Three Rows. Seven Seats. One SUV That Does It All. 2026 Explorer.

2026 Ford Explorer in Vapor Blue Metallic pulling a camper over a dirt road to a campsite

The 2026 Explorer: Flexible Three-Row SUV for Birmingham Families

The 2026 Ford Explorer gives Birmingham drivers a practical three-row SUV with six- or seven-passenger seating depending on configuration, versatile cargo space, and available Intelligent 4WD. The lineup uses turbocharged EcoBoost engines; Ford does not offer a hybrid Explorer for the 2026 model year.

Compare the exact vehicle’s seating layout, cargo configuration, drivetrain, towing equipment, and window sticker before buying. Stivers Ford of Birmingham can help you compare the Explorer trim and equipment that match your family’s daily driving, travel, and towing needs.

More Space. More Capability. More Explorer.

2026 Explorer Engines, Drivetrain & Towing

The 2026 Ford Explorer is available with a 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 or 3.0L EcoBoost® V6, depending on trim and configuration. It is not offered as a hybrid for the 2026 model year. Available Intelligent 4WD, drive modes, and towing equipment also vary by vehicle.

Powertrain Where it fits Shopping note
2.3L EcoBoost I-4 Available across select Explorer trims Compare RWD or available Intelligent 4WD, seating, and equipment by VIN.
3.0L EcoBoost V6 Available on select capability- and performance-focused trims Confirm the specific trim’s powertrain and package content.

When properly equipped, the 2026 Explorer can tow up to 5,000 lbs. Actual towing capacity depends on configuration, trailer equipment, passengers, cargo, and the specific vehicle. Review the owner materials and the vehicle’s equipment before towing.

Seating, Cargo & Family Use

Explorer seating can be configured for six or seven passengers depending on trim and second-row configuration. Maximum cargo volume reaches up to 85.8 cubic feet on Active, Active 100A, and ST-Line models; other configurations offer up to 85.3 cubic feet. Confirm the exact seating and cargo layout of the Explorer you are considering.

What Is New for 2026?

The 2026 lineup adds the Explorer Tremor, which emphasizes capability with standard 4WD and model-specific equipment. The Ford Connectivity Package is also available across the lineup. Features and driver-assistance technologies can vary by trim and package; they assist the driver and do not replace attentive driving.

Connected and Safe on the Move: 2026 Ford Explorer

2026 Ford Explorer Connectivity Phones and Infotainment System with Touchscreen

Technology

The 2026 Explorer keeps drivers connected and in control with SYNC 4 — Ford’s most capable infotainment platform — alongside a full suite of convenience tech that makes family life easier.

 

Infotainment SYNC 4 with available 10.1-inch portrait touchscreen
Smartphone Integration Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto standard
Digital Instrument Cluster Available 12.4-inch all-digital driver display
Connectivity 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot — available FordPass Connect
Navigation Available cloud-connected navigation with real-time traffic
Audio Available 12-speaker B&O Premium Sound System
Voice Control Hands-free SYNC 4 voice commands for navigation, calls, and media
OTA Updates Over-the-air software updates — your Explorer improves over time
FordPass App Remote start, lock/unlock, fuel level, and trip data from your phone
Wireless Charging Available wireless device charging pad

 

Safety & Ford Co-Pilot360

The 2026 Explorer comes standard with Ford Co-Pilot360, a suite of driver-assist technologies designed to reduce driver workload and improve awareness on every type of road — from school pickup lanes to interstate highway cruising.


 
Pre-Collision Assist Detects pedestrians and vehicles; alerts and auto-brakes when needed
Automatic Emergency Braking Standard across all trims — a genuine safety net
Lane-Keeping System Alerts when drifting; assists steering to stay in lane
Blind Spot Information Monitors adjacent lanes; warns before unsafe lane changes
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert Detects crossing traffic when reversing from tight spaces
Adaptive Cruise Control Available with Stop-and-Go for highway commute comfort
Active Park Assist 2.0 Steers itself into parallel and perpendicular spaces
360-Degree Camera Available surround-view system for tight parking situations
Drowsy Driver Monitoring Monitors steering patterns; alerts when fatigue is detected
Post-Collision Braking Applies brakes after initial impact to minimize secondary collisions

 

NHTSA and IIHS safety ratings are available for the Explorer — ask your Stivers Ford advisor for the most current test results and ratings.

2026 Ford Explorer Exterior Colors

2026 Ford Explorer Model Trim Levels

2026 Ford Explorer Active 100A

2026 Explorer® Active 100A

Starting at MSRP $38,465
Shop This Trim

  • 2.3L EcoBoost® engine
  • Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist+ including Adaptive Cruise Control
  • Selectable drive modes
  • Class III Trailer Tow Package

2026 Ford Explorer Active

2026 Explorer® Active

Starting at MSRP $40,585
Shop This Trim

  • 2.3L EcoBoost® engine
  • Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist+ including Adaptive Cruise Control
  • Heated front-row seats
  • Power liftgate

2026 Ford Explorer ST Line

2026 Explorer® ST-Line

Starting at MSRP $45,155
Shop This Trim

  • 2.3L EcoBoost® engine
  • 360-Degree Camera
  • Unique durable cloth-trimmed seats with red stitching
  • B&O® Sound System by Bang & Olufsen® with 10 speakers including subwoofer

2026 Ford Explorer Tremor

2026 Explorer® Tremor®

Starting at MSRP $48,965
Shop This Trim

  • Available 3.0L EcoBoost® engine
  • Torsen® limited-slip rear axle
  • Off-road tuned suspension with increased ride height
  • Underbody protection — front and rear deflector plates

2026 Ford Explorer Platinum

2026 Explorer® Platinum™

Starting at MSRP $50,965
Shop This Trim

  • 2.3L EcoBoost® engine
  • BlueCruise hands-free highway driving equipped
  • Heated, ventilated, massaging front-row seats with leather inserts
  • Available panoramic fixed glass roof with power sunshade
2026 Ford Explorer ST

Explorer® ST

Starting at MSRP $54,905
Shop This Trim

  • 3.0L EcoBoost® engine
  • BlueCruise hands-free highway driving equipped
  • Sport-tuned suspension
  • Performance brakes with red-painted brake calipers

2026 Ford Explorer Gallery

We Are Here for You!

At Stivers Ford of Birmingham, you will have an automotive experience unlike any other. You can find new Ford inventory, including the Explorer, Expedition, F-150, Bronco, Bronco Sport, Mustang, and an unmatched collection of used car, truck, van, SUV and crossover inventory at our dealership near you.

Are you interested in leasing or financing your 2026 Ford Explorer? The Finance Department at Stivers Ford of Birmingham can help you find the right lease offer or finance solution that fits your budget. We cultivate relationships with many banks, lenders, and other financial organizations to provide you with great options in purchasing your new vehicle. In addition to the comprehensive factory warranty that comes with your new Ford Explorer, we offer extended warranty and protection programs to safeguard your investment.

Get the best deals and specials available to you on the Ford Explorer. Our knowledgeable sales staff wants to help you find the perfect fit in a new Ford or used car. We can’t wait to welcome you to the Stivers Ford of Birmingham family and help you find your new car or used vehicle. Your support and customer service doesn’t stop after you sign your deal.

The expert Service Department at our Ford dealership near you is always ready to help with any repairs or maintenance you might need to keep your vehicle running perfectly. Our Quick Lane will get you back on the road quickly when you need basic maintenance like an oil change or tire rotation.

Would you like to make your new car all your own with personalized upgrades? Our well-stocked Parts Department has all of the Genuine Ford parts and accessories you need for the best customization of your vehicle. Make your car, truck, or SUV uniquely yours to fit perfectly in your lifestyle.

We are eager to help you on your car buying and vehicle ownership journey. Visit us today at Stivers Ford of Birmingham!

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2026 Ford Explorer Inventory

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500 Palisades Blvd, Birmingham, AL, 35209
Stivers Ford of Birmingham 33.469763, -086.818667.