The 2026 Ford Explorer comes with a new trim level for off-road that makes it even more versatile for different needs in Dallas. It offers family-friendly space with modern technology and strong performance for Dallas drivers looking for a reliable and stylish three-row SUV. It also has off-road features that make it ideal for exploring places like Lone Star Off-Road Park in Grand Prairie. This guide explores the new features of the 2026 Ford Explorer so you can decide if it’s the right choice for your needs.
The 2026 Explorer comes with two powerful engines. The 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder produces 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, making it ideal for everyday driving. This engine is standard on the Active, ST-Line, Tremor, and Platinum models. A 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 produces 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque for more adventurous driving. This engine is standard on the ST and available on the Tremor. Both pair with a 10-speed automatic transmission for smooth and controlled shifts.
Rear-wheel drive is standard across the lineup, which is more than sufficient for most city tasks, while intelligent all-wheel drive is available for extra grip in Dallas’ occasional ice or heavy rain. Adventure seekers will love how capable the Ford Explorer is, with a 5,000-pound towing capacity for towing boats and trailers to Grapevine Lake or a nearby state park. Six selectable drive modes let you tailor the vehicle’s handling to your mood or road conditions, improving control and peace of mind. These include Normal, Eco, Sport, Tow/Haul, Slippery, and either Trail or Off-Road, depending on the model.
Inside, the Explorer continues to offer flexible seating for up to seven passengers, with plenty of room and multiple seating configurations across three rows. The revision for the previous model year brought a more premium feel to the cabin, which focused more on practicality than luxury. It now boasts soft-touch materials on the center console, dashboard, and door panels for a more upscale experience. The third row is easy to access using a touch button that shifts the second row seats out of the way.
The 2026 model features Ford’s latest Digital Experience infotainment system, including a sharp 13.2-inch touch screen. It comes complete with the Ford Digital Experience that allows you to access apps and listen to music via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Put it in park, and you can stream videos from YouTube, access the internet, and play games. Passengers across all rows are taken care of with up to eight USB ports, including two for passengers in the third row. A 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium sound system is included on all trims except for the base model.
Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ is standard across the lineup and features forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring and rear-cross-traffic alert, and lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assistance. The 2026 Ford Explorer has received five stars overall in crash testing by the NHTSA. The IIHS named the 2026 Ford Explorer a 2025 Top Safety Pick+ SUV with “Good” ratings on nearly every category.
Optional add-ons include 360-degree cameras to help with parking and the semi-autonomous Ford BlueCruise hands-free highway driving system to make highway driving easier and safer. This system includes automatic lane changes and constantly monitors traffic, helping to maintain your speed and handle lane changes for you without needing to touch the turn signals.
Last year’s model received a major restyle, including revised exterior styling and design improvements. This means the 2026 model arrives relatively unchanged. You can still expect the same subtle yet sharp updates, including 18-inch wheels on most models with all-season tires, 20-inch wheels on higher trims like the ST-Line and Platinum, and 21-inch wheels on the ST. A new grille design with black mesh inserts, quad chrome exhaust tips, and bright 21-inch machined aluminum wheels adds flair.
Colors vary depending on the trim, but most trims include basic colors like space white metallic, carbonized gray metallic, or agate black metallic, but you can pay extra on the lower trims to get more unique colors like star white metallic tri-coat and vapor blue metallic. The ST Line, Platinum, and ST add the option for rapid red metallic tinted clearcoat, while the Tremor adds a marsh gray. Higher trims come with extras such as black roof-rack side rails, hood badging, and lower bodyside accents that set them apart.
The power liftgate makes loading and offloading gear easy (especially when your hands are full), and specially tuned suspensions in certain trims improve ride quality without sacrificing off-road ability. The all-new Tremor model has a unique exterior look with contrasting orange accents that stand out on even the muddiest off-road trails. It boasts accent-colored tow hooks, off-road auxiliary lights, and exclusive badges and grille.
The 2026 Ford Explorer is a smart choice for Dallas drivers who want a capable and tech-forward SUV with room for the whole family. Want to experience the new model for yourself and perhaps compare it to previous models? Visit Planet Ford Dallas to experience the 2026 Ford Explorer updates and the rest of the lineup for yourself and take it for a test drive. Contact Planet Ford Dallas to schedule yours today.
