On the Lot at Beadle Ford
2026 Ford Explorer Buyers Guide
The 2026 Ford Explorer is the three-row SUV sized for everyday life in central South Dakota: seating for up to seven, up to 5,000 lbs of towing on every trim, Intelligent 4WD, and a lineup that runs from the value-priced Active to the performance ST, the off-road Explorer Tremor that debuted this year, and the Platinum. 2026 Explorers are on the lot at Beadle Ford in Bowdle now, next to the first 2027s.
Here's our read: most families around Bowdle, Mobridge, and Aberdeen land on an Active 200A or ST-Line 4WD, and both are usually on the lot. The Tremor is the one to drive if your roads turn to gravel. This page walks the trims, the two engines, towing, winter, the interior, and the six deep-dive guides.
2026 Ford Explorer Key Specs
| Engines | 2.3L EcoBoost I-4, 300 hp / 310 lb-ft (standard) • 3.0L EcoBoost V6, up to 400 hp / 415 lb-ft (ST standard; available on Tremor) |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic; SelectShift paddle shifters on ST |
| Drivetrain | RWD or Intelligent 4WD with selectable drive modes and Hill Descent Control; Tremor is 4WD only with a TORSEN limited-slip rear axle |
| Max towing | Up to 5,000 lbs, properly equipped, every trim (Class III Trailer Tow Package standard) |
| Seating | Three rows; 6 with second-row captain's chairs, 7 with the available second-row bench |
| Cargo | 16.3 cu ft behind the third row; up to 85.3 cu ft with rows two and three folded |
| Ground clearance | 7.6 in Active / ST-Line • 7.8 in ST • 8.3 in Platinum • 8.7 in Tremor |
| Fuel tank | 17.9 gal (2.3L) • 20.2 gal (3.0L) |
| Size | 198.7 in long, 119.1 in wheelbase, 78.9 in wide, 70.8 in tall |
| Trims | Active (100A, 200A) • ST-Line • Tremor (800A) • ST • Platinum |
Horsepower and torque are Ford figures on premium fuel. Fuel economy, towing, and cargo depend on configuration; the window sticker on each in-stock unit has the EPA ratings and the exact equipment.
2026 Ford Explorer Trim Levels
Active 100A — new for 2026, the value entry: 2.3L EcoBoost, 18-inch wheels, 13.2-inch touchscreen with Google built in, wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, Ford Co-Pilot360™ Assist+, and the Class III tow package, with a manual liftgate and 6-way power driver's seat.
Active 200A — the family sweet spot: power liftgate, heated front seats, 10-way power driver's seat, roof rails, active noise cancellation. The Active Comfort Package adds a heated wheel, LED fog lamps and signature lighting, remote start, and an 8-way passenger seat.
ST-Line — the ST look on the 2.3L: 20-inch ebony wheels, black grille and blackout lamps, red-stitched cloth, B&O 10-speaker audio, and Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 with the 360-degree camera.
Tremor — new for 2026, the off-road build, 4WD only (details below).
ST — the performance trim: 3.0L EcoBoost V6, sport-tuned suspension, performance brakes with red calipers, paddle shifters, 21-inch wheels, and BlueCruise hardware with a trial.
Platinum — the luxury trim: 2.3L EcoBoost, satin chrome grille, adaptive headlamps, 14-speaker B&O, multicontour front seats, heated second-row captain's chairs, and BlueCruise included for a year plus 90 days.
Equipment groups, packages, and who each trim fits: 2026 Explorer trim levels guide.
2026 Explorer Engines: 2.3L EcoBoost or 3.0L V6
The 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 (300 hp, 310 lb-ft) is standard on Active, ST-Line, Platinum, and Tremor and is the right engine for most buyers: it tows the full 5,000 lbs, runs on the 17.9-gallon tank, and is the more efficient of the two.
The 3.0L EcoBoost V6 (up to 400 hp, 415 lb-ft) is standard on the ST and available on the Tremor, where it comes bundled with the Tremor Ultimate Package. For 2026 it is not offered on the Platinum; that comes back for 2027.
Our Recommendation
Unless you want the ST's performance or you tow at the top of the rating regularly, the 2.3L is the smarter buy. Full comparison: 2026 Explorer engine options and the Explorer ST performance guide.
Explorer Tremor: New for 2026
The Tremor joined the Explorer line for 2026 as the trim for gravel section roads, two-tracks to the deer stand, and the boat ramp. It is 4WD only, with a TORSEN limited-slip rear axle, P265/65R18 all-terrain tires on 18-inch gloss black wheels with Electric Spice accents, front and rear underbody deflector plates, front tow hooks, auxiliary grille lights, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance, on top of heated and ventilated Miko suede sport seats with Electric Spice stitching.
The 2.3L EcoBoost is standard; the 3.0L V6 is available and brings the Tremor Ultimate Package (14-speaker B&O, panoramic fixed glass roof, multicontour seats, power-folding mirrors, power-fold third row). The Tremor Convenience Package adds ambient lighting, memory, rain-sensing wipers, and the power-fold third row to a 2.3L Tremor.
From the Beadle Ford Lot
The Tremor is the Explorer people ask to drive twice. On our gravel, the all-terrain tires and the limited-slip axle are the difference you feel; the extra ground clearance is the difference you see at the lake. Where it fits in the lineup: the trim levels guide.
Towing and South Dakota Winters
Towing. Up to 5,000 lbs on every trim with either engine, with the Class III hitch and wiring standard, so a fishing boat, a single-axle camper, or a snowmobile trailer is in range without a package. Trailer Sway Control and blind-spot monitoring with trailer coverage are standard.
Winter. Nearly every Explorer we sell is 4WD: Intelligent 4WD with selectable drive modes, heated front seats from Active 200A up, an available heated steering wheel, and the $190 engine block heater we recommend for anything that sits outside in January. More in the 2026 Explorer towing and 4WD guide.
Three Rows, Cargo, and Technology
Space. Second-row captain's chairs are standard on most trims, with a 35/30/35 bench available on Active, ST-Line, and (new for 2026) the ST for a seventh seat. 16.3 cu ft behind the third row handles the hockey bags; 85.3 cu ft with both back rows down handles the rest. A power-fold third row is standard on ST and Platinum and available on Tremor.
Tech. Every 2026 Explorer runs the Ford Digital Experience with Google built in on a 13.2-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital cluster, with wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, 5G, over-the-air updates, and a year of the Ford Connectivity Package. Ford Co-Pilot360™ Assist+ is standard on every trim; ST-Line and up add the 360-degree camera, front sensors, and reverse brake assist. BlueCruise is included on Platinum and ST and optional elsewhere. Details: interior and cargo guide and technology and safety guide.
2026 Ford Explorer Colors
Agate Black Metallic, Carbonized Gray Metallic, Marsh Gray (new for 2026), Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat, Space White Metallic, Star White Metallic Tri-Coat, Vapor Blue Metallic, and Oxford White (fleet). Space White is the one that does not carry into 2027, and 2027 adds Avalanche Gray and Ruby Red.
2026 Ford Explorer Deep-Dive Guides
Deep Dive
2026 Ford Explorer Trim Levels Guide
Active 100A and 200A, ST-Line, Tremor, ST, and Platinum compared, with equipment groups and the right pick for South Dakota families.
Read the Full GuideDeep Dive
2026 Explorer Engine Options
2.3L EcoBoost vs. 3.0L EcoBoost V6: power, towing, efficiency, and which trims get which engine.
Read the Full GuideDeep Dive
2026 Explorer Towing and 4WD Guide
The 5,000-lb rating, what "properly equipped" means, drive modes, and winter traction on gravel and highway.
Read the Full GuideDeep Dive
2026 Explorer ST Performance Guide
The 3.0L V6, sport-tuned suspension, performance brakes, and paddle shifters, and who the ST is really for.
Read the Full Guide
Deep Dive
2026 Explorer Interior and Cargo Guide
Captain's chairs vs. bench, third-row room for real people, and cargo space behind each row.
Read the Full GuideDeep Dive
2026 Explorer Technology and Safety Guide
Ford Digital Experience, Co-Pilot360 Assist+ and Assist 2.0, BlueCruise availability by trim, and the connected features.
Read the Full Guide2026 Ford Explorer Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Answers: 2026 Ford Explorer
One-line answers to the questions buyers ask next.
How many engines? Two — 2.3L EcoBoost (300 hp) and 3.0L EcoBoost V6 (up to 400 hp).
Which trims get the V6? ST standard; Tremor available. Not Platinum for 2026.
Max towing? Up to 5,000 lbs on every trim.
How many seats? 6 with captain's chairs, 7 with the available bench.
Cargo room? 16.3 cu ft behind the third row, up to 85.3 cu ft folded.
Is there an off-road trim? Yes — the Tremor, new for 2026, 4WD only.
Does it have BlueCruise? Included on Platinum and ST; optional on the others.
Is the 2026 on the lot? Yes — several trims, next to the first 2027s.
Does Beadle Ford take trade-ins? Yes — toward your Explorer purchase.
How do I get one? Shop Explorer inventory or call 866-561-2636.
Your 2026 Ford Explorer Is at Beadle Ford
Serving Bowdle, Mobridge, Aberdeen, and the farm and lake country of central South Dakota — shop the Explorers on the lot today.