2026 Ford Explorer Trim Level Breakdown

January 29th, 2026 by

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Six Distinct Ways to Make Every Mile Count

Choosing the right Explorer starts with understanding what each trim brings to your daily life. The Ford Explorer lineup offers six configurations, from the practical Active 100A to the trail-ready Tremor and the performance-focused ST. At Ray Skillman Hoosier Ford, we carry the full Explorer lineup and can help you match the right trim to how you actually drive.

  • Every Explorer comes ready to tow up to 5,000 pounds, so your boat or camper is never left behind.
  • The all-new Tremor trim brings genuine off-road capability with standard four-wheel drive and raised ground clearance for unpaved adventures.
  • Two engine choices let you prioritize fuel efficiency or put more power under your right foot.

Whether you need a capable family hauler for school runs and weekend trips or a rugged SUV that can handle unpaved roads near Bloomington, there’s an Explorer designed for how you live.

Explorer Active 100A

The Active 100A serves as the entry point to the Explorer lineup, and it arrives better equipped than you might expect. The 2.3L EcoBoost engine delivers responsive acceleration for merging and passing, while a 10-speed automatic keeps shifts smooth and fuel economy strong. Inside, a 13.2-inch center display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto keeps everyone connected, and seating for up to seven means the whole crew fits comfortably.

Explorer Active

Step up to the Active trim and daily driving gets more comfortable. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel take the edge off cold Martinsville mornings, while active noise cancellation keeps highway drives quiet. A power liftgate makes loading groceries or sports equipment easier with your hands full. Browse our Active inventory online to see what’s available.

Explorer ST-Line

The ST-Line brings sport-inspired styling without the higher price of the full ST. Visual upgrades include 20-inch Ebony-painted machined wheels, black exterior accents, and hood badging that gives the SUV a bolder stance. Inside, unique cloth seats with red stitching set the tone, while a 360-degree camera and B&O Sound System with 10 speakers come standard. The ST-Line keeps the efficient four-cylinder engine but adds the presence that turns heads in parking lots across Plainfield and Mooresville.

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Explorer Tremor

New to the lineup, the Tremor is built for drivers who want genuine off-road capability in a three-row SUV. Intelligent four-wheel drive comes standard, and a Torsen limited-slip rear axle improves traction on loose or slippery surfaces. Ground clearance rises to 8.7 inches, the highest in the Explorer lineup, and steel deflector plates protect vital underbody components when you venture off the pavement.

The standard engine handles most situations well, but an available 3.0L V6 with 400 horsepower gives you serious capability for towing or tackling steeper trails. Off-road auxiliary lights and orange accent details make the Tremor easy to spot. Schedule a test drive and feel the difference for yourself.

Explorer Platinum

The Platinum trim focuses on comfort and refinement. Available leather-trimmed seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions in the front row make long drives feel shorter, while heated second-row seats keep rear passengers happy. A 14-speaker B&O Sound System fills the cabin with rich audio, and ambient lighting lets you set the mood. Ford BlueCruise hands-free highway driving comes included with a one-year subscription, letting you relax on compatible highways while the system handles steering and speed adjustments.

Explorer ST

The ST sits at the top of the lineup as the performance flagship. Its 3.0L V6 engine delivers 400 horsepower through a sport-tuned transmission, making this the quickest Explorer you can buy. A sport-tuned suspension sharpens handling, while performance brakes with red-painted calipers provide confident stopping power. The quad-tipped exhaust adds a satisfying note that matches what the ST can do. Inside, heated and ventilated front seats keep you comfortable, and red accent stitching reinforces the performance theme throughout.

Your Martinsville Ford Team Is Ready to Help

At Ray Skillman Hoosier Ford, we understand that choosing between six Explorer trims can feel like a lot. That’s why our team takes the time to listen to how you plan to use your SUV before making recommendations. Whether you’re drawn to the Tremor’s trail capability, the Platinum’s comfort features, or the ST’s performance edge, we can put you behind the wheel and help you experience the differences firsthand. We serve families throughout Martinsville, Bloomington, Plainfield, and Mooresville with a no-pressure approach and financing options designed to work with a range of budgets. Stop by and see which Explorer fits your life.