The 2026 Ford Explorer offers two proven EcoBoost® engines, ensuring that you have the power you need for everything from city commuting to heavy-duty towing. Available Powertrains 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4: This standard engine delivers a balanced 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, providing efficient yet responsive acceleration for daily driving around Fremont. 3.0L EcoBoost® V6: Available on higher trims and standard on the ST, this powerhouse produces a commanding 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, ranking it among the most powerful in its segment. Both engines are paired with a refined 10-speed automatic transmission for seamless shifting. Rear-wheel drive comes standard, while Intelligent 4WD is available across the entire lineup to provide extra traction during rainy California winters.

The 2026 Explorer stands out with an athletic stance and over eight inches of ground clearance. Exterior highlights include: Distinct Grille Designs: Signature grilles vary by trim, ranging from the chrome bars on the Active to the black mesh on the ST-Line. Modern Lighting: Reimagined LED headlamps and distinctive taillights come standard. New Marsh Gray Paint: A fresh addition to the 2026 color palette. Wheel Options: Choose from standard 18-inch Sparkle Silver wheels to bold 21-inch Magnetite-painted aluminum wheels on performance models. The all-new Tremor trim adds exclusive off-road styling with orange accents, underbody protection, and a lifted suspension.

Inside, the Explorer focuses on premium materials and three-row flexibility, seating up to seven passengers. Seating Flexibility: Available second-row captain’s chairs offer easy access to the third row, while an available PowerFold® third row simplifies cargo loading. Advanced Comfort: Enjoy available Active Motion® massaging front seats and multicolor ambient lighting to personalize your cabin environment. Generous Cargo Space: With the rear rows folded, you have access to up to 85.8 cubic feet of cargo volume for sports gear or local shopping trips to Pacific Commons.

The Ford Digital Experience debuts for 2026, integrating your favorite apps directly into the SUV's interface. 13.2-inch Touchscreen: A massive, standard center display supports Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. 12.3-inch Digital Cluster: Provides critical driving information in a clean, customizable color display. Native Streaming: Native web browsing and video streaming are available when the vehicle is parked. Premium Audio: An available Bang & Olufsen® sound system with up to 14 speakers transforms the cabin into a mobile concert hall.

Safety remains a top priority with the Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist+ suite, which now comes standard across all trims. Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go: Automatically manages speed and distance in heavy Fremont traffic. BlueCruise: Available hands-free highway driving technology helps reduce fatigue on long trips. Pre-Collision Assist: Includes Automatic Emergency Braking and Pedestrian Detection. 360-Degree Camera: Provides a bird’s-eye view to make parking in tight spaces effortless.

The 2026 Explorer lineup allows you to choose a model that fits your East Bay lifestyle: Active (100A/200A): The foundational trim focusing on essential comfort and modern tech. ST-Line (300A): Features the athletic look of the ST with the efficiency of the 2.3L engine. Tremor (800A): Off-road focused with a lifted suspension, all-terrain tires, and rugged hardware. ST (400A): Performance-tuned with a 400hp V6, sport suspension, and performance brakes. Platinum (600A): The pinnacle of luxury featuring premium leather and advanced technology.