2026 Ford Explorer SUV, exterior hero image

2026 Ford Explorer Capability by Trim

The 2026 Ford Explorer is built to handle daily driving, road trips, and weekend plans with confidence. Ford equips Explorer with the Ford Digital Experience, pairing a 13.2-inch center display with a 12.3-inch cluster display to keep navigation, media, and vehicle settings easy to access. For capability, Ford offers Terrain Management System with selectable drive modes, available Intelligent 4WD on most trims, and a standard Class III Trailer Tow Package across the lineup.

Compare Explorer Capability Features

2026 Ford Explorer Active trim, exterior view

2026 Explorer Active

Explorer Active is designed for everyday versatility with capability built in. Ford pairs the 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 with a 10-speed automatic transmission, and Active is available with Intelligent 4WD if you want added traction planning for changing weather or mixed road conditions.

For towing, Ford includes a Class III Trailer Tow Package as standard equipment. When properly equipped, Explorer Active is rated for a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs. Terrain Management System adds selectable drive modes to help tailor the SUV to the conditions you are driving in.

Ford also equips Explorer with Ford Digital Experience, combining a 13.2-inch center display and a 12.3-inch cluster display to keep key information clear and easy to reach.

Max horsepower: 300 hp
Max towing (properly equipped): 5,000 lbs
Displays: 13.2-inch center display and 12.3-inch cluster display
2.3L EcoBoost Class III tow package Terrain Management System Available Intelligent 4WD

Active Capability Notes:

  • Standard Class III Trailer Tow Package
  • Available Intelligent 4WD for added confidence
  • Ford Digital Experience with dual displays

Towing capacity and available equipment can vary by configuration. Confirm the exact setup for the Explorer you are shopping.

2026 Ford Explorer Active 100A model, exterior view

2026 Explorer Active 100A

The Explorer Active 100A is a Ford-listed Active configuration that bakes in trailering fundamentals from the start. Ford equips Active 100A with the Class III Trailer Tow Package as standard equipment, which is designed to support a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs when properly equipped.

With this setup, you get the hitch receiver and trailer connector hardware called out by Ford, plus the broader Explorer capability foundation like selectable drive modes through Terrain Management System and available traction options depending on drivetrain.

Max towing (properly equipped): 5,000 lbs
Standard equipment callout: Class III Trailer Tow Package
Active 100A Class III tow package 5,000-lb max towing

Active 100A Capability Notes:

  • Class III hitch receiver and trailer connectors described by Ford
  • Configured for towing readiness from the factory
  • Great fit for drivers who want trailering capability without stepping into a performance or off-road trim

Towing and equipment vary by configuration and payload. Confirm the exact details for the Explorer you are shopping.

2026 Ford Explorer ST-Line trim, exterior view

2026 Explorer ST-Line

Explorer ST-Line blends a performance-inspired look with capability features intended for everyday driving. Ford lists a max horsepower of 300 hp for ST-Line, and includes the Class III Trailer Tow Package as standard equipment, supporting up to 5,000 lbs of maximum towing when properly equipped.

For visibility and control, Ford includes a 360-degree camera system as standard on ST-Line, which can help with tighter parking maneuvers and low-speed positioning. Inside, Ford Digital Experience brings the 13.2-inch center display to the cabin, paired with a 12.3-inch cluster display.

ST-Line also offers available BlueCruise equipped plans, so you can add hands-free highway driving capability based on the package you choose.

Max horsepower: 300 hp
Max towing (properly equipped): 5,000 lbs
Standard camera: 360-degree camera
Displays: 13.2-inch center display and 12.3-inch cluster display
ST-Line 360-degree camera Class III tow package Ford Digital Experience Available BlueCruise

ST-Line Capability Notes:

  • Standard trailer tow hardware and max towing rating when properly equipped
  • Camera visibility support for parking and maneuvering
  • Optional Intelligent 4WD available depending on configuration

Availability can vary by configuration. Confirm the exact equipment for the Explorer you are shopping.

2026 Ford Explorer Tremor trim, exterior view

2026 Explorer Tremor

Explorer Tremor is the off-road focused trim in the 2026 lineup, built for drivers who want trail-ready hardware with everyday usability. Ford equips Tremor with Intelligent 4WD as standard, plus Terrain Management System with an Off-Road drive mode for conditions where traction is limited.

To support traction on rough terrain, Ford lists a Torsen limited-slip rear axle as exclusive to Tremor models. Tremor also features an off-road tuned suspension with increased ride height, along with underbody protection elements called out by Ford.

For trailering, Tremor includes the Class III Trailer Tow Package and is rated for a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs when properly equipped. Ford also lists max available horsepower of 400 hp on Tremor.

Max available horsepower: 400 hp
Max towing (properly equipped): 5,000 lbs
Drivetrain: Intelligent 4WD standard
Traction hardware: Torsen limited-slip rear axle
Tremor Intelligent 4WD Off-Road mode Torsen LSD Off-road tuned suspension

Tremor Capability Notes:

  • Standard Intelligent 4WD and selectable drive modes including Off-Road
  • Exclusive traction support from the Torsen limited-slip rear axle
  • Standard Class III Trailer Tow Package

Feature availability can vary by configuration. Confirm the exact equipment for the Explorer you are shopping.

2026 Ford Explorer ST trim, exterior view

2026 Explorer ST

Explorer ST is built for drivers who want performance capability with three-row practicality. Ford equips ST with a 3.0L EcoBoost V6 that delivers up to 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, pairing strong acceleration with a sport-tuned suspension for a more responsive feel on the road.

For capability beyond straight-line power, Ford includes Terrain Management System with selectable drive modes and offers Intelligent 4WD for added control in slippery conditions. ST also comes standard with the Class III Trailer Tow Package and is rated for a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs when properly equipped.

When you spend more time on the highway, Ford lists BlueCruise as an available hands-free highway driver-assist feature on ST, with equipped plan options depending on how you configure the vehicle.

Engine: 3.0L EcoBoost V6
Output: Up to 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque
Max towing (properly equipped): 5,000 lbs
Standard suspension: Sport-tuned suspension
ST 3.0L EcoBoost V6 Sport-tuned suspension Class III tow package Available BlueCruise

ST Capability Notes:

  • Performance-focused powertrain and chassis tuning
  • Selectable drive modes for changing conditions
  • Trailer tow capability with standard tow package

Availability and ratings can vary by configuration. Confirm the exact equipment for the Explorer you are shopping.

2026 Ford Explorer Platinum trim, exterior view

2026 Explorer Platinum

Explorer Platinum balances comfort and capability for drivers who want a premium feel without giving up trailering strength. Ford lists a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs when properly equipped, supported by the standard Class III Trailer Tow Package.

Platinum is available with Intelligent 4WD, and Ford includes Terrain Management System with selectable drive modes to help you adapt to changing conditions. Inside, the available Lux Leather Package adds upscale cabin details for drivers who want their daily commute and long trips to feel more refined.

Ford also lists BlueCruise equipped on Platinum with plan options depending on configuration, supporting hands-free highway driving capability where available.

Max towing (properly equipped): 5,000 lbs
Standard equipment: Class III Trailer Tow Package
Drivetrain: RWD standard, Intelligent 4WD available
Available upgrade: Lux Leather Package
Platinum Class III tow package Terrain Management System Available Intelligent 4WD Available BlueCruise

Platinum Capability Notes:

  • Trailering strength with standard tow package and max towing rating when properly equipped
  • Selectable drive modes and available 4WD for all-season confidence
  • Premium cabin options while keeping capability front and center

Towing capacity and available features can vary by configuration. Confirm the exact equipment for the Explorer you are shopping.

Towing capacity, horsepower figures, and feature availability for the 2026 Ford Explorer are based on official Ford information at the time of publishing and may change. Ratings can vary by configuration and required equipment. Contact your Sid Dillon team for current inventory and trim details.

Explore 2026 Explorer Inventory

Browse our available 2026 Ford Explorer models below to find your perfect match:

Contact Us Form Opened

Contact Us

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Contact a Specialist

Have questions about trim options, features, or availability? Send us a message using the contact form below and a specialist will reach out shortly.


Contact Us

We would love to hear from you! Please fill out this form and we will get in touch with you shortly.
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.


Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum towing capacity for the 2026 Ford Explorer?

When properly equipped, Ford lists a maximum towing capacity of up to 5,000 lbs for the 2026 Explorer lineup with the standard Class III Trailer Tow Package.

Does the 2026 Ford Explorer offer Intelligent 4WD?

Yes. Ford offers Intelligent 4WD across the lineup depending on trim and configuration, and Ford lists Intelligent 4WD as standard equipment on Explorer Tremor.

What displays does Ford list for the 2026 Explorer?

Ford lists the Ford Digital Experience with a 13.2-inch center display and a 12.3-inch cluster display on the 2026 Explorer.

What is Terrain Management System?

Ford equips Explorer with Terrain Management System and selectable drive modes to help you manage different driving conditions. The available modes can vary by drivetrain and trim.

Which 2026 Explorer trim is built for off-road driving?

Ford positions Explorer Tremor as the off-road focused model, listing features like off-road tuned suspension, an Off-Road drive mode, and a Torsen limited-slip rear axle exclusive to Tremor.

Which 2026 Explorer trim is focused on performance?

Ford positions Explorer ST as the performance model, listing a 3.0L EcoBoost V6 with up to 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, plus a sport-tuned suspension.

Sid Dillon 41.7374208, -88.2556928.