This is one of the original trailblazers that helped propel sport utility vehicles as major players in the automobile world.
In the early 1990s, Americans became enamored with the new rough-and-tumble SUVs. And none was more popular than the Ford Explorer. Ford sold 159,626 in its first year (1990) and by 1994 it was the ninth best-selling vehicle in the U.S.
The Explorer was clearly the king of SUVs with incredible U.S. sales of 445,157 in 2000, its best sales year to date. Its popularity and the emergence of other similar models permanently shifted consumer preference away from station wagons and minivans, turning SUVs into mainstream family vehicles.
Part of the sixth Explorer generation introduced for 2020, the 2026 Ford Explorer is a midsize SUV that still retains mass appeal. The popular Explorer has reached or exceeded the 200,000 sales mark 24 times in the past 36 years, including 222,706 a year ago. The Explorer did a major refresh for 2025 and introduces a new off-road-focused Tremor trim for 2026.
Debuting as a truck-based SUV, the standard Explorer is now on a rear-wheel-drive platform with all-wheel drive an option. Rear-wheel drive proponents believe the SUV is better balanced and think the acceleration is more dynamic because of the weight shift when accelerating through turns and from a stop.
Through the years, the Explorer has retained its rugged exterior, has good acceleration and three rows of seating, handles well, and features enough technology to hang with more advanced SUVs. What some say the Explorer lacks is a hybrid version.
The Explorer’s versatility and offroad capability set it apart from other SUVs. And the new Tremor model makes it even more offroad friendly with 8.7 inches of ground clearance, rear differential to help maintain traction, 18-inch all-terrain tires, and a central management system to optimize power distribution.
Performance has always been a plus for the Explorer. The standard engine is a turbocharged 2.3-liter, four-cylinder that offers 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. It travels 0-60 mph in approximately 6.0 seconds and the fuel economy is 20-29 mpg.
The upper-level Explorers possess a more robust engine, a twin-turbo 3.0-liter, V-6 that delivers 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. It goes about a second faster (5.1 seconds) going 0-60 mph than the base model, while the fuel economy (18-25) is less. When properly equipped, the Explorer can tow up to 5,600 pounds.
The Explorer is among the most fun to drive midsize SUVs. For such a big, heavy SUV it’s surprisingly agile and has a sporty, smooth feel even in around-town driving**. **It feels light for a three-row SUV that can transport either six or seven passengers.
Standard driver safety features include pre-collision assist; blind spot system; cross-traffic alert; lane keeping and intersection assist; speed sign recognition; adaptive cruise control; driver attention monitor; automatic emergency braking; and automatic high beams.
AT A GLANCE: FORD EXPLORER
- Performance: turbocharged 2.3-liter, four-cylinder; 300 horsepower; twin-turbo 3.0-liter, V6, 400 horsepower
- Mileage estimate: 20-29 mpg; 18-25 mpg
- Price estimate: $38,600 to $56,900
- Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles; Drivetrain: 5 years/60,000 miles; Roadside Assistance: 5 years/60,000; Corrosion: 5 years/unlimited
There are both good and bad with the Explorer interior. It has three rows, yet sitting in that third one won’t be comfortable for any adult. Note that it’s easy to enter and exit – the push of a button gets the second row out of the way for people entering or departing the back row.
The front seat is very roomy and comfortable, while the second row captain’s chairs provide a good resting place on long trips. The cargo area space is on the small side at 16.3 cubic feet and expands to 85.8 cubes with both rows folded. There’s multiple USB ports spread around the cabin to provide plenty of charging power for families.
The Explorer has pair of screens: a 12.3-inch easy-to-use instrument cluster display with large icons and simple menus, and a 13.2-inch center touchscreen. It comes with some Google integration – Google Maps and Google Assistant voice is a helpful addition for information.
Considering its sales history, one might refer to the Explorer as the king of the SUVs. Overall, the 2026 Ford Explorer most likely will enhance the brand’s reputation while maintaining a steady stream of buyers.
Jeffrey Weidel is an award-winning journalist from the Sacramento region who has written automotive reviews for nearly three decades and now appears in the Folsom Times. He can be reached at skiweidel@gmail.com
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