The 2026 Ford Explorer Has Range — And Yes, That’s a Compliment
Some SUVs try to be everything and end up feeling vague. The 2026 Ford Explorer doesn’t have that problem. It shows up with five very different trims, each with a clear personality. One feels tailor-made for school drop-offs and grocery runs. Another looks like it belongs in a national park parking lot. One absolutely wants you to take the long way home.
If you’re shopping for a new Explorer at University Ford in Huntington, WV, the trim you choose sets the tone for how every drive feels — not just how the SUV looks in your driveway.
2026 Explorer Active: Calm, Capable, and Family-Approved
The Explorer Active is proof that “entry-level” doesn’t mean stripped down. It’s powered by a turbocharged 2.3L engine with 300 horsepower, which is more than enough for highway merges, weekend road trips, and everything in between.
Inside, it feels clean and modern, not basic. A digital gauge cluster and a massive 13.2-inch touchscreen with Google Built-In keep things intuitive. Three-row seating comes standard, along with three-zone climate control — which parents will immediately appreciate.
Ford’s Co-Pilot360 Assist+ safety suite is included here, so features like adaptive cruise control, lane centering, and blind-spot monitoring are already part of the package.
Best for: Busy families who want space, tech, and comfort without stretching the budget.
2026 Ford Explorer ST-Line: Same Brains, Better Outfit
The Explorer ST-Line is the trim that clearly owns more than one pair of sunglasses.
It keeps the same powertrain as the Active but leans into style with blacked-out exterior accents, a sportier grille, and bold 20-inch wheels. Inside, you’ll find black seating with red stitching and a vibe that feels intentional, not flashy.
This trim also steps up the tech game with a surround-view camera, front and side parking sensors, and a 10-speaker B&O sound system. It’s practical, but it looks good doing everyday things.
Best for: Drivers who want their SUV to feel polished and confident, even in a grocery store parking lot.
2026 Explorer Tremor: The “We Can Take That Road” Option
The Explorer Tremor exists for people who don’t stop driving when the pavement ends.
A factory lift, all-terrain tires, skid plates, and a limited-slip rear differential give it real trail credibility. Orange accents and auxiliary grille lights make it easy to spot — and yes, that’s on purpose.
You can also step up to the available 3.0L V6, which delivers 400 horsepower and serious torque. Inside, it’s still very much an Explorer: heated and ventilated front seats, heated second row, and space for the whole crew.
Best for: Outdoor-leaning drivers who want adventure gear without giving up comfort.
2026 Explorer ST: The One With the Attitude
The Explorer ST doesn’t whisper. It announces itself.
This trim makes the 400-horsepower V6 standard, pairs it with a sport-tuned suspension, larger brakes, and paddle shifters, and then casually reminds you it still seats six with heated captain’s chairs in the second row.
It’s quick, planted, and surprisingly fun for a three-row SUV. Add in the 14-speaker B&O sound system and ventilated front seats, and suddenly your commute feels very different.
Best for: Drivers who love performance but still need space for real life.
2026 Explorer Platinum: Quiet Luxury, Explorer-Style
The Explorer Platinum is refined without being showy. Think premium materials, thoughtful details, and comfort that feels earned.
Leather upholstery with suede accents, a twin-panel moonroof, adaptive headlights, and a beautifully finished interior set it apart. The V6 engine is optional here, giving luxury-focused buyers flexibility without forcing extra power they may not need.
It’s calm, composed, and incredibly comfortable — especially on longer drives.
Best for: Drivers who value comfort, craftsmanship, and a smooth ride above all else.
Life With a 2026 Explorer in the Huntington Tri-State
Now picture the 2026 Explorer in its natural habitat: your life in the Huntington tri-state area. Morning school runs through town, quick drives over to Barboursville for shopping, Saturdays at Marshall games, and Sunday cruises along the Ohio River. The Active feels right at home hauling kids and gear. The ST-Line looks perfectly on-brand parked outside your favorite downtown coffee spot. The Tremor begs for long weekends at Beech Fork Lake or day trips into Kentucky and Ohio. The ST turns I-64 into your personal confidence zone, and the Platinum makes even a simple run from Huntington to Ashland feel like a mini getaway.
No matter how your week is split between Huntington, Barboursville, Ashland, and everywhere in between, there’s an Explorer trim that fits the way you actually live here.
So… Which 2026 Explorer Fits You?
Here’s the short version:
- Active keeps life organized and comfortable
- ST-Line adds edge without going full performance
- Tremor handles dirt, gravel, and weekends away
- ST brings serious power and presence
- Platinum leans into luxury and refinement
These trims don’t feel like good, better, best. They feel like distinct personalities that suit different kinds of drivers in and around Huntington.
See the 2026 Ford Explorer at University Ford
The best way to choose a trim is to spend time behind the wheel. At University Ford in Huntington, WV, our team can walk you through each 2026 Explorer, answer real-world questions, and help you land on the version that fits how you actually drive in the tri-state area.
The 2026 Ford Explorer doesn’t try to be everything at once. It gives you options — and lets you decide how bold, adventurous, or refined your SUV story should be.
