Before You Buy: A Helpful Guide to the 2026 Ford Explorer

There are many household names in the Ford lineup, but one of the brand’s best-known models is the Explorer. Not only is the Explorer the brand’s longest-running SUV nameplate, but it’s also ideal for a wide range of drivers, particularly with the addition of the new Tremor trim.

If you are looking for a Ford Explorer for sale near Westcliffe, we invite you to check out our inventory here at The Faricy Boys Ford. Whether you are shopping online or in person, our team will answer any questions you might have as well as ask a few of our own to help narrow down our selection and ensure you find the right fit.

For now, keep reading to learn more about what the 2026 Ford Explorer brings to the table and why it might be exactly what you’re looking for.

The 2026 Ford Explorer at a Glance

As mentioned, there is a new trim level in the Explorer lineup for 2026, giving drivers with an adventurous side the ability to tackle a variety of terrains. The Tremor trim comes equipped with a lifted suspension, a limited-slip rear differential, and all-terrain tires. Plus, its available 3.0L EcoBoost V6 engine makes it the most powerful off-road Explorer ever.

The Tremor is not the only trim to choose from, however, which is one of the reasons why so many Westcliffe drivers put the Explorer at the top of their must-see list. Within the 2026 lineup, you will find everything from confident and convenient to sophisticated and luxurious, allowing you to easily find the one that best matches your daily driving routine.

2026 Ford Explorer Active

When shopping for a new Explorer, you will find there are two Active trim options. The first is the base trim, known as Active 100A. It is exactly as it sounds—a starting point. It offers essential technology, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, as well as comfort and convenient amenities like a rearview camera with backup assist grid lines, 12V powerpoints, and tri-zone electronic automatic temperature control. Additionally, the Ford Digital Experience, featuring a 13.2-inch center display, provides seamless access to Google and Amazon services. Even better, you can customize the interface so that it works best for you.

The second Active trim is simply known as the “Active,” although you might also hear it called 200A. It takes things up a notch, focusing on enhanced comfort and practicality. For instance, it adds features like heated driver and front passenger seats, a power liftgate, roof rails, active noise cancellation for a quieter ride, and more. While both options fit many of the needs that today’s drivers have, there are a few more boxes checked in the “want” column when choosing the Active trim over the Active 100A.

2026 Ford Explorer ST-Line

If you are looking for even more modern amenities—say you’re counting on the Explorer to offer a bit more refinement to your daily commute, or you spend a lot of time running the kids from one extracurricular activity to the next—the ST-Line might be the trim to check out first.

From the start, you will notice that it offers a sleek exterior thanks to details such as blackout treatments on the headlamps and taillamps, black lower bodyside cladding, black roof-rack side rails, and LED fog lamps. Inside, there’s even more focus on the things that make your drive more enjoyable, starting with the B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen, which includes 10 speakers and a subwoofer.

Another highlight of the ST-Line trim is the unique red stitching on the ActiveX-trimmed seats, giving the SUV a more sporty vibe than the first two trims offer. Plus, you will enjoy a 10-way power driver seat, an eight-way power front passenger seat, and second-row heated seats for chilly days. It is also worth noting that you can opt for second-row captain’s seats with E-Z Entry and armrests.

The ST-Line is designed with comfort and convenience in mind, making it a great choice for drivers on the go, whether transporting the kids or friends.

2026 Ford Explorer Platinum

The Platinum trim takes everything the ST-Line has to offer and adds a bit of sophistication. Instead of the 2.3L EcoBoost engine that powers the previously mentioned trims, it comes with a 3.0L EcoBoost, delivering 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. You also get a 90-day trial of BlueCruise hands-free driving so you can arrive at your destination refreshed and ready to go.

Some of the exterior features that help the Platinum trim level stand out include LED signature lighting, a satin chrome and ebony grille, satin roof rack rails, a power liftgate, and adaptive headlights, among others.

Inside is where things are truly leveled up, with an upgraded B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen—this one offering 14 speakers and a subwoofer—multiple USB ports throughout, and leather seating surfaces with Miko micro-perforated inserts. You will also find that the first row is both heated and ventilated.

The Platinum trim also makes getting in and out easier for your passengers with standard second-row captain’s seats. Not only that, but when you need more cargo than passenger space, you will appreciate how quickly you can access it thanks to the PowerFold third-row seats.

2026 Ford Explorer ST

The ST is the high-performance trim level for the 2026 Explorer. It comes equipped with the 3.0L EcoBoost V6 engine, 21-inch wheels, and a sport-tuned suspension. It also has an edgier exterior, with quad chrome exhaust tips, black skid plates on the front and rear, LED signature lighting, a black mesh grille insert, and a body-color rear spoiler.

It’s the inside that might truly win you over, however. This is thanks to details like ambient lighting, first-row heated and ventilated seats, a 360-degree camera with split view, and a heated, sport-style steering wheel with the ST logo and a flat bottom. The ST also offers utmost convenience for Westcliffe drivers on the go, with features like a 110V/150W AC power outlet, which allows you to power items like a small refrigerator when camping or a laptop when working while waiting for soccer practice to end.

All in all, the ST provides everything you need and many of the things you want, making it an impressive and well-rounded option for all your travels.

2026 Ford Explorer Tremor

If you want a more rugged option, you will quickly see that the Tremor is on a whole other level than the other trims. First, the exterior is enhanced with trim-specific badging and graphics, as well as unique front tow hooks. The grille includes off-road auxiliary lights, and the Tremor has front and rear deflector plates that add underbody protection.

Perhaps most importantly, particularly if you have off-roading in mind, the Tremor comes standard with intelligent four-wheel drive, a terrain management system, and trailer sway control—to go along with its 5,000 lb towing capacity—and an optional engine block heater. It even gets a Torsen limited-slip rear differential to provide even more traction on the most challenging terrain.

Essentially, if you are looking for a solid performer both on and off the road, the new Tremor trim is a great option to consider.

Check Out the New 2026 Ford Explorer Today

The Explorer has been a part of the Ford lineup since the early 1990s, offering drivers a strong and efficient way to transport both passengers and cargo with ease. Today’s Explorer goes the extra mile when it comes to checking the boxes for Westcliffe drivers from all walks of life, which is one of many reasons why it is so popular.

As mentioned, you can explore our selection of 2026 Explorer models either online or by stopping in at our dealership. Either way, the team here at The Faricy Boys Ford is excited to help you find the right Explorer for you.