2026 Ford Explorer® Review | Interior, Engines, & Colors
Built for families on the go, the 2026 Ford Explorer® brings responsive power, flexible utility, and smart design to your daily routine. Choose from two robust engine options in this mid-size SUV, each bringing the agile performance you want to get you across town or cross country in style. Its thoughtfully designed three-row interior has plenty to offer when it comes to versatility, convenience, and comfort for a relaxed and engaging journey. Learn more about the key features the 2026 Ford Explorer offers with this comprehensive model review prepared by the team at Spirit Ford.
View our inventory to find the Ford Explorer for sale at our Ford dealership in Dundee, MI, that adapts to your busy schedule. See one you love? Match it with an attractive lease or finance offer to lock in a competitive rate. Our experts are here to answer any of your questions — give us a call at (734) 529-5521 or contact us online.
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2026 Ford Explorer Engines & Performance
Experience capable performance on your terms with two dynamic engine options available in the 2026 Ford Explorer. An athletic 2.3L EcoBoost turbo inline four-cylinder (I4) engine is standard, delivering 300 horsepower and achieving impressive fuel efficiency with up to 29 highway MPG. The available 3.0L twin-turbo V6 unleashes 400 horsepower and up to 25 highway MPG. Choose between a rear-wheel drive (RWD) or intelligent four-wheel drive (4WD) drivetrain system to match your driving demands. Both engine configurations have a 5,000-pound towing capability and pair with a responsive ten-speed automatic transmission.
Tackle challenging terrain and road conditions with the available Terrain Management System™ and its range of drive modes, such as normal, eco, boost, tow/haul, slippery, trail, and deep snow/sand. The ST trim enhances road dynamics with a specially calibrated sport suspension. For more adventurous pursuits, the Tremor® trim brings advanced off-road prowess with its TORSEN® limited-slip differential, specially tuned suspension, and standard intelligent 4WD drivetrain for boosted confidence.
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 Exterior Design
Driving its upscale appeal, the 2026 Ford Explorer combines refined styling and functional upgrades for traversing the road ahead. Make a bold statement with sleek 18-, 20-, or 21-inch aluminum wheels, power-folding sideview mirrors, LED signature lighting, and adaptive headlamps. Optional features like roof rack side rails and a power liftgate bring convenience and utility to your drive. When the trails lure your adventurous spirit, available steel skid plates and all-terrain tires deliver the added protection and traction you need.
Available exterior features include:
- 18-, 20-, or 21-in. aluminum wheels
- Power liftgate
- Power-folding side view mirrors with Autofold, security approach lamps, memory, and driver’s side auto-dimming
- LED signature lighting
- Adaptive headlamps
- LED fog lamps
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- All-terrain tires
- Roof rack side rails
- Steel under-body protection
- Panoramic fixed glass moonroof with power shade
- Painted black roof
2026 Ford Explorer Interior Design & Technology
Settle into a realm of first-class comfort and style in the 2026 Ford Explorer. Sink into a selection of plush seat upholstery options, including unique cloth, ActiveX®, ActiveX with Miko® inserts, leather, and leather with micro-perforated inserts. Available heated, ventilated, and multicontour front seats with Active Motion® massage create a relaxing retreat wherever the road takes you. Select either second-row captain’s seats with E-Z Entry and armrests or a second-row 35/30/35 split-fold-flat bench seat, depending on your specific needs. Standard tri-zone automatic climate control provides personalized comfort for your passengers. Welcome bright, natural light into the cabin by day or let everyone gaze upon the starry skies at night with an available panoramic fixed glass roof.
Staying connected is important when you’re on the go, which is why the 2026 Ford Explorer offers the latest in cutting-edge technologies. Keep tabs on vital driving information in real time with a standard 12.3-inch instrument cluster display. Also standard is the Ford Digital Experience with a 13.2-inch center display that pairs directly with your smartphone using wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, placing music, navigation, contacts, and essential apps right at your fingertips. Take listening to your favorite playlists to the next level with the rich depth of an available 14-speaker B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen® with a subwoofer.
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
- Ambient interior lighting
- Heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Tri-zone automatic temperature control
- Power tilt/telescoping steering column
- Power liftgate
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 Dimensions & Cargo Capacity
No matter where adventure takes you, the 2026 Ford Explorer will get you there with real-world comfort and functionality. Seat up to seven passengers with standard second-row bench seating or up to six with available second-row captain’s chairs; either option ensures your crew will have plenty of room to relax and stretch out, especially on those lengthier journeys. Behind the third row, 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space accommodates luggage, groceries, packages, and other essentials. For more expansive cargo space, fold the rear seats flat to open up 85.8 cubic feet of storage capacity.
View the Ford Explorer dimensions in the accompanying table.
| 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 Safety Features
The highest priority of driving is the safety of you and your passengers. The 2026 Ford Explorer is equipped with a multitude of advanced safety technologies designed to keep you secure anywhere you go. The standard Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist+ suite provides peace of mind with an abundance of features, including adaptive cruise control, BLIS® (blind spot information system) with cross-traffic alert, Pre-Collision Assist® with automatic emergency braking, and a lane-keeping system. Rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, and intersection assist further streamline maneuvering through heavy traffic or tight spots.
The Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 suite is available for higher-level Ford Explorer trims, featuring front parking sensors and a 360-degree camera with split view. BlueCruise technology is available on select trims, letting you experience hands-free driving on compatible highways.
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
2026 Ford Explorer Exterior Colors
- 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 Trims Available
- Active 100A $38,465*
- Active $40,585*
- ST-Line $45,155*
- Tremor® $48,465*
- Platinum® $50,965*
- ST $54,905*
Learn More About the Ford Explorer
Find the new Ford Explorer for sale at Spirit Ford. Browse through our new inventory to discover the Explorer model at our dealership in Dundee, MI, that aligns with your active lifestyle. Our knowledgeable team has prepared a range of helpful resources to assist you in making an informed decision. For a more in-depth overview of the Ford Explorer standard features and prices, refer to our detailed trims guide. View standard and available premium amenities with our Ford Explorer interior guide.
Questions? Give us a call at (734) 529-5521 or message us online.
2025 Ford Explorer® Review | Interior, Specs, & Colors
Looking for an adventure-ready vehicle? If so, the 2025 Ford Explorer® may be right for you. This three-row SUV can seat up to seven people and features new exterior and interior upgrades. Explore highlights outlined in this 2025 Ford Explorer review created by the experts at Spirit Ford. To learn more about each model’s features, see our Explorer trims guide.
Take a look at our inventory to find a Ford Explorer model that suits your lifestyle and needs. Planning a trip to our Ford dealership in Dundee, MI? See our hours and directions. Feel free to contact our team online or by phone at (734) 529-5521 if you have any questions.
The 2025 Ford Explorer starts at $39,755 MSRP.
2025 Ford Explorer Performance
Conquer the open road with the 2025 Ford Explorer. This SUV boasts two available engines, depending on the trim you select. The 2.3L EcoBoost® turbo inline four-cylinder (I4) engine is standard on the Active, ST-Line, and Platinum® models. The hearty 3.0L EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 engine is standard on the ST and available on the Platinum. Both engines are equipped with a ten-speed automatic transmission and can tow up to 5,000 pounds, making them ideal for hauling campers and trailers.
View engine specifications in the accompanying table.
|
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 |
|
|
Max. Towing |
5,000 lbs. |
|
2025 Ford Explorer Exterior
Command attention anywhere you cruise with the 2025 Ford Explorer. This SUV boasts new grille options on each model, including a honeycomb design or wing style. It also comes standard with LED headlamps and taillamps, as well as a new lightbar applique. Moreover, when night falls, take in the city lights or Milky Way with the available twin-panel moonroof.
Available exterior features include:
- 18-, 20-, or 21-in. wheels
- Twin-panel moonroof
- Front and rear skid plates
- LED signature lighting and fog lamps
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Power-folding side view mirrors with Autofold and LED turn signal indicators
2025 Ford Explorer Interior & Cargo Space
Relax in the sophisticated interior of the 2025 Ford Explorer. Slide onto unique cloth, ActiveX®, or leather seat upholstery with Miko® micro-perforated inserts, depending on the trim you select. Stylish red seat and interior accent stitching is available on the ST-Line. Standard heated front seats and tri-zone automatic temperature control enables you and the crew to stay comfortable mile after mile.
The 2025 Ford Explorer can seat up to seven people while the ST model can accommodate up to six passengers. The available PowerFold® third-row seat can fold down with the push of a button, providing you with a maximum cargo volume of 85.8 cubic feet when the second row is also folded down.
Available interior features include:
- Unique cloth, ActiveX, or leather seat upholstery with Miko micro-perforated inserts
- Ventilated, multicontour front seats with Active Motion® massage
- Heated front and second-row seats
- PowerFold third-row seats
- Eight- or ten-way power driver’s seat
- Four-, six-, or eight-way power front passenger’s seat
- Ambient interior lighting
- Power tilt/telescoping steering column
- Heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel
2025 Ford Explorer Safety & Technology
Feel secure and confident on the road in the 2025 Ford Explorer. This three-row SUV boasts numerous safety features, including standard Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist+, which offers adaptive cruise control, auto high beams, a lane-keeping system, and more. For added peace of mind, standard AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™ automatically applies braking when the vehicle loses traction or control. Moreover, higher trims offer Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0, which includes a 360-degree camera with split view, front and side parking sensors, and Intersection Assist 2.2.
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
- Rear parking sensors
- Side-wind stabilization
- Trailer sway control
- Perimeter alarm
- SecuriLock® passive anti-theft system
Stay entertained during commutes and road trips with the advanced technology in the 2025 Ford Explorer. Standard Ford Digital Experience technology enhances your driving experience and can be accessed through the 13.2-inch infotainment touchscreen. Moreover, connect your smartphone to the standard wireless Apple CarPlay® or Android Auto™ and play music through six speakers. For those looking for a more advanced setup, higher trims offer an available ten- or 14-speaker B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen®.
Available technology features include:
- Universal garage door opener
- Remote start
- Ten- or 14-speaker B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen with a subwoofer
- HD Radio™
- Wireless charging pad
- 110V/150W AC power outlet
2025 Ford Explorer Models & Pricing
- 2025 Ford Explorer Active — Starting at $39,755 MSRP
- 2025 Ford Explorer ST-Line — Starting at $44,515 MSRP
- 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum — Starting at $51,655 MSRP
- 2025 Ford Explorer ST — Starting at $55,505 MSRP
2025 Ford Explorer Colors
- Agate Black Metallic
- Carbonized Gray Metallic
- Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat
- Star White Metallic Tri-Coat
- Iconic Silver Metallic
- Vapor Blue Metallic
Shop Ford Explorer SUVs in Dundee, MI
Browse the Spirit Ford inventory in Dundee, MI, to find your favorite 2025 Ford Explorer model. If you have any questions, such as how to secure a lease offer, our team is happy to help. Reach out to us online or via phone at (734) 529-5521.
2024 Ford Explorer® Review
Busy days and big adventures require a versatile, powerful, and connected SUV. Enter the 2024 Ford Explorer®. Sporting three rows of adaptable seating, plenty of cargo space, practical and stylish exterior design, capable engines, and advanced tech, the Explorer is ready for whatever your version of an active lifestyle looks like. Learn more with this 2024 Explorer review compiled by the pros at Spirit Ford, then get an up-close look at your favorite new Explorer for sale at our Ford dealership in Dundee, MI. Once you find one you like, schedule a test drive.
If you’d like more information about the Explorer in general, or about a particular model available at Spirit Ford, contact our team online or by calling us at (734) 529-5521.
The starting MSRP for the 2024 Ford Explorer is $36,860.
2024 Ford Explorer Exterior
Ruggedly good looks and a wealth of modern features make the 2024 Ford Explorer exterior one that’s sure to catch attention. Each trim option has a unique aesthetic, including those made for premium looks, rich Southwest styling, sporty athleticism, and adventurous off-road treks. Across many of these trim options, practical design features you’ll appreciate include an available power liftgate, standard rear privacy glass, and standard LED lighting. In upper-level trims, you get adaptive lighting that shifts in the direction you’re turning to create a path of illumination around every corner.
Other available exterior features include:
- Twin-panel moonroof
- LED fog lamps
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Power-folding, heated, driver’s side auto-dimming outside mirrors
- 18-, 20-, or 21-in. wheels
2024 Ford Explorer Interior
Spacious, versatile, and connected, the 2024 Ford Explorer cabin sets you and your friends and family up for a successful day on the road. Seat either six or seven people in the three-row Explorer, depending on whether you opt for a model with second-row captain’s chairs or a second-row bench seat. Interior upholstery choices range from cloth to ActiveX® to leather to leather with Miko® inserts in a wide array of interior colors. To stow all your gear, the Explorer allows you to fold down the rear two rows of seats and create up to 87.8 cubic feet of cargo space; with all three rows in use for passengers, the Explore provides 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats.
Other available interior features include:
- Multicontour seats with Active Motion®
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Heated second-row seats
- Tri-zone climate control
- Heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel
Comfort and practicality are just two key aspects of the Explorer interior. A third is easy connectivity. Every Explorer features a standard SYNC® 3 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ smartphone connectivity. Most models feature an 8-inch center touchscreen while select trims offer the option to upgrade to a stunning 10.1-inch portrait touchscreen.
Other available interior tech features include:
- 12.3-in. digital productivity screen
- B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen® with 14 speakers
- Wireless charging pad
- Voice-activated touchscreen navigation system
- 110V/150W AC power outlet
2024 Ford Explorer Engine Specs
Two muscular engine options power the 2024 Ford Explorer. The standard EcoBoost® inline four-cylinder (I4) engine makes 300 horsepower and can tow 5,300 pounds when properly equipped. For a whopping 400 horsepower and 5,600-pound towing capacity, the 3.0L EcoBoost V6 is standard with the ST, King Ranch®, and Platinum® trims.
Rear-wheel drive (RWD) is standard and intelligent four-wheel drive (4WD) is available. Both Explorer engines are paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission; for added control and input over your shift points, the Timberline® and ST trims offer SelectShift® capability via paddle shifters. Using the Terrain Management System™, available drive modes with RWD include normal, eco, sport, tow/haul, slippery, and trail; if you spring for the added traction of intelligent 4WD, you also get a deep snow/sand mode.
Speaking of the Timberline and ST trims, these two trims offer other unique mechanical features to support their particular specializations. The Explorer Timberline is built for light-duty off-road capabilities with a 3.58 TORSEN® limited-slip rear axle, off-road tuning for the front struts and rear shocks with raised ground clearance, steel skid plates, and all-terrain tires. By comparison, the high-powered Explorer ST supports its standard V6 engine with a sport-tuned suspension and offers high-performance brakes with the ST High-Performance Pack or ST Street Pack.
See the available engine specs in the accompanying chart.
|
Engine |
2.3L EcoBoost I4 |
3.0L EcoBoost V6 |
|
Transmission |
Ten-speed automatic |
Ten-speed automatic |
|
Horsepower |
300 HP |
400 HP |
|
Torque |
310 lb.-ft. |
415 lb.-ft. |
|
MPG (City/Hwy) |
21 / 28 |
18 / 26 |
|
Max. Towing Capacity |
5,300 lbs. |
5,600 lbs. |
2024 Ford Explorer Trim Levels
- 2024 Ford Explorer — Starting at $36,860 MSRP
- 2024 Ford Explorer XLT — Starting at $38,670 MSRP
- 2024 Ford Explorer ST-Line — Starting at $46,455 MSRP
- 2024 Ford Explorer Limited — Starting at $47,520 MSRP
- 2024 Ford Explorer Timberline — Starting at $49,430 MSRP
- 2024 Ford Explorer ST — Starting at $50,105 MSRP
- 2024 Ford Explorer King Ranch — Starting at $54,625 MSRP
- 2024 Ford Explorer Platinum — Starting at $54,770 MSRP
2024 Ford Explorer Colors
- 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 for Sale Near Me
The place to find your new Explorer for sale in Dundee, MI, is at Spirit Ford. Look through our available inventory to locate your favorite trim and color combination, then schedule a test drive to see how it fits your family and handles on the road. Pick a time and route to our dealership using our hours and directions page.
More information about your favorite Explorer is just a click or call away! Contact our Ford SUV pros online or by calling us at (734) 529-5521.
Shop Ford Explorer SUVs in Dundee, MI
Browse the Spirit Ford inventory in Dundee, MI, to find your favorite 2025 Ford Explorer model. If you have any questions, such as how to secure a lease offer, our team is happy to help. Reach out to us online or via phone at (734) 529-5521.
* Pricing - All vehicle pricing shown is assumed to be correct and accurate. Incentives, credit restrictions, qualifying programs, residency, and fees may raise, lower, or otherwise augment monthly payments. Additionally, incentives offered by the manufacturer are subject to change and may fluctuate or differ based on region and other considerations. Unless otherwise noted or specified, pricing shown does not include title, registration, dealer installed options, or tax fees and costs. * MPG - Vehicle information, as well as features and other inclusions, may vary by model and are based exclusively on standard equipment. No claims, warranties, or guarantees have been made related to the accuracy of customer payments, model equipment, or vehicle pricing. Please call with any questions you might have and to reassert the accuracy of any information presented here. A/Z Plan Pin required to be eligible for new car pricing being advertised