Built to complement the life of the modern family, the 2026 Ford Explorer® blends spirited performance, dynamic versatility, and forward-thinking design. The two robust powertrain options and innovative technologies in this mid-size SUV deliver a lively and confident driving experience wherever your daily commutes or family getaways take you. Inside, its three rows of spacious seating and range of premium amenities provide the ultimate in passenger comfort. Learn more about the key features the 2026 Ford Explorer offers with this comprehensive model review prepared by the team at Gallery Ford of Pekin.
Browse our inventory to find the 2026 Ford Explorer for sale at our Ford dealership in Pekin, IL, that will keep up with your busy lifestyle. Find the right Ford Explorer lease offer that fits within your monthly budget. Our experts are here to answer any of your questions — give us a call at (309) 347-3111 or contact us online.
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Balancing sleek sophistication with practical innovation, the 2026 Ford Explorer boasts an abundance of modern exterior features for every journey. These include an available power liftgate, 20- or 21-inch aluminum wheels, adaptive headlamps, roof rack side rails, power-folding sideview mirrors, and a panoramic fixed glass moonroof. Hit the trails confidently with available all-terrain tires and steel underbody protection when traversing rougher terrain.
Available exterior features include:
Surround yourself with the thoughtfully designed interior of the 2026 Ford Explorer, bringing indulgent comfort, refined style, and a range of upscale features along for every ride. An array of luxurious seat upholstery materials are available, from unique cloth to ActiveX®, ActiveX with Miko® inserts, leather, or leather with micro-perforated inserts. Available heated, ventilated, and multicontour front seats with Active Motion® massage bring exceptional comfort on the go. Choose from either second-row captain’s chairs with E-Z Entry and armrests or a second-row 35/30/35 split-fold-flat bench seat to adapt to your unique needs. An available panoramic fixed glass roof welcomes bright natural light throughout the cabin.
Enjoy a multitude of cutting-edge features in the 2026 Ford Explorer, each keeping you connected and entertained wherever you are. A 12.3-inch instrument cluster display is standard, providing important driving information at a glance. The Ford Digital Experience system is paired with a 13.2-inch center touchscreen display, and integrates seamlessly with your smartphone using wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, putting contacts and your favorite apps within reach. Take listening to your favorite music to the next level with the immersive clarity of an available 14-speaker B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen® with a subwoofer.
Available interior features include:
Available technology features include:
With its spacious three-row interior, the 2026 Ford Explorer delivers a balance of superior comfort and practicality. The Explorer accommodates up to seven passengers with the standard second-row bench or six with available captain’s chairs, each offering generous legroom for stretching out. The cargo area provides 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space for everyday essentials with all seats upright. To maximize cargo volume, fold the rear seats flat to unlock an impressive 85.8 cubic feet of versatile storage capacity.
View the Ford Explorer dimensions in the accompanying table.
| Passenger Volume | 150.3 cu.-ft. |
|---|---|
| Max. Seating | Seven |
| Headroom (First/Second/Third Row) | 40.7 / 40.5 / 38.9 in. |
| Legroom (First/Second/Third Row) | 43 / 37.5 / 31.8 in. |
| Max. Cargo Volume | 85.8 cu.-ft. |
| Cargo Volume Behind Second Row | 46 cu.-ft. |
| Cargo Volume Behind Third Row | 16.3 cu.-ft. |
The 2026 Ford Explorer delivers confident performance with a choice of two EcoBoost® engines. The standard 2.3L EcoBoost turbo inline four-cylinder (I4) engine generates 300 horsepower and achieves up to 29 highway MPG, while the available 3.0L twin-turbo V6 boosts output to 400 horsepower and up to 25 highway MPG. Enjoy up to 5,000 pounds of towing prowess with either powertrain option. Both engines can be configured with either a rear-wheel drive (RWD) or intelligent four-wheel drive (4WD) drivetrain system and are matched with a smooth-shifting ten-speed automatic transmission.
The available Terrain Management System™ adjusts seamlessly to varying terrain conditions, offering selectable drive modes such as normal, eco, boost, tow/haul, slippery, trail, and deep snow/sand. For sharper on-road handling, the ST trim amplifies performance with a sport-tuned suspension. The rugged Tremor® model delivers advanced off-road capability through its standard intelligent 4WD drivetrain, specially tuned suspension, and a TORSEN® limited-slip differential for confident traction.
View the Ford Explorer engine specifications in the accompanying table.
| Engine | 2.3L EcoBoost I4 | 3.0L EcoBoost V6 |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 300 HP | 400 HP |
| Torque | 310 lb.-ft. | 415 lb.-ft. |
| MPG (City/Hwy) | 20 / 29 | 18 / 25 |
| Max. Towing | 5,000 lbs. | |
| Drivetrain | RWD / intelligent 4WD | |
| Transmission | Ten-speed automatic | |
Confidence comes standard in the 2026 Ford Explorer. Standard is the Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist+ suite, which integrates cutting-edge driver-assist technologies including adaptive cruise control, BLIS® (blind spot information system) with cross-traffic alert, Pre-Collision Assist® with automatic emergency braking, and a lane-keeping system. Rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, and intersection assist add even greater awareness in busy traffic or navigating tight spaces. Available in higher-end trims, the Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 suite features front parking sensors and a 360-degree camera with split view for enhanced visibility. Select models also offer available BlueCruise technology, enabling hands-free driving on compatible highways.
Available safety features include:
*Starting MSRP
Gallery Ford of Pekin is where you’ll find the new Ford Explorer for sale. Browse through our new inventory to see the latest Explorer model. View our used inventory to see our range of pre-owned Explorer selections. Take advantage of an attractive lease or finance offer to lock in a competitive rate.
To further assist your research, we’ve prepared a range of helpful resources. For a more in-depth overview of the Ford Explorer standard features and prices, refer to our detailed trims guide. Our Ford Explorer interior guide focuses on the premium amenities that are standard and available.
Questions? Give us a call at (309) 347-3111 or message us online.
Each 2026 Ford Explorer trim delivers up to 5,000 pounds of maximum towing capacity when properly equipped with the standard Class III Trailer Tow Package, making it ideal for hauling small boats, light trailers, or weekend gear with ease.
The 2026 Ford Explorer has an overall length of 198.7 inches, a width of 78.9 inches, and 69.8 inches in height, with a maximum interior cargo volume of 85.8 cubic feet with the second- and third-row seats folded down.
The 2026 Ford Explorer seats up to seven passengers in five of its six trims; the Tremor trim seats up to six passengers.
RWD and intelligent 4WD drivetrain options are available on each 2026 Ford Explorer trim. The off-road-capable Tremor trim is equipped with intelligent 4WD standard, ready for your adventures off the beaten path.
For the most part, the 2026 Ford Explorer carries over the updates introduced for the 2025 model year. The only notable change for 2026 is the introduction of the base Active 100A and the off-road-ready Tremor trims to its lineup.
