The Ford Explorer is the bestselling three-row SUV in the United States, making it a solid choice for those shopping for a new family hauler. With six trim levels to choose from, we'll help you narrow down the options to find the best value for your money.
The sporty ST-Line is our most recommended Explorer trim level, starting at $46,850. This trim costs more than the base $40,955 Active model but brings a sportier appearance and additional features. The ST-Line rides on larger 20-inch black-painted wheels, with 21-inch gray-painted wheels with red brake performance calipers available as part of an optional package.
Other sporty ST-Line details include a black grille, black lower cladding, darker headlights and taillights, and body-color door handles. Inside, it gets a synthetic black leather interior with cloth inserts featuring sporty red stitching. The ST-Line adds desirable tech features, like a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, 360-degree camera with split view, and the ability to add Ford's BlueCruise adaptive cruise control, which includes a hands-free driving mode.
View Price on AmazonThe ST-Line is only available with the base engine, a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Ford is unique in the three-row mid-size segment because it offers a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 in certain Explorer trims, specifically the Tremor and the ST. It's a powerhouse, delivering 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque.
The Explorer is also unique because it sends power to the rear wheels in most trims, unless you spend $1,000 to add all-wheel drive, since only the Tremor includes it as standard. If you live somewhere cold where it snows, you probably want all-wheel drive.
Our favorite ST-Line trim has several options we think you should consider on top of its $46,850 base price. We suggest the optional all-wheel drive system, which forces customers to add the $1,450 ST-Line Street Pack, for a total of $3,450.
If you step up to the new-for-2026 Tremor trim for $51,155, it unlocks more off-road capability than any other Explorer trim. This model rides on 18-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires, and it gets a one-inch suspension lift to provide 8.7 inches of ground clearance. Orange-colored accents give it a rugged yet aggressive appearance inside and out, and this model is better equipped than the ST-Line.
Heated and ventilated front seats are standard, as are heated rear seats. Buyers who want a truly over-the-top off-road Explorer can pay $11,850 more for the Tremor Ultimate package. In addition to the V-6 engine with 400 horsepower, it includes the following features.
If you enjoy the idea of a luxurious Explorer but don't plan to take it off-road, the Platinum trim could be ideal for $52,660. It offers the same amenities with more upscale touches, such as quilted leather upholstery and chrome interior accents; the V-6 is not available in this trim. Lastly, if you crave a little more power, the ST pairs the 400-hp V-6 with the ST-Line appearance and costs $56,600.
Source: caranddriver.com
