The 2026 Ford Explorer® is America’s best-selling three-row SUV — and for good reason. It seats up to seven, tows up to 5,000 lbs, and comes in a lineup wide enough to serve everyone from a value-focused buyer who needs a reliable family hauler to an off-road enthusiast who wants to take the whole family on trail. But six trim levels is a lot to sort through, and the differences between them are significant enough to matter for your daily life.

Two of those trims — the Active Base and the Tremor® — are brand new for 2026. The 3.0L V6 has been removed from the Platinum®. And the pricing and equipment structure has shifted enough that what made sense last year may not be the right answer this year. This guide walks through every trim in plain language so you can understand what each one includes, what separates them, and which one makes the most sense for buyers in central Minnesota.

What’s New on the 2026 Explorer Lineup?

The 2026 Explorer brings meaningful updates to the lineup — not just a refresh. Buyers shopping off last year’s knowledge should pay attention to these key changes before making any decisions:

• Active Base (100A) is entirely new. A new entry-level model that didn’t exist in the 2025 lineup. It gives value-focused buyers a lower starting point with full standard safety technology.
• Explorer Tremor® (800A) is entirely new. Ford’s purpose-built off-road Explorer trim — new for 2026, not available in prior years. A genuine off-road hardware upgrade over the standard 4WD Explorer.
• 3.0L V6 deleted from Platinum®. The Platinum® now comes exclusively with the 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4. Buyers who wanted V6 power in a premium Explorer now look to the ST or Tremor®.
• Wireless charging pad deleted across the lineup. Not available on any 2026 Explorer trim.
• Active 200A now includes active noise cancellation as standard — previously not available at this level.
• Panoramic fixed-glass roof replaces the Vista Roof® across the lineup where the sunroof option is available.
• Marsh Gray is a new exterior color available on ST-Line, ST, and Tremor® models.
• BlueCruise one-time purchase (order code 50S) now available on all series — a significant change for buyers who want hands-free highway driving without a subscription model.
• ST 4WD now offers a 35/30/35 second-row bench seat as a standalone option — new for 2026, allows 7-passenger seating in the ST.

2026 Explorer Trim Lineup at a Glance

The 2026 Explorer is available in six models. Each builds meaningfully on the one before it — this isn’t a case of minor badge differences. Here’s the high-level picture:

🆕 = New for 2026. Drivetrain availability varies by equipment group — confirm with your Jay Malone Ford sales team when ordering.

Explorer® Active Base (100A) — What Does It Include?

The Active Base is a brand-new addition for 2026 — it didn’t exist in the Explorer lineup before this model year. Its purpose is to give buyers a lower entry point while still delivering the full Explorer platform: three rows, 5,000 lb towing capacity, available 4WD, and Ford’s complete Co-Pilot360® Assist+ safety suite.

What the Active Base 100A includes as standard:

• 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 engine — 300 hp / 310 lb-ft of torque
• 10-speed automatic transmission
• RWD standard; Intelligent 4WD available
• Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist+ including adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane centering, and BLIS® with cross-traffic alert
• 13.2” center display with Ford Digital Experience
• Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility
• Class III Trailer Tow Package (5,000 lbs max when properly equipped)
• 6-way power driver’s seat
• 4-way manual front passenger seat
• Cloth seating with second-row captain’s chairs (6-passenger)
• Urethane steering wheel
• 18” Sparkle Silver-painted aluminum wheels
• LED headlamps and taillamps
• Three 12V power outlets and six USB ports

Who it’s right for: The Active Base makes the most sense for buyers who need three rows and solid capability but don’t need heated seats, premium audio, or sport styling. If you’re replacing a well-equipped sedan or a smaller SUV and want to step up to a three-row family hauler without the premium price, this is where the Explorer conversation starts.

Explorer® Active (200A) — What Does It Add Over the Base?

The Active 200A steps up from the base in ways that will matter every single day. The additions are practical rather than luxury — making this the first trim that starts to feel like a fully equipped family vehicle rather than a value-focused entry point.

Key additions on the Active 200A over the 100A:

• 10-way power driver’s seat (up from 6-way on Active Base)
• First-row heated seats — standard, not optional
• Vinyl-wrapped steering wheel
• Active noise cancellation — new for 2026, now standard on 200A
• Power liftgate
• Black roof-rack side rails
• Active badging
• Standalone options available: panoramic fixed-glass roof (4WD), 20” Carbonized Gray or Luster Nickel wheels, Active Comfort Package (68A)

The Active Comfort Package (68A) is worth calling out separately because it’s only available on the 200A and adds a meaningful comfort upgrade: heated steering wheel, LED fog lamps, remote start, 8-way power passenger seat, ActiveX™ seating material upgrade, and second-row HVAC controls. For Minnesota buyers, the combination of heated seats + heated steering wheel + remote start makes this package a strong consideration.

Who it’s right for: The 200A hits the value sweet spot for buyers who want a complete family SUV without stepping into sport styling or off-road hardware territory. If you want heated seats, a power liftgate, and a solid daily driver for Hutchinson area roads and Minnesota winters, the Active 200A with the Comfort Package is a strong starting point.

Explorer® ST-Line — Sport Styling or Sport Performance?

This is one of the most common points of confusion in the Explorer lineup: the ST-Line looks like the ST but it’s not the same vehicle. Understanding the difference is important before you fall in love with the blacked-out styling and assume you’re getting the performance hardware to match.

The ST-Line is a styling package on the 2.3L I-4 engine. It delivers the aggressive exterior look of the ST — blacked-out trim, 20” machined aluminum wheels with ebony-painted pockets, Explorer hood badging — without the ST’s 3.0L V6, sport-tuned suspension, or performance brakes. The ST-Line is about looks. The ST is about performance.

What the ST-Line includes as standard over Active:

• 8-way power front passenger seat
• Unique cloth seating with red stitching
• Second-row 35/30/35 split bench (standard on ST-Line, not captain’s chairs)
• ST-Line specific interior accents
• Heated leather-wrapped steering wheel with red contrast stitching
• 20” Machined Aluminum with Ebony-Painted Pockets wheels
• Black exterior accents and Explorer hood badging
• Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist 2.0 with 360-degree camera
• B&O® Sound System by Bang & Olufsen® with 10 speakers including subwoofer

ST-Line Premium Package (68L) adds: driver memory seat, second-row heated outboard positions, ambient lighting, auto-dimming rearview mirror, rain-sensing wipers, and heated/power memory mirrors. Available on both RWD and 4WD ST-Line.

ST-Line Street Package (68P) adds: 21” Magnetite-painted aluminum wheels, P275/45R21 all-season tires, performance brakes, and red-painted front/rear brake calipers. This is where the ST-Line starts to feel more athletic, though the engine remains the 2.3L I-4.

Bottom line on ST-Line: If you want the black exterior look and a sport feel without paying for V6 performance, ST-Line is a great answer. If you want actual performance — sport suspension, 3.0L V6, and performance brakes as standard — you want the ST. Don’t assume the badge means the same thing.

Explorer® Tremor® — What Is It and Who Is It For?

The Explorer Tremor® is brand new for 2026 and deserves its own full conversation. It’s not a styling package — it’s a purpose-built off-road Explorer with hardware that changes how the vehicle performs on unpaved surfaces, gravel roads, and challenging terrain. For families in central Minnesota who deal with farm lanes, gravel township roads, or want genuine off-road capability alongside three-row family space, the Tremor® opens a category that didn’t exist in the Explorer lineup before this year.

Tremor® standard hardware:

• 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 standard; 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 available (order code 99C)
• Intelligent 4WD — 4WD only, no RWD option
• TORSEN® limited-slip rear differential — improves traction on loose surfaces
• Off-road tuned suspension with increased ride height
• 8.7” minimum ground clearance (vs 7.8” on standard 4WD)
• 24.1° approach angle (vs 19.7° on standard 4WD)
• All-terrain tires — 31.5” diameter on 18” Ebony Black-Painted Aluminum wheels with Tremor® Orange accents
• Off-Road Drive Mode specifically tuned for Tremor®
• Terrain Management System™
• Underbody protection — front and rear deflection plates
• Off-Road Grille Lights
• Tow hooks
• Heated and ventilated front-row seats
• Heated second-row captain’s chairs
• Miko® suede/vinyl seating trim
• B&O® 10-speaker sound system

The Tremor® Convenience Package (68G) is optional on 2.3L Tremor® models and adds ambient lighting, rain-sensing wipers, driver memory, third-row PowerFold®, auto-dimming mirrors, and heated/power memory mirrors.

The Tremor® Ultimate Package is included standard when the 3.0L V6 is ordered and adds the B&O 980W 14-speaker system, panoramic fixed-glass roof with power shade, multicontour seats with Active Motion®, and power-folding mirrors.

The Tremor® off-road capability is explored in full detail in our dedicated guide: 2026 Ford Explorer overview at Jay Malone Ford.

Explorer® ST — Is It Worth the Step Up?

The Explorer ST is the performance trim in the lineup — and the key distinction from everything below it is the 3.0L EcoBoost® V6, which is standard on the ST and the only trim below Tremor® where the V6 is available at all. For buyers who want the most powerful Explorer short of a Tremor® with the 3.0L option, the ST is the answer.

What the ST adds over ST-Line:

• 3.0L twin-turbocharged EcoBoost® V6 — standard. Rated at 385 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque on vehicles built on or after 4/13/26; 400 hp on vehicles built before that date. Confirm the build date on any specific vehicle.
• Sport-tuned suspension
• Performance brakes with red-painted brake calipers — standard (not an add-on)
• 21” Magnetite-painted aluminum wheels — standard
• Quad-tipped exhaust
• Heated and ventilated front-row seats
• Third-row PowerFold® seats — standard
• BlueCruise hands-free highway driving equipped (1-year + 90-day plan included)
• Open On Approach — standard on ST for 2026; automatically opens the liftgate when key fob is detected in the rear dwell zone
• Ambient Lighting
• Red accent stitching throughout the interior
• Second-row 35/30/35 bench seat now available as standalone option on ST 4WD — new for 2026

The Sun and Sound Package (51G) is available on ST and adds: B&O 980W 14-speaker system, multicontour seats with Active Motion®, panoramic fixed-glass roof with power shade, and remote window control.

ST vs Tremor® — the key decision: If you want V6 power and sport suspension for on-road performance, get the ST. If you want V6 power and off-road hardware for gravel roads and trail use, get the Tremor® with the 3.0L option. These are meaningfully different vehicles with the same engine option — don’t conflate them.

Explorer® Platinum™ — What Changed for 2026?

The Platinum™ is the full-luxury Explorer — and it went through the most significant change of any trim for 2026. The 3.0L V6 has been removed entirely from the Platinum™ lineup. If you’re a returning Platinum buyer who had the V6, note that the 2026 Platinum™ comes exclusively with the 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4. Buyers who specifically want V6 power with a premium interior should look at the ST with the Sun and Sound Package, or the Tremor® with the 3.0L and Ultimate Package.

What the Platinum™ includes:

• 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 — only engine available on Platinum™ for 2026
• RWD standard; Intelligent 4WD available
• ActiveX® trimmed seating with perforated leather inserts
• Multicontoured seats with Active Motion® — massaging front seats
• Heated second-row captain’s chairs
• Third-row PowerFold® vinyl 50/50 split bench — standard
• Driver memory — standard
• 20” Luster Nickel-painted aluminum wheels — standard; 21” Bright Machined available
• Adaptive headlamps
• Satin aluminum exterior accents
• Body-color door handles — updated for 2026 (previously had satin insert)
• Open On Approach — standard on Platinum™ for 2026
• BlueCruise equipped (1-year + 90-day plan included) — standard
• B&O® Sound System by Bang & Olufsen® with 14 speakers including subwoofer — standard
• Ambient Lighting — standard
• Panoramic fixed-glass roof — available as standalone option (was previously standard; now optional)

The Platinum™ Leather Package (21B) is available on 4WD Platinum™ and adds premium leather seating surfaces with quilting and stitching. Not compatible with the bench seat option.

Who the Platinum™ is right for: Buyers who want the best interior comfort and technology experience in an Explorer and are comfortable with the 2.3L I-4. The massaging seats, 14-speaker B&O, adaptive headlamps, and standard BlueCruise make it a genuinely premium daily driver. If V6 power is a requirement, the ST or Tremor® with 3.0L option are the correct paths for 2026.

2026 Explorer Side-by-Side Trim Comparison

How to Choose the Right 2026 Explorer Trim

Here’s a practical buying framework based on the most common buyer scenarios we see at Jay Malone Ford for central Minnesota families:

1. Need three rows at the best value — Active Base or Active 200A. Active Base if budget is the primary driver. Active 200A with the Comfort Package if you want heated seats, remote start, and power liftgate — the Minnesota winter package that makes daily life easier.
2. Want the sport look without sport pricing — ST-Line. Great if the blacked-out styling matters to you and the 2.3L engine is sufficient. Add the Street Package if you want performance brakes and 21” wheels without the ST’s full price point.
3. Need off-road and 4WD capability for gravel roads and field access — Tremor®. The only Explorer with dedicated off-road hardware. For families who live on or near farm country in McLeod County and want a family SUV that can handle more than pavement.
4. Want the most powerful Explorer — ST or Tremor® with 3.0L. The 3.0L V6 is only available on the ST (standard) and Tremor® (optional). If engine performance is the priority, your trim choice is between these two.
5. Want the best of everything without off-road needs — Platinum™. The interior, technology, and comfort leader. Note that V6 power is not available on Platinum™ for 2026.

Trim decisions are just one piece of the 2026 Explorer picture. For the complete overview of engines, technology, seating, and how everything fits together, visit our 2026 Ford Explorer complete overview at Jay Malone Ford.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the trim levels on the 2026 Ford Explorer?

The 2026 Ford Explorer is available in six trim levels: Active Base (100A), Active (200A), ST-Line (300A), Tremor® (800A), ST (400A), and Platinum™ (600A). The Active Base and Tremor® are both new for 2026 and were not available in prior model years.

What is the difference between the Explorer ST-Line and ST?

The ST-Line is a styling trim built around the 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 engine — it gives the Explorer the black exterior accents and sporty look of the ST without the performance hardware. The ST is a dedicated performance trim with the 3.0L twin-turbocharged V6 as standard, along with sport-tuned suspension, performance brakes with red calipers, and quad-tipped exhaust. The ST-Line is about looks; the ST is about performance.

What is the 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor?

The Explorer Tremor® is a brand-new off-road trim for 2026. It includes purpose-built hardware not available on other Explorer trims: TORSEN® limited-slip rear differential, off-road tuned suspension with increased ride height, 8.7” ground clearance, 31.5” all-terrain tires, underbody protection, off-road grille lights, tow hooks, and an Off-Road Drive Mode. The Tremor® is 4WD only and comes standard with the 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 with the 3.0L V6 available as an option.

Does the 2026 Explorer Platinum have the V6 engine?

No. The 3.0L EcoBoost V6 has been removed from the Platinum™ trim for 2026 — it is no longer available as an option on that model. The 2026 Platinum™ comes exclusively with the 2.3L EcoBoost I-4. Buyers who want V6 power with a premium interior should consider the Explorer ST with the Sun and Sound Package or the Tremor® with the 3.0L V6 option and Ultimate Package.

Which 2026 Explorer trim is best for Minnesota winters?

For most Minnesota buyers, any Explorer trim with Intelligent 4WD is a capable winter vehicle. The Active 200A with the Comfort Package — heated seats, heated steering wheel, and remote start — is a strong everyday winter setup. For buyers who also deal with gravel roads, farm access, or want genuine off-road traction capability, the Tremor® adds all-terrain tires and a TORSEN® differential that provide meaningfully more traction in loose and slippery conditions. Our dedicated Minnesota winter guide covers this topic in full detail.

Is BlueCruise available on all 2026 Explorer trims?

Yes — BlueCruise 1.5 is available on all six 2026 Explorer trims via the one-time purchase option (order code 50S), which includes a 7-year plan. The 1-year + 90-day subscription plan (50N) is included as standard on Platinum™ and optional on ST-Line, Tremor®, and ST. BlueCruise enables hands-free highway driving in pre-qualified Blue Zone highway segments and includes Automatic Lane Change.

My Take on the 2026 Explorer Trim Lineup

The 2026 Explorer lineup is broader and more interesting than it’s been in a while. The new Active Base gives budget-conscious families a legitimate entry point. The Tremor® gives central Minnesota families an off-road-capable SUV that didn’t exist before this year. And the changes to the Platinum™ — specifically the V6 removal — are important enough that returning Explorer buyers should re-evaluate before assuming the same trim makes sense again.

The question I hear most often is whether the ST-Line or the ST is the right call. My honest answer: if you want the look and the 2.3L engine is enough for your daily driving, ST-Line is a great value. If you want to feel the difference every time you get on the highway between Hutchinson and the Cities, the ST’s 3.0L V6 earns its price.

If you’re trying to figure out which trim is right for your family, come see us at Jay Malone Ford in Hutchinson. We carry Explorer inventory across the lineup and can factory order any configuration. Happy to walk through the decision with you in person.