Although every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on this site, absolute accuracy cannot be guaranteed. This site, and all information and materials appearing on it, are presented to the user "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied. All vehicles are subject to prior sale. Price does not include applicable tax, title, license charges, and documentation fees of $350. ‡Vehicles shown at different locations are not currently in our inventory (Not in Stock) but can be made available to you at our location within a reasonable date from the time of your request, not to exceed one week.
The Ford Explorer® has been one of the most trusted three-row family SUVs in central Minnesota for more than a decade — and the 2026 model year brings the most significant updates to the Explorer lineup in recent memory. A brand-new Tremor® off-road trim. A new entry-level Active Base. Standard BlueCruise 1.5 hands-free highway driving on the ST and Platinum™. And the same three-row family space, 5,000 lb towing, and Minnesota-ready Intelligent 4WD that families in Hutchinson, Willmar, Waconia, and the surrounding region have depended on year after year.
At Jay Malone Ford — family-owned in Hutchinson since 2005 — the Explorer is one of our most popular vehicles. We know every trim, every package, and every configuration decision that matters for a family in McLeod County. Whether you’re buying your first three-row SUV, moving up from a Ford Escape or Edge, or looking specifically for the new Tremor® — we’re here to help you find the exact Explorer that fits your family.
Why the Ford Explorer for Central Minnesota Families
Central Minnesota families ask more of their SUVs than buyers in most other parts of the country. You need a vehicle that handles January on MN-15. That pulls the pontoon to Lake Minnewaska without breaking a sweat. That fits three kids, two sets of hockey gear, and grandparents for the lake weekend. That handles the gravel township road to the family farm without drama. The Explorer is built for exactly that use case — and the 2026 lineup adds more capability than any previous Explorer generation.
| Your Priority | What the Explorer Delivers | Best Trim |
|---|---|---|
| Family passenger space | 6 or 7 passengers across 3 rows; captain’s chairs or bench seat | Active 200A or ST-Line |
| Minnesota winter traction | Intelligent 4WD, Slippery mode, Trail mode; Tremor® adds TORSEN® + all-terrain tires | Any 4WD; Tremor® for max capability |
| Towing — boat, sled, camper | 5,000 lbs Class III towing standard on every trim — no add-on required | Any trim |
| Off-road and gravel capability | Tremor®: TORSEN® differential, all-terrain tires, 8.7” ground clearance, underbody protection | Tremor® 800A |
| Long highway drives (BlueCruise) | Hands-free highway driving on Blue Zone segments; Automatic Lane Change in 1.5 | ST or Platinum™ (standard); any trim (optional) |
| Luxury comfort | Massaging front seats, 980W B&O 14-speaker, heated 2nd-row captain’s chairs, BlueCruise standard | Platinum™ 600A |
| Best value entry point | 13.2” display, wireless CarPlay, Co-Pilot360®, 5,000 lb towing — all included | Active Base 100A |
Complete 2026 Explorer Guide Series
Our team has built a complete resource for every major Explorer question. Start with the full overview, then dig into the topics that matter most for your purchase:
Trim Levels Explained: Active, ST-Line, Tremor®, ST & Platinum™ →Seating, Cargo & 3-Row Family SUV Guide →Explorer Tremor® Off-Road Capability Guide →Technology Guide: BlueCruise, Ford Digital Experience & Connected Features →Minnesota Winters: 4WD, Intelligent AWD & Cold-Weather Guide →Ford Escape or Edge Owner? Here’s Why Families Are Moving to the Explorer →
Serving Explorer Buyers Across Central Minnesota
Jay Malone Ford is located at 1165 Hwy 7 W in Hutchinson — right in the heart of McLeod County. We serve Explorer buyers from across the region including Hutchinson, Willmar, Litchfield, Waconia, Glencoe, Silver Lake, Winsted, Dassel, Cokato, and New Ulm. If you’re within an hour of Hutchinson on US-7, MN-15, or MN-22, you’re in our backyard.
We understand the specific needs of buyers in this part of Minnesota — because we live here too. The gravel roads in McLeod County. The lake runs to Kandiyohi County. The farm operations that need a family hauler that can also handle a rough lane. The Hutchinson winters that don’t forgive a poorly equipped vehicle. We factor all of it into how we guide Explorer buyers toward the right configuration for their life.
Visit Us or Get in Touch
Address: 1165 Hwy 7 W, Hutchinson, MN 55350
Phone: (320) 587-4748
Hours: Monday–Friday 8am–6pm · Saturday 8am–5pm
Frequently Asked Questions — Ford Explorer at Jay Malone Ford
Does Jay Malone Ford in Hutchinson MN sell the 2026 Ford Explorer?
Yes — Jay Malone Ford at 1165 Hwy 7 W in Hutchinson carries new 2026 Ford Explorer inventory across all trim levels including the brand-new Tremor® off-road trim. We also factory order any configuration at no extra charge if your exact specification isn’t on the lot. Call us at (320) 587-4748 or visit us in Hutchinson.
What Explorer trims does Jay Malone Ford carry?
We stock and order all six 2026 Explorer trims: Active Base (100A), Active (200A), ST-Line (300A), Tremor® (800A — brand new for 2026), ST (400A), and Platinum™ (600A). Inventory changes regularly — view our current Explorer stock at jaymaloneford.com or call (320) 587-4748 for the latest availability.
Can Jay Malone Ford factory order an Explorer?
Yes — and we never charge extra to do it. If the exact trim, color, engine, or package you want isn’t on our lot, we order it built to your specifications directly from Ford. Factory ordering is one of the most popular ways our customers get exactly the Explorer they want without settling. Contact us at (320) 587-4748 or stop by at 1165 Hwy 7 W in Hutchinson to get the order process started.
How much does the 2026 Ford Explorer tow?
The 2026 Explorer tows up to 5,000 lbs when properly equipped. The Class III Trailer Tow Package is standard on all six Explorer trims — no additional towing package is required on any model. This covers most Minnesota recreational towing including pontoon and fishing boats, snowmobile trailers, pop-up campers, and utility trailers.
What is the Explorer Tremor and is it worth it for Minnesota buyers?
The Explorer Tremor® is a brand-new off-road trim for 2026. It includes a TORSEN® limited-slip rear differential, 31.5” all-terrain tires, 8.7” of ground clearance, front and rear underbody protection, and a Tremor®-specific Off-Road drive mode. For central Minnesota buyers who navigate gravel roads, farm lanes, soft-surface boat ramps, or challenging winter terrain regularly, the Tremor® is a genuine capability upgrade over any standard Explorer trim. It is 4WD only.
I drive a Ford Escape or Edge — is the Explorer the right next vehicle?
It depends on how your needs have changed since you bought your current vehicle. The Explorer is the right move if your family has grown and you need a third row, you want more towing capability, or you want off-road capability or BlueCruise that neither the Escape nor Edge offered. If you still only need two rows and prefer a more compact footprint, the Bronco Sport is also worth a look. Our team at Jay Malone Ford is happy to walk through the comparison honestly — we’d rather put you in the right vehicle than the bigger one.
Does the 2026 Explorer have good winter capability for Minnesota?
Yes — the 4WD Explorer handles Minnesota winters well. Intelligent 4WD is available on most trims, Slippery drive mode is standard for ice and packed snow, and Trail mode on 4WD models handles unplowed surfaces. For the most demanding winter terrain, the Tremor®’s all-terrain tires and TORSEN® differential provide the best factory winter traction in the Explorer lineup. Heated seats are standard on the Active 200A and above; remote start is available on the Active 200A via the Comfort Package and standard on ST-Line and above.
Why Buy Your Explorer at Jay Malone Ford in Hutchinson
- Family-owned and operated since 2005 — Jay, Jake, and Jordan Malone
- Voted Best Place to Buy a Vehicle in Hutchinson — plus Best Auto Mechanic, Best Tires, and Best Auto Body
- Factory ordering at no extra charge — get exactly what you want
- Your Dealer for Life — neighbors serving neighbors, not transactions
- Expert guidance on every Explorer trim, package, and configuration for central MN use
- Full-service department on-site to keep your Explorer running through every Minnesota season
- Serving Hutchinson, Willmar, Litchfield, Waconia, Glencoe, Dassel, New Ulm, and the surrounding region
About the Author
I’m Jordan Malone-Forst, Assistant General Manager at Jay Malone Motors in Hutchinson, MN. I’m proud to be part of the family business my dad Jay started in 2005 — and even prouder to serve the community I grew up in. I’m President of the Hutchinson Ambassadors, serve on the Board of Directors for the Hutchinson Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism, and was named 2025 Young Leader of the Year. If you have any question about the Ford Explorer or want to talk through your options, reach out directly — I’d love to help.
-
Jay Malone Motors
1165 Hwy 7 W
Hutchinson, MN 55350
- Sales: (320) 587-4748
Loading Map...