The 2026 Ford Explorer for Central Indiana Families

A three-row SUV has to do a lot: school runs, road trips, and a trailer on the weekend, with a third row that adults can actually use. The 2026 Ford Explorer covers that range across six trims, two turbocharged EcoBoost engines, and a new off-road Tremor, with up to 5,000 lbs of towing on every one. Ed Martin Ford carries and orders the Explorer for families across Central Indiana who want one vehicle flexible enough for all of it.

The Explorer Trim Lineup

The 2026 Explorer comes in six trims that move from practical to premium to performance. Active 100A and Active cover the essentials, ST-Line adds sport styling, the new Tremor goes off-road, the Platinum leans luxury, and the ST is the performance model. Every trim seats up to seven except the six-seat Tremor, so the main choices come down to engine, drivetrain, and how much comfort and tech you want.

Trim	Starting Price	Engine	Drive	Max Seating	Signature
Active 100A	High $30,000s	2.3L EcoBoost I-4	RWD, available 4WD	7	Entry trim, 18-inch wheels, Co-Pilot360 Assist+, Class III tow package
Active	Low $40,000s	2.3L EcoBoost I-4	RWD, available 4WD	7	Heated front seats, power liftgate, 10-way power driver seat
ST-Line	Mid $40,000s	2.3L EcoBoost I-4	RWD, available 4WD	7	Sport styling, 20-inch wheels, 360-degree camera, B&O audio
Tremor	High $40,000s	2.3L I-4 or available 3.0L V6	Standard Intelligent 4WD	6	Off-road build, Torsen limited-slip axle, all-terrain tires (new for 2026)
Platinum	Low $50,000s	2.3L EcoBoost I-4	RWD, available 4WD	7	Premium trim, BlueCruise equipped, 14-speaker B&O, massaging seats
ST	Mid $50,000s	3.0L EcoBoost V6	RWD, available 4WD	7	Performance trim, 385-hp V6, sport-tuned suspension, red brake calipers

Those starting prices are approximate bands; the figure on a specific build depends on the engine, drivetrain, and options. The lineup is easiest to compare against what is in stock.

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If the trim, color, or configuration you want is not on the lot, we can order it from the factory to your spec.

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For the exact price on a specific build, current specials and a quick quote are the most accurate.

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Engines, Drivetrain, and Towing

The 2026 Explorer offers two turbocharged EcoBoost engines and a choice of rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. The standard 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder makes 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque and powers every trim except the ST. The ST runs a twin-turbo 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 with 385 horsepower and 415 lb-ft, and that V6 is also available on the Tremor. Both pair with a 10-speed automatic, and those output figures are rated on premium fuel.

Rear-wheel drive is standard on most trims, with Ford's Intelligent 4WD available across the line and standard on the Tremor. Every Explorer, regardless of engine or drivetrain, tows up to 5,000 lbs when properly equipped, enough for a midsize camper, a boat, or a pair of jet skis.

New for 2026: Tremor and BlueCruise

The headline change for 2026 is the new Explorer Tremor, a dedicated off-road trim. It comes with standard Intelligent 4WD, an available twin-turbo 3.0L V6, a Torsen limited-slip rear axle for traction, and off-road-tuned suspension that raises ground clearance to 8.7 inches. Underbody deflector plates, all-terrain tires on 18-inch Ebony Black wheels, accent-color tow hooks, and off-road auxiliary lights round out the hardware, and inside it seats six with Tremor-stitched front and second-row seats. It is the most off-road-capable Explorer in the lineup, while keeping the three-row practicality of the rest of the range.

The other update for 2026 is hands-free driving. On trims equipped with BlueCruise, the system now adds Automatic Lane Change, which can move over to pass slower traffic on approved highways without you touching the turn signal.

Interior, Seating, and Cargo

The Explorer seats up to seven across three rows, or six with the second-row captain's chairs that several trims offer. Cargo runs up to 85.8 cubic feet behind the first row and 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row, with a flat load floor when the rear seats fold. Comfort climbs with the trim: tri-zone climate control and heated front seats arrive early in the lineup, and the Platinum adds heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats with leather inserts and ambient lighting. A panoramic fixed glass roof with a power sunshade is available, and PowerFold third-row seating makes loading easier on the higher trims. Audio ranges from a 10-speaker B&O system by Bang & Olufsen up to a 14-speaker setup on the Platinum.

Technology and Driver Assistance

Every Explorer centers on a 13.2-inch touchscreen running Ford Digital Experience, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and the Ford Connectivity Package for streaming, apps, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Ford Co-Pilot360 driver-assist technology is standard, with adaptive cruise control on the Active trims and Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 with a 360-degree camera from the ST-Line up. BlueCruise hands-free highway driving comes equipped on the Platinum and ST, each with an included trial, and is available on the ST-Line and Tremor.

Driving the Explorer in Central Indiana

Central Indiana families put a lot of miles on a three-row SUV, and the Explorer is built for the variety. Rear-wheel drive keeps things efficient for the daily commute, available Intelligent 4WD adds traction for Indiana winters, and 5,000 lbs of towing handles a camper or a boat when summer comes. We sell and service the Explorer from our Anderson location for buyers in Fishers, Noblesville, Carmel, Muncie, Pendleton, and the wider metro, many of them trading up from a smaller SUV as the family grows. Three rows, real cargo room, and a trim for almost any budget make it an easy fit across the region.

Specs, Fuel Economy, and Warranty

The Explorer rides on a 119.1-inch wheelbase and measures 198.7 inches long, with three rows, up to seven seats, and up to 85.8 cubic feet of cargo. Fuel economy is EPA-estimated, on regular gasoline, and depends on the engine and drivetrain.

Configuration	EPA-estimated MPG (city / hwy / combined)
2.3L EcoBoost, rear-wheel drive	20 / 29 / 24
2.3L EcoBoost, Intelligent 4WD	20 / 27 / 23
2.3L EcoBoost, Tremor	19 / 23 / 21
3.0L EcoBoost V6, rear-wheel drive	18 / 25 / 21
3.0L EcoBoost V6, Intelligent 4WD	18 / 25 / 20
3.0L EcoBoost V6, Tremor	17 / 22 / 19

Every new Explorer is backed by Ford's New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

Coverage	Term
Bumper-to-bumper	3 years / 36,000 miles
Powertrain	5 years / 60,000 miles
Safety restraint	5 years / 60,000 miles
Corrosion (perforation)	5 years / unlimited miles
Roadside assistance	5 years / 60,000 miles

Which Explorer Fits Your Family

The right Explorer depends on what the SUV mostly does. Most families do well with the 2.3-liter on the Active or ST-Line, the Tremor is the pick if weekends head off pavement, the Platinum leans luxury, and the ST is the one for drivers who want the 385-horsepower V6. All six share the same three rows and 5,000-lb tow rating, so no choice costs you the core practicality.

Seeing your current vehicle's trade value and driving a couple of trims back to back usually settles it quickly.

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2026 Ford Explorer FAQ

How much can the 2026 Ford Explorer tow?

Every Explorer trim tows up to 5,000 lbs when properly equipped, with either engine and with rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. That is enough for a small camper, a boat, or a utility trailer.

How many people does the 2026 Explorer seat?

The Explorer seats up to seven across three rows on most trims, or six when fitted with second-row captain's chairs. The off-road Tremor seats six.

Does the 2026 Explorer come with all-wheel drive?

Rear-wheel drive is standard on most trims, and Ford's Intelligent 4WD is available across the lineup. The Tremor comes with Intelligent 4WD as standard.

What is the 2026 Explorer's fuel economy?

EPA-estimated fuel economy reaches 24 mpg combined (20 city, 29 highway) with the 2.3-liter and rear-wheel drive, all on regular gasoline. Intelligent 4WD, the V6, and the Tremor's all-terrain setup lower that, down to 19 mpg combined on the V6 Tremor.

What is the difference between the 2.3-liter and the V6?

The standard 2.3-liter EcoBoost makes 300 horsepower and returns the best fuel economy, and it powers every trim except the ST. The twin-turbo 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 makes 385 horsepower, comes standard on the ST and is available on the Tremor, and trades a few mpg for noticeably more power.

Is the 2026 Explorer a good family SUV?

Yes. Three rows, up to 85.8 cubic feet of cargo, tri-zone climate, and standard Ford Co-Pilot360 driver-assist technology make it practical and family-friendly, and the trims run from the value-focused Active to the premium Platinum so the budget can set the equipment level.

Although every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on this site, absolute accuracy cannot be guaranteed. This site, and all information and materials appearing on it, are presented to the user "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied. All vehicles are subject to prior sale. Price does not include applicable tax, title, and license charges. ‡Vehicles shown at different locations are not currently in our inventory (Not in Stock) but can be made available to you at our location within a reasonable date from the time of your request, not to exceed one week.

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