Ken Ganley Ford Parma is your local dealer for Cleveland area residents seeking straightforward advice. If you're shopping for a 2026 Ford Explorer and need insight on which of the available trims is right for you, this page will help you prepare before visiting the dealership.
Why the 2026 Ford Explorer is Worth Considering
Ford made significant changes to the Explorer for 2025 and improved upon those updates for 2026, making it one of the best-selling three-row crossovers in America. With rear-wheel-drive architecture as the foundation, plus turbocharged and V6 performance engine options and a more rugged interior, the latest Explorers are a substantial upgrade over previous models.
It's important to note that 2026 brings several major changes over the previous model year. Tremor is brand new for 2026, Platinum no longer has the V6 option, and a couple of trims were discontinued.
2026 Ford Explorer Trim Levels Overview
The 2026 Explorer comes in six configurations:
- Active 100A
- Active
- ST-Line
- Tremor
- ST
- Platinum
Explorer Active 100A: Entry-Level Three-Row SUV
New for 2026, Explorer Active 100A joins the Explorer Active as the lowest trim in the lineup. Active 100A is perfect for buyers seeking an entry-level three-row crossover.
- 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder engine
- 8" touchscreen with Ford SYNC 4
- Ford Co-Pilot360 driver-assist tech
- Three-row seating for seven passengers
- Interior in cloth materials
- All-wheel drive (AWD) comes standard
Who it's best for: Buyers seeking AWD as standard equipment, and who don't need the extra features on higher trims, but still want the versatility and seating capacity of a three-row crossover for camping, skiing, or surviving the Northeast Ohio weather.
Explorer Active: Similar to the 100A With Some Additions
The standard Explorer Active is very similar to the Active 100A. It shares the same powertrains and much of the standard equipment, but upgrades the interior materials and adds comfort features not found on the 100A.
Who it's best for: Active is ideal for families who want a little more refinement without the performance features of the ST-Line, ST, or Platinum.
Explorer ST-Line: Styling Package With Sport Seats
The ST-Line is worth mentioning, if only to clarify what it is. It's essentially the ST styling package added to the Active trim, including sport-tuned seats and some exterior upgrades, but the ST-Line shares the same 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder engine as Active.
- ST-Line specific sport-tuned suspension
- Sport mesh grille
- ST badging
- Sport seats
- Interior trim with black accents
Who it's best for: ST-Line is good for buyers who want to upgrade the appearance of their Explorer without spending the money on a higher trim.
Explorer Tremor: New for 2026 With Off-Road Features
Also new for 2026, the Explorer Tremor makes its debut this year as a more adventurous version of the Explorer. It's essentially a more off-road-focused Active with a 1.1" suspension lift.
- 1.1" suspension lift
- 31" all-terrain tires
- Torsen limited-slip rear differential
- Steel underbody bash plates and recovery hooks
- 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder standard, with the 3.0L V6 available through the Tremor Ultimate Package
- Unique Tremor grille and auxiliary driving lights
Who it's best for: The Explorer Tremor is perfect for buyers who want to take their family on adventures on unpaved surfaces, such as dirt roads or off-road trails.
Explorer ST: Performance-Rated Trim Level
The Explorer ST is the performance variant of the Explorer crossover. Unlike the ST-Line, it actually has a more powerful engine and performance-tuned features.
- 3.0L EcoBoost V6 standard
- ST Performance Brakes
- Sport-tuned suspension
- Selectable drive modes
- Sporty exterior upgrades and ST badging
Who it's best for: ST is good for buyers who want the most powerful engine option and plan on driving primarily on pavement.
Explorer Platinum: Highest Trim Level With Comfort Focus
Explorer Platinum is the most luxurious, comfortable, and well-equipped trim level of the Explorer crossover.
- Leather seating and upgraded interior features
- The most complete driver-assist package available, including standard BlueCruise hands-free highway driving
Who it's best for: Buyers who want the most comfort and convenience with their Explorer.
Powertrain Options Across the 2026 Explorer Trim Levels
- 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder engine
- 3.0L EcoBoost V6 (400 horsepower)
The 2.3L turbocharged four-cylinder is standard on Active 100A, Active, ST-Line, Tremor, and Platinum. The 3.0L twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 is standard on the Explorer ST, available on the Tremor with the Tremor Ultimate Package, and not available on Platinum for 2026.
Both engines pair with a ten-speed automatic transmission. AWD is standard across the entire Explorer lineup, including on the Active 100A.
2026 Ford Explorer Standard Safety Technology
- Pre-collision assist with automatic emergency brakes
- Blind-spot information system with cross-traffic alert
- Lane-keeping system
- Auto high-beam headlights
- Rear parking sensors
Higher trims get additional features like hands-free highway driving and advanced parking assist. Safety is standard across the entire 2026 Explorer lineup.
Which 2026 Ford Explorer Trim Should I Buy?
- Maximum value: Active 100A.
- Most comfort: Platinum.
- Sporty style, no extra power: ST-Line.
- Best for families who want a little extra refinement: Active.
- Most powerful engine: ST.
- Off-road capability: Tremor.
See it in Person at Ken Ganley Ford Parma
While online research is helpful, there's no substitute for test-driving different trims and finding out which one best fits your needs. The Explorer offers a wide range of features and powertrain options, and our team members know the differences between them in detail.
Browse our online inventory for current Explorer inventory in stock. We're your local Ford dealership serving Parma, Cleveland, Strongsville, Middleburg Heights, Brook Park, and more.
