The 2026 Ford Explorer offers six primary trim configurations— Active Base 100A, Active, ST-Line, Tremor, ST, and Platinum—powered by two distinct EcoBoost® engine choices. Most trims come standard with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost® I-4 engine producing 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. Shoppers seeking maximum power can choose the 3.0-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost® V6 engine standard on the ST and available on Platinum and Tremor trims, delivering 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. Every model routes power through a 10-speed SelectShift® automatic transmission with standard rear-wheel drive or available intelligent all-wheel drive.
Selecting the right lineup combination comes down to how your family plans to use the vehicle day to day. The Active trim serves as a well-equipped foundation, offering three-row seating for up to seven passengers, premium synthetic interior touches, and intuitive cabin technology. Moving up to the ST-Line adds aggressive dark exterior accents, red interior stitching, and sport styling without requiring the jump to a larger engine.
For drivers who plan to head off the pavement, the Tremor trim introduces rugged off-road hardware, increased ground clearance, underbody bash plates, and standard all-wheel drive. Performance enthusiasts will appreciate the ST, which pairs sports-tuned suspension components with the 400 hp V6 engine for sharp cornering and rapid acceleration. The top-tier Platinum focuses on refined luxury, featuring leather upholstery, multi-contour massaging front seats, and elite acoustic glass for a exceptionally quiet highway ride.
Finding the exact model that fits your lifestyle is simple when you work with our local team. You can stop by to view our full lineup at our Waynesboro showroom address or give our sales specialists a call at (706) 554-2114 to verify current availability.
Table of Contents
- How Far Are Shoppers Willing to Travel to Buy a 2026 Ford Explorer?
- Which 2026 Ford Explorer Trim Balances Comfort with Sporty Driving?
- What Is the Maximum Towing Capacity and Performance of the 2026 Ford Explorer?
- What Technology and Safety Features Come Standard on the 2026 Ford Explorer?
- How Does the 2026 Ford Explorer Compare to the Toyota Highlander?
- Common Questions About Finding a 2026 Ford Explorer Near Waynesboro
How Far Are Shoppers Willing to Travel to Buy a 2026 Ford Explorer?
Regional vehicle buying data shows SUV shoppers routinely search up to 100 miles or more from home to secure a 2026 Ford Explorer in their exact preferred trim, exterior color, and feature package. Because midsize three-row crossovers serve critical daily family roles, buyers prioritize getting the exact configuration they want—such as second-row captain's chairs or a specialized tow package—over settling for whatever happens to sit on a neighborhood lot.
When local families compare regional SUV options, convenience and straightforward buying experiences play a massive role in their decision. Drivers traveling along local routes near Waynesboro appreciate having direct access to competitive vehicle pricing, flexible purchase plans, and transparent trade evaluations without having to drive into high-traffic metropolitan hubs.
Our team works hard to keep a diverse selection of models ready for immediate delivery. Whether you want to browse our broad new Ford inventory from the comfort of home or explore pre-owned vehicles, we make every step seamless. You can begin by prequalifying for auto financing online to save time before taking a test drive, or examine our selection of quality pre-owned vehicles if you prefer an earlier model year.
Pricing
Pricing by trim
| Feature | Active 4WD | Active 4WD 100A | Active RWD | Active RWD 100A | Platinum | Platinum 4WD | ST | ST 4WD | ST-LINE 4WD | ST-LINE RWD | Tremor 4WD | Utility Police Interceptor 4x4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| :-- | :-- | :-- | :-- | :-- | :-- | :-- | :-- | :-- | :-- | :-- | :-- | :-- |
| Base MSRP | $42,585 | $40,465 | $40,585 | $38,465 | $50,965 | $52,965 | $54,905 | $56,905 | $47,155 | $45,155 | $48,965 | $48,550 |
| Destination charge | $1,795 | $1,795 | $1,795 | $1,795 | $1,795 | $1,795 | $1,795 | $1,795 | $1,795 | $1,795 | $1,795 | $1,695 |
Which 2026 Ford Explorer Trim Balances Comfort with Sporty Driving?
The ST-Line trim delivers the optimal balance of ride comfort, sporty appearance, and daily efficiency in the 2026 Ford Explorer lineup. Positioned between the core family models and the high-output performance trims, the ST-Line captures the bold styling of the performance ST—including black mesh grilles, dual exhaust tips, and dark-finished wheels—while retaining the smooth suspension tuning and fuel efficiency of the 2.3-liter EcoBoost® I-4 engine.
Inside the cabin, the ST-Line balances everyday practical comfort with athletic design cues. Passengers enjoy supportive seats dressed in ActiveX® material with red accent stitching, ambient lighting, and high-end audio options. Because it utilizes the standard powertrain output of 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque paired with the 10-speed SelectShift® automatic transmission, the ST-Line delivers responsive highway passing power without the stiffer, firmer ride characteristics inherent to track-tuned sport suspensions.
- Active RWD / 4WD: Standard 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, focused on practical family capability and smooth highway commuting.
- ST-Line: Combines the 300 hp turbocharged powertrain with aggressive black-ed out exterior styling and sport cabin accents.
- ST: Features the high-output 400 hp twin-turbo V6 with 415 lb-ft of torque, sport-tuned shocks, and larger performance brakes.
When local buyers walk through our showroom floor, they often compare the visual flair of the ST-Line directly against the higher-output ST to decide which ride dynamic fits their daily routine best. For shoppers evaluating long-term value across various budget levels, taking a look at our certified pre-owned options also provides great insight into how Ford engineering maintains its quality and comfort over time.
Engine & Performance
Powertrain specs by trim
| Feature | Active 4WD | Active 4WD 100A | Active RWD | Active RWD 100A | Platinum | Platinum 4WD | ST | ST 4WD | ST-LINE 4WD | ST-LINE RWD | Tremor 4WD | Utility Police Interceptor 4x4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| :-- | :-- | :-- | :-- | :-- | :-- | :-- | :-- | :-- | :-- | :-- | :-- | :-- |
| Engine | 2.3L | 2.3L | 2.3L | 2.3L | 2.3L | 2.3L | 3L | 3L | 2.3L | 2.3L | 2.3L | 3.3L |
| Horsepower | 300 hp | 300 hp | 300 hp | 300 hp | 300 hp | 300 hp | 400 hp | 400 hp | 300 hp | 300 hp | 300 hp | 318 hp |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft | 415 lb-ft | 415 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft |
| Transmission | SelectShift® | SelectShift® | SelectShift® | SelectShift® | SelectShift® | SelectShift® | SelectShift® | SelectShift® | SelectShift® | SelectShift® | SelectShift® | SelectShift |
| Drivetrain | All-wheel drive | All-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive | All-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive | All-wheel drive | All-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive | All-wheel drive | All-wheel drive |
What Is the Maximum Towing Capacity and Performance of the 2026 Ford Explorer?
When properly equipped with the factory-installed Class IV Trailer Tow Package, the 2026 Ford Explorer delivers a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs. This impressive rating allows owners to confidently pull ski boats, utility trailers, campers, or horse trailers for weekend trips across Georgia.
Engine performance remains a strong point across every trim level. The standard 2.3-liter EcoBoost® I-4 engine delivers 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, providing plenty of low-end pull for daily driving and light hauling. Upgrading to the 3.0-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost® V6 bumps output to 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. Both powertrains incorporate twin-scroll turbocharging and direct fuel injection to ensure rapid throttle response when passing slow-moving traffic on open highways.
| Engine Option | Horsepower | Torque | Drivetrain Availability | Maximum Towing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 | 300 hp | 310 lb-ft | RWD or Intelligent AWD | 5,000 lbs |
| 3.0L Twin-Turbo EcoBoost® V6 | 400 hp | 415 lb-ft | RWD or Intelligent AWD (Standard AWD on Tremor/ST 4WD) | 5,000 lbs |
For outdoor enthusiasts navigating the boat ramps along the Savannah River near Augusta, having intelligent all-wheel drive paired with selectable drive modes ensures superior traction on slippery, wet inclines. If you are considering trading in your current truck or crossover to step up to the capability of an Explorer, you can value your trade-in online in just a few quick steps.
Dimensions & Capacity
Capacity and dimensions by trim
| Feature | Active 4WD | Active 4WD 100A | Active RWD | Active RWD 100A | Platinum | Platinum 4WD | ST | ST 4WD | ST-LINE 4WD | ST-LINE RWD | Tremor 4WD | Utility Police Interceptor 4x4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| :-- | :-- | :-- | :-- | :-- | :-- | :-- | :-- | :-- | :-- | :-- | :-- | :-- |
| Seating | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 7 |
| Cargo | 16.3 cu ft | 16.3 cu ft | 16.3 cu ft | 16.3 cu ft | 16.3 cu ft | 16.3 cu ft | 16.3 cu ft | 16.3 cu ft | 16.3 cu ft | 16.3 cu ft | 16.3 cu ft | 52.0 cu ft |
| Curb weight | 4,303 lbs | 4,303 lbs | 4,303 lbs | 4,303 lbs | 4,303 lbs | 4,303 lbs | 4,631 lbs | 4,631 lbs | 4,303 lbs | 4,303 lbs | 4,424 lbs | 4,732 lbs |
| Towing | 5,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs | 3,500 lbs |
| Payload | 1,467 lbs | 1,467 lbs | 1,467 lbs | 1,467 lbs | 1,467 lbs | 1,467 lbs | 1,139 lbs | 1,139 lbs | 1,467 lbs | 1,467 lbs | 1,346 lbs | 2,108 lbs |
What Technology and Safety Features Come Standard on the 2026 Ford Explorer?
Every 2026 Ford Explorer comes standard with Ford Co-Pilot360® driver-assist technology alongside an advanced digital cockpit centered around a 13.2-inch center touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Pricing for the lineup starts at a base MSRP of $38,465 for the Active RWD 100A configuration and reaches $56,905 for the range-topping ST 4WD, with a standard destination charge of $1,795 across all trim levels.
The standard infotainment system integrates wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility, allowing seamless connection for hands-free calling, messaging, and navigation streaming. Standard driver-assist systems built into Ford Co-Pilot360® include:
- Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking to help prevent frontal impacts.
- BLIS® Blind Spot Information System with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert to monitor hard-to-see lanes.
- Lane-Keeping System to assist with keeping the SUV safely centered during highway driving.
- Adaptive Cruise Control on select models to maintain comfortable trailing distances in heavy traffic.
- BlueCruise hands-free highway driving capability available on higher trims like ST-Line, ST, and Platinum.
During test drives, families routinely ask to explore the digital screen setup first. Our staff usually walks buyers through the intuitive menu layouts, showing how easily you can switch drive modes or configure the safety alerts before ever leaving our parking lot.
How Does the 2026 Ford Explorer Compare to the Toyota Highlander?
The 2026 Ford Explorer holds distinct advantages over the Toyota Highlander in horsepower, overall towing capacity, and available performance engines. The standard 2.3-liter EcoBoost® I-4 in the Explorer produces 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, easily outperforming the Toyota Highlander's standard 2.4-liter turbocharged engine rated at 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque.
In addition to superior baseline power, the Ford Explorer offers a peak towing capacity of 5,000 lbs across its lineup when equipped with the Class IV tow package. By contrast, non-hybrid Toyota Highlander models top out at a 3,500-lb towing limit on standard configurations, restricting the types of trailers or recreation equipment you can safely pull. Furthermore, Toyota offers no high-performance mechanical counterpart to compare with Ford's 400 hp twin-turbo V6 found in the ST trim.
Inside the cabin, the Ford Explorer utilizes a rear-wheel-drive architecture base that provides a sportier chassis feel and improved weight distribution during cornering compared to the front-wheel-drive setup of the Highlander. With approximately 16 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and a total maximum cargo capacity of over 85 cubic feet with rear seats folded flat, the Explorer delivers total cargo flexibility for family road trips.
Common Questions About Finding a 2026 Ford Explorer Near Waynesboro
Q: What is the starting price for a 2026 Ford Explorer?
The 2026 Ford Explorer starts at an entry MSRP of $38,465 for the Active RWD 100A trim. Higher-tier models like the ST-Line start around $45,155, while the performance-focused ST 4WD model tops the lineup at $56,905. Standard destination fees add $1,795 across the lineup.
Q: Can the 2026 Ford Explorer seat seven passengers?
Yes. The 2026 Ford Explorer offers three-row seating for up to seven passengers when configured with the second-row bench seat on ST-Line, Tremor, and ST trims. Models equipped with second-row captain's chairs seat six passengers with comfortable walk-through access to the third row.
Q: Is all-wheel drive available on every 2026 Explorer trim?
Intelligent all-wheel drive is available across the entire 2026 Ford Explorer lineup. Trims such as the Tremor come with all-wheel drive as standard equipment, while models like the Active, ST-Line, ST, and Platinum offer standard rear-wheel drive with optional all-wheel drive systems.
Q: What engine comes standard on the 2026 Ford Explorer?
The standard powertrain for most 2026 Ford Explorer models is the turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost® I-4 engine paired with a 10-speed SelectShift® automatic transmission, generating 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque.
Q: What warranty coverage comes with a new Ford Explorer?
Every new 2026 Ford Explorer includes a 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty along with a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Owners also receive complimentary 24/7 Ford Roadside Assistance for 5 years or 60,000 miles, providing emergency towing, flat tire changes, and fuel delivery support. If you ever require emergency towing assistance, you can contact Ford Roadside Assistance: (800) 241-3673 directly.
Our dedicated team at Paul Thigpen Ford of Waynesboro is ready to help you compare trim levels, arrange a test drive, and find the perfect SUV for your household budget. To get started today, feel free to get interactive driving directions to our dealership or call our sales department directly for personal assistance from our local staff.
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