2026 Ford Explorer

Active 100A and Active trims feel clean and well-judged, focusing on comfort and connectivity without excess. They are the versions most people will live with daily, and they do that job with quiet competence. ST-Line adds a touch of intent. The styling is sharper, the stance a little more purposeful, though it stops short of pretending to be something it is not. It is a visual shift rather than a mechanical one, and that restraint works in its favor. Tremor® is where things become more interesting. Increased ride height, underbody protection, and a Torsen® limited-slip rear axle give it genuine off-road credibility. This makes it ideal for exploring trails near Huntington Beach State Park or venturing into the Francis Marion National Forest. Platinum™ moves the focus inward. Materials improve, surfaces soften, and the cabin becomes a quieter, more insulated place to spend time. It feels properly finished, not overdone. ST sits apart. With the 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 and sport-tuned suspension, it delivers a noticeably more assertive drive. Not aggressive for the sake of it, but sharper, more responsive, and just a bit more engaging when the road opens up on SC-905 or along Highway 378.

The standard 2.3L EcoBoost® engine produces 300 hp and 310 lbs. ft. of torque, and it suits the Explorer well. There is enough power for confident progress without ever feeling strained. Step into the 3.0L EcoBoost® V6, and the character changes. With 385 hp and 415 lbs. ft. of torque, it brings a stronger sense of urgency, particularly in ST and available Tremor® models. It is not overwhelming, just more immediate, more willing. Every Explorer® comes with a Class III Trailer Tow Package, allowing up to 5,000 lbs. of towing capacity. It is a sensible figure, useful without being excessive, and it aligns with how most owners will actually use it. On the road, the Explorer feels settled. It carries its size well, with steering that is predictable and a ride that remains composed over longer distances. Drive modes—Eco, Sport, Tow/Haul, Slippery, and terrain-specific settings—adjust behavior without overcomplicating the experience. This makes commuting through Conway, or road trips to Myrtle Beach or Charleston, both smooth and controlled.

The cabin is arranged with clarity. Seating for up to seven is standard, and available second-row captain’s chairs open up the space in a way that feels more relaxed and accessible. Cargo capacity reaches up to 85.8 cu. ft., and the available PowerFold® third row makes reconfiguring the space straightforward. It is practical, easy to use, and free from unnecessary cleverness. Higher trims bring in more refinement—heated and ventilated seats, ambient lighting, and available massaging front seats—but the overall design remains grounded and comfortable for long drives along SC-905 or weekend trips toward Myrtle Beach.

A 13.2-inch center display runs Ford Digital Experience with SYNC® 4, and it is as clean as it is responsive. Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto® integrate without fuss, which is exactly how it should be. BlueCruise adds hands-free highway driving with Automatic Lane Change, working quietly in the background rather than demanding attention. The available Ford Connectivity Package brings Wi-Fi® and streaming capability, while the B&O® sound system adds a layer of richness to the cabin experience, perfect for long drives along U.S. Highway 501 or Highway 378.

Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist provides the core systems, Pre-Collision Assist® with Automatic Emergency Braking, BLIS® with Cross-Traffic Alert, and Lane-Keeping System, working together to support awareness without intrusion. Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane Centering adds a more advanced layer of control, particularly on longer drives. Additional features like a 360-degree camera system and trailer-focused safety technologies reinforce the Explorer’s sense of capability, making it easier to manage in both everyday and more demanding situations in and around Conway, SC.