2026 Ford Explorer Review

The 2026 Ford Explorer Presented by Future Ford of Roseville

The 2026 Ford Explorer continues its legacy as one of the most recognizable and capable SUVs on the road, building on its sixth-generation platform with confident performance, family-friendly versatility, and modern design. Built to handle everything from daily carpools to weekend getaways, the Explorer comfortably seats up to seven passengers and provides generous in-cabin storage, making it an ideal choice for active families and adventure seekers alike. When conditions get tough, the available four-wheel-drive system delivers added confidence on snow, rain-soaked roads, gravel, or dirt trails, while a maximum towing capacity of up to 5,600 pounds allows the 2026 Explorer to easily haul boats, trailers, or recreational gear. Ford blends practicality with premium touches, offering available leather-trimmed seating, a thoughtful cabin layout, and an immersive Bang & Olufsen sound system. The 2026 Ford Explorer offers two proven powertrain options to match your driving style including the standard 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder and the available 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 turns up the excitement with an impressive 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, giving the Explorer serious muscle when you need it. A streamlined trim lineup makes choosing the right model easier than ever for drivers throughout Citrus Heights, Rocklin, Folsom, Lincoln, Granite Bay, Elk Grove, and Woodland. Here at Future Ford of Roseville, we invite you to take a closer look at everything the 2026 Ford Explorer has to offer. In our in-depth review, we’ll cover performance specs, interior highlights, and the full trim lineup including the Active, ST-Line, Platinum, and high-performance ST, to help you find the Explorer that fits your lifestyle perfectly.

Engine Specs and Fuel Ratings

The 2026 Ford Explorer, available now on our lot in Roseville, continues to deliver impressive performance with two strong engine options. Standard on the Active, ST-Line, and Platinum trims is a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a responsive 10-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain produces a confident 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, offering a smooth yet energetic drive. Drivers seeking maximum performance should check out the range-topping Explorer ST, which raises the bar with a commanding 3.0-liter V6 engine. Also mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission, this powerhouse delivers an exhilarating 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, making it the most capable Explorer in the lineup. Efficiency remains a strong suit as well. The 2.3-liter engine with front-wheel drive achieves an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, while the high-output 3.0-liter V6 offers a respectable 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway, balancing performance with everyday practicality.

Interior Highlights

Step inside the 2026 Ford Explorer, and you’re greeted by an interior that feels more refined, modern, and thoughtfully designed than ever before. Premium soft-touch materials now cover most major touchpoints, while contrast stitching across the dashboard, door panels, and center console adds an upscale, tailored look. At the center of the cabin is a sleek 13.2-inch horizontal high-resolution touchscreen, seamlessly integrated into the dashboard for a clean, minimalist appearance. Ford has streamlined the layout by reducing physical buttons, leaving only essential controls like the volume knob, which enhances both aesthetics and ease of use. Practicality shines through with a smart storage tray beneath the dash, oversized cup holders, and a generously sized center-console cubby designed to keep everyday essentials within reach. Comfort is a strong suit throughout the cabin. The front and second-row seats offer excellent legroom and headroom, while the fold-and-slide second-row seats provide convenient access to the third row, ensuring passengers of all ages can climb in with ease. Behind the third row, the Explorer offers 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space. Technology is at the forefront with Ford’s Google-based infotainment system, featuring built-in Google Maps and Google Assistant for effortless navigation, hands-free calls, and climate control adjustments. A standout feature is the embedded Vivaldi web browser, allowing you to stream movies, watch TV shows, or even play games while the Explorer is parked.

Trim Offering

The 2026 Ford Explorer is available at Future Ford of Roseville in four well-equipped trim levels: Active, ST-Line, Platinum, and ST. Each model comes standard with rear-wheel drive, with four-wheel drive available for added confidence in varying road conditions. Below is a breakdown of what each trim has to offer. The Active trim serves as a strong and well-equipped entry point to the Explorer lineup, offering comfortable seating for up to seven passengers and a long list of standard features. Highlights include tri-zone automatic climate control, heated power-adjustable front seats, a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a 12.3-inch digital driver display, along with multiple USB ports throughout the cabin. On the exterior, the Active stands out with 18-inch Sparkle Silver color aluminum wheels, a black mesh grille with chrome crossbars, LED headlights and taillights, and the added convenience of a power liftgate. Designed for drivers who crave a sportier appearance, the ST-Line adds bold blacked-out exterior accents, including a black mesh grille, darkened headlight and taillight treatments, and distinctive 20-inch machined aluminum wheels with ebony color accents. An “EXPLORER” hood badge completes the athletic look. Inside, the cabin is upgraded with ActiveX seating material with Miko inserts and red contrast stitching for a premium, performance-inspired feel. This trim also includes a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system with subwoofer, voice-activated navigation, and a 360-degree camera for enhanced awareness. Luxury takes center stage in the Platinum trim. This model features heated and ventilated multicontour front seats, premium leather upholstery, a twin-panel moonroof, a wireless charging pad, and heated second-row seats. Audiophiles will appreciate the 980-watt Bang & Olufsen sound system with 14 speakers. Exterior details include satin aluminum trim, 20-inch Luster Nickel–painted aluminum wheels, a unique grille design, and adaptive headlights. At the top of the lineup sits the performance-focused Explorer ST, the only trim equipped with the powerful 3.0-liter V6 engine, delivering an impressive 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. Performance enhancements include high-performance brakes with red color calipers, 21-inch Magnetite-painted aluminum wheels, quad chrome exhaust tips, paddle shifters, and a sport-style steering wheel. The ST also includes many of the premium features found on the Platinum, blending everyday luxury with thrilling performance.

Future Ford of Roseville

Proudly serving the greater Roseville area, including Lincoln, Rocklin, Citrus Heights, Folsom, Granite Bay, Elk Grove and Woodland, we pride ourselves on outstanding customer service! Look no further than the capable, powerful, and legendary 2026 Ford Explorer as your next new family-friendly SUV! The staff here at Future Ford of Roseville are ready and waiting to share our knowledge of this outstanding and powerful SUV, which has stayed put at the top of the charts for six generations! Designed to provide a plethora of unique options for today’s family, we hope this review of the 2026 Ford Explorer has helped you figure out which of the four trim options is right for you! We would love the opportunity to show you all of the amazing features that can make this SUV uniquely yours here at Future Ford of Roseville. Come see why people all over Roseville choose us, Future Ford of Roseville, as their 2026 Ford Explorer dealer!