2026 is set to be another exciting model year, with plenty of change on the horizon across the market, and the SUV segment is no exception. Ford’s Explorer is always a strong contender in the sales department, and 2026 is full of speculation for what the new Explorer could bring to the table.
In this 2026 Ford Explorer redesign preview, we’ll be going under the hood to see if all the latest reported changes in the Explorer family are fact or fiction, giving you the tools to choose for yourself if the new Explorer could be your next family SUV for years to come.
Key Takeaways:
- Coming off the back of a well-received refresh in 2025, the 2026 Explorer is set to keep things conservative for the most part and focus on quality of life.
- Ford’s entry in the midsize SUV segment, the Explorer, blends size and performance perfectly
- Part of the 6th generation of the Ford Explorer.
What are the 2026 Ford Explorer specifications?
The EPA hasn’t released official fuel economy ratings for the 2026 Ford Explorer yet, but with no significant changes expected, performance should mirror last year’s results. The most efficient 2025 model paired rear-wheel drive with the turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, achieving 20 mpg city and 29 mpg highway; opting for all-wheel drive reduced the highway figure by 2 mpg.
The twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 was rated at 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway, regardless of drivetrain. In real-world testing, a 400-hp Explorer ST matched its highway estimate at 25 mpg, while a four-cylinder AWD model returned 28 mpg—1 mpg better than its EPA rating—on a 75-mph evaluation loop.
The 2026 Explorer’s maximum towing capacity is 5,000 pounds, with all trims including a Class III Towing package featuring a hitch, trailer wiring harness, and trailer sway control. Performance-wise, the base turbo-four delivers respectable acceleration, with a now-discontinued 2022 Timberline model hitting 60 mph in 6.0 seconds. For quicker thrills, the ST’s 400-hp twin-turbo V6 can reach 60 mph in just 5.1 seconds.
How much is the 2026 Ford Explorer?
For the 2026 model year, the Ford Explorer sees some notable price adjustments across its lineup. The entry-level Active trim now starts at $38,330, representing a $1,720 decrease from the 2025 model’s $40,050 base price, making it a more attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.
The top-tier Platinum trim also benefits from a price cut, with a new MSRP of $50,830—$1,695 less than the $52,525 starting price from the previous year. These reductions enhance the value proposition for both ends of the Explorer range. Meanwhile, the ST-Line and high-performance ST trims remain unchanged in terms of pricing for 2026, and destination charges also stay the same.
Other than the price adjustments, the 2026 Ford Explorer receives a handful of additional changes just a year after its mid-cycle refresh. Among the most significant is an update to the Platinum trim’s powertrain offerings. For 2026, the Platinum will no longer offer the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 EcoBoost as an option, instead making the turbocharged 2.3-liter I-4 EcoBoost the standard and only engine choice for this trim.
This shift marks a notable departure from previous years, where buyers seeking more performance could opt for the V6. As first reported by Ford Authority, the change could signal a strategic move to streamline the lineup, potentially improving fuel efficiency and lowering costs, but it may disappoint those who valued the Platinum’s blend of luxury and higher-output performance.
When can I expect to see a 2026 Ford Explorer?
The Explorer is set to build off its goodwill in 2026 with another series of thoughtful updates that deliver on the same consistent quality buyers have come to expect of the SUV over the years. Here at Alan Jay Ford Wauchula, we are happy to help you find the perfect family SUV for your next adventure!