A bright red SUV with a bold design stands on a dirt road surrounded by a golden autumn landscape, with a clear blue sky overhead.

The 2026 Ford Explorer

Built for Real Life, Every Day

Meet the 2026 Ford Explorer: Power, Space & Versatility

The 2026 Ford Explorer continues to evolve as one of the most well-rounded SUVs on the road, blending three-row versatility, modern technology, and trim-level personality to match nearly any lifestyle. Whether you’re drawn to the rugged capability of the 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor, the performance-focused 2026 Ford Explorer ST, or simply want to explore available trims, engines, and 2026 Ford Explorer colors, this guide breaks it all down in one place.

At J.C. Lewis Motor Co., we’ve created this in-depth Explorer research page to help shoppers and owners understand what’s new, what to expect, and how to choose the right Explorer for your needs — from family road trips to off-road adventures and everything in between.

Choose Your Explorer: 2026 Trim Levels Explained

The 2026 Ford Explorer lineup is designed to offer something for nearly every type of driver, from families who prioritize comfort and safety to performance enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. Each trim level has its own personality, with distinct styling and 2026 Ford Explorer colors, features, and driving character.

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Key Highlights:

  • Standard turbocharged EcoBoost® power

  • Three-row seating with flexible cargo configurations

  • Ford Co-Pilot360™ safety technologies

  • Clean, modern interior design

The Explorer Active is built for everyday versatility. It’s an ideal option for families and commuters who want space, comfort, and modern technology without stepping into higher trims. The cabin is intuitive and comfortable, making daily driving, school drop-offs, and road trips feel effortless.

Top 5 Highlighted Features ✨

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Ample Cargo Space: Up to 87.8 cubic feet

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Advanced Infotainment: 13.2-inch touchscreen

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Comprehensive Safety: Ford Co-Pilot360™ suite

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Towing Capability: Up to 5,000 pounds

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Flexible Seating: Accommodates up to seven passengers

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The image shows the interior of a vehicle, with rows of comfortable-looking seats and a dashboard visible in the background, suggesting a spacious and well-designed cabin. The scenery outside the vehicle appears to be a rugged, mountainous landscape, creating a sense of adventure and exploration.

2026 Ford Explorer Colors

The 2026 Ford Explorer colors lineup gives drivers plenty of ways to personalize their SUV, whether you prefer a clean, classic look or something bold and eye-catching. Traditional options like Star White deliver a timeless appearance, while shades like Carbonized Gray and Rapid Red balance modern style and everyday practicality, helping hide dirt and wear while maintaining a polished look.

Color availability can vary by trim (think 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor vs. ST-Line) and production timing, so working with a local dealership ensures you find the exact combination you want.

A large, black SUV with a bold, angular design and prominent grille stands prominently against a plain, light-colored background.
A white SUV with a bold, angular design and distinctive grille stands prominently against a plain background.
A large, silver SUV with a bold, angular design and prominent grille stands in a plain, white background.
A large, silver SUV with a bold, angular design and prominent grille stands in a plain, white background.
A large, red sport utility vehicle with a bold, angular design and prominent grille is the focal point of the image, set against a plain white background.
A large, gray SUV with a bold, angular design and prominent grille stands in a plain, light-colored background.
A large, rugged-looking SUV with a bold, angular design and a distinctive grille stands prominently against a plain white background.

2026 Ford Explorer Interior Colors, Materials & Cabin Feel

The 2026 Ford Explorer interior is designed to be more than just a place to sit; it’s a space meant to support daily life, long road trips, and everything in between. 

Classic interior color options like Black Onyx remain a popular choice for their clean, upscale look and ability to hide wear over time, while lighter tones like Mojave Dusk create a more open, airy atmosphere. Higher trims like the 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor elevate the Explorer further with premium materials, refined textures, and a more polished overall feel. 

The image shows the interior of a vehicle, with multiple rows of black leather seats and various controls and features visible in the background.
The image shows the interior of a vehicle, with multiple rows of comfortable-looking seats upholstered in a light-colored material. The dashboard and other interior features are visible in the background, suggesting a modern and well-equipped vehicle.
The image shows the interior of a vehicle, with multiple rows of comfortable-looking leather seats in a dark, monochromatic color scheme. The background appears to be the dashboard and other interior features, creating a sleek and modern aesthetic.
The image shows the interior of a vehicle, with multiple rows of seats and various controls and features visible.
The image shows the interior of a vehicle, with multiple seats and a dashboard visible in the background.

2026 Ford Explorer Engine Options & Performance 

The 2026 Ford Explorer offers powertrain options designed to meet different driving styles; from efficient daily driving to performance-focused excitement. No matter the engine, the Explorer is engineered to feel stable, controlled, and capable.

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The turbocharged 2.3L EcoBoost® engine is the standard choice for most Explorer trims, delivering a strong balance of power and efficiency.

It provides confident acceleration for merging and passing, while remaining smooth and composed for long highway drives and family road trips. For many drivers, this engine offers everything they need without compromise.

Finance Your Explorer at J.C. Lewis Motor Co. 💸

Finding the right Explorer is only part of the journey: the right financing matters just as much. At J.C. Lewis Motor Co., our experienced finance teams are here to help you secure a payment plan that fits your budget and goals.

Whether you’re interested in purchasing or leasing, 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor or ST, we’ll walk you through available options, explain current incentives, and help you take advantage of competitive rates. If you have a vehicle to trade in, we’ll factor that into your deal to help lower your overall cost.

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The interior of a modern vehicle, with a large touchscreen display and steering wheel, is visible in the foreground, while a scenic landscape with mountains and a body of water can be seen in the background through the windshield.

Safety You Can Feel, Tech You Can Trust

The new 2026 Explorer is packed with technology designed to make driving easier, safer, and more connected. At the center of the cabin is a large, easy-to-read touchscreen that controls navigation, entertainment, and vehicle settings. Smartphone integration allows drivers to access music and directions seamlessly, while available digital displays offer driving information at a glance.

Whether you choose the 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor, the 2026 Ford Explorer ST, or a lower trim like the Active, safety is a major strength of the Explorer. Ford’s Co-Pilot360™ suite of driver-assist features help monitor traffic, support confident lane changes, and assist with braking when potential hazards are detected. Your new Explorer’s technology and safety systems work to support the driver, not distract from the experience.

A family is loading their vehicle with luggage and sports equipment, with a large white SUV parked in the driveway of a residential home in the background.

Built for Busy Days, Big Adventures & Everything Between

For families, the 2026 Ford Explorer is designed to make daily life easier, more comfortable, and more flexible. Its three-row layout provides seating for up to seven passengers, with thoughtful spacing that helps adults and kids ride comfortably on short trips and long journeys alike. 

Access to the third row is simple and convenient, making school drop-offs, carpools, and family outings far less stressful. Inside, the cabin offers multiple storage areas for everyday essentials like backpacks, snacks, and electronics, helping keep the interior organized even on busy days. Whether you choose the Active or the 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor, the Explorer is here to create the space you need without sacrificing comfort in the front rows.

Find Your Explorer. Start Your Next Chapter.

When you shop for a 2026 Ford Explorer at J.C. Lewis Motor Co., you’re working with a dealership group that understands Ford vehicles, and the drivers who love them. Our team is here to help you explore features, compare trims like the 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor and 2026 Ford Explorer ST, and find the right combination of capability, comfort, and style.

With multiple convenient locations, we make it easy to shop with confidence. Visit your nearest J.C. Lewis Motor Co. location today, take a test drive, and experience the 2026 Ford Explorer in person.

2026 Ford Explorer FAQs

Shopping for a new SUV often comes with plenty of questions, especially when a new model year is on the horizon.

Below, we’ve answered some of the most common questions shoppers ask about the 2026 Ford Explorer, including release timing, pricing expectations, and what’s new for trims like the 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor and 2026 Ford Explorer ST.

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