2026 Ford Explorer in Salem, VA

Meet the 2026 Ford Explorer at Berglund Ford Salem

The 2026 Ford Explorer has the features to be your next daily-driving SUV. It’s practical enough for long drives and quick trips around the neighborhood. But the Explorer is also powerful. It offers responsive handling that helps you be more confident on the road.

Compared to the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride, the Ford Explorer strikes an outstanding balance between technology, interior space, and safety.

Similarly, relative to Ford’s own lineup, the 2026 Explorer outpowers the Edge and the Escape, offers seating for more people and more cargo room, yet without ballooning to the size and cost of the Expedition.

For the 2026 Ford Explorer, you can choose from Active, ST-Line, Tremor, Platinum, and ST trims.

Interior of the 2026 Ford Explorer

With three rows of seats, the 2026 Ford Explorer can accommodate up to seven people. Cloth seating and a third-row bench are standard, and when you need cargo space, both rear rows fold flat. In the ST trim, second-row captain’s chairs bring the seating down to six, but add more room between passengers.

Front-row passengers have 40.7 inches of headroom and 43 inches of legroom, more than enough to get comfortable. Meanwhile, the second row offers 39 inches of legroom. Behind the third row, there’s 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space. Fold the back seats, and the cargo capacity grows to 85.8 cubic feet.

Standard equipment includes a power driver’s seat, climate control air conditioning, and a rear window defroster. You’ll also find steering wheel controls, a 12V outlet, and a general power outlet on every trim. These features make trips more convenient and enjoyable.

Higher trims also add options such as ventilated and heated front seats, upgraded upholstery, or massaging front seats. In particular, the ST-Line trim lets you upgrade to second-row captain’s chairs and a flat-bottom ST steering wheel for a sportier setup.

Exterior of the 2026 Ford Explorer

The 2026 Ford Explorer features an updated shape, a wide front grille, and standard LED headlights. At the back, the liftgate design works with new LED taillights to finish the look.

In size, this SUV stretches 198.7 inches long with a 119.1-inch wheelbase. It measures 89.3 inches wide, including mirrors, and has a ground clearance of 7.6 inches. Every trim includes four doors and LED headlights as standard.

Trims change the way the Explorer looks. The Active trim runs on 18-inch wheels, while the ST-Line uses 20-inch painted alloys. Meanwhile, the Tremor trim adds rugged details, and buyers of the Platinum, ST, or ST-Line can choose an optional black-painted roof. Roof rails, privacy glass, and different wheel designs are also available.

Color choices for the 2026 Ford Explorer include the following:

• Space White Metallic
• Agate Black Metallic
• Vapor Blue Metallic
• Carbonized Gray Metallic
• Star White Metallic Tri-coat

Power and Performance of the 2026 Ford Explorer

The 2026 Ford Explorer features two EcoBoost engines designed for different drivers. The standard setup is a 2.3-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder with 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. If you want more strength, the available 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 delivers 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. When properly equipped, the Explorer has a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.

Every 2026 Explorer model comes with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Most trims start with rear-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive is available for added control on different roads. Each Explorer also includes a Class III Towing package with a trailer hitch, wiring harness, and sway control.

Performance trims raise the bar even higher. The Tremor includes a Torsen limited-slip differential, standard AWD, and a suspension that sits one inch higher. The ST focuses on sport tuning, with stronger brakes and a suspension designed for sharper handling.

For daily commutes, the 4-cylinder engine handles traffic with ease. On the highway, the V6 responds with more power for passing and long stretches of driving.

Key Technology Features

• Ford Digital Experience
• Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay® Compatibility
• USB Connection
• Bluetooth® Connectivity
• 13.2-inch Infotainment Display
• 12.3-inch Gauge Cluster Display

Key Safety Features

• Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+™
• Blind-Spot Monitoring
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Lane-Keeping Assist
• Lane-Departure Warning
• High-Beam Assist

Shop the 2026 Ford Explorer in Salem, VA at Berglund Ford Salem

At Berglund Ford Salem, buying a car is a simple and clear process. We work with you step by step as you take a look at the 2026 Ford Explorer. Our staff is here to answer questions and guide you through the process.

We want you to feel confident when you drive away in your new vehicle. Stop by and get behind the wheel of this mid-size SUV from Ford!

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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.