2026 Ford Explorer

2026 Ford Explorer in Youngstown, OH

The 2026 Ford Explorer solidifies its reputation as a premier three-row midsize SUV, engineered to accommodate the evolving demands of modern families. Available at #1 Cochran Ford Boardman in Youngstown, Ohio, the latest Explorer line balances dynamic performance capabilities with a premium interior layout, making it an excellent option for navigating winter weather across the Mahoning Valley or embarking on extended highway road trips.

Performance and Powertrain Versatility

The 2026 Explorer provides balanced power and efficiency through two proven EcoBoost engine options. Standard on most trims—including the Active, ST-Line, and Platinum—is a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine generating a robust 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. For drivers prioritizing heightened acceleration and passing power, the high-performance ST model features a standard 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine that pumps out an impressive 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. This potent V6 is also available as an upgrade on the luxurious Platinum trim.

An exciting addition for the 2026 model year is the off-road-oriented Tremor trim. Positioned between the ST-Line and the ST, the Explorer Tremor features a lifted suspension for enhanced ground clearance, steel underbody protection plates, a Torsen limited-slip rear axle, and rugged all-terrain tires. Both engines across the lineup are paired with a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive comes standard on several models, while Intelligent Four-Wheel Drive with a selectable Terrain Management System is widely available to maximize traction. When equipped with the standard Class III Trailer Tow Package, the Explorer delivers a maximum towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds.

Cabin Comfort and Exterior Design

The exterior design of the 2026 Explorer features an athletic profile characterized by a prominent front grille architecture, sharp LED lighting signatures, and sleek body lines. Inside, the cabin prioritizes flexible cargo space and premium passenger accommodations for six or seven occupants, depending on whether second-row captain's chairs or a bench seat configuration is chosen.

The interior layout offers up to 85.8 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity with the rear rows folded flat. Everyday convenience is enhanced by an available power liftgate and PowerFold third-row seating. Premium trims elevate overall comfort by offering multicolor ambient lighting configurations, a heated steering wheel, and high-quality upholstery choices ranging from durable ActiveX material to leather seating surfaces with multi-contour massaging front seats.

Advanced Infotainment and Connectivity

The dashboard layout focuses heavily on a tech-centric driving experience known as the Ford Digital Experience. The central hub features a highly responsive 13.2-inch center touchscreen display paired with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. This software supports seamless wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, alongside built-in navigation, Google, and Amazon applications. For an enhanced audio experience, select trims feature a premium Bang & Olufsen sound system. Higher-tier models also introduce available BlueCruise hands-free highway driving technology, which includes an Automatic Lane Change feature to ease driving fatigue during highway trips.

Ford Co-Pilot360 Safety Suite

Passenger protection remains standard via the Ford Co-Pilot360 driver-assist suite. This comprehensive system monitors traffic surroundings in real-time to alert drivers and intervene when necessary:

Pre-Collision Assist: Includes Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning, and intersection collision mitigation to help avoid or lessen frontal impacts.

Blind Spot Information System (BLIS): Offers clear visual alerts on the side mirrors when vehicles enter adjacent lanes, supplemented by Cross-Traffic Alert when reversing out of parking spaces.

Lane-Keeping System: Detects unintentional lane drifting, providing gentle steering assistance and lane-centering to keep the SUV safely on track.

Surround-View Camera: Provides a 360-degree perimeter view on the central display to make parking in tight spaces entirely straightforward.