2026 Ford Explorer

The Explorer lineup offers several trims that each bring different exterior styling and design direction. The Active and ST-Line trims focus on practical, modern styling with clean body lines, standard LED lighting, and available wheel upgrades that give the SUV a more refined everyday appearance. The ST trim adds a performance-inspired exterior with more aggressive styling elements, unique grille detailing, and sportier wheel designs that emphasize its performance capability. At the top of the lineup, the Platinum trim introduces more premium exterior finishes, chrome accents, and upscale design details, while the Tremor trim adds rugged off-road styling cues, increased ride height, and protective exterior elements built for more adventurous driving conditions.

The Explorer offers two main engine options designed to balance efficiency and performance. The standard 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 engine produces around 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, providing strong everyday acceleration for commuting, family travel, and light towing needs. For drivers who want more power, the available 3.0L EcoBoost V6 delivers up to around 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, offering significantly stronger acceleration and towing confidence. Both engines are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, and available intelligent four-wheel drive helps improve traction and control in Ohio’s changing seasonal conditions.

Performance in the Explorer is designed to support both daily driving and more demanding use cases like towing and road trips. When properly equipped, the Explorer can tow up to 5,000 pounds, making it suitable for small campers, boats, and utility trailers commonly used by families in the Heath area. Multiple selectable drive modes help adjust performance for different conditions such as normal driving, sportier response, or tow/haul situations. Available all-wheel drive enhances stability and traction on wet, snowy, or uneven roads, which is especially valuable during Ohio winters and rural driving conditions throughout Licking County.

Inside, the Explorer is designed as a three-row SUV that can comfortably seat up to seven passengers depending on configuration. The cabin includes modern technology such as a large central touchscreen, a digital instrument cluster, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration for seamless smartphone connectivity. Higher trims add premium touches like leather seating surfaces, heated and ventilated seats, ambient lighting, and upgraded interior materials that improve comfort for longer drives. Flexible seating and cargo configurations also allow drivers to prioritize passenger space or expand storage for larger items, making it highly practical for both daily errands and family travel.

The Explorer includes a wide range of standard and available driver assistance technologies designed to improve safety and driver confidence. Features such as pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control help support safer driving in traffic and on highways. Available 360-degree camera systems and enhanced trailer coverage features also make parking, reversing, and towing easier in tighter spaces. These safety systems are especially valuable for drivers in Heath, Ohio who regularly deal with changing weather conditions and a mix of rural and suburban road environments.