2026 Ford Explorer review

2026 Ford Explorer Review: 

The long-running Ford Explorer is the brand's midsize three-row SUV that sits between the larger Expedition and the smaller Escape in Ford's lineup. The Explorer's powerful engines and top-notch tech features make it stand out in its class. The new-for-2026 Explorer Tremor trim came with all-terrain tires and a slightly raised ride height to allow the Explorer to better tackle dirt roads and rutted trails. It also has protective underbody skid plates and a limited-slip rear differential, which helps the all-wheel-drive system direct the power where it's most needed.

The Explorer has a lot going for it, but its competitors bring a lot to the table. The Hyundai Palisade was fully redesigned for 2026, and there's a strong chance the Telluride gets one too. The Toyota Grand Highlander is also worth a look, as it boasts a larger third row and offers two hybrid engines.

RepairPal® gives the Ford Explorer an average rating of 3.5 out of 5.0, ranking it 19th out of 26 midsize SUVs. The average annual repair cost is $732, which means it has average ownership costs. 

What tech does the 2026 Ford Explorer have?

Connectivity

The Ford Explorer offers excellent smartphone integration, featuring standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, a wireless charging pad, and multiple USB ports conveniently located in all three rows. Connecting your wireless device to the touchscreen is a seamless process.

Infotainment

In Edmunds' tests, the 13.2-inch touchscreen performed exceptionally well, demonstrating no noticeable lag. Google Maps, now the standard navigation system, works perfectly fine, but your perception of it might depend on whether you typically use Apple Maps. Both Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ are displayed clearly on the touchscreen.

Driver-Assist Tech

Ford BlueCruise is an excellent hands-free driving system, though it does require a monthly subscription. Fortunately, the Explorer includes several standard driver aids such as adaptive cruise control—which automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a set distance between you and traffic ahead—forward collision warning, and blind-spot warning. Upper trims also offer a surround-view camera system, making it much easier to maneuver in tight parking spots.

How comfortable is the 2026 Ford Explorer? 

Front Seating

The front seats offer excellent support and comfort. Choosing an Explorer with heated or cooled seats is highly recommended since they're very effective. While the available massaging seats were less impressive in Edmunds' tests, the generous front seat padding should be sufficient for most drivers.

Rear Seating

The Ford Explorer falls short in terms of rear seat comfort, particularly when compared to rivals such as the Kia Telluride. Both the second and third rows feature flat, unsupportive seats with limited legroom. While the second row is acceptable for most adults, the cramped third row is best suited for children, and even they may find it uncomfortable on longer journeys.

Ride Quality and Interior Noise

The Ford Explorer offers smooth ride quality, adeptly handling minor road imperfections in urban settings and providing a comfortable experience on highways. However, it tends to be louder than its rivals, particularly Explorer models equipped with the more powerful V6 engine. Edmunds' testing has also revealed some shakes and rattles, indicating a somewhat subpar build quality. Your mileage may vary on this, so Edmunds recommends an extensive test drive over varied and rough surfaces before making a decision.

Does the 2024 Ford Explorer have good storage?

Cargo 

The Explorer offers 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind its third row, which is comparable to other midsize three-row SUVs. For context, a standard grocery bag is roughly one cubic foot. While its cargo capacity is decent, it comes short of the Kia Telluride's 21 cubic feet. One key feature of the Explorer's cargo area is its flat loading surface, making it easy to load gear, and the third row conveniently folds flat to expand the available space even more.

Storage

There's a convenient shelf underneath the center touchscreen, which provides storage for small items, and the center console, while a bit on the smaller side, offers sufficient utility. Storage in the second and third rows is mostly limited to door pockets and a small shelf, but this is typical for midsize SUVs.

How easy is the 2024 Ford Explorer to use?

Entry, Exit, and Car Seats

Accessing the front row is generally easy due to wide door openings. However, this isn't as true for the second and third rows. The tall rear wheelwell partially blocks the natural step-in area, making car seat installation more challenging than necessary. Additionally, the subpar legroom in the second row means fitting a rear-facing car seat behind a tall front-seat passenger is problematic.

Interior Layout and Visibility

While the new touchscreen Ford added for the 2025 model year is mostly very good, it unfortunately came at the expense of physical buttons and knobs for the climate control system. If your Explorer is equipped with a 360-degree camera system, there's a dedicated button for it. Additionally, the steering wheel buttons are user-friendly for functions such as operating adaptive cruise control and adjusting stereo volume.

What’s the 2026 Ford Explorer like to drive?

Driving

The Ford Explorer offers an enjoyable driving experience no matter which engine you choose. The standard four-cylinder engine accelerates the SUV from 0 to 60 mph in 8.5 seconds, which is about average for its class. For quicker acceleration, the sporty ST trim features a V6 engine that shaves nearly 2 seconds off that time, making highway merging effortless.

Unlike many large three-row SUVs, the Explorer handles remarkably well. It maintains stability through curves even at higher speeds without the typical side-to-side weight shift. However, a notable drawback is the automatic stop-start system. While intended to save fuel by shutting off the engine at idle, it's slow to restart, undercutting its effectiveness.

Towing

The Ford Explorer boasts a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped

, which is competitive within its class and sufficient for most drivers' needs, allowing for towing a midsize camper. For those who need greater towing power, a full-size truck or truck-based SUV, such as the F-150 or Expedition, would be a more suitable option.

Fuel Economy/Electric Efficiency

While 2026 fuel economy estimates for the Explorer are not available yet, the 2025 Explorer's fuel economy is strong, achieving an EPA-estimated 20-24 mpg combined

. The mpg figure will vary based on the chosen engine and whether the vehicle is equipped with all-wheel drive. It's more efficient than many competitors, which is nice for an SUV that's as enjoyable to drive as the Explorer.

EPA Fuel Economy Estimates (2025)