2026 Ford Explorer Review: Interior, Engine & Price

2026 Ford Explorer Review: The three-row SUV segment is fiercely competitive, and the Ford Explorer remains a familiar and practical choice for families. After a significant refresh for the 2025 model year that modernized its interior and technology, the 2026 Ford Explorer carries over largely unchanged, with one notable exception: the addition of the new off-road-focused Tremor trim. This 2026 Ford Explorer Review examines whether this refreshed lineup can keep the Explorer competitive against formidable rivals like the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade [citation:1][citation:9].

The Ford Explorer has been a mainstay in the American automotive landscape for decades. For 2026, it continues to offer a spacious cabin, a choice of potent engines, and a variety of trims that range from the practical Active to the performance-oriented ST. This 2026 Ford Explorer Review will delve into every aspect of the SUV, from its updated technology to its driving dynamics, to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your family.

2026 Ford Explorer Review: Overview

This 2026 Ford Explorer Review finds a vehicle that is a solid, if not class-leading, option in the midsize SUV market. The Explorer provides a comfortable and spacious interior for the first two rows, a user-friendly tech suite, and strong engine performance. However, it trails some competitors in overall refinement and premium interior quality, and its third-row seating is best suited for children or short trips [citation:1][citation:5]. The new Tremor trim adds a rugged, off-road-focused alternative to the lineup for 2026.

2026 Ford Explorer Review: Expected Price and Release Date

The 2026 Ford Explorer is on sale now. Pricing for the 2026 Ford Explorer starts at $40,260 for the base Active trim and extends up to $56,700 for the high-performance ST model [citation:1][citation:5]. The new off-road-focused Tremor trim is priced from $48,965 [citation:11].

Car and Driver recommends the ST-Line trim as a good value, as it adds sporty styling cues from the ST and includes a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, heated second-row seats, and power-folding mirrors, all while retaining the standard 300-horsepower turbo four-cylinder engine [citation:1].

2026 Ford Explorer Review: Engine and Performance

The 2026 Ford Explorer offers a choice of two engines, both mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option on most trims [citation:1][citation:5].

Horsepower, Torque, and Acceleration

The base engine is a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder producing 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides ample power for daily driving and is paired with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. In testing, a four-cylinder Explorer accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 6.0 seconds [citation:1][citation:9].

For those seeking more performance, the ST and Tremor trims come with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 generating 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque [citation:1]. The ST model, with its sport-tuned suspension, can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.1 seconds, making it legitimately quick for a three-row SUV [citation:1].

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy is a strong suit for the four-cylinder Explorer. The EPA rates rear-wheel-drive models at 20 mpg city and 29 mpg highway, while all-wheel-drive versions achieve 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway [citation:1][citation:9]. In real-world highway testing, Car and Driver recorded 28 mpg from an all-wheel-drive four-cylinder Explorer, beating its EPA estimate [citation:1].

The V-6-powered Explorer ST is rated at up to 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway [citation:1]. On the same highway route, the ST matched its EPA highway rating, returning 25 mpg [citation:1].

Battery and Range for Hybrid

While the 2026 Ford Explorer does not offer a hybrid powertrain in North America according to Ford’s official specifications [citation:2], some international sources mention a 3.3-liter hybrid variant available in other markets [citation:4]. For the U.S. market, the Explorer remains exclusively a gasoline-powered vehicle for 2026.

2026 Ford Explorer Review: Driving Experience

The 2026 Ford Explorer offers a composed and predictable driving experience. Its rear-wheel-drive-based platform gives it a sporty feel that is uncommon in the segment, and even with all-wheel drive, the rear bias is noticeable and welcome [citation:5].

Long-distance highway comfort is a strong point, with a compliant suspension and reasonably quiet cabin [citation:5]. The ST model’s extra power and sport-tuned suspension make it genuinely quick and engaging, though its steering has been noted as less sporty than expected for a performance SUV [citation:5].

One of the Explorer’s standout features is BlueCruise, Ford’s hands-free highway driving system. Standard on all but the base Active trim, BlueCruise allows for hands-free driving on over 130,000 miles of pre-mapped North American highways, which feels natural and is one of the best systems of its kind [citation:5].

2026 Ford Explorer Review: Exterior Design

The 2026 Ford Explorer benefits from the exterior styling updates introduced in the 2025 refresh. These include a larger grille—unique to each trim—new LED headlights, and a revised liftgate with updated LED taillights [citation:5]. The new Tremor trim adds rugged exterior elements, including unique 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, revised bumpers for improved approach and departure angles, and a metallic gold accent package [citation:9][citation:2].

2026 Ford Explorer Review: Interior and Technology

The interior of the 2026 Ford Explorer received a significant upgrade for 2025, and those improvements carry over for 2026. The cabin is modern and spacious in the first two rows, with a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster standard across all trims [citation:1][citation:5].

The new Ford Digital Experience infotainment system, powered by Google, allows access to apps and services, video streaming while parked, and gaming via Google Play [citation:1][citation:9]. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and there are eight USB ports throughout the cabin [citation:1].

However, the 2026 Ford Explorer’s interior quality, while improved, still doesn’t match the premium feel of some rivals. There are still areas with hard plastics that feel subpar compared to similarly priced competitors [citation:5]. The third row is also cramped, with 31.8 inches of legroom, making it best suited for children [citation:1][citation:5].

2026 Ford Explorer Review: Safety Features

The 2026 Ford Explorer comes standard with the Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ suite of driver-assistance technologies. This includes forward-collision warning with automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control [citation:1][citation:5].

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the Explorer a five-star overall safety rating, and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave it a Top Safety Pick+ designation [citation:5][citation:9].

2026 Ford Explorer Review: Pros and Cons

• ✔️ Pros:
• Lively Engine Options: Both the turbo-four and V-6 provide strong performance, with the ST being genuinely quick [citation:1][citation:5].
• Available BlueCruise: Ford’s hands-free highway driving system is a significant tech advantage [citation:5].
• Sporty ST and Rugged Tremor: The lineup offers distinct options for performance and off-road enthusiasts [citation:1].
• User-Friendly Tech: The 13.2-inch touchscreen and Ford Digital Experience are modern and feature-rich [citation:5].

• ✖️ Cons:
• Cramped Third Row: The third-row seating is tight, especially for adults [citation:1][citation:5].
• So-So Interior Quality: The cabin still has too many hard plastics, even on higher trims [citation:5].
• No Hybrid Option: The Explorer lacks a hybrid powertrain, which is a significant competitive disadvantage [citation:1].

2026 Ford Explorer Review: Key Competitors

The 2026 Ford Explorer faces stiff competition in the midsize SUV segment. The Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade are widely considered top choices, offering more premium interiors and better value at a similar price point [citation:1][citation:9]. The Mazda CX-90 provides a more upscale and refined driving experience. The Honda Pilot and Toyota Grand Highlander are also key rivals that offer more spacious third rows and, in the Grand Highlander’s case, a highly efficient hybrid option [citation:9].

2026 Ford Explorer Review: Final Verdict

The 2026 Ford Explorer is a capable and practical family SUV that does many things well. Its strong engines, user-friendly technology, and the available BlueCruise system are significant highlights. However, this 2026 Ford Explorer Review finds that it falls short of the premium feel and overall refinement offered by its best competitors [citation:1]. The cramped third row and interior plastics that don’t match its price point are notable drawbacks. If you are looking for a sporty or rugged three-row SUV and value strong performance and tech, the Explorer is a solid choice. But for those prioritizing interior quality and third-row comfort, it’s worth cross-shopping the competition [citation:1][citation:9].

For more in-depth information and expert reviews, you can always check out the latest insights on the Ford Explorer at MotorTrend.