Explorer Trim Levels
2026 Ford Explorer Trim Guide
What's the Difference Between the 2026 Ford Explorer Trim Levels?
Active, ST-Line, Tremor, Platinum or ST? Every 2026 Explorer gives you three-row seating and up to 5,000 pounds of towing capability, but each trim is built for a different kind of driver. Here's how to choose the Explorer that fits your family, driving style and adventures.
Five Explorer personalities
Start with what matters most to you
Explorer Active is the everyday family choice. ST-Line adds sporty style. The new Tremor takes Explorer farther off-road. Platinum focuses on luxury, while ST turns the three-row SUV into a serious performance machine.
3 Rows Standard Seating Seating for six or seven depending on configuration
5,000 lbs. Max Towing Capacity Standard Class III Trailer Tow Package on every Explorer
300–400 hp EcoBoost Power Choose four-cylinder efficiency or available twin-turbo V6 performance
85.8 cu. ft. Max Cargo Space Up to 85.8 cubic feet on select configurations
The simple answer
Which 2026 Ford Explorer should you buy?
You can dig into packages and individual options, but the basic Explorer personalities are surprisingly easy to understand.
Want the best family value?
Active delivers the essential Explorer experience with three rows, 300 horsepower, strong cargo room and everyday comfort.
Pick: Explorer ActiveWant sporty looks?
ST-Line gives Explorer a more aggressive personality without requiring the more powerful V6 or full performance setup of the ST.
Pick: Explorer ST-LineWant to leave the pavement?
Tremor adds standard 4WD, off-road suspension, all-terrain tires, underbody protection and a limited-slip rear axle.
Pick: Explorer TremorWant the nicest cabin?
Platinum emphasizes premium materials, comfort, sound quality and available luxury seating features.
Pick: Explorer PlatinumWant the performance model?
ST combines twin-turbo V6 power with a sport-tuned suspension and aggressive road-focused character.
Pick: Explorer ST Side-by-side
2026 Explorer trim-level comparison
Here's the fastest way to see the biggest differences between Active, ST-Line, Tremor, Platinum and ST.
| Feature | Active | ST-Line | Tremor | Platinum | ST |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard engine | 2.3L EcoBoost | 2.3L EcoBoost | 2.3L EcoBoost | 2.3L EcoBoost | 3.0L EcoBoost V6 |
| Standard horsepower | 300 hp | 300 hp | 300 hp | 300 hp | 385 hp |
| Available 3.0L V6 | — | — | Yes — up to 400 hp | — | Standard |
| Drivetrain | RWD / Available 4WD | RWD / Available 4WD | Standard Intelligent 4WD | RWD / Available 4WD | RWD / Available 4WD |
| Max towing | 5,000 lbs. | 5,000 lbs. | 5,000 lbs. | 5,000 lbs. | 5,000 lbs. |
| Max seating | 7 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 7 |
| Main personality | Family value EVERYDAY | Sporty style STYLE | Off-road ADVENTURE | Premium luxury COMFORT | Performance SPORT |
Horsepower, seating, drivetrain and fuel-economy ratings may vary by configuration and equipment. The available 3.0L EcoBoost V6 on Tremor produces up to 400 horsepower. Explorer ST uses a 3.0L EcoBoost V6 rated at 385 horsepower for the 2026 model year. Always confirm specifications on the individual vehicle.
2026 EXPLORER ACTIVE
Active: the family-friendly sweet spot
Explorer Active is where the lineup makes the most sense for many families. It gives you the space, power, towing ability and technology that make Explorer useful without requiring you to pay for specialized performance, off-road or luxury equipment.
The standard 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder produces 300 horsepower and 310 lb.-ft. of torque and is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Rear-wheel drive is standard, while Intelligent 4WD is available for drivers who want additional all-weather traction.
- ✓ 2.3L EcoBoost: 300 hp and 310 lb.-ft. of torque
- ✓ 10-speed automatic transmission
- ✓ Standard RWD with available Intelligent 4WD
- ✓ Six-passenger seating standard with available seven-passenger configuration
- ✓ Up to 85.8 cu. ft. of cargo space
- ✓ 5,000-lb. towing capacity with standard Class III Trailer Tow Package
Who should buy Explorer Active?
Families who want the fundamental Explorer experience: three rows, strong turbocharged power, useful cargo space, available 4WD and standard towing capability without paying for features they may not need.
2026 EXPLORER ST-LINE
ST-Line: the look of performance without the V6
ST-Line is designed for buyers who like the aggressive appearance of the Explorer ST but don't necessarily need its more powerful twin-turbocharged V6.
Under the hood is the same 300-horsepower 2.3L EcoBoost used by Active, but ST-inspired appearance details and larger wheels give it a noticeably more athletic personality.
This can make ST-Line an especially appealing choice for drivers who want an Explorer that looks sportier while retaining the fuel economy and everyday manners of the four-cylinder powertrain.
- ✓ 2.3L EcoBoost: 300 horsepower
- ✓ 10-speed automatic transmission
- ✓ 20-inch Ebony-painted machined wheels
- ✓ ST-inspired exterior styling
- ✓ Available ST-Line Street Pack
- ✓ Available BlueCruise hands-free highway driving technology
Who should buy Explorer ST-Line?
Someone who wants a more aggressive-looking Explorer without stepping all the way up to the higher-performance ST powertrain.
2026 EXPLORER TREMOR
Tremor: the Explorer built for the trail
New for 2026, Explorer Tremor answers a question Explorer buyers have been asking for years: what if the three-row family SUV were built with genuinely useful off-road hardware?
Intelligent 4WD is standard. Ford adds increased ride height, an off-road-tuned suspension, all-terrain tires, underbody protection and an exclusive Torsen limited-slip rear axle to improve traction on loose or difficult surfaces.
The standard engine remains the 300-horsepower 2.3L EcoBoost, but Tremor buyers can step up to an available 3.0L EcoBoost V6 producing up to 400 horsepower and 415 lb.-ft. of torque.
- ✓ Standard 2.3L EcoBoost: 300 horsepower
- ✓ Available 3.0L EcoBoost V6: up to 400 hp and 415 lb.-ft.
- ✓ Standard Intelligent 4WD
- ✓ Off-road-tuned suspension with increased ride height
- ✓ Torsen limited-slip rear axle
- ✓ P265/65R18 all-terrain tires
- ✓ Steel underbody protection
- ✓ Six selectable drive modes including Off-Road
Who should buy Explorer Tremor?
Families who camp, travel on gravel roads, deal with difficult terrain or simply want a more capable three-row SUV without moving into a truck-based vehicle.
2026 EXPLORER PLATINUM
Platinum: Explorer goes upscale
Platinum takes the Explorer in almost the opposite direction from Tremor. Instead of adding off-road hardware, the focus shifts toward premium materials, passenger comfort and upscale technology.
The 300-horsepower 2.3L EcoBoost remains standard for 2026, which gives Platinum strong everyday performance without sacrificing the more efficient four-cylinder powertrain.
The real reason to choose Platinum is inside. Available quilted leather seating, heated and ventilated front seats, massaging front seats, heated second-row seats and a 14-speaker B&O audio system create the most luxurious Explorer experience.
- ✓ 2.3L EcoBoost: 300 horsepower
- ✓ 20-inch Luster Nickel-painted wheels
- ✓ B&O Sound System: 14 speakers including subwoofer
- ✓ Available Lux Leather Package
- ✓ Available heated, ventilated and massaging front seats
- ✓ Available heated second-row seats
- ✓ PowerFold third-row seating
Who should buy Explorer Platinum?
Buyers who want Explorer space and versatility but want their three-row SUV to feel more like a premium vehicle during commuting, road trips and everyday family use.
2026 EXPLORER ST
ST: the performance Explorer
ST-Line may look sporty, but ST is where the performance changes become mechanical.
The standard 2.3L EcoBoost is replaced by a twin-turbocharged 3.0L EcoBoost V6 producing 385 horsepower and 415 lb.-ft. of torque for the 2026 model year.
Ford then pairs that power with a lowered ride height and sport-tuned suspension designed to give the Explorer a more responsive feel on pavement.
- ✓ 3.0L EcoBoost V6: 385 hp and 415 lb.-ft. of torque
- ✓ 10-speed automatic transmission
- ✓ Sport-tuned suspension
- ✓ Lowered ride height
- ✓ 21-inch Magnetite-painted wheels
- ✓ RWD standard with available Intelligent 4WD
- ✓ 5,000-lb. towing capacity
Who should buy Explorer ST?
The driver who needs three rows and family practicality but doesn't want driving the family SUV to feel like a compromise.
Engine choices
Two EcoBoost engines define the Explorer lineup
Choosing an Explorer engine is mostly about deciding whether you need the 300-horsepower four-cylinder or want the extra power of Ford's twin-turbo V6.
2.3L EcoBoost I-4
The standard Explorer engine delivers strong torque, good highway efficiency and enough output to make the three-row SUV feel responsive in everyday driving.
300 horsepower 310 lb.-ft. of torque 10-speed automatic Standard on Active, ST-Line, Tremor & Platinum Up to 5,000 lbs. towing3.0L EcoBoost V6
Ford's twin-turbo V6 provides substantially stronger acceleration and torque for buyers who want a true performance-oriented Explorer.
385 hp on Explorer ST Up to 400 hp when available on Tremor 415 lb.-ft. of torque 10-speed automatic Up to 5,000 lbs. towing Standard towing capability
Every Explorer can tow up to 5,000 pounds
One of the nicest changes to the current Explorer formula is that Ford doesn't make shoppers chase a special towing package just to get serious trailer capability.
Every 2026 Explorer comes standard with a Class III Trailer Tow Package featuring a Class III hitch receiver, seven-wire harness and both four-pin and seven-pin trailer connectors.
Properly equipped, both the 2.3L EcoBoost and 3.0L EcoBoost engines can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
- ✓ 5,000-lb. maximum towing capacity
- ✓ Class III Trailer Tow Package standard
- ✓ Trailer Sway Control
- ✓ BLIS with Trailer Coverage available driver-assistance support while towing
Family practicality
Performance matters. So does fitting everybody's stuff.
Explorer's underlying job hasn't changed: it still needs to work as a family SUV.
Every model provides three rows of seating. Depending on trim and configuration, Explorer can seat six with second-row captain's chairs or seven with a second-row bench.
There's 16.3 cubic feet of cargo room behind the third row and as much as 85.8 cubic feet with the rear rows folded on select configurations.
- ✓ Three rows standard
- ✓ Six- or seven-passenger configurations
- ✓ 16.3 cu. ft. behind the third row
- ✓ Up to 85.8 cu. ft. of maximum cargo room
Technology
The Explorer is built for road trips as much as school runs
The 2026 Explorer combines its three-row layout with connected technology and available driver-assistance features designed to make long-distance driving easier.
Available BlueCruise
Ford BlueCruise can provide hands-free highway driving assistance on compatible roads. For 2026, available functionality includes Automatic Lane Change.
Ford Digital Experience
Explorer integrates navigation, entertainment, connectivity and vehicle information into a modern digital cabin designed around everyday use.
Available Panoramic Roof
A panoramic fixed glass roof with power shade is available across the 2026 Explorer lineup, bringing more natural light into all three rows.
Available 360-Degree Camera
Multiple camera views can make parking and maneuvering a nearly 199-inch-long three-row SUV easier in tight spaces.
Drive Modes
Explorer offers up to six selectable drive modes, including Normal, Eco, Sport, Tow/Haul, Slippery and Trail or Off-Road depending on drivetrain and trim.
Available B&O Audio
Premium Explorer configurations offer Bang & Olufsen audio, including a 14-speaker system on Platinum.
The most common decisions
Which Explorer upgrade is actually worth it?
Each step in the Explorer lineup should solve a specific problem rather than simply being viewed as "more expensive."
Active vs. ST-Line
Choose Active for value. Choose ST-Line if the aggressive appearance and sport-inspired details matter to you.
Same basic 300-hp powertrainST-Line vs. ST
ST-Line is primarily about style. ST changes the drivetrain and chassis with twin-turbo V6 power and sport suspension.
Style vs. real performanceTremor vs. ST
Both can deliver serious V6 power, but Tremor is optimized for off-road traction while ST is optimized for pavement.
Dirt vs. asphaltPlatinum vs. ST
Platinum puts the money into luxury and passenger comfort. ST puts more emphasis on power and handling.
Luxury vs. performanceActive vs. Platinum
If you don't need premium leather, high-end audio or additional luxury equipment, Active delivers most of Explorer's fundamental usefulness for less.
Value vs. luxury Explorer near Kansas City
Compare 2026 Ford Explorer trims at Chuck Anderson Ford
Shopping for an Explorer in Excelsior Springs, Liberty, Kearney, Richmond or the greater Kansas City area? Seeing Active, ST-Line, Tremor, Platinum and ST next to each other can make the choice much easier.
Frequently asked questions
2026 Ford Explorer trim-level FAQ
What are the 2026 Ford Explorer trim levels?
The primary 2026 Ford Explorer lineup includes Active, ST-Line, Tremor, Platinum and ST. Ford also offers an entry-level Active 100A equipment configuration within the Explorer lineup.
What is the difference between Explorer Active and ST-Line?
Both use the 300-horsepower 2.3L EcoBoost engine and 10-speed automatic transmission. Active emphasizes value and family practicality, while ST-Line adds sport-inspired exterior and interior styling and larger dark-finished wheels.
What is the difference between Explorer ST-Line and ST?
ST-Line gives Explorer a sporty appearance while retaining the 300-horsepower 2.3L EcoBoost engine. Explorer ST is the genuine performance model, using a 3.0L EcoBoost V6 rated at 385 horsepower and 415 lb.-ft. of torque along with a sport-tuned suspension and lower ride height.
What is new on the 2026 Ford Explorer?
One of the biggest additions for 2026 is the new Explorer Tremor. Tremor adds standard Intelligent 4WD, off-road-tuned suspension, increased ride height, all-terrain tires, underbody protection and an exclusive Torsen limited-slip rear axle. A 3.0L EcoBoost V6 producing up to 400 horsepower is available.
Which 2026 Explorer is best for off-roading?
Explorer Tremor is the off-road-focused model. It comes standard with Intelligent 4WD, an off-road-tuned suspension, a Torsen limited-slip rear axle, all-terrain tires, underbody protection and six selectable drive modes including Off-Road.
Which 2026 Explorer is the fastest?
Explorer ST is the road-performance-focused model and uses a 385-horsepower 3.0L EcoBoost V6 with a sport-tuned suspension. Explorer Tremor can be equipped with an available version of the 3.0L EcoBoost V6 producing up to 400 horsepower, but Tremor is tuned primarily for off-road performance rather than on-road sport handling.
Which Explorer trim is the most luxurious?
Explorer Platinum is the luxury-focused model. Available equipment includes quilted leather seating surfaces, heated, ventilated and massaging front seats, heated second-row seats and a 14-speaker B&O sound system.
Does the 2026 Ford Explorer have three rows?
Yes. Every 2026 Explorer has three rows of seating. Depending on trim and equipment, Explorer can seat six passengers with second-row captain's chairs or seven passengers with a second-row bench.
How much can the 2026 Ford Explorer tow?
Every 2026 Explorer comes standard with a Class III Trailer Tow Package and can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. Both available Explorer engines support the 5,000-pound maximum rating.
Does the 2026 Explorer have four-wheel drive?
Intelligent 4WD is available on Explorer models equipped with the 2.3L EcoBoost engine and is standard on Explorer Tremor. Explorer ST is also available with Intelligent 4WD.
What is the MPG of the 2026 Explorer?
Fuel economy varies by trim, engine and drivetrain. A rear-wheel-drive Explorer Active with the 2.3L EcoBoost is EPA-estimated at 20 MPG city, 29 MPG highway and 24 MPG combined. Four-wheel-drive models and V6-powered Explorer models have different ratings.
Where can I buy a 2026 Ford Explorer near Kansas City?
Chuck Anderson Ford in Excelsior Springs, Missouri serves Explorer shoppers from Excelsior Springs, Liberty, Kearney, Richmond, Kansas City and surrounding communities. Browse available Explorer inventory online or visit the dealership to compare Active, ST-Line, Tremor, Platinum and ST models in person.
Five Explorers. Five very different reasons to choose one.
Pick Active for everyday family value, ST-Line for sporty styling, Tremor for adventure, Platinum for luxury or ST for performance. Shop 2026 Ford Explorer inventory at Chuck Anderson Ford in Excelsior Springs and compare the lineup side by side.
Vehicle specifications, features, packages, horsepower, fuel-economy ratings, towing capacities and availability are based on manufacturer-published 2026 Ford Explorer information available when this page was prepared and are subject to change. Horsepower and torque ratings may require manufacturer-recommended premium fuel. Maximum towing capacity requires proper vehicle, trailer and equipment configuration. Passenger and cargo capacities vary by trim and seating configuration. Always consult the vehicle's owner's manual and certification information before towing. Ford, Explorer, Explorer ST, ST-Line, Tremor, EcoBoost, BlueCruise, Co-Pilot360 and related marks are trademarks of Ford Motor Company. Torsen and Bang & Olufsen are trademarks of their respective owners.