2026 Ford Explorer® Model Review | Ozark, MO

Built for daily life and weekend plans alike, the 2026 Ford Explorer® offers three rows of seating, connected technology, and a choice of capable EcoBoost® engines. Premium upholstery options and available cabin comforts keep the family settled on every drive, while standard rear-wheel drive (RWD) and available intelligent four-wheel drive (4WD) handle changing conditions across southern Missouri. From everyday errands to extended drives, the Explorer is well-suited for how you spend your time behind the wheel. Read more about the 2026 Ford Explorer in this detailed review prepared by the team at James River Ford, then visit our Ford Explorer trims guide for a closer look at the features available in each of the six trims.

Discover the 2026 Ford Explorer in our inventory at James River Ford. Schedule a test drive at our Ford dealership in Ozark, MO, to feel how the Explorer drives. Have questions? Contact us online or by calling (417) 551-6437.

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2026 Ford Explorer driving on a bridge

2026 Ford Explorer Interior Design

Inside the 2026 Ford Explorer, three rows of seating accommodate up to seven passengers and their gear. Choose from a range of available upholstery options to set the look and feel that fits your style, choosing from available comforts like an available panoramic fixed glass moonroof and heated and ventilated front seats to round out the cabin. Standard tri-zone automatic climate control keeps passengers comfortable.

Available interior features include:

  • Panoramic fixed glass moonroof with power shade
  • Cloth, ActiveX®/cloth, ActiveX/Miko®, or leather seat upholstery
  • Ten-way power driver’s seat
  • Eight-way power front passenger’s seat
  • Heated, ventilated, multicontour Active Motion® front seats
  • Heated second-row seats
  • PowerFold® third-row seats with 50/50 split
  • Heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel
  • Tri-zone automatic climate control
  • Auto-dimming rearview mirror
  • Ambient interior lighting
  • Remote start system

2026 Ford Explorer Exterior Design

Practical exterior design on the 2026 Ford Explorer combines everyday utility with a confident on-road presence. Available LED lighting brightens predawn or late-night drives around Ozark, while available rain-sensing windshield wipers respond automatically to changing weather. Available roof rack side rails and a power liftgate round out an exterior design built for loading kayaks, fishing gear, or weekend luggage.

Available exterior features include:

  • All-terrain tires
  • 18-, 20-, or 21-in. aluminum wheels
  • Black exterior accents
  • LED signature lighting, headlamps, fog lamps, and taillamps
  • Rain-sensing windshield wipers
  • Heated, power-folding side view mirrors with Autofold and driver’s side auto-dimming
  • Rear privacy glass
  • Roof rack side rails
  • Steel under-body protection
  • Power liftgate
2026 Ford Explorer interior dashboard and steering wheel
2026 Ford Explorer parked by a lake

2026 Ford Explorer Engine Specs

Two EcoBoost engine options on the 2026 Ford Explorer let you balance daily efficiency with the muscle to handle weekend hauling. The standard 2.3L EcoBoost turbocharged inline four-cylinder (I4) engine produces 300 horsepower, while the available 3.0L EcoBoost twin-turbocharged V6 engine generates 400 horsepower for a more responsive drive. Both engines pair with a ten-speed automatic transmission and offer RWD or available intelligent four-wheel drive 4WD with the Terrain Management System™ for changing road conditions. When properly equipped, the Explorer can tow up to 5,000 pounds, perfect for your trailer or camper.

View the following engine specifications for more details.

Engine 2.3L EcoBoost I4 3.0L EcoBoost V6
Horsepower 300 HP 400 HP
Torque 310 lb.-ft. 415 lb.-ft.
Drivetrain RWD / 4WD
Transmission Ten-speed automatic
MPG (City/Hwy) 20 / 29 18 / 25
Max. Towing Capacity 5,000 lbs.

2026 Ford Explorer Safety & Technology Specs

The standard Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist+ suite gives the 2026 Ford Explorer a strong baseline of driver assistance technology, with adaptive cruise control and lane centering providing advanced support during trips on the highway. BLIS® (blind spot information system) keeps watch alongside the SUV when you change lanes. Available BlueCruise hands-free highway driving provides steering support on extended trips, while an available 360-degree camera with split view shows everything around the Explorer when you pull into tight parking spots.

Connected technology runs through the cabin of the 2026 Ford Explorer, with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ pairing to the available 13.2-inch infotainment touchscreen and Google built-in, keeping maps and apps within reach. An available B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen® adds rich audio for the drive, while a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster keeps key driving data within your line of sight. USB ports across all three rows keep devices and gear charged on extended drives.

Available safety features include:

Available safety features include:

  • Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+
    • Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go and lane centering
    • Auto high-beam headlights
    • BLIS with cross-traffic alert, exit warning, and trailer coverage
    • Intersection assist
    • Lane keeping system
    • Pre-Collision Assist® with automatic emergency braking
    • Rear cross-traffic braking
    • Rearview camera
    • Rear parking sensors
    • Post-collision braking
    • Speed sign recognition
  • Trailer sway control
  • 360-degree camera with split view
  • Front parking sensors
  • BlueCruise hands-free highway driving capability
  • SecuriCode™ keyless entry keypad
  • SecuriLock® passive anti-theft system
  • Perimeter alarm

Available technology features include:

  • 12.3-in. instrument cluster display
  • Ford Digital Experience with 13.2-in. infotainment display
  • Six-speaker sound system, or a ten- or 14-speaker B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen
  • HD Radio™
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • Google built-in
  • SiriusXM® with 360L capability
  • 4G/5G modem
  • Front-, second-, and third-row USB ports
  • Three 12V power ports
  • 110V/150W AC power outlet
  • Active noise cancellation
  • Universal garage door opener

2026 Ford Explorer towing an RV
2026 Ford Explorer interior back seats

2026 Ford Explorer Cargo Space & Seating Capacity

Cargo space in the 2026 Ford Explorer flexes with how you load up, opening to 85.8 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded for camping gear, fishing equipment, or the haul home from a hardware run. With everyone aboard, 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row still holds groceries, sports bags, and weekend luggage. Up to seven passengers can ride along thanks to an available 35/30/35-split second-row bench, while standard second-row captain’s seats with E-Z Entry keep six passengers seated in extended comfort. Front legroom of 43 inches pairs with 37.5 inches in the second row and 31.8 inches in the third, with room to fit the whole crew.

View the following interior specifications for more details.

  • Seating Capacity: Six or seven
  • Headroom (First/Second/Third Row): 40.7 / 40.5 / 38.9 in.
  • Legroom (First/Second/Third Row): 43 / 37.5 / 31.8 in.
  • Cargo Volume (Behind First/Second/Third Row): 85.8 / 46 / 16.3 cu.-ft.

2026 Ford Explorer Color Options Available

  • Star White Metallic Tri-Coat
  • Vapor Blue Metallic
  • Agate Black Metallic
  • Space White Metallic
  • Carbonized Gray Metallic
  • Marsh Gray
  • Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat

2026 Ford Explorer Trim Levels

  • Active 100A $40,260*
  • Active $42,380*
  • ST-Line $46,950*
  • Tremor® $50,760*
  • Platinum™ $52,760*
  • ST $56,700*

*Starting MSRP

2026 Ford Explorer for Sale in Ozark, MO

Visit James River Ford in Ozark, MO, to see the 2026 Ford Explorer for yourself. Browse our inventory to compare trims and options, then schedule a test drive to put the Explorer to the test. Have questions? Contact us online or by calling (417) 551-6437.

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400 North 20th Street, Ozark, MO, 65721
James River Ford 37.024578, -093.229568.