The 2026 Ford Explorer line simplifies selection by focusing on four primary trim levels, each tailored to specific driving dynamics, luxury expectations, and tech preferences:

• Active ($41,350 MSRP): The well-appointed entryway to the lineup. Includes the 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4, 13.2-inch touchscreen display, tri-zone automatic climate control, and Ford Co-Pilot360® tech. • ST-Line ($46,115 MSRP): Designed for athletic styling without step-up performance pricing. Features blacked-out exterior accents, 20-inch machined aluminum wheels, red interior stitching, and available Ford BlueCruise hands-free highway driving. • Platinum ($53,250 MSRP): The flagship luxury model boasting leather-trimmed seating with micro-perforations, a premium 14-speaker B&O® Sound System, dual-pane panoramic Vista Roof®, and ambient lighting. • ST ($57,100 MSRP): Engineered by Ford Performance, featuring a thrilling 400-horsepower 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 engine, sport-tuned suspension, quad exhaust tips, and available red brake calipers.

 

Trim Level	Starting MSRP	Standard Engine	Drivetrain
Explorer Active	$41,350	2.3L EcoBoost (300 hp)	RWD (AWD +$2,000)
Explorer ST-Line	$46,115	2.3L EcoBoost (300 hp)	RWD (AWD +$2,000)
Explorer Platinum	$53,250	3.0L EcoBoost V6 (400 hp)	RWD (AWD +$2,000)
Explorer ST	$57,100	3.0L EcoBoost V6 (400 hp)	Standard Intelligent AWD

 

Digital Tech & Connectivity

Every 2026 Explorer features the Ford Digital Experience, centered on a massive 13.2-inch center touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital cluster. Includes wireless Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, Google Assistant integration, and 5G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot capability.

Ford Co-Pilot360® Safety

Standard active safety features include Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane-Keeping System, Rear Parking Sensors, and Auto High-Beam Headlamps for peace of mind.

Cabin Comfort & Utility

Standard comfort touches include heated front seats, 10-way power driver seat, tri-zone automatic climate control, power liftgate, 18-inch sparkled silver aluminum wheels, LED headlamps, and 8-passenger seating configuration with second-row captain’s chairs optional.

When properly equipped with the factory-installed Class III Trailer Tow Package, the 2026 Ford Explorer delivers an impressive maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs. This muscular towing threshold allows families to haul a wide array of recreational equipment, campers, and utility trailers with absolute confidence. Powering this capability are two formidable EcoBoost® powertrain options: • 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 Engine: Standard on Active and ST-Line trims, producing 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a smooth 10-speed automatic transmission, this engine easily handles the full 5,000 lb rating when equipped with the Class III package. • 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 Engine: Standard on Platinum and ST trims, churning out an incredible 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. The V6 offers effortless low-end grunt, making highway merging and hill climbing while towing heavier loads virtually seamless.

Unlike many unibody crossovers that sacrifice towing stability due to front-wheel-drive platforms, the 2026 Explorer features a rear-wheel-drive bias (RWD architecture). This places towing weight directly over the drive axle for enhanced traction during acceleration.

Frame Hitch & Wiring Harness

Includes a heavy-duty, frame-mounted Class III receiver hitch neatly integrated into the rear bumper fascia, along with both 4-pin and 7-pin trailer wiring harnesses to power trailer brake lights, turn signals, and electric brakes.

Heavy-Duty Engine Cooling

Towing generates substantial thermal load. The package equips the EcoBoost® engine with an upgraded engine oil cooler and heavy-duty radiator to maintain optimal operating temperatures under load and in warm summer ambient heat.

Trailer Sway Control & Brake Controller

Integrated Trailer Sway Control uses AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™ to selectively apply individual wheel brakes and adjust engine power if trailer oscillation is detected. An integrated trailer brake controller can also be activated for seamless electric trailer brake operation.

A 5,000 lb towing limit offers great versatility for outdoor enthusiasts and active families across DuPage County. Here are real-world examples of popular trailers and recreational loads the 2026 Explorer can haul safely when calculated with dry weight, cargo, and fluids:

• Lightweight Single-Axle Travel Trailers (16–22 feet): Popular models like the Airstream Bambi, Jayco Jay Flight SLX, or Forest River R-Pod generally weigh between 2,800 and 3,800 lbs dry, leaving ample margin for gear, water tanks, and passengers. • Teardrop & Pop-Up Campers: Compact off-road or teardrop trailers (1,500–2,500 lbs) pull effortlessly behind the Explorer, with minimal impact on fuel efficiency during highway cruising. • Speedboats & Watercraft: Towing 18-to-21-foot ski boats, dual jet-ski trailers, or pontoon boats on dual-axle trailers up to 4,200 lbs total weight. • Utility & Equipment Trailers: Dual-axle landscaping trailers, enclosed cargo trailers, or motorcycle trailers for weekend DIY projects or track days.

When comparing three-row midsize SUVs for family towing duties, the 2026 Ford Explorer and Toyota Grand Highlander are frequently head-to-head on buyer shortlists. However, several mechanical advantages make the Explorer the superior towing choice:

1. Platform Architecture: The Ford Explorer is built on a longitudinal Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) platform, whereas the Grand Highlander utilizes a transverse Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) platform. RWD inherently places tongue weight over the drive wheels for far better traction and control when pulling up steep boat ramps or accelerating under load. 2. Transmission Gearing: Ford’s 10-speed SelectShift® automatic transmission provides narrower gear steps than Toyota’s 8-speed automatic or CVT setups, keeping the EcoBoost® engine right in its torque powerband while hauling uphill. 3. Base Towing Power: The Explorer Active comes standard with 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, matching or exceeding the standard Grand Highlander 2.4L turbo (265 hp) across every acceleration metric.

 

Feature / Spec	2026 Ford Explorer	2026 Toyota Grand Highlander
Starting MSRP	~$41,350	~$43,300
Standard HP / Torque	300 hp / 310 lb-ft	265 hp / 310 lb-ft
Max Towing Capacity	5,000 lbs	5,000 lbs
Drive Architecture	Rear-Wheel Drive / AWD	Front-Wheel Drive / AWD
Transmission	10-Speed Automatic	8-Speed Automatic / CVT

 

EPA Fuel Economy

The 2.3L EcoBoost® RWD model earns up to an EPA-estimated 21 MPG City / 28 MPG Highway (24 MPG combined). Selecting Intelligent AWD maintains strong efficiency at roughly 20 MPG City / 27 MPG Highway.

Routine Service Intervals

Ford’s Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor™ calculates maintenance needs based on real driving conditions. Routine oil changes and tire rotations typically occur every 7,500 to 10,000 miles at our certified Hawk Ford Service Center.

Factory Warranty Coverage

Every 2026 Explorer is backed by a 3-year/36,000-mile Bumper-to-Bumper Limited Warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty, and 24/7 Roadside Assistance for long-term ownership peace of mind.

Living in Carol Stream and surrounding DuPage County communities presents diverse driving demands throughout the year. The 2026 Ford Explorer is specifically tailored for local lifestyle requirements:

• Winter Confidence along Army Trail Road & North Ave: When winter storms hit Chicagoland, the Explorer’s Terrain Management System™ offers specialized drive modes—including Slippery and Deep Snow/Sand—that adjust throttle response and traction control to handle icy suburban streets with ease. • Family Outings to Local Forest Preserves: Packing up mountain bikes, fishing gear, or kayaks for weekend trips to Blackwell Forest Preserve or Mallard Lake is effortless thanks to up to 86 cubic feet of maximum cargo space behind the front row. • Stress-Free Commuting into Chicago: Available Ford BlueCruise allows for hands-free highway driving on qualified sections of I-290 and I-355, reducing driver fatigue during heavy commuter traffic.

Purchasing In-Stock Vehicles

Hawk Ford of Carol Stream maintains a vast inventory of factory-fresh 2026 Explorer models ready for immediate drive-home delivery. Browse our New Vehicle Inventory to filter by trim, exterior color, powertrain, and price range.

Factory Custom Ordering

If you desire a specific color combination, specialized package option (like the Class III Tow Package or Platinum Lux Leather), our sales team can assist you in placing a direct factory custom order with order tracking straight to our showroom.