2026 Ford Explorer in Ayden, NC

Get to Know the 2026 Ford Explorer at Doug Henry Ford of Ayden

The 2026 Ford Explorer is packed with features designed to make every drive more comfortable and enjoyable. Inside, you’ll find a roomy cabin, an easy-to-use touchscreen, and plenty of advanced safety tech. With two strong engine options, it’s ready for everything from your daily commute to weekend getaways.

After getting a refresh last year, the 2026 Explorer carries over mostly unchanged—except for the addition of the new Tremor trim. This off-road-ready model adds a lifted suspension, a limited-slip rear differential, and 18-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires for extra capability on rough terrain.

Compared with the Ford Edge, the Explorer adds a third row and more overall versatility for families or hauling gear, while it remains more manageable in size and price for everyday use than the Expedition.

Buyers looking for a 2026 Ford Explorer in Ayden, NC, can choose from the following trims:

• Active 100A
• Active
• ST-Line
• Tremor
• Platinum
• ST

Whichever of these trim levels you choose, you can expect excellent performance that competes well with other models on the market, including the Hyundai Palisade and the Honda Pilot.

Interior Review of the 2026 Ford Explorer

You'll be able to ride in comfort in the 2026 Ford Explorer. There's room for seven people, and the front seats are adjustable. With premium materials like cloth and leatherette, Ford creates a solid, soft-touch interior that's comfortable for long drives.

With the 2026 Explorer, you'll stay connected with easy-to-use technology. Depending on the trim, captain's chairs are either standard in the second row or available as an option. For more enjoyable trips, you can also upgrade the standard audio equipment to a Bang & Olufsen system with ten or fourteen speakers.

There's also ample storage space in the 2026 Ford Explorer. For groceries or gear, there's 18.2 cubic feet of storage space behind the third row. You can load larger items with 87.8 cubic feet of space when the second and third rows are folded down. There's even a handy place to keep your phone or other small things under the touchscreen.

Using the LATCH system, you can install child safety seats in this Ford. This system features lower anchors, making installation easier. There's a top tether anchor, a lower anchor, and a vehicle safety belt for forward-facing child safety seats.

Exterior Review of the 2026 Ford Explorer

The 2026 Ford Explorer sports a practical yet rugged exterior design that gives it a confident, capable look. Each trim level gets its own unique grille, and ST-Line, ST, and Platinum models stand out with a sleek black-painted roof. Ford’s signature LED lighting brightens the road ahead, making nighttime and low-visibility driving safer and easier.

With an off-road suspension that offers 8.6 inches of ground clearance, the Explorer is ready to handle rougher terrain, while redesigned bumpers help improve approach and departure angles.

Customization options let you make your Explorer your own. You can add splash guards, 20-inch wheels, or roof-rail crossbars for extra utility. And if you like open-air drives, the available dual-panel moonroof lets in plenty of sunlight and fresh air. Here are the available colors of the 2026 Ford Explorer:

• Space White Metallic
• Star White Metallic
• Vapor Blue Metallic
• Carbonized Gray Metallic
• Agate Black Metallic
• Marsh Gray

Power and Performance Review of the 2026 Ford Explorer

Thanks to its potent engine lineup and good fuel economy, the 2026 Ford Explorer is one of the best-driving SUVs. There are two powertrain options available, each of which can out-steer and out-accelerate other engine setups in its category. The Active, ST-Line, Tremor, and Platinum trims are all powered by a turbocharged 2.3-liter engine that generates 310 lb-ft of torque and 300 horsepower.

If you want more power and sportier performance, the ST trim comes standard with a turbocharged V6 engine capable of 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. This engine is also available in the Tremor trim. All engine configurations come standard with a ten-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. For drivers needing better traction, all-wheel drive is available.

Thanks to its surprising agility, the 2026 Ford Explorer feels sporty and stable on the road. For the most part, the Explorer's driver aids work unobtrusively, and Ford's BlueCruise hands-free system is available. This new version allows you to take your hands off the wheel on the highway under certain conditions.

There's a lot of technology in the 2026 Ford Explorer that makes driving smooth and efficient. First, there's a Terrain Management System™ that lets you change drive mode depending on road conditions. You can also upgrade the suspension and brakes to improve your car's handling. With its reliable transmission, shifts are smooth and steady. And with the right equipment, this three-row SUV can tow up to 5,000 pounds.

Key Technology Features

• Ford Digital Experience with 13.2-Inch Center Display
• Bluetooth® Connectivity
• Instrument Panel with 12.3-Inch Cluster Display
• AM/FM, MP3-Compatible with Six Speakers
• Wireless Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay® Compatibility
• Eight USB Ports

Key Safety Features

• Ford Co-Pilot360™
• Lane-Keeping Assist
• Driver Alert
• Lane-Keeping Alert
• Rear Parking Sensors
• SOS Post-Crash Alert System™

Shop the 2026 Ford Explorer at Doug Henry Ford of Ayden

If you need a reliable midsize SUV for you and your family, the 2026 Ford Explorer is an excellent choice. This three-row family hauler offers quick acceleration and powerful handling, regardless of the driving conditions.

Whether it's tackling everyday tasks or embarking on long drives, you can trust the 2026 Explorer. And if you want to experience its features and performance firsthand, visit Doug Henry Ford of Ayden in Ayden, NC, to test-drive the trim of your choice.

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Disclaimer: This content was drafted with AI assistance for initial drafting, reviewed by a subject-matter expert for accuracy, and edited by our team of writers and editors.