The highly anticipated 2026 Ford Explorer is set to make its debut, promising an array of impressive upgrades and enhancements. From its sleek exterior to its advanced technology and powerful performance, this midsize SUV is poised to redefine the driving experience. Let’s delve into the details and explore what the New 2026 Ford Explorer has in store for us.
Prepare to be captivated by the Explorer’s bold exterior design, featuring sharp lines, a commanding presence, and an array of striking color options. Inside, the cabin boasts a spacious and sophisticated layout, complemented by cutting-edge infotainment and safety systems.
Exterior Design
The 2026 Ford Explorer sports a bold and rugged exterior design, characterized by its imposing dimensions and sharp lines. Its overall shape exudes strength and capability, with a muscular stance and a commanding presence on the road.
Compared to its predecessors, the 2026 Explorer boasts a more aggressive front fascia, featuring a wider grille and sleek LED headlights that extend into the fenders. The redesigned hood adds to its muscular appearance, while the revised rear end features new taillights and a more sculpted tailgate.
Exterior Color Options
The 2026 Ford Explorer offers a wide range of exterior color options to cater to diverse tastes. These include classic hues like Oxford White, Agate Black, and Iconic Silver, as well as bolder choices such as Rapid Red Metallic, Star White Metallic Tri-Coat, and Atlas Blue Metallic.
Customization Options
For those seeking a personalized touch, the 2026 Ford Explorer offers a variety of customization options. These include different wheel designs, ranging from 18-inch to 21-inch alloys, as well as various exterior trim packages. Buyers can choose from chrome accents, blacked-out elements, and even a sporty ST-Line package for a more aggressive look.
Interior Features and Technology
The 2026 Ford Explorer boasts a spacious and well-appointed cabin, designed to cater to the needs of families and adventurers alike. The interior features a comfortable and modern layout, with seating for up to seven passengers. The front seats are supportive and offer plenty of adjustment, ensuring a comfortable ride for long journeys. The second row of seats provides ample legroom and headroom, while the third row is best suited for children or occasional use.
The Explorer comes equipped with a state-of-the-art infotainment system, featuring a large touchscreen display that takes centre stage on the dashboard. The system is intuitive and easy to use, offering a range of features including navigation, music streaming, and smartphone integration. The Explorer also offers a range of advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring.
Safety Features
The 2026 Ford Explorer comes with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features designed to keep you and your passengers protected on the road. These features include:
- Adaptive cruise control: Automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle in front.
- Lane departure warning: Alerts you if you unintentionally drift out of your lane.
- Blind-spot monitoring: Uses sensors to detect vehicles in your blind spots and alerts you with a visual indicator in the side mirrors.
- Rear cross-traffic alert: Warns you of vehicles approaching from the side when you’re reversing.
- Automatic emergency braking: Applies the brakes automatically to help prevent or reduce the severity of a collision.
Performance and Engine Options
The 2026 Ford Explorer boasts an array of engine options to cater to diverse driving preferences. The base trim features a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine that delivers 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and offers impressive fuel efficiency ratings.
For those seeking more power, the Explorer offers a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 engine that generates 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. This engine is also mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission and provides a thrilling driving experience.
Hybrid and Electric Variants
The 2026 Explorer also introduces a hybrid variant, combining a 3.3-liter V6 engine with an electric motor for enhanced fuel efficiency. The hybrid system delivers a combined output of 318 horsepower and 322 lb-ft of torque. It offers an impressive EPA-estimated fuel economy of up to 28 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.
Additionally, the Explorer lineup is set to include a fully electric variant in the near future. This electric Explorer will offer zero-emission driving and an exhilarating performance with instant torque delivery. Details regarding the electric Explorer’s powertrain and performance specifications will be released closer to its launch date.
Trim Levels and Pricing
The 2026 Ford Explorer comes in a wide range of trim levels, each offering unique features and capabilities to suit different needs and budgets.
From the entry-level XLT to the top-of-the-line Platinum, there’s an Explorer for everyone. Let’s break down the key features and pricing of each trim level:
XLT
The base XLT trim is a great value for those seeking a well-equipped SUV. It comes standard with features like 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, a power liftgate, and a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The XLT starts at £43,000.
Limited
The Limited trim adds a touch of luxury to the Explorer. It features 20-inch alloy wheels, leather-trimmed seats, a heated steering wheel, and a 12-speaker sound system. The Limited starts at £49,000.
Sport
For those who want a more athletic Explorer, the Sport trim is the way to go. It comes with 21-inch alloy wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, and a unique grille design. The Sport starts at £52,000.
Timberline
The Timberline trim is designed for adventure enthusiasts. It features all-terrain tires, a raised suspension, and skid plates. The Timberline starts at £54,000.
Platinum
The Platinum trim is the pinnacle of luxury for the Explorer. It comes with everything the Limited trim offers, plus a panoramic sunroof, massaging front seats, and a premium audio system. The Platinum starts at £60,000.
Comparisons to Competitors
The 2026 Ford Explorer faces stiff competition in the midsize SUV segment. Key rivals include the Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, and Hyundai Palisade.
The Explorer holds its own against its competitors in terms of performance and features. It offers a range of powerful engine options, including a 3.3-liter V6, a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6, and a 3.3-liter hybrid V6. The Explorer also boasts a spacious interior with plenty of room for passengers and cargo.
However, the Explorer falls short of some competitors in terms of fuel economy. The Traverse, Acadia, and Highlander all offer better gas mileage than the Explorer. Additionally, the Explorer’s infotainment system is not as user-friendly as some of its rivals.
Overall, the 2026 Ford Explorer is a solid choice for those looking for a midsize SUV with plenty of power and space. However, buyers who prioritize fuel economy or an easy-to-use infotainment system may want to consider one of the Explorer’s competitors.
Strengths
– Powerful engine options
– Spacious interior
– Standard all-wheel drive
Weaknesses
– Fuel economy is not as good as some competitors
– Infotainment system is not as user-friendly as some competitors
FAQ Section
What are the key exterior features of the 2026 Ford Explorer?
The 2026 Explorer boasts a bold and aerodynamic design with LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof, and stylish alloy wheels.
What advanced safety features are available in the 2026 Ford Explorer?
The Explorer offers a suite of advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.
What engine options are available for the 2026 Ford Explorer?
The 2026 Explorer offers a range of engine options, including a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6, and a hybrid powertrain.
How spacious is the interior of the 2026 Ford Explorer?
The Explorer’s interior offers ample space for up to seven passengers, with comfortable seating and generous cargo capacity.
What is the fuel efficiency of the 2026 Ford Explorer?
The fuel efficiency of the 2026 Explorer varies depending on the engine option chosen, with the hybrid powertrain offering the best fuel economy.