The new Ford Explorer continues to stand strong in the competitive midsize SUV market with a lineup that offers something for every type of driver. This three-row family hauler combines versatile space, powerful performance options, and modern technology across five distinct trim levels. From the value-oriented base model to the performance-focused ST, each Explorer variant brings its own unique character to the road. 

The Powertrain Options

Before diving into specific trim features, it’s important to understand the powertrains available for the latest Ford Explorer:

• 2.3L EcoBoost Turbocharged 4-Cylinder Engine
  • 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque
  • Standard on Active, ST-Line, Tremor, and Platinum
  • 10-speed automatic transmission
  • Four-wheel drive (4WD) standard
• 3.0L EcoBoost Twin-Turbocharged V6 Engine
  • 400 horsepower and 416 lb-ft of torque
  • Standard on ST
  • Optional on Tremor and Platinum
  • 10-speed automatic transmission
  • Four-wheel drive (4WD) standard

All Explorer models offer a maximum towing capacity of 2,270 kg (5,000 lbs) when properly equipped, making this Ford SUV capable of handling weekend adventures with boats, campers, or other recreational gear.

Active Trim: The Solid Foundation

The Active trim serves as the entry point to Explorer ownership, but don’t let its base model status fool you. This well-equipped SUV offers a surprising number of standard features, making it a compelling value proposition.

Key Features of the Active Trim:

• Exterior Elements
  • 18-inch aluminum wheels
  • LED headlights and taillights
  • Privacy glass for rear windows
  • Roof rails for additional cargo options
  • Power liftgate
• Interior Comfort and Convenience
  • Seating for up to seven passengers (2+3+2 configuration)
  • Cloth seating surfaces
  • 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat
  • Tri-zone automatic climate control
  • Second-row bench seat (35/30/35 split-fold)
• Technology and Connectivity
  • 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system
  • SYNC 4 with enhanced voice recognition
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
  • 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot capability (1-year included)
  • Four USB ports (two USB-A, two USB-C)
• Safety and Driver Assistance
  • Ford Co-Pilot360 safety suite
  • Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking
  • Lane-Keeping System
  • Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert
  • Auto High-Beam Headlamps
  • Rear View Camera

The Active trim is ideal for families who need a spacious, capable SUV with modern technology and safety features without unnecessary luxury touches. It provides excellent value while still delivering the core Explorer experience.

ST-Line Trim: Sporty Styling with Added Features

The ST-Line trim builds upon the Active with sportier styling cues inspired by the high-performance ST model, but without the more powerful engine. This provides an athletic appearance combined with additional comfort and convenience features.

ST-Line Trim Enhancements:

• Exterior Upgrades
  • 20-inch machined aluminum wheels with painted pockets
  • Sport-inspired front and rear bumpers
  • Blackout treatment for grille and exterior accents
  • Dual chrome exhaust tips
  • “ST-Line” badging
• Interior Improvements
  • ActiveX synthetic leather seating surfaces
  • Heated front seats for cold-weather comfort
  • Heated steering wheel with unique red stitching
  • Second-row captain’s chairs (optional bench seat)
  • Red accent stitching throughout interior
• Technology Additions
  • Wireless charging pad
  • Front and rear parking sensors
  • 360-degree camera system
  • Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ with:
    • Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go
    • Lane Centering
    • Evasive Steering Assist
    • Voice-Activated Navigation

The ST-Line is perfect for drivers who appreciate the sporty look of the ST but don’t need the additional horsepower. It offers an excellent middle ground with enhanced style and features without the higher cost of the performance-oriented trim.

Tremor Trim: Off-Road Capability

The new Tremor trim is designed for adventure-seekers who want to take their Explorer beyond paved roads. This specialized trim adds numerous off-road enhancements while maintaining on-road comfort.

Tremor Off-Road Focused Features:

• Exterior and Off-Road Hardware
  • Increased ride height (25.4 mm/1-inch lift)
  • Off-road tuned suspension
  • Heavy-duty skid plates for underbody protection
  • Unique Tremor front grille with signature Tremor Orange accents
  • 18-inch magnetic-painted aluminum wheels
  • All-terrain tires with more aggressive tread pattern
  • Front and rear tow hooks
  • Limited-slip rear differential
• Special Interior Elements
  • ActiveX seating surfaces with Tremor logo and orange accent stitching
  • Rubberized washable floor liners
  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel with Tremor badge
  • All-weather cargo area protector
• Enhanced Off-Road Technology
  • Terrain Management System with seven G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) Modes
  • Trail Control for low-speed trail navigation
  • 360-degree camera with off-road view
  • Hill Descent Control

The Tremor package can be equipped with either the standard 2.3L EcoBoost engine or the optional 3.0L EcoBoost V6 for those who want additional power for their off-road adventures. This trim is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who need a family-friendly SUV that can also handle weekend adventures off the beaten path.

Platinum Trim: Premium Luxury Experience

The Platinum trim represents the luxury pinnacle of the Explorer lineup, featuring premium materials and advanced technology for those who want a refined driving experience.

Platinum Luxury Features:

• Exterior Refinement
  • 20-inch bright machined-face aluminum wheels with Ebony-painted pockets
  • Satin aluminum finish grille and exterior accents
  • Platinum badging
  • Hands-free power liftgate
  • Standard panoramic fixed-glass sunroof
  • Rain-sensing windshield wipers
• Premium Interior
  • Premium leather seating surfaces with perforation and quilting
  • Leather-wrapped instrument panel and door rollovers
  • Genuine wood trim accents
  • Heated and ventilated front seats
  • 10-way power-adjustable front passenger seat
  • Power-folding third-row seats
  • Heated second-row captain’s chairs
  • Ambient lighting with multiple colour options
• Advanced Technology
  • B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen with 14 speakers
  • Optional BlueCruise hands-free driving system
    • Includes Automatic Lane Change capability
  • Head-Up Display projecting key information onto windshield
  • Active noise cancellation for a quieter cabin

The Platinum trim is available with the standard 2.3L EcoBoost engine or the optional 3.0L EcoBoost V6 for additional performance. It’s the perfect choice for buyers who want their family SUV to deliver a premium experience with all the luxury touches.

ST Trim: Performance-Focused Experience

The ST trim stands as the performance flagship of the Explorer lineup, designed for driving enthusiasts who don’t want to sacrifice speed and handling when choosing a three-row SUV.

ST Performance Features:

• Performance Enhancements
  • Standard 3.0L EcoBoost Twin-Turbocharged V6 (400 hp/416 lb-ft)
  • Sport-tuned suspension for improved handling
  • Larger brakes for enhanced stopping power
  • Unique ST calibration for transmission
  • Performance-oriented all-wheel-drive system
  • Selectable drive modes, including Sport and Track
• Exterior Sport Styling
  • 21-inch aluminum wheels with performance tires
  • Unique blacked-out grille with ST badging
  • Quad chrome exhaust tips
  • Sport-styled front and rear bumpers
  • High-gloss black exterior accents
  • “ST” badging throughout
• Interior Sport Elements
  • Leather seating surfaces with micro-perforation and ST logo
  • Silver accent stitching and carbon fiber-inspired trim
  • Heated and ventilated front sport seats with additional bolstering
  • Flat-bottom steering wheel with ST badge
  • ST-specific digital instrument cluster display
  • Optional second-row captain’s chairs or bench seat
• Technology and Convenience
  • B&O Sound System standard
  • Standard panoramic fixed-glass sunroof
  • BlueCruise hands-free driving system available
  • Performance-oriented driver information displays

The ST trim is the ultimate Explorer for those who want performance without sacrificing the practicality of a three-row SUV. It delivers an engaging driving experience that’s uncommon in the family SUV segment.

Available Packages Across Trim Levels

Ford offers several packages that can be added to various Explorer trim levels to further customize your vehicle:

• Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+
  • Available on: Active
  • Adds Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Centering, and Navigation
• Cold Weather Package
  • Available on: Active, ST-Line
  • Adds heated steering wheel, heated front seats, and remote start
• Cargo Area Management System
  • Available on: All trims
  • Adds cargo organizers and a retractable cargo cover
• Tremor Convenience Package
  • Available on: Tremor
  • Adds B&O Sound System and additional technology features
• Tremor Ultimate Package
  • Available on: Tremor
  • Adds premium interior features and BlueCruise capability

Technology and Connectivity

All new Explorer models come equipped with the latest Ford generation of technology:

• SYNC 4 Infotainment System
  • Standard 13.2-inch touchscreen
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • Voice-activated controls
  • Over-the-air update capability
• Ford Connectivity Package
  • Included for one year on all models
  • Optional as a one-time purchase for seven years
  • Includes audio and video streaming
  • Unlimited Wi-Fi hotspot
  • Voice assistant features
• BlueCruise Hands-Free Driving
  • Optional on higher trim levels
  • Allows for hands-free driving on over 200,000 km of compatible highways
  • Automatic Lane Change capability

Interior Space and Cargo Capacity

All trim levels of the new Ford Explorer offer the same practical interior dimensions:

• Front-row headroom: 1,020 mm
• Front-row legroom: 1,033 mm
• Second-row headroom: 1,021 mm
• Second-row legroom: 990 mm
• Third-row headroom: 965 mm
• Third-row legroom: 817 mm
• Cargo volume behind third row: 462 litres
• Cargo volume behind second row: 1,264 litres
• Maximum cargo volume: 2,132 litres

2026 Ford Explorer: Versatility and Modern Technology

The latest Ford Explorer lineup offers impressive versatility with trim levels designed to meet a wide range of needs and preferences. From the well-equipped Active to the luxurious Platinum, the adventure-ready Tremor, or the performance-oriented ST, there’s an Explorer variant for nearly every type of SUV buyer.

The addition of the new Tremor trim expands the Explorer appeal to off-road enthusiasts, while the standard all-wheel drive across all models enhances confidence in all driving conditions. With modern technology features like the SYNC 4 system and available BlueCruise hands-free driving, the Explorer remains competitive in the increasingly crowded midsize SUV segment.

When choosing your ideal Explorer, consider your specific needs—whether it’s maximum value, off-road capability, luxury features, or performance—and select the trim level that best aligns with your priorities and budget. No matter which variant you choose, the new Ford Explorer delivers the space, capability, and technology expected from a modern three-row SUV.

Disclaimer: Content contained in this post is for informational purposes only and may include features and options from US or international models. Please contact the dealership for more information or to confirm vehicle, feature availability.