2026 Ford Explorer® Review & Specs | DeKalb, IL
The 2026 Ford Explorer® is a highly capable, comfortable, and polished three-row SUV designed for modern families. With its strong performance, flexible interior space, and advanced technology, the Explorer seamlessly adapts to your daily commutes and family road trips. Continue reading this 2026 Ford Explorer review created by the team at Brad Manning Ford to learn more about its features, specs, and color choices. Compare standard features of the Ford Explorer trims for help selecting your ideal match.
Discover your new Explorer in our inventory. See how it feels and performs out on the road by scheduling a test drive at our Ford dealership in DeKalb, IL. Have questions? Reach out to our associates by sending a message online or calling us at (815) 756-6325.
Quick Jump
Navigate to a specific research section to learn more:
2026 Ford Explorer Exterior Design
Bold styling cues and functional design elements give the 2026 Ford Explorer a confident presence that stands out. LED lighting, 18- to 21-inch aluminum wheels, and rear privacy glass add both visual appeal and practicality. The available power-folding side mirrors, LED fog lamps, and rain-sensing windshield wipers enhance visibility and convenience for everyday driving and changing conditions.
Available exterior features include:
- All-terrain tires
- 18-, 20-, or 21-in. aluminum wheels
- Black exterior accents
- LED signature lighting, headlamps, fog lamps, and taillamps
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Heated, power-folding side view mirrors with Autofold and driver’s side auto-dimming
- Rear privacy glass
- Roof rack side rails
- Power liftgate
2026 Ford Explorer Color Options
- 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 Interior Comfort & Cargo Space
Inside the cabin, the 2026 Ford Explorer prioritizes flexibility in both comfort and cargo space to fit your changing needs. Standard tri-zone climate control, available heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row seats enable you and your passengers to choose your level of coziness. Second-row captain’s chairs and a split-folding third row bench seat make it easier to adapt seating and storage for errands or family trips. Up to 46 cubic feet of cargo space with the third-row seats folded or 16.3 cubic feet of space with them upright ensures you can accommodate everyone and their belongings, whether luggage, bags, or sports gear.
Available interior features include:
- Cloth, ActiveX®/cloth, or leather seat upholstery
- Heated, ventilated, multicontour Active Motion® front seats
- Six-, eight-, or ten-way power driver’s seat
- Six- or eight-way power front passenger’s seat
- Second-row captain’s chairs or bench seat
- Heated second-row outboard seats
- PowerFold® third-row bench seats with 50/50 split
- Heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Ambient lighting
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- Tri-zone automatic climate control
- Cargo hooks
- Remote start system
2026 Ford Explorer Engine Performance
The 2026 Ford Explorer delivers athletic power and everyday versatility. A standard 2.3L EcoBoost® engine with 300 horsepower, a ten-speed automatic transmission, and available four-wheel drive (4WD) offer confident acceleration. Additionally, up to 5,000 pounds of towing capability for hauling trailers or gear ensures you're work- and adventure-ready. For a more exhilarating driving experience, the twin-turbocharged 3.0L EcoBoost V6 engine — available on the Tremor® and standard on the ST — generates 400 horsepower. Combined with a sport-tuned suspension and performance brakes on the ST trim, your drives feel more responsive and controlled.
See the following engine specifications:
| 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 | |
| Transmission | Ten-speed automatic | |
| MPG (City/Hwy) | 20 / 29 | 18 / 25 |
| Max. Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs. | |
2026 Ford Explorer Technology & Driver Assist Features
Advanced connectivity and driver assist systems in the 2026 Ford Explorer help keep you alert and informed when you're behind the wheel. A 13.2-inch infotainment display, wireless smartphone integration, and multiple charging options make it easy to stay connected and powered on the go. Advanced safety features like the standard Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist+ suite, an available 360-degree camera, and front parking sensors enhance awareness of your surroundings, while the available BlueCruise hands-free driving capability helps reduce fatigue during highway travel.
Available connectivity and audio tech includes:
- 12.3-in. instrument cluster display
- Ford Digital Experience with 13.2-in. infotainment display
- Six-speaker sound system, or a ten- or 14-speaker B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen®
- Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
- Google built-in
- SiriusXM® with 360L capability
- 4G/5G modem
- Front-, second-, and third-row USB ports
- Three 12V power ports
- 110V/150W AC power outlet
- Active noise cancellation
- Universal garage door opener
Available driver assist tech includes:
- Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+
- Adaptive cruise control with stop/go and lane centering
- Auto high beams
- BLIS® (blind spot information system) 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
- Trailer sway control
- 360-degree camera with split view
- Front parking sensors
- BlueCruise hands-free highway driving capability
- SecuriCode® keyless entry keypad
- SecuriLock® passive anti-theft system
- Perimeter alarm
2026 Ford Explorer Trim Options
- Active 100A $38,465*
- Active $40,585*
- ST-Line $45,155*
- Tremor $48,965*
- Platinum® $50,965*
- ST $54,905*
2025 Ford Explorer® Model Information | DeKalb, IL
The 2025 Ford Explorer® is ready to handle your family’s commuting needs with its advanced safety features, and a comfortable and spacious interior. This mid-size crossover SUV has also received updates for the 2025 model year that are sure to impress. Continue reading this 2025 Ford Explorer review created for you by the team at Brad Manning Ford in DeKalb, IL, to learn more.
If you’d like to see what features each model includes, check out our trims guide. When you’re ready to take the next step, browse through the available Ford Explorer models for sale in our inventory, find your ideal Explorer, and consider trying it out with a test drive. Feel free to contact us online or over the phone at (815) 756-6325 if you have any questions.
What's new for the 2025 Ford Explorer?
Find new and exciting features inside and out with the 2025 Ford Explorer. The front of the Explorer received a host of improvements for the new model year for a more distinguished presence, including a new grille and lighting. An expansive 12.3-inch productivity screen is also available to provide important vehicle information as you drive. Several features are also available on additional trims, including the BlueCruise hands-free highway driving system.
2025 Ford ExplorerInterior Design Technology
Wherever your travels take you, stay comfortable and connected in the 2025 Ford Explorer. You and your copilot can enjoy heated and ventilated, multicontour front seats with Active Motion® massage, great for relaxing on the go. Through the 13.2-inch infotainment touchscreen, you’ll be able to access wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, Wi-Fi® hotspot capability, and more.
Available interior features include:
- Unique cloth, ActiveX®, or leather seat upholstery
- Ten-way power driver’s seat with memory
- Six-way power front passenger’s seat
- Second-row 35/30/35 split-fold-flat bench seat or captain’s chairs
- Third-row 50/50 split-fold bench or PowerFold® seats
- Heated and ventilated, multicontour front seats with Active Motion massage
- Second-row heated seats
- Heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Twin-panel moonroof
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- Ambient interior lighting
- Power tilt/telescoping steering column
Available technology features include:
- Instrument panel cluster with 12.3-in. color productivity screen
- Six speakers or 10- or 14-speaker B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen®
- 13.2-in. infotainment touchscreen
- Enhanced voice recognition
- FordPass® Connect with 5G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot capability
- SiriusXM® with 360L capability
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- HD Radio™
- Wireless charging pad
2025 Ford ExplorerEngine Performance
The 2025 Ford Explorer has two EcoBoost® engines available, each providing capable and efficient power. The standard 2.3L EcoBoost inline four-cylinder (I4) engine generates 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Elevate performance with the available 3.0L EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 engine, which produces 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. Each engine is paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission, utilizing either rear-wheel drive (RWD) or intelligent four-wheel drive (4WD). When properly equipped, the Ford Explorer boasts a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.
View engine specifications in the following table.
| Engine | 2.3L EcoBoost I4 | 3.0L EcoBoost V6 |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 300 HP | 400 HP |
| Torque | 310 lb.-ft. | 415 lb.-ft. |
| Transmission | Ten-speed automatic | |
| Drivetrain | RWD / Intelligent AWD | |
| Max. Towing | 5,000 lbs. | |
2025 Ford ExplorerCapacity Seating
Thanks to its three-row configuration and spacious interior, the 2025 Ford Explorer is ready to handle your daily driving needs. Seat up to seven passengers with two front bucket seats, and a bench seat in the second and third row. The Ford Explorer interior dimensions provide excellent room for all your passengers. Second-row captain’s chairs are also available. When you need to load up bags, groceries, and more, utilize the available 85.8 cubic feet of cargo volume.
View interior specifications in the following table.
| Max. Passenger Capacity | Seven |
|---|---|
| Headroom (First/Second/Third Row) | 40.7 / 40.5 / 38.9 in. |
| Legroom (First/Second/Third Row) | 43 / 39 / 32.2 in. |
| Cargo Space Behind Third Row | 16.3 cu.-ft. |
| Cargo Space Behind Second Row | 46 cu.-ft. |
| Max. Cargo Space | 85.8 cu.-ft. |
2025 Ford ExplorerSafety Options
The 2025 Ford Explorer is equipped with state-of-the-art safety systems ready to help on every drive. Find essential features in the standard Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist+ suite, including a BLIS® (blind spot information system), lane-keeping system, and Pre-Collision Assist®. Enhance your perspective while reversing with the available 360-degree camera, offering a split-view display for increased awareness.
Available safety features include:
- Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+
- Adaptive cruise control with stop and go and lane centering
- BLIS 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
- Trailer sway control
- Intersection Assist 2.2
- Front, rear, and side parking sensors
- 360-degree camera with split view
2025 Ford ExplorerAvailable Colors
Whether you prefer a look that’s attention-grabbing or subdued, customize your 2025 Ford Explorer by selecting one of these available colors:
- Agate Black Metallic
- Star White Metallic Tri-Coat
- Space White Metallic
- Vapor Blue Metallic
- Carbonized Gray Metallic
- Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat
2025 Ford ExplorerAvailable Trims
- Active – $39,755*
- ST-Line – $44,615*
- Platinum® – $52,250*
- Trim ST – $54,260*
Why Buy a 2026 Ford Explorer at Brad Manning Ford?
We offer a diverse inventory of Ford Explorer SUVs to choose from, as well as finance and lease offers designed to fit various budgets. Schedule a test drive or visit our Ford dealership in DeKalb, IL, to experience a new Explorer — or check out multiple — to find one that best fits your needs. If you have questions, our team will be happy to assist when you contact us online or by phone at (815) 756-6325.
May not represent actual vehicle. (Options, colors, trim and body style may vary)