Finding a three-row SUV that matches the pace of life in east-central Georgia is all about balancing daily durability with passenger comfort. Families living around Waynesboro need a vehicle that transitions seamlessly from weekday school runs to weekend outdoor recreation near the Savannah River basin. The 2026 Ford Explorer is built to handle these diverse needs, offering a spacious cabin, rugged performance, and advanced safety features right out of the gate.
Under the hood, the standard 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbo I-4 engine pairs with a smooth 10-speed automatic transmission. This combination produces 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, giving you plenty of power for merging onto regional highways or hauling gear. When properly equipped with the Class III Trailer Tow Package, this midsize SUV boasts a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs, allowing you to pull a utility trailer or a small boat with confidence.
Our team at Paul Thigpen Ford of Waynesboro is ready to help you find the perfect trim for your household. You can plan your visit to our showroom on Highway 25 North to explore our selection in person. If you prefer to speak with a sales specialist before driving over, feel free to contact us by dialing (706) 554-2114 for straightforward, friendly advice.
Table of Contents
- Interior Dimensions, Seating, and Cargo Space in the 2026 Explorer
- Ford Digital Experience and Advanced Infotainment Technology
- Standard Safety Features and Ford Co-Pilot360 Driver Assist Systems
- Exploring the Rugged 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor Off-Road Trim
- Comparing the 2026 Explorer Performance and Towing Against Three-Row Rivals
- Quick Answers Before You Visit
- Test Drive and Finance Your 2026 Ford Explorer
Interior Dimensions, Seating, and Cargo Space in the 2026 Explorer
With three rows of seating designed to accommodate up to seven passengers, the interior layout of this SUV is engineered to maximize passenger comfort and cargo versatility. The front row provides supportive, well-cushioned bucket seats that keep you comfortable during long drives. In the second row, passengers enjoy generous legroom, while the third row is designed to accommodate children or younger family members on quick trips around town.
When it comes to hauling gear, groceries, or luggage, the cargo dimensions are highly adaptable. You get 16 cubic feet of storage space directly behind the third row, which includes a convenient underfloor storage bin for keeping smaller items secure. Folding the third-row seats flat expands your cargo hold to 46 cubic feet, and folding both rear rows flat reveals a maximum cargo capacity of 85 cubic feet for your largest hauling tasks.
Families test-driving the Explorer on our lot often ask about third-row access before they even start the engine. We show them how the second-row seats slide forward with a single touch, making it simple for kids to climb into the back without hassle. If you are looking for excellent value on a family vehicle, you can also explore our pre-owned vehicle inventory to find previous model years with similar spacious cabin layouts.
Dimensions & Capacity
Capacity and dimensions by trim
| Feature | Active | Platinum | ST | ST-LINE | Tremor | Utility Police Interceptor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seating | 7 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 5 |
| Cargo | 16.3 cu ft | 16.3 cu ft | 16.3 cu ft | 16.3 cu ft | 16.3 cu ft | 52.3 cu ft |
| Curb weight | 4,312 lbs | 4,312 lbs | 4,631 lbs | 4,312 lbs | 4,523 lbs | 5,090 lbs |
| Towing | 5,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs |
| Payload | — | — | 1,519 lbs | — | — | 1,500 lbs |
Ford Digital Experience and Advanced Infotainment Technology
Modern driving demands seamless connectivity, and the updated dashboard technology in this SUV is designed to keep you connected without distraction. Every 2026 model features the new Ford Digital Experience software, which integrates your favorite digital tools directly into the vehicle's interface. The system centers around a vivid 13.2-inch center touchscreen paired with a highly customizable 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster directly in the driver's line of sight.
This system features built-in Google Maps as the default navigation tool, ensuring real-time traffic updates and clear routing. Drivers can control cabin temperature, media, and navigation hands-free using Google Assistant voice commands. For those who prefer their smartphone interfaces, wireless connectivity for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is fully standard, allowing you to sync your device instantly without plugging in a cable.
Multiple USB ports are distributed throughout all three rows, ensuring that everyone's devices remain fully charged on longer road trips. To see these high-tech cabin features in action, we invite you to browse our new Ford Explorer inventory online and select a model to experience firsthand during your next visit.
Standard Safety Features and Ford Co-Pilot360 Driver Assist Systems
Protecting your passengers is a top priority, which is why Ford equips every model in this lineup with a comprehensive suite of active safety technologies. The standard Ford Co-Pilot360 package acts as an extra set of eyes on the road, helping you navigate busy parking lots and unexpected highway slowdowns. This suite includes Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, which can detect vehicles or pedestrians ahead and apply the brakes if a collision is imminent.
Highway driving becomes much more relaxing thanks to Adaptive Cruise Control with stop-and-go capability, which maintains a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead. The Lane-Keeping System gently guides the steering wheel to keep you centered, while the Blind Spot Information System alerts you to vehicles traveling in your adjacent lanes. For trickier driving scenarios, available features like Reverse Brake Assist and Intersection Assist provide automatic braking protection when backing up or making left turns.
Select trims also offer BlueCruise, Ford's hands-free highway driving assistance feature, which allows for hands-free driving on pre-mapped federal and state highways. If you are ready to upgrade to a safer, more advanced family vehicle, you can use our online tool to estimate your trade-in value and see how much equity you can apply toward your purchase.
Exploring the Rugged 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor Off-Road Trim
For drivers who want to venture beyond the pavement, the specialized off-road trim in the lineup offers trail-ready hardware directly from the factory. The Tremor trim is built specifically for those who enjoy camping, hunting, or navigating unpaved paths. Under the hood, it features the reliable 2.3L EcoBoost engine producing 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, paired with a rugged 10-speed automatic transmission and standard Four-wheel Drive to ensure maximum traction on loose dirt, gravel, or mud.
To handle rougher terrain, this model is equipped with an off-road tuned suspension that provides extra ground clearance, protective underbody skid plates, and a Torsen limited-slip rear axle that manages power delivery between the rear wheels. Distinctive styling elements, such as contrasting orange accents and durable all-terrain tires, make this model stand out immediately. It is the perfect choice for local outdoor enthusiasts who want a highly capable SUV without sacrificing three-row family utility.
Should you ever run into a flat tire or an unexpected issue while exploring, Ford's comprehensive roadside assistance program has you covered. You can contact Ford Roadside Assistance: 1-800-241-3673 for manufacturer-backed support, including towing to an authorized service center where factory-trained technicians use genuine parts to get you back on the trail. When your vehicle is due for regular maintenance or post-adventure inspections, you can easily schedule a service appointment with our certified technicians to keep your vehicle running strong.
Pricing
Pricing by trim
| Feature | Active | Platinum | ST | ST-LINE | Tremor | Utility Police Interceptor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base MSRP | $40,585 | $50,965 | $54,905 | $45,155 | $49,460 | $48,550 |
| Destination charge | $1,695 | $1,795 | $1,795 | $1,795 | $1,695 | $1,795 |
Comparing the 2026 Explorer Performance and Towing Against Three-Row Rivals
When shopping for a midsize three-row SUV, comparing real-world capabilities is the best way to determine which vehicle truly fits your lifestyle. The standard 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbo I-4 engine in the Explorer delivers 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, which out-muscles standard competitors like the Toyota Highlander's 265-hp four-cylinder or the Honda Pilot's 285-hp V6. For those making the daily commute to Augusta along regional highways, this blend of highway efficiency and robust passing power makes a noticeable difference.
If performance is your primary focus, the sport-tuned ST trim features a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine that generates 385 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain allows the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a swift 5.6 seconds, a speed that leads the three-row midsize class. Despite this impressive power, the standard four-cylinder engine remains highly efficient, returning an EPA-estimated 20 mpg city / 29 mpg highway in rear-wheel-drive configurations, while the V6 models achieve up to 18 mpg city / 25 mpg highway.
Towing capacity is another area where this SUV excels, offering a maximum capacity of 5,000 lbs across all trim levels thanks to the standard Class III Trailer Tow Package. This is a significant advantage over many rivals that require expensive optional packages to reach their maximum towing limits. If you plan to use your SUV for towing or light-duty hauling, our parts department can help you order genuine Ford parts and accessories, such as specialized hitch receivers and wiring harnesses, to ensure your setup is safe and secure.
Engine & Performance
Powertrain specs by trim
| Feature | Active | Platinum | ST | ST-LINE | Tremor | Utility Police Interceptor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.3L | 2.3L | 3.0L | 2.3L | 2.3L | 3.3L |
| Horsepower | 300 hp | 300 hp | 385 hp | 300 hp | 300 hp | 318 hp |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft | 415 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft | 322 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive | Four-wheel Drive | All-wheel drive |
Quick Answers Before You Visit
Before making a final decision on your next family vehicle, it helps to have clear answers to the most common questions we hear from local buyers. These straightforward details can help you narrow down your choices and feel confident in your purchase.
Q: Which 2026 Explorer trim offers the best balance of technology and value?
The ST-Line is widely considered the sweet spot for tech-focused buyers. It adds upgraded upholstery, a surround-view camera system, and grants access to the BlueCruise hands-free driving system while keeping the price highly competitive compared to the premium trims.
Q: What are the main differences between the standard engine and the available V6 engine?
The standard 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbo I-4 provides 300 hp and is optimized for daily efficiency. The available 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6, standard on the ST trim, delivers 385 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque for drivers who prioritize rapid acceleration and heavy-duty performance.
Q: Is all-wheel drive standard on the 2026 Explorer, or is it an extra option?
Rear-wheel drive is standard on most models, with Intelligent 4WD available as an option to provide enhanced traction on wet or unpaved roads. However, the rugged Tremor trim features standard Four-wheel Drive to handle demanding off-road trails.
Q: What coverage is included under the standard Ford warranty?
Every new model comes backed by a 3-year / 36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper basic warranty and a 5-year / 60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Additionally, you receive a 5-year / 60,000-mile roadside assistance plan for peace of mind on every journey.
Q: Does the 2026 Explorer require premium fuel to achieve its rated horsepower?
While the EcoBoost engines can run safely on regular unleaded gasoline, Ford recommends using premium fuel to achieve the maximum rated horsepower and torque figures, especially when towing heavy loads.
Test Drive and Finance Your 2026 Ford Explorer
Taking the next step toward owning a new SUV is simple and transparent when you work with our local finance team. We offer flexible terms designed to fit your monthly budget, with options ranging from the well-equipped Active trim starting at an MSRP of $40,585 with a destination charge of $1,695, to the sport-styled ST-Line priced at $45,155 with a $1,795 destination charge. For those seeking off-road capability, the Tremor starts at $49,460 with a $1,695 destination charge, while the luxurious Platinum is available at $50,965 and the high-performance ST at $54,905, both carrying a $1,795 destination charge. Even the specialized Utility Police Interceptor is priced at $48,550 with a $1,795 destination charge.
Our finance specialists work with a wide network of lenders to secure competitive rates and straightforward terms for every buyer. You can save time at the dealership by getting pre-approved for financing online through our secure application portal. We invite you to visit our dealership showroom at 330 Highway 25 North, Waynesboro, GA 30830 to explore these models in person. Give our team a call at (706) 554-2114 today to schedule your test drive and experience Ford Tough performance for yourself.
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