2026 Ford Explorer Specs, Trims & Research

Buyer brief

Explorer at a glance

Model-year research organized around the questions shoppers compare most: price, powertrain, space, safety and ownership.

The 2026 Explorer publishes 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 85.8 cubic feet maximum on Active/ST-Line configurations, with a 5,000-pound tow rating when properly equipped.

Model year: 2026.

Keep 2026-specific subpages and VIN paperwork because live Ford pages move to newer model years.

Six- and seven-seat versions use different second-row layouts.

Model-year status

U.S. 2026 model-year research checked 2026-09-23. Live pricing and next-model-year pages can change; use VIN/window-sticker data for the exact vehicle.

Evidence status

Why trust this page?

Checked within 90 days

Last checkedSep 23, 2026Profile-level review date

Research sources3Source records attached to this model year

Normalized fit fields33 manufacturer-backed · 0 independent/editorial

Physical-fit coverageCargo 0/5 · Cabin 2/4Coverage counts only calculator-ready fields

Known data gaps

Rigid-cargo geometry coverage: 0 of 5 key physical fields normalized.
Cabin-space coverage: 2 of 4 key headroom/legroom fields normalized.

Lineup

Pricing and trims

U.S. market

MSRP references exclude destination, taxes, registration, dealer charges and options unless stated otherwise.

Active / ST-Line2026 trims

2.3L EcoBoost

ST2026 trim

3.0L EcoBoost V6

PricingVerify VIN/window sticker

Live Ford pages move to newer model years

Powertrain & efficiency

How it is configured

Engine, output & drive

Base engine2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinderManufacturer-published U.S. specification

ST engine3.0L EcoBoost V6Manufacturer-published U.S. specification

DriveRWD; 4WD availableManufacturer-published U.S. specification

Fuel & efficiency

ST-Line RWD20 city / 29 highway / 24 combined mpgManufacturer-published U.S. specification

ST-Line 4WD20 / 27 / 23 mpgManufacturer-published U.S. specification

Dimensions, room & utility

The measurements that affect daily use

How SUVLook compares measurements

Exterior & footprint

Overall length198.7 inManufacturer-published U.S. specification

Width without mirrors78.9 inManufacturer-published U.S. specification

Wheelbase119.1 inManufacturer-published U.S. specification

Height69.6 inST-Line

Passenger space

Front legroom43.0 inManufacturer-published U.S. specification

Second-row legroom37.5 inManufacturer-published U.S. specification

Third-row legroom31.8 inManufacturer-published U.S. specification

Seating6 or 7Manufacturer-published U.S. specification

Cargo & capability

Cargo behind row 316.3 cu ftManufacturer-published U.S. specification

Maximum cargo85.8 cu ftActive/ST-Line

Maximum towing5,000 lbProperly equipped

Measurement ledger

Detailed verified fields

Evidence labels stay attached so factory specifications, physical measurements and unresolved fit questions are not treated as equivalent.

MeasurementValueEvidence label

Overall length198.7 inManufacturer-published U.S. specification

Width without mirrors78.9 inManufacturer-published U.S. specification

Wheelbase119.1 inManufacturer-published U.S. specification

Height69.6 inST-Line

Front legroom43.0 inManufacturer-published U.S. specification

Second-row legroom37.5 inManufacturer-published U.S. specification

Third-row legroom31.8 inManufacturer-published U.S. specification

Seating6 or 7Manufacturer-published U.S. specification

Cargo behind row 316.3 cu ftManufacturer-published U.S. specification

Maximum cargo85.8 cu ftActive/ST-Line

Safety & driver assistance

Ratings and active-safety context

Driver-assistance equipment is kept separate from crash ratings. Check the exact 2026 model on IIHS and NHTSA before relying on a rating or award.

Safety evidence

Crash-test statusVerify exact 2026 model yearNo previous-year score is inferred here

Key driver-assistance systems

Automatic emergency braking / forward-collision features
Lane-support features
Blind-spot systems where equipped
Check trim for available advanced driver assistance

Technology & ownership

What changes the day-to-day experience

Cabin technology

Infotainment and phone integration vary by trim.
Camera, parking and premium-audio features vary by equipment.
Connected-services availability and trial periods can change.

Ownership notes

WarrantyVerify 2026 VIN/model-year bookletCoverage can vary by component and in-service date

MaintenanceFollow the 2026 owner manualIntervals depend on powertrain and operating conditions

Buying context

What to compare before you choose a trim

Keep 2026-specific subpages and VIN paperwork because live Ford pages move to newer model years.

Six- and seven-seat versions use different second-row layouts.

Maximum cargo changes slightly on upper/performance trims.

Before you measure or buy

Model-year and measurement caveat

Use the exact trim, drivetrain, roof equipment and powertrain when a number is configuration-sensitive. Cargo volume does not prove that a rigid item fits through the hatch; measure the exact vehicle for close-fit use cases.

Quick answers

2026 Ford Explorer FAQs

What matters most on the 2026 Ford Explorer?

Keep 2026-specific subpages and VIN paperwork because live Ford pages move to newer model years.

What should I verify before buying a 2026 Ford Explorer?

Six- and seven-seat versions use different second-row layouts.

Are these SUVLook road-test measurements?

No. Factory specifications and manufacturer-published capacities are labeled as such; SUVLook does not present them as physical measurements taken from a test vehicle.