2026 Ford Explorer® Review | Saline, MI
The 2026 Ford Explorer® is a versatile three-row SUV designed for daily drives, weekend trips, and rugged adventures. The latest technology, a practical interior, confidence-boosting safety features, and robust engines help the Explorer adapt to your driving needs. Continue reading this 2026 Ford Explorer review prepared by the team at Briarwood Ford to see key features, performance specifications, and exterior color options.
For an in-depth look at each model’s standard features, check out our Explorer trims guide. Browse through the inventory of our Ford dealership in Saline, MI, and pair your favorite Explorer with one of our appealing finance or lease offers. Should you have any questions, you’re welcome to contact us online or over the phone at (734) 429-5478.
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2026 Ford Explorer Engines & Performance
Efficient and energetic engine options power the 2026 Ford Explorer. The standard 2.3L EcoBoost® inline four-cylinder (I4) engine makes 300 horsepower and can achieve up to 29 highway MPG, while the available 3.0L EcoBoost V6 engine produces 400 horsepower with 25 highway MPG. Both engines are paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission and can be equipped with either rear-wheel drive (RWD) or intelligent four-wheel drive (4WD). When properly equipped, the Explorer can tow up to 5,000 pounds. For weekend adventures, the standard Terrain Management System™, available off-road suspension, and a TORSEN® limited-slip differential to enhance your travels on the trail.
Engine specifications include:
| Engine | 2.3L EcoBoost I4 | 3.0L EcoBoost V6 |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 300 HP | 400 HP |
| Torque | 310 lb.-ft. | 415 lb.-ft. |
| Transmission | Ten-speed automatic | |
| Drivetrain | RWD / intelligent 4WD | |
| MPG (City/Hwy) | 20 / 29 | 18 / 25 |
| Max. Towing | 5,000 lbs. | |
2026 Ford Explorer Exterior Design
The bold 2026 Ford Explorer exterior features a collection of helpful features to elevate your daily drives. Wheels are available in 18-, 20-, or 21-inch sizes, and all-terrain tires can enhance off-road travel. The available power liftgate allows for easy access to the cargo area, while roof rack side rails provide another storage solution.
Available exterior features include:
- All-terrain tires
- 18-, 20-, or 21-in. wheels
- LED adaptive headlamps, fog lamps, taillamps, and signature lighting
- Heated, power-folding side view mirrors with Autofold, LED turn signal indicators, memory, and driver’s side auto-dimming
- Rear privacy glass
- Roof rack side rails
- Steel under-body protection
- Unique front tow hooks
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Red performance brake calipers and performance brakes
- Power liftgate
2026 Ford Explorer Interior Design
Premium interior appointments and convenient amenities inside the 2026 Ford Explorer enhance every commute. Various premium seat upholstery options, including ActiveX® and leather, provide plush accommodations. The available heated, ventilated, and power-adjustable front seats with Active Motion® massage capabilities provide exceptional comfort for you and your copilot.
Available interior features include:
- Unique cloth, ActiveX/cloth, ActiveX with Miko® inserts, or leather seat upholstery
- Ten-way power driver’s seat
- Eight-way power front passenger’s seat
- Multicontour front seats with Active Motion
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- 35/30/35-split second-row bench seat or captain’s seats
- Heated second-row seats
- PowerFold® third-row seats or 50/50 split-fold bench seat
- Tri-zone automatic climate control
- Heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Active noise cancellation
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- Ambient interior lighting
2026 Ford Explorer Seating & Cargo Capacity
Thanks to its spacious three-row design, the 2026 Ford Explorer accommodates your passenger and cargo needs. The Explorer can seat up to six or seven passengers, depending on whether you choose a second-row bench seat or two captain’s chairs. When it comes to storage space, the Explorer can accommodate 16.3 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the third row, or a maximum of 85.8 cubic feet behind the first row.
View the following interior specifications.
- Seating Capacity: Six or seven
- Headroom (First/Second/Third Row): 40.7 / 40.5 / 38.9 in.
- Legroom (First/Second/Third Row): 43 / 37.5 / 31.8 in.
- Cargo Volume Behind Third Row: 16.3 cu.-ft.
- Cargo Volume Behind Second Row: 46 cu.-ft.
- Max. Cargo Volume: 85.8 cu.-ft.
2026 Ford Explorer Technology
Intuitive infotainment technology inside the 2026 Ford Explorer keeps you and your family connected on every journey. Connect your smartphone to the Ford Digital Experience infotainment system and its 13.2-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay® or Android Auto™. Through the available 14-speaker B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen®, listen to your favorite music and podcasts.
Available technology features include:
- 12.3-in. instrument cluster display
- Ford Digital Experience with 13.2-in. center display
- B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen with 14 speakers, including subwoofer
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- SiriusXM® with 360L capability
- 4G/5G modem
- HD Radio™
- Remote start system
- Universal garage door opener
2026 Ford Explorer Driver Assistance & Safety Features
Sophisticated driver assistance and safety features enhance every outing behind the wheel of the 2026 Ford Explorer. The Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist+ suite includes blind spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and a rearview camera to assist with your daily drives. For help backing up and maneuvering into or out of parking spots, consider the available 360-degree camera with split view. BlueCruise hands-free highway driving technology is available to enhance long drives on select roadways.
Available safety features include:
- Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+
- Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go and lane centering
- Auto high-beam headlights
- BLIS® (blind spot information system) with cross-traffic alert, exit warning, and trailer coverage
- Intersection assist
- Lane keeping system
- Pre-Collision Assist® with automatic emergency braking
- Rear cross-traffic braking
- Rearview camera
- Rear parking sensors
- Post-collision braking
- Speed sign recognition
- Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0
- Front parking sensors
- SecuriLock® passive anti-theft system
- Perimeter alarm
- 360-degree camera with split view
- BlueCruise hands-free highway driving capability
- AdvanceTrac® with RSC® (Roll Stability Control™)
- Trailer sway control
2026 Ford Explorer Colors Available
- Star White Metallic Tri-Coat
- Vapor Blue Metallic
- Agate Black Metallic
- Space White Metallic
- Carbonized Gray Metallic
- Marsh Gray
- Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat
2026 Ford Explorer Trims Available
- Active 100A $40,260*
- Active $42,380*
- ST-Line $46,950*
- Tremor® $50,760*
- Platinum® $52,760*
- ST $56,700*
2024 Ford Explorer® Review | Colors, Interior, & Specs
Does your active lifestyle need an upgrade? Enter the 2024 Ford Explorer®. This powerful, smart, and spacious three-row SUV is designed to support your daily routine, whether you count yourself among the go-getters, the family movers, the daily commuters, or all three. Discover if it’s an ideal fit for your needs by reading this 2024 Ford Explorer review created by the team at Briarwood Ford. We cover the stylish Explorer colors, performance specs, cargo space, pricing, and key features.
Once you’ve finished reading, scroll through our available inventory in Saline, MI, and schedule a test drive with the new Explorer that stands out to you.
For more information about any of our models, contact us online or by calling us at (734) 429-5478.
2024 Ford Explorer Colors
- Agate Black Metallic
- Carbonized Gray Metallic
- Forged Green Metallic
- Iconic Silver Metallic
- Star White Metallic Tri-Coat
- Stone Blue Metallic
- Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat
2024 Ford Explorer Trims Available
- Explorer – $36,860*
- XLT – $38,670*
- ST-Line – $46,455*
- Limited – $47,520*
- Timberline® – $49,430*
- ST – $50,105*
- King Ranch® – $54,625*
- Platinum® – $54,770*
2024 Ford Explorer Engines & Performance
Choose between an inline four-cylinder (I4) and V6 EcoBoost® engine for the 2024 Ford Explorer. Either option delivers excellent power, but the V6 is a standout option with 400 horsepower and a maximum towing capacity of 5,600 pounds, when properly equipped.
Find either engine available with rear-wheel drive (RWD) or intelligent four-wheel drive (4WD); a ten-speed automatic transmission is standard no matter which Explorer engine you select. Normal, eco, sport, tow/haul, slippery, trail modes are standard with and deep snow/sand on 4WD models.
See the engine specs for the Explorer in the accompanying table.
| Engine | 2.3L EcoBoost I4 | 3.0L EcoBoost V6 |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission | Ten-speed automatic | Ten-speed automatic |
| Horsepower | 300 HP | 400 HP |
| Torque | 310 lb.-ft. | 415 lb.-ft. |
| Max. Towing Capacity | 5,300 lbs. | 5,600 lbs. |
| MPG | 21 city / 28 hwy | 18 city / 26 hwy |
2024 Ford Explorer Interior Features & Technology
Prioritize comfort, convenience, and connectivity in the 2024 Ford Explorer interior. You, your co-pilot, and your rear-seat passengers can create customized climate zones with the tri-zone automatic temperature control system, while available heated and ventilated seats work to fend off weather extremes. A variety of adjustable amenities, including the available PowerFold® third-row seat, power-adjustable front seats, and power tilt and telescoping steering column allow you to adjust the cabin to your particular needs.
View your maps and incoming messages on the SYNC® 3 infotainment in the center of the dash; an 8-inch touchscreen is standard and a 10.1-inch portrait touchscreen is available. Connect your smartphone to the system via Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ for access to familiar apps, and control various functions by speaking using enhanced voice recognition communications. Fill every minute of your next road trip with all your favorite music played through the available 14-speaker B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen®.
Other available interior and technology features include:
- Instrument panel cluster with 12.3-in. digital productivity screen
- Wireless charging pad
- Voice-activated touchscreen navigation system
- 110V/150W AC power outlet
- Twin-panel moonroof
- Multicontour seats with Active Motion®
- Heated second-row seats
- Heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Second-row sunblinds
- Multi-color ambient lighting
Interior Colors
Choose your new 2024 Ford Explorer in a range of interior color and material combinations. Colors, organized by material availability, include:
Cloth
- Sandstone
Unique cloth
- Sandstone
- Ebony
ActiveX®
- Sandstone
- Ebony
- Light Slate
ActiveX with Miko® inserts
- Ebony
Leather with micro-perforated inserts
- Sandstone
- Ebony
ActiveX with heathered cloth inserts
- Ebony / Deep Tangerine stitching
Leather with Miko micro-perforated inserts
- Ebony
- Ebony / City Silver accent stitching
- Ebony / Race Red and Raptor Blue accent stitching
2024 Ford Explorer Dimensions & Cargo Space
Friends, family, pets — bring them all in the 2024 Ford Explorer. The three-row interior seats up to seven people with a second-row bench seat or six with second-row captain’s chairs. Both the first- and second-row seats have over 40 inches of legroom. When your top priority is sprawling, open space for new purchases or luggage, fold down the rear two rows of seats and create up to 87.8 cubic feet of cargo space.
See the accompanying chart for the Explorer interior dimensions.
| Seating | Six or Seven |
|---|---|
| Passenger Volume | 152.7 cu.-ft. |
| Headroom (First/Second/Third Row) | 40.7 / 40.5 / 38.9 in. |
| Legroom (First/Second/Third Row) | 43 / 39 / 32.2 in. |
| Cargo Space (Max./Behind Second/Behind Third Row) | 87.8 / 47.9 / 18.2 cu.-ft. |
2024 Ford Explorer Safety Features
Invite confidence along for the ride in the 2024 Ford Explorer. Every Explorer comes equipped with Ford Co-Pilot360® technology, including a lane-keeping system, BLIS® (blind spot information system), and Pre-Collision Assist® with automatic emergency braking. Further enhance the selection of driver assistance technology at your disposal with the available Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ collection, which adds adaptive cruise control with stop and go and lane centering, evasive steering assist, and speed sign recognition.
Available safety features in the Explorer include:
- Ford Co-Pilot360 Technology
- Auto high-beam headlamps
- BLIS (blind spot information system with cross-traffic alert)
- Lane-keeping system
- Pre-Collision Assist with automatic emergency braking
- Rearview camera
- 360-degree camera with split-view display
- Active Park Assist 2.0
- Post-collision braking
- Rear parking sensors
2023 Ford Explorer® Review: Interior, Engines, & Colors
Upgrade your daily routine with the spacious, connected, and powerful 2023 Ford Explorer®. This three-row Ford SUV is perfect for day trippers, team movers, family haulers, and everyone in between. Learn more about the engine options, safety tech, interior space, available trims, and exterior colors for the 2023 Explorer with this model review crafted by the team at Briarwood Ford in Saline, MI.
After reading about what the Ford Explorer has to offer, browse our new inventory and set up a test drive with your favorite model. We also provide an Explorer lease deal, if you’re considering a lease arrangement for your next vehicle.
For more information about a particular new Explorer at Briarwood Ford, fill out our online contact form or call us at (734) 429-5478.
2023 Ford Explorer Engines & Performance
There’s an engine for every lifestyle available under the hood of the 2023 Ford Explorer. If you’re interested in the combined powers of a gas and electric propulsion, consider the 3.3L hybrid engine. In addition to reducing stops at the gas station, the Explorer hybrid also boasts strong performance with a 5,000-pound towing capacity. For ultimate power and driving thrills, you’ll want the EcoBoost® V6 engine found on the King Ranch®, Platinum, and ST trims. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) is standard on the 2023 Explorer, while intelligent four-wheel drive (4WD) is available.
When your next adventure takes you over rough ground, go with confidence in the Ford Explorer Timberline® trim. With its increased ground clearance, rugged skid plates, and a 3.58 TORSEN® limited-slip rear axle. Manage the traction settings for your Explorer using the standard Terrain Management System™ with Slippery, Sport, Tow/Haul, and Eco drive modes for RWD models, plus Normal, Trail, and Deep Snow/Sand modes in 4WD models.
See the accompanying table for Explorer engine performance specs.
2.3L EcoBoost I4
Horsepower: 300 HP
Torque: 310 lb.-ft.
Max. Towing: 5,300 lbs.
3.0L EcoBoost V6
Horsepower: 400 HP
Torque: 415 lb.-ft.
Max. Towing: 5,600 lbs.
3.3L Hybrid
Horsepower: 318 HP
Torque: 322 lb.-ft.
Max. Towing: 5,000 lbs.
2023 Ford Explorer Interior Design
Blending practicality with enjoyable design, there’s something for everyone inside the 2023 Ford Explorer. An eight-way power driver’s seat is standard equipment, while a ten-way power driver’s seat and an eight-way power front passenger’s seat are available. To make accessing the third-row seats more convenient, look for a model with EZ Entry captain’s chairs in the second row. Flood the cabin with natural light through the twin-panel moonroof, or customize your nighttime driving environment with multi-color ambient lighting.
Other available interior features include:
- Multicontour front seats with Active Motion®
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Heated second-row seats
- Tri-zone climate control
- PowerFold® third-row seat
2023 Ford Explorer Seating & Cargo Capacities
There’s flexible space for friends, family, cargo, and more inside the three-row Ford Explorer. Depending on the trim package you choose, there’s seating for seven people with the 35/30/35 split second-row bench seat or seating for six with second-row captain’s chairs. In terms of cargo space, there’s a maximum cargo volume of 87.8 cubic feet with the second- and third-row seats folded down.
To accommodate your on-the-go lifestyle, the Ford Explorer comes with a storage compartment under the rear load floor, and you can add the available cargo area management system with a rubber mat for inside the underfloor cargo well, along with a reversible load floor with carpet on one side and a plastic liner on the other.
2023 Ford Explorer Technology
The centerpiece of your tech experience in the 2023 Ford Explorer is the standard SYNC® 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch center touchscreen. Upgrade to a larger 10.1-inch portrait touchscreen with the available Technology Package, which also adds a 14-speaker B&O® sound system. Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ provide a seamless way to project your maps, messages, music, and more from your smartphone to the infotainment screen.
Other available technology features include:
- Remote start
- SiriusXM® Satellite Radio
- FordPass® Connect® 4G LTE Wi-Fi® hotspot capable
- Wireless device charging
- Voice-activated touchscreen navigation system
2023 Ford Explorer Safety Features
Find yourself equipped with all the advanced driver assistance tech you need for a more confident drive in the 2023 Ford Explorer. Ford Co-Pilot360™ is standard, with features like a lane-keeping system, Pre-Collision Assist® with automatic emergency braking, BLIS® (blind spot information system) with cross traffic alert, and a rear view camera. In higher trim levels, a 360-degree camera gives you supreme visibility all around your SUV.
Other available safety features include:
- Active Park Assist 2.0
- Auto high beam headlamps
- Intelligent adaptive cruise control
- Reverse brake assist
- Post-collision braking and rear parking sensors
2023 Ford Explorer Colors Available
Exterior Colors
- Agate Black
- Carbonized Gray
- Forged Green
- Atlas Blue
- Iconic Silver
- Star White
- Stone Blue
- Jewel Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat
- Rapid Red
2023 Ford Explorer Trim Levels
Explorer
$36,760
Starting MSRP
XLT
$38,570
Starting MSRP
ST-Line
$46,005
Starting MSRP
Limited
$47,070
Starting MSRP
Timberline
$48,980
Starting MSRP
ST
$50,005
Starting MSRP
Platinum
$53,820
Starting MSRP
King Ranch
$54,075
Starting MSRP
New Ford Explorer for Sale in Saline, MI
When you’re ready to find your new Ford Explorer for sale in Saline, MI, visit Briarwood Ford. Check out our available inventory, and find the right Explorer for your family’s daily driving needs. Feel free to reach out to us online or over the phone at (734) 429-5478 if you have any questions or need assistance.
May not represent actual vehicle. (Options, colors, trim and body style may vary)