Inside, there’s no missing the big 13.2-inch touchscreen at the centre of the dash. It runs on Ford’s latest software and brings everything you need right to your fingertips. Safety’s dialled in too: Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ comes on every trim, and if you want to let the car take over on long drives, there’s optional BlueCruise hands-free highway driving.
For 2026, Ford also rolled out a new Tremor trim. It’s built for off-road action, with heavy-duty suspension, tough all-terrain tyres, and sturdy skid plates underneath.
Honestly, picking a three-row SUV that keeps everyone in the family happy isn’t easy. Maybe you need something that can tow, your partner’s obsessed with safety ratings, and the kids just want charger ports and comfy seats. Ford’s clearly aiming the Explorer right at families like yours. No surprise that three-row SUVs like this one still grab a big chunk of the market—more than 15% of new vehicles sold in North America—because families just don’t want to compromise on space or versatility.
Getting a new ride isn’t just about spec sheets. It’s about smooth road trips, easier school runs, and keeping the people you care about safe.
We’ll dig into details on the Explorer’s driving feel, tech, seating, safety, pricing, and day-to-day usability to see if it really fits the bill for your driveway.
The midsize three-row SUV crowd is packed with tough competition, but the Explorer still pulls in plenty of fans. Thanks to its rear-wheel-drive-based setup, it handles with a bit more agility than the usual front-wheel-drive crossovers out there. You sit up high with a great view ahead, and that extra ground clearance means snow days or gravel roads won’t trip you up.
Inside, Ford designed the cabin with real life in mind. Need to haul a week’s worth of groceries, bulky gear, or sports equipment? Fold the seats flat, and you’ll have over 85 cubic feet of room in the back—plenty of space to carry whatever your weekend throws at you.
Every Explorer gets the Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ standard. Forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitors, and lane-keeping assistance—they’re all working quietly in the background to help you steer clear of accidents before they happen.
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Whether you’re after better fuel economy or just want more punch, the Explorer has you covered.
With 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, this turbo four-cylinder is paired to a 10-speed automatic—a nice mix of power and efficiency. Expect up to 29 MPG on the highway, too, so you won’t drain your wallet at the pump.
If you want more excitement, check out the ST and Platinum trims. They get a twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 cranking out 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft. That’s enough for a 0–60 run in just over five seconds—pretty wild for a family SUV.
Here’s a quick look at the main trims:
| Trim | Engine | Horsepower | Torque | City/Highway MPG |
| Active 100A | 2.3L Turbo I-4 | 300 hp | 310 lb-ft | 20/29 |
| ST-Line | 2.3L Turbo I-4 | 300 hp | 310 lb-ft | 20/29 |
| Tremor | 2.3L Turbo I-4 | 300 hp | 310 lb-ft | 19/23 |
| ST | 3.0L Twin-Turbo V6 | 400 hp | 415 lb-ft | 18/25 |
Climb inside, and you’ll find a digital cockpit that’s ready for work or weekend family runs.
The 13.2-inch touchscreen puts maps, music, and smartphone controls front and centre. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, so you’re not stuck messing with cords.
Active noise cancellation and thicker glass help keep things peaceful, even at highway speed. Want top-quality audio? There’s an available Bang & Olufsen sound system that handles every playlist and podcast effortlessly.
Deciding between trims mostly comes down to your budget and what you actually want.
Rating: 8.8/10
Range: About 430 miles per tank (20 city/29 highway MPG)
Starts at $38,465
The entry-level option is anything but basic—300 horsepower, power liftgate, tri-zone climate, and the big touchscreen all come with it.
Rating: 9.0/10
Range: About 375 miles per tank (19 city/23 highway MPG)
Starts at $50,025
If you’re up for adventure, the Tremor is ready. Beefed-up suspension, underbody armour, chunky tyres, and a special rear axle for getting out of sticky situations.
Rating: 9.2/10
Range: About 375 miles per tank (18 city/25 highway MPG)
Starts at $56,465
The ST is the hot rod with 400 horsepower, sport suspension, bold styling, quad exhaust, and those deep-bolster front seats.
Every Explorer is built with robust steel for protection, plus lots of airbags for everyone. Tow up to 5,000 pounds—no upgrades needed. Ford’s BlueCruise even lets you take your hands off the wheel on mapped highways while the car handles steering, speed, and brakes. It’s a real help on long road trips.
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Finding the perfect family vehicle means juggling a bunch of things like safety, space, comfort, and power. The Explorer covers all these bases, and then some. We’ve walked through its features, powertrains, safety record, trim differences, and all the family-friendly details. In the end, this SUV keeps you and your family comfortable, confident, and ready to face anything the week brings. Take a little time to figure out what your crew actually needs, and you’ll be well on your way to picking the right Explorer for your driveway.
If you want to compare options or get pricing that fits your budget, check out PowerSearch.com for tailored listings.
Every Explorer, regardless of engine, can tow 5,000 pounds with the standard Class III Trailer Tow Package. Boats, small campers, and utility trailers are easy work.
BlueCruise combines adaptive cruise control, lane centreing, and driver-facing cameras to let you take your hands off the wheel on eligible highways. It controls speed, steering, and braking—and makes sure you’re still paying attention.
The Tremor trim is all about heading off-pavement. It’s got raised suspension, metal skid plates, off-road tyres on special wheels, and a beefy rear axle for tackling bumpy trails.
The third row is fine for kids and teens, or adults for short rides. For longer trips, grown-ups are going to be happier in the middle or front rows.
You get a 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Roadside assistance runs for five years or 60,000 miles, too, so you’re covered if anything comes up.
This content was created by AI