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2026 Ford Explorer Release Date
2026 Ford Explorer Release Date
The Ford Explorer is the most popular SUV in the Ford lineup and it has a history of leadership in the mid-size three-row SUV segment. The Explorer received a mid-cycle refresh for the 2025 model year, which elevated its interior appeal and that continues for 2026. If offers the choice of a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a twin-turbo V-6, as well as rear- and all-wheel drive.
The 2026 Ford Explorer is expected to arrive at our dealership in late summer or early fall of 2025. Meanwhile, here's more of what we know so far about the coming 2026 Ford Explorer at Marmies Ford in Great Bend, KS.
What's new for 2026?
A new Tremor trim will become part of the Explorer lineup for the 2026 model year. This off-road model will ride on a lifted suspension and will come with a limited-slip rear differential, all-terrain tires, and 18-inch wheels. Last year's mid-cycle update included under-stated new exterior styling, interior design enhancements, and a revised technology collection across the rest of the Explorer lineup.
Engines and Performance Options
The more base-level Active, ST-Line, and Platinum trims will be equipped with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine that will deliver 300 horsepower along with 310 pound-feet of torque. The ST model will be powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 with an output of 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet, and that engine will be optional on the Platinum trim.
A 10-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive will be standard features, and all-wheel drive will be an available upgrade. The maximum towing capacity in the 2026 Ford Explorer will come in at 5000 pounds. All trim levels will come with the Class III Towing package, which includes a hitch, a trailer wiring harness, and a trailer sway control system. The most fuel-efficient 2026 Ford Explorer will come in at 20 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway.
Interior Highlights
The comfortable cabin in the Explorer received an upgrade last year, with new interior color schemes as well as more soft-touch materials on the center console, the door panels, and the dashboard. Getting into the standard third row is simple with the help of a mechanism that moves the second-row seat out of the way at the press of a button. Cargo room will be 18.2 cubic feet of space in back of the third row, 47.9 cubic feet in back of the second row and 87.8 cubic feet with both back rows folded down. A power liftgate is a convenient standard feature.
Technology
The 2026 Ford Explorer will come with a standard 13.2-inch LCD touchscreen infotainment system. The Ford Digital Experience software will allow you to access services from Google and Amazon, as well as Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. When the new Explorer is parked, it will let you stream videos from YouTube and other providers, browse the internet, and play games via Google Play.
The 2026 Explorer will also come with eight USB ports, including two for passengers in the third row as well as three 12-volt power sockets. A 12-speaker premium Bang & Olufsen stereo will be standard on all but the base Active Explorer.
Safety Features
Standard safety features in the 2026 Ford Explorer will include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Our dealership is part of a family tradition that started back in 1961, right here in Central Kansas. We have 2025 Ford Explorer models in stock and if you want to wait for the 2026 models, we can give you updates at Marmies Ford in Great Bend, KS.
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