2026 Ford Explorer Overview and Specs
Welcome to Hub City Ford
We’re proud to showcase the 2026 Ford Explorer — a bold, capable, and family-ready three-row SUV that blends performance, technology, and comfort for every kind of adventure.
At Hub City Ford in Lafayette, Louisiana, our inventory features the full 2026 Explorer lineup from the adventure-focused Active to the performance-driven ST and the luxurious Platinum. Whether you’re hauling the family across Acadiana or towing a boat to Toledo Bend, the Explorer has the power and space to do it all.
You can start the buying process from home — browse our new vehicle inventory, get pre-approved through our Finance Center, or estimate your payment with our payment calculators. Then come see us at 2909 NW Evangeline Thruway to experience the Explorer in person.
America’s Favorite 3-Row SUV: The 2026 Ford Explorer continues its tradition of combining rugged capability with premium comfort. With up to 5,600 lbs of towing capacity, available 400-hp V6 power, and room for up to 7 passengers, it’s purpose-built for Louisiana families and beyond. Visit our dedicated 2026 Explorer page for the latest deals and inventory.
2026 Ford Explorer Trim Levels Overview
The 2026 Ford Explorer lineup spans seven trims, each engineered for a different driver. From trail-ready adventure to western-inspired luxury, there’s an Explorer built for you.
Active & ST-Line: Style Meets Versatility
The Active trim is Explorer’s outdoor-ready offering — standard AWD, all-terrain design cues, and a raised suspension put it at home on gravel roads and campsite pull-offs alike. The ST-Line brings sport-tuned styling with 20-inch wheels, unique exterior badging, and a blacked-out appearance package for drivers who want an edge without the performance price tag.
XLT & Limited: The Well-Equipped Sweet Spot
The XLT is the value leader of the lineup — packed with heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 13.2-inch SYNC 4A touchscreen, and available AWD. Step up to the Limited for power-folding third-row seating, leather upholstery, a panoramic Vista Roof, and the B&O premium audio system. Both trims are ideal for families making the most of every drive. Compare with previous generations on our 2025 Explorer specs page.
ST, Platinum & King Ranch: Performance & Premium
The ST is Explorer’s performance flagship — a 3.0L EcoBoost V6 producing 400 horsepower, Brembo front brakes, sport-tuned suspension, and an aggressive exhaust note make this the SUV for drivers who demand more. The Platinum pairs that same engine with massaging front seats, a head-up display, and exclusive trim-level content. The King Ranch rounds out the lineup with signature western heritage styling, full-grain leather, and distinctive badging that sets it apart on any road.
| Trim Level | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Active | Standard AWD, all-terrain styling, 13.2″ SYNC 4A touchscreen, trail-tuned suspension |
| ST-Line | Sport appearance package, 20″ dark-painted wheels, unique badging, sport seating |
| XLT | Heated front seats, dual-zone climate, 7-passenger seating, available 4WD |
| Limited | Leather seating, power-fold 3rd row, panoramic Vista Roof, B&O premium audio |
| ST | 3.0L EcoBoost V6 400 hp, Brembo brakes, sport-tuned suspension, exclusive exhaust |
| Platinum | Massaging front seats, head-up display, premium materials, full safety suite |
| King Ranch | Full-grain leather, western heritage styling, signature badging, exclusive trim |
Engine Performance and Capability
The 2026 Ford Explorer delivers serious power across its engine lineup — from the efficient 2.3L EcoBoost to the exhilarating 3.0L V6 that launches the ST from 0–60 in under 6 seconds.
Standard Engine
2.3L EcoBoost
300 hp
310 lb-ft torque
ST / Platinum Engine
3.0L EcoBoost V6
400 hp
415 lb-ft torque
Max Towing
Up to
5,600 lbs
Seating
Up to
7 Passengers
Transmission
10-Speed
Automatic
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Standard Engine | 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 — 300 hp / 310 lb-ft torque |
| Performance Engine | 3.0L EcoBoost V6 — 400 hp / 415 lb-ft torque (ST, Platinum, King Ranch) |
| Transmission | 10-speed SelectShift automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD standard; intelligent AWD available on all trims |
| Max Towing Capacity | Up to 5,600 lbs (properly equipped) |
| Passenger Capacity | Up to 7 (6-passenger available with captain’s chairs) |
Ford Co-Pilot360™ Technology & Safety
Ford Co-Pilot360™ Standard Suite
Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, lane-keeping system, and auto high-beam headlamps come standard on every 2026 Explorer trim.
BlueCruise Hands-Free Driving
Available on select trims, BlueCruise enables hands-free highway driving on pre-mapped sections of over 130,000 miles of North American roads.
Blind Spot Information System
With Cross-Traffic Alert and trailer coverage, keeping tabs on your surroundings has never been easier — especially when towing. See our full Explorer safety features breakdown.
Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go
Maintains your set speed and safe following distance, automatically stopping and resuming in traffic — ideal for I-10 commuters and long highway stretches across Louisiana.
2026 Ford Explorer For Sale in Lafayette, LA
Hub City Ford is your home for the complete 2026 Explorer lineup in the Acadiana region. We carry all trim levels and a variety of configurations — colors, drivetrain options, and packages — so you can find exactly the Explorer you’ve been looking for. Check our new vehicle inventory online anytime, or give us a call and we’ll tell you exactly what’s on the lot.
Financing Made Easy
Our Finance Center works with a wide network of lenders to find competitive rates for every credit situation. You can get a head start by filling out our secure online finance application or use our Black Book trade-in tool to see what your current vehicle is worth before you walk in the door.
Visit Our Lafayette Dealership
We’re located at 2909 NW Evangeline Thruway, Lafayette, LA 70507 — conveniently serving drivers from across Acadiana, including the greater Acadiana area, St. Martinville, St. Landry Parish, and Evangeline. Our team is knowledgeable, low-pressure, and ready to help you find the right Explorer for your family.
Schedule Your Test Drive Today
Ready to get behind the wheel? Call us at 337-233-4500 to schedule a test drive. If you already own an Explorer and need maintenance, our service team is standing by — we also offer pickup and delivery service for your convenience.
Interior Comfort & Cutting-Edge Technology
Step inside the 2026 Explorer and you’ll find a spacious, thoughtfully designed cabin loaded with technology that keeps every passenger comfortable and connected on any drive.
Spacious 3-Row Cabin
The Explorer’s rear-wheel-drive platform unlocks a longer wheelbase and improved third-row legroom compared to its predecessors. Choose standard 7-passenger bench seating or upgrade to captain’s chairs for a more luxurious 6-seat layout. Cargo space behind the third row is practical for daily errands, and the available power-fold third row gives you flexibility in an instant.
SYNC 4A & 13.2″ Touchscreen
The 2026 Explorer features Ford’s SYNC 4A system on a vivid 13.2-inch portrait touchscreen — intuitive, fast, and packed with features. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, as does a wireless charging pad. Available FordPass Connect provides a built-in 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot to keep the whole family online. Learn more about Ford’s connectivity technology here.
Premium Materials & Comfort
Higher Explorer trims elevate the cabin with leather seating surfaces, available massaging front seats (Platinum), dual-zone automatic climate control, and a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel. The available panoramic Vista Roof floods the cabin with natural light, making every row feel more open and airy.
| Interior Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Infotainment | SYNC 4A with 13.2-inch portrait touchscreen |
| Connectivity | Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto standard |
| Audio | Available B&O 980-watt, 14-speaker Premium Sound System |
| Seating Capacity | Up to 7 (standard) or 6 (captain’s chairs) |
| Climate Control | Dual-zone automatic (XLT+); available tri-zone (Limited+) |
| Wireless Charging | Available on XLT and above |
Whether you’re on a long family road trip or a quick school run, the 2026 Explorer’s interior is designed to make every mile feel effortless. See current Explorer inventory and pricing.
Bold Exterior Design Built for Every Road
The 2026 Ford Explorer’s rear-wheel-drive platform gave Ford’s designers room to create a longer, lower, and more athletic silhouette — with features that go beyond good looks.
Adventure-Ready Stance
The Explorer’s longer wheelbase and wider track deliver confident SUV proportions whether you’re heading to the Atchafalaya Basin or navigating a Lafayette parking lot. Active trim buyers get additional ground clearance and all-terrain styling straight from the factory, designed for the kind of off-pavement exploration Louisiana offers in abundance.
Sculpted Rear & Liftgate
The 2026 Explorer’s rear profile is clean and purposeful, with available hands-free power liftgate for when your hands are full. The split-folding tailgate design and wide cargo opening make loading and unloading effortless. Available trailer tow package wiring is neatly integrated so your Explorer is ready to hitch up whenever you need it. Check our Explorer towing capacity guide for more details.
ST Performance Exterior
The Explorer ST goes further with an exclusive Sport appearance, unique front fascia, quad exhaust tips, and a lowered sport suspension that signals its 400-hp intent before you ever press the gas. Available 21-inch machined-face wheels and ST-specific badging make sure everyone knows exactly which Explorer just pulled up. If you’re comparing SUVs to trucks, also see our full Ford model lineup.
The 2026 Ford Explorer: Built for Louisiana Families
Proven Performance: The 2026 Ford Explorer delivers up to 400 horsepower from the available 3.0L EcoBoost V6 and up to 5,600 lbs of towing capacity — serious capability wrapped in a three-row SUV that fits seven comfortably and handles daily life without compromise.
400 HP V6 (ST)
5,600 lb Towing
13.2″ SYNC 4A
BlueCruise Available
Intelligent AWD
7 Trim Levels
With SYNC 4A’s 13.2-inch touchscreen, standard Ford Co-Pilot360™ safety suite, and available BlueCruise hands-free driving technology, the 2026 Explorer is as smart as it is powerful. Whether you’re configuring a luxury Platinum for the family or an aggressive ST for yourself, there’s a trim perfectly matched to your lifestyle.
Visit Hub City Ford: Our team is ready to walk you through every Explorer trim, arrange a test drive, and make your purchase process as smooth as possible. Stop by 2909 NW Evangeline Thruway, Lafayette, LA 70507, or call 337-233-4500. You can also apply for financing online or value your trade-in before you arrive.
