2026 Ford Explorer Review - Bold Design, Hybrid Power, and High-Tech Family SUV
Whether you're a weekend warrior
or daily commuter, this Explorer is your next SUV.
Exterior Design
The 2026 Ford Explorer gets a more refined and athletic design this year:
- A
larger front grille with a bold new mesh pattern
- Slimmer
LED headlights with an updated light signature
- A
refreshed rear with redesigned LED taillights and a more sculpted
tailgate
- New
wheel designs ranging from 18 to 21 inches, depending on the trim
- Available
blackout appearance packages and ST-Line styling upgrades
The Explorer strikes a balance
between family-friendly practicality and sporty SUV presence.
Interior & Tech
Inside, the 2026 Explorer puts
comfort and connectivity front and center:
- A
massive 13.2-inch SYNC 4 touchscreen is now standard on most trims
- Standard
12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- Wireless
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus Amazon Alexa
Built-in
- Optional
panoramic moonroof, ambient lighting, and B&O premium audio
- Seating
for up to 7 passengers, with second-row captain’s chairs or a bench
seat
- Available
heated and ventilated front seats, wireless charging, and rear
climate control
- Upgraded
materials on higher trims like Limited, King Ranch, and Platinum
It’s a tech-focused cabin built for comfort and long road trips.
Performance & Powertrains
Ford gives you multiple engine
choices for the 2026 Explorer:
🔹 Base Engine:
- 2.3L
EcoBoost I-4, 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque
- Smooth
and capable for everyday driving with up to 5,300 lbs of towing capacity
🔹 Upgraded Engine:
- 3.0L
twin-turbo EcoBoost V6, 400 hp in the Explorer ST
- Perfect
for performance enthusiasts who want muscle in an SUV
🔋 Hybrid Option:
- 3.3L V6 hybrid system, delivering over 320 hp
- Ideal
for efficiency-minded drivers without sacrificing power
- Estimated
27 MPG combined, available with RWD or AWD
All engines are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and available Intelligent AWD with Terrain Management System.
Safety & Driver Assistance
Safety comes standard with Ford's Co-Pilot360™
suite, including:
- Pre-Collision
Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking
- Blind
Spot Monitoring with Cross-Traffic Alert
- Lane-Keeping
System and Post-Collision Braking
- Available
Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane-Centering
- New
360-degree camera system with split-view
- Optional
Active Park Assist 2.0 for effortless parallel parking
Expect 5-star crash test ratings
and top IIHS safety scores.
Trims & Pricing
The 2026 Explorer comes in a wide
range of trims to suit every lifestyle:
- Base
– Smart and affordable, starting around $38,000
- XLT
– A perfect balance of features and value
- ST-Line
– Sporty appearance with upgraded tech
- Limited
& Platinum – Luxury appointments and advanced safety
- ST
– High-performance 3-row SUV with aggressive styling
- Timberline
– Rugged, off-road-ready with increased ground clearance
- Hybrid
Limited – Efficiency meets upscale design
Fully loaded, the Platinum or ST models can reach up to $58,000.
This post is totally wrong, there is no refreshed 2026, it is the same model. 2026 is also the last model year that will be made, then production ends forever at the end of 2025.
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