Feb 24, 2026

The 2026 Ford Explorer continues to refine the idea of the modern midsize SUV, pairing confident power with thoughtful technology and the kind of interior flexibility real families actually use. For drivers in Starke, FL, the Explorer feels engineered for the long haul—capable enough for weekend escapes, composed on the highway, and comfortable during the daily grind. 

A photo of a 2026 Ford Explorer parked in front of a body of water with a Ferris wheel in the back.

Powertrain Options That Feel Effortless 

Under the hood, the Explorer delivers performance that never feels strained. The standard turbocharged 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 produces 300 hp and 310 lbs.-ft. of torque, striking a balance between brisk acceleration and efficiency. Drivers looking for more authority can step up to the available 3.0L EcoBoost® V6, which pushes output to 400 hp and 415 lbs.-ft. of torque—useful for confident passing and heavier towing demands. 

Both engines are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and a suite of selectable drive modes, including Normal, Eco, Sport, Tow/Haul, Slippery, and Trail or Off-Road depending on configuration. The result is an SUV that adapts naturally to changing road surfaces and driving priorities around Starke and beyond. 

Towing and All-Weather Capability 

Every 2026 Explorer comes ready to work, thanks to a standard Class III Trailer Tow Package that supports up to 5,000 lbs. of towing capacity. Trailer Sway Control, Side-Wind Stabilization, and BLIS® with Trailer Coverage contribute to stability and awareness when pulling boats, campers, or utility trailers. 

Available Intelligent 4WD adds another layer of confidence, distributing power as conditions change. Florida rainstorms, slick highways, and unpaved access roads feel far less demanding when the Explorer is managing traction in the background. 

Technology That Serves the Drive 

Inside, the Explorer’s technology feels purposeful rather than distracting. A large center touchscreen anchors Ford’s Digital Experience, providing clean access to navigation, media, and vehicle settings. Wireless connectivity and Google-based apps integrate naturally into daily use, while voice assistance reduces the need to take eyes off the road. 

For longer highway stretches, available BlueCruise hands-free driving assistance brings a sense of calm. Automatic Lane Change and driver-monitoring technology work quietly in the background, easing fatigue without removing the driver from the equation. 

Safety That Inspires Confidence 

Ford Co-Pilot360® driver-assist technology is standard across the Explorer lineup. Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Alert, Lane-Keeping System, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane Centering, and Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert form a comprehensive safety net. 

Together, these systems add reassurance during everyday traffic and longer drives alike, helping the Explorer feel composed in unpredictable situations. 

Space Designed Around Real Life 

The 2026 Explorer seats up to 7 passengers and offers up to 85.8 cu. ft. of cargo space with the rear seats folded. Available PowerFold® third-row seating makes it easy to switch from passenger duty to cargo hauling in seconds, while smart storage solutions keep smaller items from becoming clutter. 

A panoramic fixed-glass roof with power sunshade, ambient interior lighting, and premium seating options elevate the cabin from purely functional to genuinely inviting. 

Comfort That Travels Well 

Material quality and attention to detail define the Explorer’s interior experience. Available heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, dual-zone climate control, and premium B&O® audio systems transform routine drives into something closer to a reward than a chore. 

The Explorer’s strength lies in balance—capability without excess, technology without complication, and comfort that holds up mile after mile. 

See the Explorer in Starke, FL 

The 2026 Ford Explorer brings together performance, technology, and everyday livability in a way few midsize SUVs manage. To experience it firsthand, visit Murray Ford Starke and see how the Explorer fits life in North Florida.