- AdvanceTrac® with RSC® (Roll Stability Control™)
- Ford BlueCruise hands-free highway driving
Available technology features include:
- 12.3-in. instrument cluster display
- Ford Digital Experience with 13.2-in. touchscreen
- Six speakers, or ten- or 14-speaker B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen with a subwoofer
- Google built-in
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- FordPass® Connect with 5G LTE Wi-Fi® hotspot capability
- SiriusXM® with 360L capability
- HD Radio™
- First-, second, and third-row USB ports
- 110V/150W AC power outlet
2026 Ford Explorer Cargo Space & Seating Capacity
Designed to handle your family’s active lifestyle, the 2026 Ford Explorer combines comfort, versatility, and intelligent design in a spacious three-row layout. The Explorer accommodates up to seven passengers when configured with a second-row bench seat or six with the available second-row captain’s seats, with plenty of legroom for everyone to stretch out on those extended journeys. With all three rows upright, 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space offers plenty of room for groceries, luggage, and other essentials. When bulkier items require expanded space, fold down the second and third rows to enjoy up to 85.8 cubic feet of cargo room.
View the Ford Explorer dimensions in the accompanying table.
- Length: 198.7 in.
- Wheelbase: 119.1 in.
- Passenger Volume: 150.3 cu.-ft.
- Max. Seating: Seven
- Headroom (First/Second/Third Row): 40.7 / 40.5 / 38.9 in.
- Legroom (First/Second/Third Row): 43 / 37.5 / 31.8 in.
- Max. Cargo Volume: 85.8 cu.-ft.
- Cargo Volume Behind Second Row: 46 cu.-ft.
- Cargo Volume Behind Third Row: 16.3 cu.-ft.
2026 Ford Explorer Color Options Available
- Star White Metallic Tri-Coat
- Vapor Blue Metallic
- Agate Black Metallic
- Space White Metallic
- Carbonized Gray Metallic
- Marsh Gray
- Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat
2026 Ford Explorer Trim Levels
- Active 100A $38,465*
- Active $40,585*
- ST-Line $45,155*
- Tremor $48,465*
- Platinum™ $50,965*
- ST $54,905*
2026 Ford Explorer FAQs
Was the Ford Explorer Redesigned for 2026?
The 2026 Ford Explorer largely carries over the major updates introduced in its 2025 model refresh, with the only significant change being the addition of the base model Active 100A and the off-road-focused Tremor trims.
How Much Is the Ford Explorer?
The MSRP of the Ford Explorer starts at $38,465 MSRP for the Active 100A base trim, with the highest level trim, the ST, starts at $54,905.
2025 Ford Explorer® Review | Colors, Cargo, & Specs | Ron Tirapelli Ford
Looking for a family-friendly SUV that’s ready to handle your fun escapades and weekday commutes? The 2025 Ford Explorer® may be the ideal choice for you. It boasts a smooth ride, two engine options, and impressive towing power. Continue reading this 2025 Ford Explorer review created by the experts at Ron Tirapelli Ford to learn more about this three-row SUV. Discover the standard features of each model by checking out our Explorer trims page.
Browse the inventory at our dealership in Shorewood, IL, and view our model hub page to explore other Ford vehicles. Once you find a favorite Explorer trim, schedule a test drive with one of our representatives. If you have questions, reach out to us online or by phone at (815) 725-3033.
2025 Ford Explorer Interior Design & Cargo Space
The 2025 Ford Explorer cabin exudes sophistication and comfort to enhance your everyday drives. Unique cloth, ActiveX®, or leather upholstery line the seats, depending on the trim you select. With standard heated front seats and available heated second-row seats, you and the crew can stay warm when the temperature drops. Moreover, passengers can set their individual climate with the standard tri-zone automatic temperature control. For ultimate comfort, utilize the ventilated, multicontour front seats with an Active Motion® massage function, which is available on top models.
When you’re ready to gear up for adventure, the 2025 Ford Explorer offers a maximum cargo volume of 85.8 cubic feet when the second row and available PowerFold® third row are folded. You can configure the Explorer to your liking by choosing second-row captain's chairs or seats. This SUV can accommodate up to seven travelers if you select the second-row seats.
Available interior features include:
- Unique cloth, ActiveX, or leather seat upholstery
- Ventilated, multicontour front seats with Active Motion massage
- Eight-way power driver’s seat
- Six-way power front passenger’s seat
- Heated second-row seat or captain's chairs with E-Z Entry
- PowerFold third-row seats
- Heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Ambient interior lighting
- Auto-dimming rearview and driver's side view mirrors
2025 Ford Explorer Technology & Safety
Experience the innovative technology that adorns the interior of the 2025 Ford Explorer. The standard Ford Digital Experience can be accessed on the 13.2-inch touchscreen. Seamlessly connect your smartphone to wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ to play music, open apps, and more. Keep your phone charged when you’re on the go with the available wireless charging pad. Additionally, the Platinum® and ST models offer an available 14-speaker B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen®.
Available technology features include:
- 14-speaker B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen with a subwoofer
- Wireless charging pad
- Universal garage door opener
- Remote start
- 110V/150W AC power outlet
Feel confident wherever you roam in the 2025 Ford Explorer with its modern safety systems. Standard Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist+ provides you with numerous features, including evasive steering assist, post-collision braking, adaptive cruise control, and more. This SUV also boasts various security components, such as a perimeter alarm and a SecuriLock® passive anti-theft system. Higher trims offer the available Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0, which includes more advanced driver-assist features.
Standard safety features include:
- Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+
- Adaptive cruise control with stop and go and lane centering
- Auto high beams
- BLIS® (blind spot information system) with cross-traffic alert, exit warning, and trailer coverage
- Evasive steering assist
- Intersection Assist 2.0
- Lane-keeping system
- Pre-Collision Assist® with automatic emergency braking
- Rear cross-traffic braking
- Rearview camera
- Reverse parking assist
- Post-collision braking
- AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™
2025 Ford Explorer Engine Specs
The open road is calling from behind the wheel of the 2025 Ford Explorer. Conquer it with one of two engine options — the 2.3L EcoBoost® turbo inline four cylinder (I4) or the hearty 3.0L EcoBoost twin-turbo V6. Both engines are paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission and can tow a maximum of 5,000 pounds. The 3.0L EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 engine is standard on the ST model and available on the Platinum.
See engine specifications in the following 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 | RWD / 4WD |
| Transmission | Ten-speed automatic | Ten-speed automatic |
| Max. Towing | 5,000 lbs. | 5,000 lbs. |
2025 Ford Explorer Color Options
- Agate Black Metallic
- Carbonized Gray Metallic
- Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat
- Star White Metallic Tri-Coat
- Space White
- Vapor Blue Metallic
2025 Ford Explorer Trim Levels
- Active – $39,755*
- ST-Line – $44,515*
- Platinum – $51,655*
- ST – $55,505*
2024 Ford Explorer® Review | Cargo Space & Color Options
Take on your everyday adventures in a bold mid-size SUV like the 2024 Ford Explorer®. Featuring impressive accommodations, versatility, high-tech innovation, and powerful performance, the Explorer has everything you need to enjoy your journey. For more information about the 2024 Ford Explorer, check out the following review created by the Ron Tirapelli Ford team. For further information about each model’s standard features, visit our current Ford Explorer trims guide.
Find the model that speaks to you in our inventory, and get behind the wheel when you visit our Ford dealership in Shorewood, IL. If you have inquiries for our experts, contact us online or call us at (815) 725-3033.
2024 Ford Explorer Interior Design & Cargo Space
The 2024 Ford Explorer is a great choice for those who want to complement their modern adventures with a well-designed, comfortable, and spacious three-row interior. This SUV can accommodate up to six passengers with the option of second-row captain's chairs or up to seven passengers with a second-row bench seat. The standard tri-zone automatic climate control, available heated front and second-row seats, and available twin-panel moonroof work together to create a comfortable experience for all.
If you need to maximize your cargo space, the 2024 Explorer offers PowerFold® third-row seats, making it easy to free up space for larger cargo items, with 47.9 cubic feet of volume behind the second row and 18.2 cubic feet behind the third. If you need even more space, you can fold both rear rows to access a maximum cargo volume of 87.8 cubic feet.
Available interior features include:
- Cloth, unique cloth, ActiveX®, leather, or Del Rio leather seats
- Ten-way power driver’s seat; eight-way power front passenger’s seat
- PowerFold third-row seats
- Heated front and second-row seats
- Ventilated front seats
- Tri-zone automatic climate control
- Heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Multi-color ambient interior lighting
2024 Ford Explorer Engine & Tow Specs
Traverse the open road with an SUV that can keep up with your adventurous spirit. The 2024 Ford Explorer offers a choice of two powerful EcoBoost® engines, both paired with a smooth ten-speed automatic transmission. You can choose between rear-wheel drive (RWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) options for an experience tailored to your preferences.
For those who enjoy off-roading, the 2024 Explorer has a Terrain Management System™, which provides up to seven different drive modes for various types of terrain. Additionally, if you need to tow heavy loads, the available 3.0L EcoBoost V6 engine can handle up to 5,600 pounds with the Class IV Trailer Tow Package. See the accompanying chart for engine specifications.
| Engine | 2.3L EcoBoost I4 | 3.0L EcoBoost V6 |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 300 HP | 400 HP |
| Torque | 310 lb.-ft. | 415 lb.-ft. |
| Transmission | Ten-speed automatic | Ten-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD / 4WD | RWD / 4WD |
| Max. Towing | 5,300 lbs. | 5,600 lbs. |
2024 Ford Explorer Safety & Technology
Drive with confidence thanks to the suite of high-end safety features available on the 2024 Ford Explorer. With Ford Co-Pilot360® technology, you get an extra set of eyes on the road through features such as blind spot monitoring, lane management, and a rearview camera. Meanwhile, the available Active Park Assist 2.0 system and 360-degree split-view camera improve visibility and make parking a breeze. For even more peace of mind, the Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ safety suite offers assistive driving technologies, including adaptive cruise control and speed sign recognition, to help reduce stress during your daily commute.
Available safety features include:
- 360-degree camera with split-view display
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Active Park Assist 2.0
- Ford Co-Pilot360 technology
- Pre-Collision Assist® with automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, and dynamic brake support
- Auto high beams
- BLIS® (blind spot information system) with cross-traffic alert
- Lane-keeping assist
- Lane-keeping alert
- Driver alert
- Rearview camera with backup assist grid lines
- Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+
- Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go and lane-centering
- Evasive steering assist
- Speed sign recognition
Prepare for an innovative drive inside the 2024 Ford Explorer. Cutting-edge tech, like the standard SYNC® 3 infotainment system, helps you stay connected on the go — you can pair it with either an 8-inch or portrait-style 10.1-inch touchscreen. Stay in touch no matter where the road takes you with seamless smartphone integration, available wireless charging, and an available Wi-Fi® hotspot.
Available technology features include:
- 4.2-, 6.5-, or 12.3-in. productivity screen
- SYNC 3 infotainment system with 8- or 10.1-in. touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
- FordPass® Connect 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot
- Wireless charging pad
- Six speakers or B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen® with 12 or 14 speakers
2024 Ford Explorer Exterior Color Options
- Agate Black Metallic
- Carbonized Gray Metallic
- Forged Green Metallic
- Iconic Silver Metallic
- Star White Metallic Tri-Coat
- Stone Blue Metallic
- Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat
2024 Ford Explorer Trim Levels
- Explorer - $36,860*
- XLT - $38,670*
- ST-Line - $46,455*
- Limited - $47,520*
- Timberline® - $49,430*
- ST - $50,105*
- King Ranch® - $54,625*
- Platinum - $54,770*
2026 Ford Explorer for Sale in Shorewood, IL
Ron Tirapelli Ford is where you’ll find the new Ford Explorer. Browse our inventory to find the specific trim that meets the needs of you and your family. Schedule a test drive of your preferred trim at our dealership in Shorewood, IL, to experience it for yourself. Questions? Call us at (815) 725-3033 or message us online.
May not represent actual vehicle. (Options, colors, trim and body style may vary)