What Sets the 2026 Ford Explorer Apart?
Shop for a New Ford Explorer Near St. Louis
The 2026 Ford Explorer redefines the midsize SUV segment with a lineup tailored to provide power, capability, and technology through St. Louis and beyond.
2026 Ford Explorer Overview
Starting with the well-equipped Active trim, drivers have:
- A robust 2.3L EcoBoost inline-4 generating 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque
- Rear-wheel drive
- 10-speed automatic transmission
- Comfortable seating for six to seven passengers
- Fuel economy rating of 20 mpg city and 29 mpg highway
At the other end of the spectrum, the top-of-the-line ST trim commands attention with a 3.0L Twin-Turbo V6 delivering 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, blending sportscar dynamics with practical seating and utility.
Meanwhile, the all-new Tremor trim stands out for its off-road upgrades, including intelligent 4WD, a suspension lift, and all-terrain tires, reflecting Ford’s attention to adventure-ready design.
Across all trims, Ford equips the Explorer with a standard Class III Trailer Tow Package supporting a consistent 5,000-pound towing capacity and embodying versatility rarely matched in this class. The balance of rear-wheel-drive agility and top-tier variants makes the Explorer a distinctive option for St. Louis area buyers seeking both capability and refinement.
New Ford Specials Near St. Louis
How Much Space Does the 2026 Ford Explorer Have?
The 2026 Ford Explorer delivers more than just an engine lineup geared for power—it embraces passengers with a thoughtfully-crafted interior for up to seven occupants across the lineup. This flexibility is a hallmark of the Explorer, addressing the needs of families and adventure-seekers alike through configurable seating and user-friendly features.
The Explorer offers either second-row captain’s chairs or a bench seat depending on the trim and available packages. The Active trim provides standard second-row captain’s chairs with E-Z Entry, simplifying access to the third row.
The Tremor and ST-Line trims offer similar flexibility, with the option to select between a bench seat or captain’s chairs, tailored to accommodate six or seven riders seamlessly. Rear passengers benefit from climate controls positioned for easy adjustments, available especially on trims like Platinum, which come standard with tri-zone electronic temperature control alongside rear auxiliary controls.
2026 Ford Explorer Cargo Capacity
Cargo versatility is equally important in a midsize SUV, and the Explorer balances third-row passenger accommodation with practical storage capacities:
- 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row
- Maximum of 85.8 cubic feet when seats are folded down
- Supports hauling outdoor gear, luggage, or other bulky items without compromising interior passenger space
Additional comfort amenities such as heated front seats are standard or available across multiple trims. The Platinum and ST trims enhance comfort further with ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and multi-contour seating options.
Heated steering wheels are offered beginning in the Active Comfort Package for the Active trim, while being standard on ST-Line, Tremor, Platinum, and ST trims, providing warmth during colder drives, as well.
2026 Ford Explorer Technology Overview
The 2026 Ford Explorer brings a highly-connected driving experience, centered around an impressive infotainment suite and multiple connectivity options. At the heart, a standard 13.2-inch touchscreen featuring the Ford Digital Experience, which integrates Google Built-in services such as Maps, Assistant, and Play Store. This interface delivers swift, intuitive controls and modern smartphone-like interaction, elevating convenience for drivers and passengers alike.
Adding to its tech appeal, the Explorer provides a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that clearly presents vehicle data with customizable displays, keeping critical information front and center. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, enabling seamless integration of smartphones without cumbersome cables. The cabin also benefits from an eight-port USB array, including two ports accessible in the third row, accommodating multiple devices for all passengers.
Additional connectivity encompasses a wireless charging pad for compatible devices and 4G/5G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot capability, supporting on-the-go browsing or streaming. Over-the-air software updates ensure your SUV remains current without requiring dealership visits, while the Ford Connectivity Package adds capabilities like video streaming and voice control with Alexa and Google assistants.
What Safety Technology Does the 2026 Ford Explorer Have?
The 2026 Ford Explorer equips drivers with a comprehensive suite of safety and driver-assistance technologies aimed at enhancing every journey’s security. Core features include:
- Dual-stage front airbags
- Front-seat side airbags
- Safety Canopy system across all three rows
- Driver and front passenger knee airbags add another layer of protection
Active safety technologies are standardized or available across select trims to support real-time hazard mitigation. For example, Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ integrates Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Centering, helping maintain safe distances and positions on the highway, while standard Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking generates autonomous braking when a frontal collision risk is detected.
Distinct driver aids such as Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross-Traffic Alert and Lane-Keeping System (combining assist and alert functions) sustain situational awareness and reduce distraction, while several trims offer enhanced sensor packages including 360-degree cameras with split-view and Reverse Brake Assist.
Does the 2026 Ford Explorer Have BlueCruise?
The Platinum trim standardizes BlueCruise 1.5, Ford’s semi-autonomous hands-free highway driving technology, while ST-Line and Tremor trims make it optional.
Shop for a 2026 Explorer Near St. Louis at Weber Ford
Schedule a test drive with the new Ford Explorer near St. Louis at our dealership. Look into various trim options for other vehicles with our Ford model comparisons and if you have any questions, contact us online!