2026 Ford Explorer Release Date
2026 Ford Explorer at a Glance
- The Ford Explorer SUV lineup has six well-equipped trim levels for the 2026 model year
- The 2025 Ford Explorer redesign carries over into the 2026 variant with exciting updates like a 13.2-inch touchscreen and an available fixed panoramic glass roof
- Seat up to seven passengers inside the 2026 Ford Explorer interior with its three rows of seating
- The 2026 Ford Explorer release date has passed; test-drive this stunning SUV at Bell Ford today
Embrace Family Fun & Adventure Inside the 2026 Ford Explorer
The 2026 Ford Explorer has debuted – now is the time to discover this dynamic three-row SUV at your local Ford dealer, Bell Ford. If you have been anticipating the arrival of the 2026 Ford Explorer, wait no more. This stylish and sporty new Ford vehicle is available in a variety of editions that are ready to be toured and test-driven.
This SUV was refreshed for 2025 with a slight redesign. If you're one of the many drivers and families who were impressed with the mid-cycle Ford Explorer revamp, the new iteration brings along those exciting updates as well. Let's dive into the details as we cover the 2026 Ford Explorer release date, performance specs, dimensions, and features below.
2026 Ford Explorer Specs
The 2026 Ford Explorer offers a selection of robust engines to power your drive. The lineup starts with the 300-horsepower 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, producing 310 pound-feet of torque and featuring Auto Start-Stop Technology for improved efficiency. A 10-speed automatic transmission also aids in fuel economy.
This turbocharged, direct-injection engine is paired with rear-wheel drive or available Intelligent four-wheel drive, ensuring confident performance. Opting for the 2026 Ford Explorer with the available 3.0-liter EcoBoost twin-turbocharged V-6 engine elevates power and capability to the tune of 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque.
Like the standard powertrain, the optional 3.0-liter EcoBoost V-6 is connected to a 10-speed automatic transmission and a choice of RWD or Intelligent 4WD. No matter which configuration you opt for, the 2026 Ford Explorer towing capacity peaks at 5,000 pounds when properly equipped with the Class III Trailer Tow Package.
Take command of every journey with the 2026 Explorer and its array of advanced drive modes. With settings like Normal, Sport, Eco, Tow/Haul, Trail, and Slippery, your new Ford SUV is prepared for every terrain, weather, and situation that lies ahead. There's even a Deep Snow/Sand mode on Explorer SUVs equipped with Intelligent 4WD.
2026 Ford Explorer Dimensions
The expansive exterior and interior dimensions of the 2026 Ford Explorer are another key selling point of this spacious and versatile SUV. In standard form, the new Explorer measures 198.7 inches long on a 119.1-inch wheelbase. It stands 69.6 inches tall, and its body measures 78.9 inches wide, excluding mirrors.
Ground clearance starts at 7.6 inches, providing plenty of space for taking on rougher territory beyond pavement. The Ford Explorer Tremor trim boosts ground clearance to 8.7 inches, making it the ideal choice for all-terrain adventuring.
Inside its three-row interior, the 2026 Ford Explorer offers seating for up to seven. Occupants in the first and second rows get nearly identical headroom in the standard configuration, at 40.7 inches and 40.5 inches, respectively. There are 43 inches of legroom in the first row and 37.5 inches in the middle row, with third-row passengers still enjoying 31.8 inches. In total, occupants can enjoy 150.3 cubic feet of maximum passenger volume in the 2026 Ford Explorer SUV.
This highly versatile sport-ute accommodates cargo with ease. Start with all seven seats upright, and you'll have 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space. Lower the third row to expand that figure to 46 cubic feet. Or, fold the second and third rows to uncover the 2026 Ford Explorer SUV's maximum cargo capacity of 85.8 cubic feet.
Tour the 2026 Ford Explorer for sale at your local auto dealer, where you can climb inside its spacious dimensions and try out the following cabin features and technologies.
2026 Ford Explorer Interior Amenities & Technologies
New SUV shoppers searching for a roomy yet sporty vehicle can always turn to the Ford Explorer, boasting standard three-row seating. Select from a seven-passenger or six-passenger configuration in your new Explorer, with available second-row captain's chairs for added occupant space and comfort.
Standard interior tech, like a large touchscreen interface with SYNC technology, Apple CarPlay®, and Android Auto™, means you can stay connected on the go and easily navigate vehicle settings and menus. Enjoy the convenience and intuitive nature of the SYNC infotainment system paired with a 13.2-inch display as standard.
With the FordPass App and 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot capability, you can stream, game, or join a work call on the road. A six-speaker sound system comes standard in the new Ford Explorer for sale, but a B&O® sound system with 14 speakers and 980 watts of power is available.
Motorists can choose from multiple seating surfaces to find the right fit, comfort, and 2026 Ford Explorer price for their budget. This SUV starts with cloth seating surfaces but can be upgraded to ActiveX or premium leather seat upholstery in higher trims. Set the right mood for every night drive in the Explorer SUV with the available multi-color ambient lighting, providing stunning illumination or mood lighting personalized to your preferences.
Plus, with an available power-folding third-row seat, accommodating cargo or passengers has never been easier or more convenient. Bring the family along to test it out in person at Bell Ford today.
Ford Explorer Safety Systems
Get into a new 2026 Explorer SUV and find the following Ford Co-Pilot 360™ safety and driver-assist technologies as standard equipment:
- Auto High-Beam
- Rearview Camera
- Lane-Keeping System
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking
- Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert
Additionally, Ford BlueCruise is available on higher trim levels, which provides enhanced hands-free highway assistance when needed.
New Ford Explorer Features
Compare the Ford Explorer Active 100A and Platinum trims to discover more standard and optional amenities of this adventurous SUV:
| 2026 Ford Explorer Active 100A | 2026 Ford Explorer Platinum | |
|---|---|---|
| Auto High Beams | Standard | Standard |
| Automatic LED Low-Beam Headlamps | Standard | Standard |
| LED Taillamps | Standard | Standard |
| Tri-Zone Electronic Automatic Temperature Control | Standard | Standard |
| Power Liftgate | N/A | Standard |
| Panoramic Fixed Glass Roof | N/A | Optional |
| Rear Parking Sensors | Standard | Standard |
| Front Parking Sensors | N/A | Standard |
| Seating Material | Cloth | Leather |
| Touchscreen Display | 13.2 in | 13.2 in |
| Heated Steering Wheel | N/A | Standard |
| Heated & Ventilated Front Seats | N/A | Standard |
| Ford Co-Pilot 360™ | Standard | Standard |
| 360-Degree Camera with Split-View Display | N/A | Standard |
2026 Ford Explorer Trims
Choose from the following grades of this three-row SUV that are available to buy or lease:
- Explorer Active 100A
- Explorer Active
- Explorer ST-Line
- Explorer Tremor
- Explorer Platinum
- Explorer ST
2026 Ford Explorer Colors
Once you've selected your preferred trim from the above list, the next step is to pick your favorite color combination.
The exterior shades include the following:
- Space White Metallic
- Star White Metallic Tri-Coat
- Vapor Blue Metallic
- Carbonized Gray Metallic
- Agate Black Metallic
- Rapid Red Metallic
- Marsh Gray
The interior hues for the 2026 Explorer depend on your selected trim level.
Buy or Lease a 2026 Ford Explorer Today
Do any of the above trims and their features speak to you? Or maybe you want to browse other models? Either way, our Ford dealership in Phoenix, AZ can help you find the perfect fit.
We look forward to working with you to finance or lease a new Ford Explorer soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the 2026 Ford Explorer be released?
The 2026 Ford Explorer release date has already passed, meaning you can now shop, customize, or test-drive this latest edition of the famous Ford three-row SUV at your local Ford dealer. As part of this iteration's debut, this SUV is offered in six trim levels and a range of attractive exterior colors. Discover the available lineup today at Bell Ford.
Will the 2026 Explorer be redesigned?
No, the 2026 Ford Explorer is not redesigned. However, the 2025 model year brought in several updates to the interior, exterior, and trim levels. The newest version carries over the exciting redesign from the 2025 variant. Visit us to see the newly-standard 13.2-inch touchscreen display, interior safety technology, and more right here at our Bell Ford dealership.
What are the 2026 Ford Explorer colors?
The new 2026 Ford Explorer exterior colors include:
- Space White Metallic
- Star White Metallic Tri-Coat
- Vapor Blue Metallic
- Carbonized Gray Metallic
- Agate Black Metallic
- Rapid Red Metallic
- Marsh Gray
You can choose from stylish Ford Explorer interior hues like Dark Space Gray, Onyx, and Mojave Dusk. Shop for your ideal exterior and interior color combination at Bell Ford today.
What are the trim levels for the Ford Explorer 2026 model?
The new Ford Explorer 2026 model comes in six distinct trim levels or editions, starting with the Explorer base version:
- Explorer Active 100A
- Explorer Active
- Explorer ST-Line
- Explorer Tremor
- Explorer Platinum
- Explorer ST
You can expect every iteration of this three-row SUV to bring unique value and features to your drive. See the available configurations at our showroom today.
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