2026 Ford Explorer

Name: 2026 Ford Explorer Review
Brand: Ford

Release Date: Fall 2025

Estimated Price: Starting around $42,000

The 2026 Ford Explorer has a lot of good things going for it, especially after last year's update. It boasts powerful engines and a driving experience that's far more enjoyable than any big three-row SUV has any business being. It also has great infotainment technology, an available hands-free driver assist system, and a diverse lineup of trim level options. But a lack of passenger room, especially in the third row, makes it less family-friendly than some rival SUVs.Read full review

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2026 Ford Explorer Review

by the Edmunds Experts

Pros

Strong engines for quick acceleration
Secure handling
Impressive collection of tech and driver assist features

Cons

Less second- and third-row space than many rival SUVs
Hands-free BlueCruise tech is an upcharge subscription feature

What's new

New Explorer Tremor version with enhanced off-road capabilities
Part of the sixth Explorer generation introduced for 2020

Overview

The long-running Explorer is Ford's midsize three-row SUV that slots between the larger Expedition and the smaller Escape in the brand's SUV lineup. The Explorer's powerful engines and top-notch tech features make it stand out in its class. The 2026 Explorer will also be a little more capable off-road. The new Explorer Tremor version comes with all-terrain tires and a slightly raised ride height to better enable the Explorer to tackle dirt roads and rutted trails. It also has protective underbody skid plates and a limited-slip rear differential that helps the all-wheel-drive system direct the power where it's most needed.

Edmunds spotlight: A tech-forward family SUV

Before the Explorer was refreshed last year, it lagged many rivals in the tech department. But thanks to a host of tech upgrades, that's not the case anymore. To start, all models come standard with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a sizable 13.2-inch touchscreen. The touchscreen displays a new Android-based infotainment system that includes wireless connectivity for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and uses Google Maps for navigation. BlueCruise is available on all but the base Active trim level, with subscription trial periods varying based on the trim you buy. The Explorer also comes standard with a large package of advanced driver aids and offers a surround-view camera system and an upgraded B&O audio system.

Competitors to consider

The refreshed Explorer has a lot going for it, but it's up against stiff competition. The Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade have been two of our favorites since they launched in 2020. We know the Palisade is getting a full redesign for 2026, and we won't be surprised if the Telluride gets one too. The Toyota Grand Highlander is another of the Explorer's top rivals and boasts a larger third row and offers two hybrid engines. If you like the Explorer's strong acceleration and balanced handling, then consider the compelling Mazda CX-90. It not only shares those qualities, but it also offers a more premium look and feel.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict

Good

8.0

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

8.5/10

How does the Explorer drive? If you're looking for athleticism out of a three-row SUV, the Explorer is the clear choice. It out-steers, out-handles and out-accelerates the rest of the pack, especially the ST version. Both the ST and Platinum trims come standard with a turbocharged V6 that pumps out 400 hp. Our Explorer ST test vehicle sprinted from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds. And the base engine, a turbo four-cylinder, is no slouch either and delivers better performance than the V6s found in the Kia Telluride and the Honda Pilot.

The Explorer is surprisingly agile when driving around corners. Turn-in is quick, and this Ford SUV feels sporty and stable. For daily driving, the Explorer is pretty smooth, but the engine's auto stop-start system is a constant annoyance at stoplights because it takes too long to restart the engine when you lift off the brake pedal. You can disable the feature, but it defaults to being on every time you get in to drive, which is annoying.

Comfort

7.5/10

How comfortable is the Explorer? Comfort in the Explorer depends greatly on which row you're sitting in. Should you nab one of the front seats, you're likely to be pleased by the supportive and well-cushioned seats. If heating and ventilation are equipped, both are excellent, with the seat coolers feeling just as robust as the ones we love in Ford's trucks. Some trims offer massaging front seats as well, but they're very loud and don't do a great job of massaging.

But if you're sitting in the second or third row, the experience is less pleasant. The captain's chairs, even in the ST, lack bolstering so occupants will slide around; they also lack padding and are too narrow for anyone but a child to enjoy. The third row is too close to the floor, so your legs are lifted well off the seat bottom. Beyond that, the seats lack cushioning and the headrests are uncomfortable.

Ride quality varies by trim level. The performance-oriented ST rides more stiffly than most SUVs, and you'll feel more bumps and ruts in the road. The non-ST trims offer a more composed and comfortable ride for all occupants.

Interior

7.5/10

How’s the interior? The Explorer's cabin is noticeably smaller in both the second and third rows compared to vehicles like the Kia Telluride and Volkswagen Atlas. The third row is especially poor when it comes to space, lacking legroom and headroom, and that is compounded by how hard it is to get in. There's just not much space between the body of the vehicle and the rear of the second-row seats for you to step through.

The Explorer's climate controls are mostly located on the touchscreen. They are generally easy to reach and don't take up too much screen real estate. Plus, the system is very responsive as a whole. Outward visibility is decent for a three-row SUV, and the Explorer's available surround-view camera is very helpful for parking thanks to a super sharp picture that takes up nearly the whole screen.

Technology

9/10

How’s the tech? The Explorer's latest infotainment system is a big step up. There's a pair of screens: a 12.3-inch instrument cluster display and a 13.2-inch center touchscreen (both standard). It also has some Google integration: Google Maps is now the default native navigation system and Google Assistant handles the voice controls. The new system is very snappy and easy to navigate, and if you still prefer, wireless connectivity for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration is here. A bunch of USB ports are spread around the cabin to provide plenty of charging power for families.

The Explorer's driver aids work unobtrusively for the most part, and Ford's BlueCruise hands-free driving system is available with a subscription. The latest version works pretty well and allows you to take your hands off the steering wheel on the highway when certain conditions are met.

Storage

8/10

How’s the storage? Space behind the third row is smaller than most competitors, at just 16.3 cubic feet. But there are some nice touches in the cargo area that make it more useful, including a decently size underfloor storage bin and a reversible cover with a non-carpeted side if you have to carry muddy or dirty items. With both rows folded, max cargo room is 85.3 cubic feet.

Small-item storage is decent. There are plenty of cubbies and bins tucked away in the doors and other areas for front passengers, but not nearly as many for the second- and third-row passengers. Installing car seats in the second row is pretty easy thanks to the big door openings and easily accessible top and bottom LATCH anchors, but the third row's limited space will make it tough to use the area for a child seat.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

Fuel Economy

7.5/10

How’s the fuel economy? The Explorer's fuel economy estimates are a bit better than average for a midsize SUV. EPA-estimated fuel economy ranges from a high of 24 mpg combined with the base engine and rear-wheel drive to a low of 20 mpg with the V6 and all-wheel drive. However, we've noticed that these turbocharged engines from Ford can get thirsty if driven more aggressively, so if you want to reach these figures you might have to be lighter on the pedal.

Value

7.5/10

Is the Explorer a good value? The Explorer can't match what the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride bring to the table, especially considering the superior warranty the South Korean brands offer. But overall we think you're getting your money's worth here in features and build quality. The cost of some of the Explorer's options seems a bit exorbitant to us.

Wildcard

8/10

If we had to pick one midsize three-row SUV to drive and have fun in, the Explorer would be the clear choice. If the V6 had a more thrilling exhaust note, it'd be a complete package when it comes to driving enjoyment. But when it comes to styling, the Explorer looks generic. The ST version has a few cool individual details, but overall there's nothing that helps the Explorer stand out.

Which Explorer does Edmunds recommend?

The Explorer is so well equipped that you'll probably be fine with the Active trim. But we think you'll be better off paying a little more for the ST-Line. It looks sportier and gets some nice additions such as upgraded upholstery, a B&O sound system and access to the subscription-based BlueCruise hands-free highway driving assist system.

2026 Ford Explorer video

2025 Ford Explorer First Look | Refreshed & Revitalized | Interior, Exterior, Tech & More

NOTE: This video is about the 2025 Ford Explorer, but since the 2026 Ford Explorer is part of the same generation, our earlier analysis still applies.

The 2025 Ford Explorer gets a face-lift that brings significant updates, including revised styling, improved technology and bigger screens. In this First Look video, Edmunds' Brian Wong shows you what's new about the refreshed Explorer.

2026 Ford Explorer

2026 Ford Explorer Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Edmunds spotlight: A tech-forward family SUV

Competitors to consider

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which Explorer does Edmunds recommend?

2026 Ford Explorer video

2025 Ford Explorer First Look | Refreshed & Revitalized | Interior, Exterior, Tech & More

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