The proven 2026 Ford Explorer has been a favorite among a wide range of customers. From families to public safety departments, businesses to governments – the Explorer is a durable three-row mid-size SUV that offers livable space, great performance options, and a range of trims.
The 2026 Explorer has moved the bar in its segment, offering new technology, connectivity, and innovative solutions for the family. Today, the 2026 Explorer adds a variety of models designed for your lifestyle, including the new Tremor, made for off-road adventure.
The Explorer is powered by a 300-horsepower 2.53-liter turbocharged EcoBoost engine or one of two 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6s, available in 385 and 400-horsepower High Output versions. All engines are connected to a 10-speed automatic transmission, and you have a choice of rear- or all-wheel drive. You can also opt for Blue Cruise to make driving more relaxing while keeping you safe on the highway. It is available in Active, Platinum, Tremor, ST-Line, and ST trim levels.
How well does the 2026 Ford Explorer compete against the competition?
The Toyota Grand Highlander is the brand’s go-to three-row SUV. It is also a response to the growing list of three-row crossover SUVs that have the ride and feel of cars and the utility of SUVs. The Grand Highlander offers customers a mix of both gasoline and hybrid engines, including the turbocharged Hybrid MAX. There is also a choice of 10 trim levels.
With a new turbocharged four-cylinder engine, Jeep’s mid-size three-row SUV has been revised with a few new details. It remains one of the choices in this segment, thanks to its spacious cargo area and the inherent agility expected from a Jeep. The Grand Cherokee L comes with either a turbocharged four-cylinder or a V6 engine, along with a choice of rear- or four-wheel drive, across six trim levels.
The Kia Telluride is all-new for 2027. It now comes in either a 274-horsepower 2.5-liter turbocharged engine or a 329-horsepower turbocharged hybrid driveline. It can be configured in either front- or all-wheel drive and can seat up to eight passengers. You also have a choice of ten trim levels.
Chevrolet is the leader in this segment. It is built on the full-sized pickup truck platform but features an independent rear suspension. The standard engine on most Traverse models is a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that drives either the front or all four wheels. It is also available in four trim levels.
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| Three-Row CUV/SUV | Ford Explorer | Toyota Grand Highlander | Jeep Grand Cherokee L | 2027 Kia Telluride | Chevrolet Traverse |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trims | 4 | 10 | 6 | 10 | 4 |
| Colors | 5 | 7 | 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Engine |
2.3-liter EcoBoost
3.0-liter EcoBoost
|
2.4-liter Turbo
2.5-liter Hybrid
2.4-liter Turbo Hybrid MAX
|
3.6-liter V6
2.0-liter turbo I-4
|
2.5-liter Turbo | 2.5-liter Turbo I-4 |
| Horsepower |
2.3L- 300
3.0L – 400
|
Gas – 265
Hybrid – 245
Hybrid MAX – 362
|
3.6L: 293
2.0T: 324
|
274 | 328 |
| Torque |
2.3L- 310
3.0L – 415
|
Gas – 310
Hybrid MAX – 400
|
3.6L: 260
2.0T: 332
|
311 | 326 |
| Transmission | 10-spd auto |
Gas – 8-spd auto
Hybrid – ECVT
Hybrid MAX – 6-spd auto
|
8-spd auto | 8-spd auto | 8-spd auto |
| DriveTrain |
Standard – RWD
Optional – AWD
|
Standard – FWD
Optional – AWD
|
Standard – RWD 4×2
Optional 4×4
|
Standard – FWD
Optional – AWD
|
Standard – FWD
Optional – AWD
|
| Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs |
Gas, Hybrid MAX – 5,000 lbs
Hybrid – 3,500 lbs
|
6,200 lbs |
5,000 lbs
X-Pro Line – 5,500 lbs
|
5,000 lbs |
| Fuel Economy (Hwy/City/Comb) |
2.3T: RWD – 20 / 29 / 24
2.3T: AWD – 20 / 27 / 23
3.0T RWD: 18 / 25 / 21
3.0T AWD: 18 / 25 / 20
|
2.4T: FWD – 20 / 28 / 24
2.4T: AWD – 21 / 27 / 23
2.5 HEV FWD: 37 / 34 / 36
2.5 HEV AWD: 36 / 32 / 34
2.4T HEV AWD: 26 / 27 / 27
|
3.6L: 4×2 – 19 / 26 / 21
3.6L: 4×4 – 18 / 25 / 21
2.0T 4×2: 21 / 26 / 23
2.0T 4×4: 20 / 25 / 22
|
FWD – 20 / 26 / 22
AWD – 18 / 24 / 20
|
FWD – 20 / 27 / 23
AWD – 19 / 24 / 21
|
| Infotainment | Standard – 13.2″ | Standard – 12.3″ |
Standard – 8.4″
Optional – 12.3″
|
Standard – 12.3″ | Standard – 17.7″ |
| Front Headroom (inches) |
Active, ST-Line, ST – 40.7
Platinum – 38.9
|
W/O Panoramic Roof – 41.5
W/ Panoramic Roof – 40
|
39.9 |
W/O Sunroof – 41.2
W/ Sunroof – 40
W/ Dual Sunroof – 40
|
42.6 |
| Front Legroom (inches) | 43 | 41.7 | 41.3 | 41.4 | 44.3 |
| 2nd Row Headroom (inches) |
Active, ST-Line, ST – 40.5
Platinum – 38.2
|
W/O Panoramic Roof – 40.2
W/ Panoramic Roof – 38.5
|
39.4 |
W/O Sunroof – 40.4
W/ Sunroof – 40.4
W/ Dual Sunroof – 38.9
|
40 |
| 2nd Row Legroom (inches) |
Active, ST-Line, ST – 39
Platinum – 38.3
|
39.5 | 39.4 | 43 | 41.5 |
| 3rd Row Headroom (inches) | 38.9 | 37.2 | 37.3 |
W/O Sunroof – 37.4
W/ Sunroof – 37.4
W/ Dual Sunroof – 37.4
|
38.3 |
| 3rd Row Legroom (inches) | 32.2 | 33.5 | 30.3 | 32.1 | 32.1 |
| Cargo Space Behind 3rd Row Seats | 16.3 cu.ft. | 20.6 cu.ft. | 17.2 cu.ft. | 22.3 cu.ft. | 22.9 cu.ft. |
| Cargo Behind 2nd Row Seats | 46 cu.ft. | 57.9 cu.ft. | 46.9 cu.ft. | 48.7 cu.ft. | 56.6 cu.ft. |
| Cargo Space Behind 1st Row Seats |
Active, ST-Line – 85.8 cu.ft.
ST, Platinum – 85.3 cu.ft.
|
97.5 cu.ft. | 84.6 cu.ft. | 89.3 cu.ft. | 97.6 cu.ft. |
| Base Price | $38,465 | $42,260 | $40,920 | $39,190 | $40,800 |
At Stivers Ford of Montgomery, you will have an automotive experience unlike any other. You can find new Ford inventory, including the Expedition, Bronco, Mustang, F-150 and an unmatched collection of used car, truck, van, SUV and crossover inventory at our dealership near you.
Are you interested in leasing or financing your 2026 Ford Explorer? The Finance Department at Stivers Ford of Montgomery can help you find the right lease offer or finance solution that fits your budget. We cultivate relationships with many banks, lenders, and other financial organizations to provide you with great options in purchasing your new vehicle. In addition to the comprehensive factory warranty that comes with your new Ford Explorer, we offer extended warranty and protection programs to safeguard your investment.
Get the best deals and specials available to you on the Ford Explorer. Our knowledgeable sales staff wants to help you find the perfect fit in a new Ford or used car. We can’t wait to welcome you to the Stivers Ford of Montgomery family and help you find your new car or used vehicle. Your support and customer service doesn’t stop after you sign your deal.
The expert Service Department at our Ford dealership near you is always ready to help with any repairs or maintenance you might need to keep your vehicle running perfectly. Our Express Service Lane will get you back on the road quickly when you need basic maintenance like an oil change or tire rotation.
Would you like to make your new car all your own with personalized upgrades? Our well-stocked Parts Department has all of the Ford authentic parts and accessories you need for the best customization of your vehicle. Make your car, truck, or SUV uniquely yours to fit perfectly in your lifestyle.
We are eager to help you on your car buying and vehicle ownership journey. Visit us today at Stivers Ford of Montgomery!
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