While the Explorer doesn’t need any updates to maintain its family-friendly appeal, the new model exceeds expectations anyway! Featuring an all-new trim model, tech upgrades, and fresh styling, this three-row midsize SUV is more enticing than ever. What can drivers expect from the 2026 Ford Explorer? Read on for details!
Key Takeaways
- With its all-new Tremor trim and some streetwise tech upgrades, the 2026 Explorer is ready for action!
- Choose from five Explorer trim levels for the midsize SUV that suits your Northshore lifestyle.
- It’s a little early for 2026 EPA ratings, but we expect the new Explorer to meet or exceed last year’s figures (up to 29 mpg on the highway)!
- Order banks are officially open — visit us at Banner Mandeville to build your perfect Explorer!
What are the 2026 Ford Explorer updates?
Of all the 2026 Explorer’s updates, its all-new Tremor trim model is the biggest. If you and your loved ones spend a lot of time on Louisiana’s woodland trails and muddy bayous, this off-road-ready SUV was designed especially for you!
The second-biggest update is the newly standard Ford Connectivity Package. This high-tech collection of features includes a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot with unlimited data. It even lets you connect up to 10 devices at once. Google-based navigation is also included, helping you get to your destination even when your cellphone service is spotty. And speaking of technology, BlueCruise is now standard for the ST and Platinum and optional for the ST-Line and Tremor (subscription required).
Finally, the new Explorer debuts a few new style options. No matter which trim model you like, a panoramic fixed-glass roof with a power shade is available to brighten your daily drive. This Explorer also debuts a new paint color, Marsh Gray, and an updated wheel lineup.
Which 2026 Ford Explorer trim model is best for Louisiana drivers?
Whether you’re shopping for the best routine family hauler or a road-trip-ready ride, the Explorer has a trim level for you. Choose from five options: Active, ST-Line, Tremor, ST, and Platinum. Each model delivers three rows of family comfort, and you can move up the list of trim models for increasing levels of interior luxury and style. Keep reading for highlights from each Explorer!
Active
The entry-level Explorer delivers three rows of roomy comfort and a host of cutting-edge tech features.
- 18-inch Sparkle Silver aluminum wheels
- Cloth seating
- Heated front seats
- Power-adjustable driver’s seat
- 12.3-inch digital instrument display
- Tri-zone automatic climate control
- Ford Digital Experience infotainment with 13.2-inch touchscreen and Google Built-In
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Active noise cancelation
- Power liftgate
- LED headlamps and taillamps
- Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist + suite of safety aids (including adaptive cruise control with Stop-and-Go, blind-spot warning with Trailer Coverage, and lane-keeping assist)
ST-Line
Move up to the ST-Line for sporty styling, enhanced comfort, and upgraded safety tech!
- 20-inch Ebony aluminum wheels
- Unique cloth seating with Red stitching
- Heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Ebony interior trim with Red accent stitching
- Black grille and exterior trim
- Unique blackout treatment for headlamps and taillamps
- Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 suite of safety aids (including 360-degree camera, reverse brake assist, and speed sign recognition)
Tremor
The all-new Explorer Tremor is ready for a rollicking good time, featuring rugged performance upgrades and a host of interior luxuries!
- 18-inch High Gloss Ebony Black aluminum wheels
- ActiveX upholstery with Miko inserts
- Heated and cooled front seats
- Second-row heated seats
- Flat-bottom, heated steering wheel
- 10-speaker B&O sound system, including subwoofer
- 110V/150W AC power outlet
- All-terrain tires
- TORSEN limited-slip rear axle
- Underbody skid plates
- Blackout treatment for headlamps and taillamps
ST
Choose the fun-loving ST and treat yourself to sporty styling and exclusive performance upgrades!
- 21-inch Magnetite aluminum wheels
- ActiveX upholstery with Miko inserts
- Heated and cooled front seats with driver’s seat memory settings
- Second-row heated captain’s chairs
- Third-row PowerFold (folds flat) bench
- Ambient interior lighting
- 3.0L EcoBoost V6 (400 hp, 415 lb-ft)
- Sport-tuned suspension
- Red-painted performance brake calipers
- BlueCruise (90-day trial)
Platinum
Cruise the Northshore in high-end style, compliments of the Platinum’s premium upgrades!
- 20-inch Luster Nickel aluminum wheels
- ActiveX upholstery diamond-perforated leather inserts
- Heated and cooled multicontour front seats with Active Motion massage and driver’s seat memory
- Heated second-row captain’s chairs
- Third-row PowerFold (folds flat) bench
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- 14-speaker B&O sound system, including subwoofer
- Adaptive LED headlamps
- Unique Satin Chrome and Ebony grille
- BlueCruise (one-year subscription)
How many miles per gallon does the 2026 Ford Explorer achieve?
Although the EPA has yet to release figures for 2026, we don’t expect them to change much compared to the previous model year. With the standard 300-horsepower EcoBoost engine, your Explorer can earn up to 24 mpg combined (20 city/29 highway) — impressive figures for such a big SUV! Equipped with the 400-horsepower twin-turbo V6, the Explorer earns up to 21 mpg combined (18 city/25 highway). Of course, we can’t say for sure if the all-new Explorer Tremor model will achieve those same figures, but we expect them to be in the same ballpark!
2026 Explorer Powertrain Options
- Standard 2.3L turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine (300 hp, 311 lb-ft)
- Optional for Tremor, standard on ST: 3.0L twin-turbo V6 (400 hp, 415 lb-ft)
- 10-speed automatic transmission
- Rear-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive
When can I buy the 2026 Ford Explorer?
Order your 2026 Explorer today, at your local Ford dealer! Production is slated to begin September 22, and you can expect delivery in the coming months. If you’re in the St. Tammany Parish or the surrounding Northshore area, call or text us at Banner Ford of Mandeville to get started!