• Choose between the 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 and available 3.0L EcoBoost® V6, with up to 385 horsepower on the Explorer ST.
• Seat up to seven passengers and configure the cargo area for groceries, sports equipment, luggage, or family gear.
• The Explorer can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.

The Ford Explorer offers two EcoBoost® engine choices. The standard 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 provides the capability needed for daily commuting, family trips, and regular errands, while the available 3.0L Twin-Turbocharged EcoBoost® V6 delivers up to 385 horsepower on the Explorer ST. That extra power can be useful when you're carrying a full cabin of passengers or heading out of town with additional gear.

The Explorer also comes ready for towing. Every Explorer comes with a standard Class III Trailer Tow Package and can tow up to 5,000 pounds, regardless of engine choice. That gives you room to bring along a trailer, camper, or recreational equipment for a weekend trip. The Terrain Management System™ offers up to six selectable drive modes, depending on the model, helping you adjust the Explorer to different driving conditions.

The Ford Explorer seats six or seven passengers, depending on how you configure the second row. Models with second-row captain's chairs seat six, while a second-row bench brings seating capacity to seven. ST-Line includes the second-row bench as standard, while it is available on most other models. Tremor® seats six.

That flexibility is useful when your week includes school pickups, grocery runs, and carpooling, then shifts to weekend plans with family or friends. Keep the third row available when you need seating for more passengers, or fold it down when you're carrying sports equipment, luggage, or larger shopping trips.

Plus, with all three rows in place, the Explorer offers 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space, while maximum cargo capacity reaches up to 85.8 cubic feet on Active 100A, Active, and ST-Line models. For a family heading to a youth sports tournament or loading up for a weekend on the Massachusetts coast, that extra cargo room can make packing much easier.

The Explorer's Ford Digital Experience brings apps, navigation, and connected features into the cabin. Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ make smartphone connectivity convenient, while the Ford Connectivity Package allows you to stream, take calls, and connect devices to Wi-Fi®.

For longer drives, available Ford BlueCruise provides hands-free highway driving capability on equipped models. For 2026, BlueCruise also adds Automatic Lane Change functionality. That can be particularly useful during longer highway drives while you remain attentive and engaged with the road.

The 2026 Explorer includes Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist+ with Adaptive Cruise Control on Active 100A and Active models. Higher trims add features such as a 360-Degree Camera, giving you another view of your surroundings when parking or maneuvering in tighter spaces.

The Explorer also offers features designed to support drivers during towing and changing road conditions. Its standard Class III Trailer Tow Package and available intelligent four-wheel drive add capability for drivers who regularly travel with a trailer or encounter changing terrain and weather.

The Explorer comes in six trims, giving you several ways to prioritize everyday comfort, performance, technology, or off-road capability.

• Active 100A: A well-equipped starting point with the 2.3L EcoBoost® engine, Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist+, selectable drive modes, and a standard Class III Trailer Tow Package.
• Active: Adds heated front-row seats and a power liftgate for added everyday convenience.
• ST-Line: Adds a sportier appearance, 20-inch wheels, a 360-Degree Camera, and a 10-speaker B&O® Sound System.
• Tremor®: A good fit for drivers who enjoy off-road exploration, with an available 3.0L EcoBoost® V6, Torsen® limited-slip rear axle, off-road-tuned suspension, increased ride height, and underbody protection.
• Platinum™: Emphasizes premium comfort with heated, ventilated, massaging front-row seats with leather inserts, an available panoramic fixed glass roof, and BlueCruise.
• ST: The performance-focused Explorer, with a standard 3.0L EcoBoost® V6, sport-tuned suspension, performance brakes with red-painted calipers, and BlueCruise.