- The Ford Explorer is the bestselling three-row SUV, and it competes with a strong lineup of engines and name recognition.
- For 2026, a Tremor trim joins the lineup with more off-road capability.
- Two turbocharged engines are available, with the bigger turbo V-6 making the Explorer the quickest SUV in its competitive class.
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The Ford Explorer is the bestselling three-row SUV in the United States, so it’s a solid choice if you’re shopping for a new family hauler. Ford recently streamlined the Explorer lineup, now with six trim levels in a price range spanning more than $10,000—or more, if you consider optional extras. With such a sizable cost difference, we are here to make it simple and tell you which Explorer trim level offers the best value for the price.
Which Explorer Trim Level Is the Best?
The sporty ST-Line is our most recommended Explorer trim level, starting at $46,850. This trim costs more than the base $40,955 Active model, but brings a sportier appearance and additional features. The ST-Line rides on larger 20-inch black-painted wheels; 21-inch gray-painted wheels with red brake performance calipers are available as part of an optional package. Other sporty ST-Line details include a black grille, black lower cladding, darker headlights and taillights, and body-color door handles.
Inside, it gets a synthetic black leather interior with cloth inserts featuring sporty red stitching. The ST-Line adds desirable tech features, like a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system (the Active only has six speakers), 360-degree camera with split view, and the ability to add Ford's BlueCruise adaptive cruise control, which includes a hands-free driving mode.
Ford Explorer ST.
What Options Are Worth Buying?
The ST-Line is only available with the base engine, a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Ford is unique in the three-row mid-size segment because it offers a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 in certain Explorer trims, specifically the Tremor (where it is optional) and the ST (where it is standard). It’s a powerhouse, delivering 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet. The Explorer is also unique because it sends power to the rear wheels in most trims, unless you spend $,000 to add all-wheel drive, since only the Tremor includes it as standard. If you live somewhere cold where it snows, you probably want all-wheel drive.
Our favorite ST-Line trim has several options we think you should consider on top of its $46,850 base price. We suggest the optional all-wheel drive system, which forces customers to add the $1450 ST-Line Street Pack, for a total of $3450. Here are the other available options:
- Premium package ($1350): ambient lighting, auto-dimming mirror, memory driver’s seat and mirrors, heated rear seats, rain-sensing wipers, and a 110V AC outlet
- BlueCruise ($2495)
- Fixed panoramic glass roof w/power sunshade ($1695)
What Do You Get In Higher Trim Levels?
If you step up to the new-for-2026 Tremor trim for $51,155, it unlocks more off-road capability than any other Explorer trim. This model rides on 18-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires, and it gets a one-inch suspension lift to provide 8.7 inches of ground clearance. Orange-colored accents give it a rugged yet aggressive appearance inside and out, and this model is better equipped than the ST-Line.
Heated and ventilated front seats are standard, as are heated rear seats. Buyers who want the a truly over the top off-road Explorer can pay $11,850 more for the Tremor Ultimate package. In addition to the V-6 engine with 400 horsepower, it includes the following:
- Bang & Olufsen 14-speaker audio system
- BlueCruise hands-free driving (90-day trial)
- Massaging front seats
- Power-folding third row
- Panoramic glass roof
- Rain-sensing wipers
If you enjoy the idea of a luxurious Explorer but don't plan to take it off-road, the Platinum trim could be ideal for $52,660. It offers the same amenities with more upscale touches, such as quilted leather upholstery and chrome interior accents; the V-6 is not available in this trim. Lastly, if you crave a little more power, the ST pairs the 400-hp V-6 with the ST-Line appearance and costs $56,600. This model ran to 60 mph in just 5.1 seconds in our testing, making it one of the quickest family SUVs you can buy at this price.
Depending on which Explorer trim you pick, it can be more of a functional family runabout, adventure vehicle, or back-road missile. In any of these cases, it's a solid three-row SUV.
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Jared Levenson (also known as Jared Rosenholtz) has been a car lover since birth, dreaming of the day he could be an automotive journalist. While completing his MBA, he attained that dream in 2015, starting as an intern for CarBuzz, working his way up to editor at large and head of video, a position that oversaw the creation of a TikTok channel with over one million subscribers. More of his current written work can be found on Autoblog and in video form on social media as Car Guy Jared.
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