To harness the raw power of the 3.0L twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 engine, Ford has paired the 2026 Explorer ST with an advanced 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission. This isn’t just your standard commuter gearbox; it has been specifically tuned by the Ford Performance team to optimize power delivery and shifting dynamics across the entire rev range. With ten closely spaced gear ratios, the transmission can keep the engine directly in the sweet spot of its power band during aggressive acceleration, while still allowing the engine to run at low, fuel-saving RPMs when you are cruising down the highway.

For drivers who want a more hands-on connection to their machine, the SelectShift capability is paired with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Clicking these tactile shifters gives you immediate, manual control over gear selection, allowing you to hold gears through tight corners or downshift early to prepare for an aggressive highway pass. In Sport Mode, the transmission’s shift logic alters dramatically—holding gears longer, executing lightning-fast upshifts, and rev-matching your downshifts to produce an incredibly satisfying exhaust note that reminds you of this SUV’s track-tested heritage.

Yes, the highly sought-after Class IV Trailer Tow Package comes standard on every 2026 Ford Explorer ST. While many competing midsize SUVs make you pay extra or opt for specialized packages to get maximum towing capability, Ford builds this utility right into the DNA of the ST trim. This means that straight off our dealership lot, your Explorer ST is fully equipped to pull up to 5,000 pounds when properly configured.

This standard package includes a robust frame-mounted hitch receiver, a four-pin and seven-pin wiring harness, and advanced engine cooling systems to ensure your powertrain remains at safe temperatures during heavy hauling. Whether you are pulling a pair of jet skis to the lake or a camper for a weekend getaway, the Explorer ST handles the load with confidence. For any extra hitch balls or wiring adapters, our expert Parts Center has you fully covered.

When shopping for a performance-oriented midsize SUV, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is often a frequent point of comparison. However, when you stack them up side-by-side, the 2026 Ford Explorer ST quickly pulls away—both literally and figuratively. The standard Jeep Grand Cherokee (including the three-row Grand Cherokee L) is powered by a naturally aspirated 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine. This engine generates a respectable but modest 293 horsepower, which is a far cry from the 400 horsepower produced by the Explorer ST. While the Explorer ST rockets from 0-60 mph in roughly 5.3 seconds, the standard V6 Grand Cherokee takes over 7.5 seconds to cover the same ground, leaving a massive performance gap that you will feel every time you merge on the highway.

Beyond pure speed, the handling dynamics of these two vehicles cater to entirely different styles. The Jeep Grand Cherokee is engineered with an emphasis on off-road trail-riding, which often results in a softer, more floaty highway ride with noticeable body roll around corners. In contrast, the Ford Explorer ST features a dedicated sport-tuned suspension developed by Ford Performance. It has stiffer dampers, thicker anti-roll bars, and a lower ride height, which translate into razor-sharp handling, flat cornering, and sports-sedan levels of agility. It is designed for drivers who enjoy the act of driving, offering a level of feedback and precision that the Jeep simply cannot match on paved roads.

The 2026 Ford Explorer ST offers an incredible performance-to-dollar ratio, representing luxury-level speed and features at a competitive mainstream price. While final pricing varies depending on selected options, packages, and current manufacturer incentives, the Explorer ST consistently sits as one of the best performance values on the market. At Hawk Ford of Carol Stream, we strive to make your purchasing experience as seamless and stress-free as possible. Our finance experts work with a wide network of lenders to find the most competitive interest rates and terms tailored to your unique financial situation.

To get started from the comfort of your own home, you can easily use our suite of online tools. You can calculate your monthly payments, estimate your interest rate, and submit a secure online credit application to save hours at the dealership. If you have a vehicle you are looking to trade in, our digital appraisal tool provides an instant, transparent estimate of its value, which can be applied directly as a down payment on your new Explorer ST. We are dedicated to finding a structure that fits your budget perfectly.

Fuel Economy & Efficiency
Despite producing 400 horsepower, the 3.0L EcoBoost V6 engine manages fuel responsibly due to its direct fuel injection and twin-turbo setup. While driving habits directly influence fuel usage, the EPA estimates provide a reasonable balance of sportiness and efficiency for your daily drives across Chicagoland.

Warranty & Protection
Every 2026 Explorer ST is backed by Ford’s robust factory warranty program. This includes a 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. This long-term protection provides incredible peace of mind, shielding you from unexpected repair costs.

Depreciation & Resale Value
The Explorer ST historically commands strong resale value compared to standard trim levels. Enthusiasts actively seek out the ST nameplate in the used market, which helps protect your investment over time. Check out our Used Vehicle Inventory to see how well pre-owned ST models hold their premium appeal.

Living in northern Illinois means preparing for a wide range of road conditions. From hot, humid summers to icy, snow-packed winters, your vehicle needs to be highly adaptable. The 2026 Ford Explorer ST is perfectly engineered for this exact climate. While the terrain in Carol Stream and Glendale Heights is relatively flat, navigating seasonal weather patterns requires a smart and capable drivetrain. Thanks to Ford’s Intelligent 4WD system, the Explorer ST constantly monitors traction across all four wheels, instantly transferring torque to the wheels with the most grip before any slippage can occur. When winter storm warnings hit the Chicago suburbs, you can simply twist the Terrain Management System dial to ‘Deep Snow/Sand’ mode. This optimizes throttle response, transmission shift points, and traction control parameters to help you confidently plow through deep snowdrifts. During the warmer summer months, switching to ‘Sport’ mode tightens the steering and sharpens the suspension, allowing you to enjoy maximum cornering grip and control on dry, winding suburban bypasses. It is truly a vehicle built to handle all four seasons with effortless poise.

Sport-Bolstered Seating
Step inside, and you are immediately greeted by deeply contoured, leather-trimmed front sport seats featuring unique Miko micro-perforated inserts and striking red accent stitching. These seats are specifically engineered to hold you firmly in place during spirited cornering while offering plush, long-distance comfort.

Ford Digital Experience
The center dashboard features a beautiful, high-definition touchscreen running the advanced Ford Digital Experience. This system integrates seamlessly with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, putting your maps, music, and favorite apps directly at your fingertips with lightning-fast response times.

Reading about the 2026 Ford Explorer ST’s incredible performance and handling specs is one thing, but feeling that 400-horsepower twin-turbo V6 engine pull you down the road is an experience that words simply cannot fully capture. We warmly invite you to visit our state-of-the-art showroom here in Carol Stream to get behind the wheel and feel this acceleration firsthand. Our friendly, knowledgeable sales professionals are happy to walk you through all of the advanced technology, safety configurations, and driving modes this SUV has to offer. Hawk Ford of Carol Stream is conveniently located at 175 North Ave, Carol Stream, IL 60188. We are just a short, easy drive away for our neighbors in Glendale Heights, Bloomingdale, and Wheaton. Come explore our current inventory of new Ford SUVs, take a test drive down North Avenue, and discover why so many local drivers trust us for all of their automotive needs.