Two of the 2026 Ford Explorer’s most popular trim models — the handsomely equipped Active and extra-rugged Tremor — put very different spins on family travel. Which of these three-row midsize SUVs best suits your daily drive? Our comparison guide puts each Explorer to the test!
Key Takeaways
- Where the Active gives you a lot for less money, the Tremor treats you to a range of performance and luxury upgrades.
- While you can equip the Active with upgrades like all-wheel drive, the Tremor comes standard with everything you need for an extra-rugged ride.
- Choose the Explorer Active for EPA ratings of up to 24 mpg combined (20 city/29 highway).
- The entry-level Active offers the lowest price on a new Explorer, starting at $38,465*!
Standard Features
Naturally, choosing the right 2026 Ford Explorer trim model for your family comes down to features (and your budget). The entry-level Active not only puts the friendliest price on this sporty three-row SUV, but it also comes loaded with Florida-style comforts (like tri-zone automatic climate control) and cutting-edge innovations (including the Ford Digital Experience, the absolute latest in infotainment technology).
Active Highlights
- Cloth seating
- 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster
- Tri-zone automatic climate control
- Vinyl-wrapped steering wheel
- Ford Digital Experience with 13.2-inch touchscreen, Google-based software, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
- Power liftgate
- Active Noise Cancellation
- LED headlamps and taillamps
- Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ (with blind-spot warning, lane-keeping system, adaptive cruise control, and more)
- Class III Trailer Tow Package
- Ford Connectivity Package (one-year subscription)
For particularly adventurous families, however, the standard lineup may not be enough. Enter the all-new Explorer Tremor! Not only does it add a wealth of trail-ready performance gear, but it’s also big on premium comfort (with Miko upholstery) and tech upgrades (including 10-speaker B&O premium sound system)!
Tremor Highlights
- Miko seating with accent stitching
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Second-row heated seats
- Heated, flat-bottom steering wheel with accent stitching
- 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio, including subwoofer
- Blackout treatment for headlamps and taillamps
- LED fog lights
- Grill-mounted off-road auxiliary lights
- Underbody protection with front and rear deflector plate
- Raised suspension
- Torsen limited-slip rear axle
- All-terrain tires
- Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 (with 360-degree camera and advanced adaptive cruise control)
Sporty Performance
When it comes to pure power, which 2026 Explorer trim suits more drivers? While both SUVs come standard with the base 300-horsepower turbocharged engine, only the extra-rugged Tremor is available with the 400-horsepower twin-turbo V6! And while the Active is available with sporty all-wheel drive, the Tremor comes standard with this trail-ready gear.
Of course, adding a few trail-friendly upgrades to the Explorer Active is a great way to enhance your weekend adventures without going over your budget. And since both trim models come standard with the Class III Trailer Tow Package, either will help you haul your boat (5,300 pounds max) to all your favorite Wauchula fishing spots!
2026 Ford Explorer Powertrain Specs
- Standard 2.3L EcoBoost inline four-cylinder engine (300 hp, 311 lb-ft)
- Optional for Tremor: 3.0L EcoBoost V6 (400 hp, 415 lb-ft)
- 10-speed automatic transmission
- Active: Rear-wheel drive or optional Intelligent 4WD
- Tremor: Intelligent 4WD
Fuel Economy
However you look at it, the Explorer Active delivers the highest EPA ratings, earning up to 24 mpg combined (20 city/29 highway). Add all-wheel drive to your model, and those figures drop slightly, to 23 mpg combined (20 city/27 highway).
The Tremor’s performance upgrades make it a little heavier than the Active, which is reflected in its EPA ratings. With the standard EcoBoost engine, this rugged SUV earns up to 21 mpg combined (19 city/23 highway). Add the much more powerful V6 engine to your Tremor, and it still does a great job balancing incredible power (400 hp) with everyday efficiency, achieving 19 mpg combined (17 city/22 highway).
Price
New for 2026, the base Explorer Active 100A offers the best possible price on Ford’s three-row SUV, starting at $38,465*. Then there’s the Active 200A, which adds niceties that families love — including a power liftgate, roof-rack side rails, and active noise cancellation — which starts at $40,585*.
Meanwhile, the much more handsomely equipped 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor starts at $48,465*. This price includes all of its standard equipment, from its off-road performance upgrades to its high-tech safety gear. Of course, the final price of any Explorer trim model will vary according to selected equipment and local fees — such as tax, tag, and title.
*MSRP as of 11/19/25.
Choose Your New Explorer
Whether you’re after the best price on a brand new Explorer or an extra-rugged ride down Wauchula’s sportiest trails, we can help. Visit us at Alan Jay Ford on US Highway 17 North to check out everything the latest version of this family-friendly SUV has to offer!