2026 Ford Explorer: What's in stock, trim-level comparison, FAQ's.

    Updated 2026-06-05
    Quick Answer

    The Ford Explorer is a midsize three-row SUV refreshed for 2025 with a new interior, larger 13.2-inch SYNC 4 touchscreen, and available BlueCruise hands-free highway driving. It comes with a 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder (300 hp / 310 lb-ft, RWD or AWD) on most trims and a 3.0L EcoBoost V6 (400 hp / 415 lb-ft, AWD-standard) on ST, Platinum, and King Ranch. A 10-speed automatic is standard on all powertrains. Tow rating up to 5,600 lb. Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 standard.

    Highlights of the 2026 Ford Explorer

    7 highlights
    • Refreshed for 2025 with new interior, larger 13.2-inch SYNC 4 touchscreen, and BlueCruise hands-free highway driving
    • Two engines: 2.3L EcoBoost I4 (300 hp / 310 lb-ft) and 3.0L EcoBoost V6 (400 hp / 415 lb-ft on ST, Platinum, King Ranch)
    • RWD-standard architecture with AWD optional on most trims; AWD standard on ST, Platinum, and King Ranch
    • 10-speed automatic across the entire lineup
    • Three rows seating up to 7; second row can be bench or captain's chairs depending on trim
    • Up to 5,600 lb tow rating with the 3.0L EcoBoost V6 and trailer tow package
    • Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 standard; BlueCruise (hands-free highway driving) available on most trims
    No trim data available yet.

    Inside the Ford Explorer

    The 2025 refresh: cabin, screen, and BlueCruise

    The 2025 model year brought a substantial mid-cycle refresh. Inside, Ford redesigned the dashboard around a portrait-oriented 13.2-inch SYNC 4 touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, replacing the previous landscape unit. Materials and switchgear moved upmarket, particularly on Platinum and the new King Ranch trim with its western-themed Mesa leather. BlueCruise — Ford's hands-free highway driving system — is now available on most trims, allowing eyes-on, hands-off driving on more than 130,000 miles of pre-mapped North American highways. Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 (adaptive cruise with stop-and-go, lane centering, evasive steering assist) is standard.

    Two engines, the right one for most buyers

    The 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder makes 300 hp and 310 lb-ft and is the default engine across most of the lineup — Active, ST-Line, and Limited. It's offered in RWD or AWD, returns up to ~24 mpg combined, and is well-matched to the 10-speed automatic. The 3.0L EcoBoost V6 (400 hp / 415 lb-ft) is the performance and tow choice — standard on ST, Platinum, and King Ranch, AWD-standard. Both engines pull the Explorer with authority; the V6 is the right pick if you regularly tow above 4,000 lb or simply want quicker passing power. Ford no longer offers an Explorer hybrid in the 2025+ lineup.

    Trim strategy: from value family-hauler to performance to flagship

    Active is the affordable 3-row entry. ST-Line and Limited are the loaded family daily-drivers — leather, panoramic vista roof, B&O audio, the 13.2-inch screen, and Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0. ST is the performance trim: 3.0L EcoBoost V6 standard, AWD-standard, sport-tuned suspension, 21-inch wheels, sport seats with leather and Miko suede inserts, paddle shifters, unique exterior styling. Platinum and King Ranch are the flagship trims — the V6, AWD, twin-panel moonroof, premium leather (Mesa-themed on King Ranch), massaging front seats on top trims, and the 14-speaker B&O Unleashed audio system.

    Pros and Cons

    Pros
    • 2025 refresh modernizes the cabin and brings BlueCruise hands-free driving to the lineup
    • Two strong engines: efficient 2.3L EcoBoost or punchy 400-hp 3.0L EcoBoost V6
    • Up to 5,600 lb tow rating handles boats, small campers, and utility trailers comfortably
    • Three rows with usable second-row room and standard adult-friendly captain's chairs option
    • Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 standard — adaptive cruise with stop-and-go and lane centering on every trim
    • ST trim offers genuine sport-SUV performance without crossing into Lincoln pricing
    • King Ranch trim brings premium Mesa-themed leather and a flagship cabin feel
    Cons
    • Third row is best for kids and short adult trips — not as roomy as some Asian-brand rivals
    • No hybrid option in the 2025+ lineup; competitors offer hybrid or plug-in hybrid 3-row SUVs
    • Fuel economy with the 3.0L EcoBoost V6 is on the lower end of the class
    • ST and Platinum / King Ranch trims push pricing into territory shared with Lincoln Aviator
    • Cargo space behind the third row is modest until you fold the back row down

    New 2026 Ford Explorer Inventory at Swope NissanLive

    Current in-stock units at Swope Nissan in Elizabethtown, KY with full specifications, pricing, and direct links to each vehicle's detail page.

    Total in stock0vehicles
    Price range—
    Available powertrains—
    Last syncedJun 5, 2026 · 1:50 AM
    No vehicles in stock
    Swope Nissan doesn't currently have any 2026 Ford Explorer units available.

    Frequently Asked Questions about the 2026 Ford Explorer

    A mid-cycle refresh: redesigned interior, new 13.2-inch portrait-oriented SYNC 4 touchscreen, available BlueCruise hands-free highway driving, updated grille and front-end styling, and the new King Ranch trim. Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 became standard.
    Two: a 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder (300 hp / 310 lb-ft, RWD or AWD) on Active, ST-Line, and Limited; and a 3.0L EcoBoost V6 (400 hp / 415 lb-ft, AWD-standard) on ST, Platinum, and King Ranch. Both pair with a 10-speed automatic.
    Not in the 2025+ lineup. Ford previously offered a 3.3L hybrid Explorer but it is no longer in the current lineup. If you want a Ford hybrid SUV, the Escape Hybrid and Escape PHEV are the closest options.
    Up to 5,600 lb when properly equipped with the 3.0L EcoBoost V6 and the factory trailer tow package. Lower with the 2.3L EcoBoost. Always confirm the tow rating on the door-jamb sticker of the specific vehicle.
    ST is the performance trim — 3.0L EcoBoost V6 (400 hp / 415 lb-ft) standard, AWD-standard, sport-tuned suspension, 21-inch wheels, sport seats, paddle shifters, unique exterior styling, and an aggressive exhaust tune. The standard Explorer focuses on family hauling; ST adds genuine performance hardware.
    AWD is optional on Active, ST-Line, and Limited (which are RWD-standard). AWD is standard on ST, Platinum, and King Ranch.
    Ford's hands-free highway driving system. It uses cameras, radar, and a driver-monitoring camera to allow eyes-on, hands-off driving on more than 130,000 miles of pre-mapped North American divided highways. It's available on most 2025+ Explorer trims.
    Up to seven with a second-row bench or up to six with second-row captain's chairs (available depending on trim). All Explorers have three rows.
    A portrait-oriented 13.2-inch SYNC 4 touchscreen across the lineup as part of the 2025 refresh, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard.
    Yes — across the lineup. It includes adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane centering, evasive steering assist, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert, and a rearview camera.