The 2026 Ford Explorer® brings together confident performance, versatile space, and intuitive technology in a way that suits real-world driving and smart online shopping. If you are researching from home and want a clear view of what matters most, the Explorer lineup makes it easy to match your needs with the right model and features. A strong core with a 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4, available hands-free highway driving with Ford BlueCruise, and seating for up to seven set the tone. From there, trims like ST-Line, Tremor®, Platinum™, and ST let you tailor your Explorer to how you drive—whether that’s daily commuting on PA-145, weekend escapes up the Northeast Extension, or family cargo runs around the Lehigh Valley. Below, we break down performance, interior technology, safety systems, trims, and how to shop confidently with our team near Allentown, PA.
Explorer is engineered to move your life with ease and confidence. Rear-wheel drive is standard for balanced handling and robust towing, while available Intelligent 4WD and selectable drive modes help you adapt to changing roads. The 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 delivers responsive power that inspires daily confidence, and models like ST unlock V6 performance with a 3.0L EcoBoost® rated at up to 400 hp. Properly equipped, Explorer tows up to 5,000 lbs—ideal for small campers, personal watercraft, or utility trailers. And because capability is not just about power, Explorer backs it up with smart traction, a Class III Trailer Tow Package, and the surefooted stability families appreciate in all seasons.
Inside, the 2026 Explorer is both welcoming and intelligently arranged. The cabin is designed for families that need flexibility—bring up to seven passengers, fold rows for gear, and rely on the available power liftgate to simplify loading. On the tech side, the Ford Digital Experience is built to bring your digital life into the drive, while an available B&O® Sound System by Bang & Olufsen® elevates music and podcasts. Available heated front-row seats add all-season comfort, and available features like a 360-Degree Camera on ST-Line help with confident low-speed maneuvering. Whether you are running daily errands or preparing for a longer trip, Explorer’s thoughtful storage and intuitive controls make it feel effortless.
Every Explorer puts smart safety and driver assistance front and center. Ford Co-Pilot360® technologies are designed to help you feel more in control, and Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ builds on that by adding features like Adaptive Cruise Control on select models. BlueCruise—available on trims such as Platinum™ and ST—brings hands-free highway driving assistance to compatible roads, helping with acceleration, braking, and steering while you keep your eyes on the road. Add the available 360-Degree Camera on select trims, and you have a clear, confidence-boosting view that helps reduce stress in crowded lots and tight alleys.
| Trim | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Explorer® Active 100A | 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4; Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist+ including Adaptive Cruise Control; Selectable drive modes; Class III Trailer Tow Package |
| Explorer® Active | 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4; Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist+ including Adaptive Cruise Control; Heated front-row seats; Power liftgate |
| Explorer® ST-Line | 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4; 360-Degree Camera; Unique durable cloth-trimmed seats with red stitching; B&O® Sound System by Bang & Olufsen® with 10 speakers including subwoofer |
| Explorer® Tremor® | Available 3.0L EcoBoost® engine; Torsen® limited-slip rear axle; Off-road tuned suspension with increased ride height; Underbody protection with front and rear deflector plates |
| Explorer® Platinum™ | 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4; BlueCruise hands-free highway driving equipped (1-year + 90-day plan included); Heated, ventilated, massaging front-row seats with leather inserts; Available panoramic fixed glass roof with power sunshade |
| Explorer® ST | 3.0L EcoBoost® engine; BlueCruise hands-free highway driving equipped; Sport-tuned suspension; Performance brakes with red-painted brake calipers |
We understand what Allentown drivers need—easy highway merging on Route 22, steady traction when heading toward the Poconos, and a comfortable, connected cabin for busy families. Our team pairs deep local know-how with an efficient, no-pressure process so you can research, test drive, and finalize your Explorer with confidence. With factory-trained service and genuine parts support, we also help you protect your investment for the miles ahead.
Putting your current vehicle’s value toward a new 2026 Ford Explorer is simple. Use our online trade-in tools to get a quick, market-informed estimate from home, then share a few details and photos to refine your valuation. When you are ready, bring your vehicle by for a professional appraisal and apply your trade-in value to your Explorer—streamlining your purchase and helping you focus on the features and trim that fit your life best.
While many midsize SUVs in this segment are front-wheel-drive based, Explorer’s rear-wheel-drive engineering pays dividends in steering feel, stability, and towing poise. Available BlueCruise goes beyond conventional lane-keeping to bring hands-free highway driving assistance on compatible roads, and the ST’s available 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 delivers power that outpaces many four-cylinder and naturally aspirated rivals. Compared with soft-road appearance packages elsewhere, the Explorer® Tremor® supplies real hardware such as a Torsen® limited-slip rear axle, off-road tuned suspension, and underbody protection. Add generous cargo space and tow-ready strength, and you have an SUV that meets Allentown-area needs—from navigating I-78 traffic to packing up for a long weekend with confidence—while standing strong against its class.
Ready to move from research to action? Browse our current Explorer inventory to find your ideal trim and color, schedule a convenient test drive, and submit a quick finance application to save time at the store. Use our online trade-in tools to estimate the value of your current vehicle, and contact our team with any questions about features, availability, or ordering. We are here to help you drive home in the Explorer that feels built for your life.
From daily drives on Tilghman Street to weekend routes up the PA Turnpike, the 2026 Ford Explorer is a confident match for the Lehigh Valley. We are proud to support Allentown shoppers with friendly guidance, flexible options, and after-the-sale service you can trust. When you want capability, comfort, and confidence wrapped into one well-rounded SUV, our team is ready to help you make the most of your 2026 Explorer—every mile, every day.
*Vehicle images and features shown are for illustration only and may vary by trim and option.
