2026 Vs. 2025 Vs. 2024 Ford Explorer: Compare Design, Specs & Features
A side-by-side comparison between a 2026 vs. 2025 vs. 2024 Ford Explorer – all for sale at our dealership in Homestead, FL – unveils a series of exciting upgrades as the model years unfold. Between 2024 and 2026, this family-friendly, midsize, three-row SUV has evolved with a more rugged design, an updated infotainment system, and a comprehensive off-road Tremor trim.
Surveying its recent changes, we can clearly see the Ford Explorer trending toward a more adventurous, tech-forward purpose. It also continues to serve as a reliable family driver, handling all the little challenges of daily life with confidence.
If you're weighing your options between a brand-new Explorer or a pre-owned SUV, then this guide is for you. Take a look, then contact Lorenzo Ford to continue your model comparison in our showroom.
2026 vs. 2025 vs. 2024 Ford Explorer Trims
From 2024 to 2026, the Ford Motor Company streamlined its trim lineup from eight to five, with a dip to four models in 2025. The 2024 Explorer was offered in the Base configuration as its standard model, along with the XLT, Limited, Timberline, and King Ranch trims.
In 2024, Ford introduced the Active trim as its entry-level model, retaining only the ST-Line, ST, and Platinum. The fierce off-road Tremor trim came next, added permanently to the Ford Explorer lineup for 2026, at least for the foreseeable future.
A comprehensive review of recent trim history is presented in the chart below.
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| 2024 Ford Explorer | 2025 Ford Explorer | 2026 Ford Explorer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trim Levels |
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2026 vs. 2025 vs. 2024 Ford Explorer Design
Since its release in the early '90s, the Ford Explorer's appearance has been defined by its bold, boxy exterior, prominent grille, and rugged styling. The 2025 model features a slight design upgrade, including new headlights and taillights, as well as an eye-catching new grille. This model year also brings an available Black-painted roof into the equation. New soft-touch features enhance the cabin's appearance, making it feel a little more luxurious.
The new Ford Explorer for the 2026 model year doesn't have many significant changes to its interior or exterior design, instead opting to build on the 2025 redesign.
2026 vs. 2025 vs. 2024 Ford Explorer Interior & Tech Features
The Ford Explorer is well-equipped with infotainment displays, safety systems, and features for your comfort and convenience. The 2024 model comes with an 8-inch touchscreen (with a 10.1-inch display upgrade available), a Wi-Fi hotspot, and App-Connect.
For the standard 13.2-inch touchscreen, opt for the 2025 or 2026 SUV. The Ford Digital Experience, an impressive software that interfaces your apps and other infotainment programs, also debuts for the 2025 model year and continues on through the 2026 model year.
2026 vs. 2025 vs. 2024 Ford Explorer Specs
The 2024, 2025, and 2026 Ford Explorer SUVs all offer two engine options. The standard engine is a 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged inline-four, which consistently produces 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque.
For more power, opt for the 3.0-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V-6 engine, which outputs 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. Each model year also comes with standard rear-wheel drive, as well as an available all-wheel drive. A 10-speed automatic is the exclusive transmission for all three SUVs.
Below are more specs you can expect from the 2024, 2025, and 2026 Ford Explorer SUVs.
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| 2024 Ford Explorer | 2025 Ford Explorer | 2026 Ford Explorer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Engine | 2.3L EcoBoost turbo I-4 | 2.3L EcoBoost turbo I-4 | 2.3L EcoBoost turbo I-4 |
| Available Engine | 3.0L EcoBoost twin-turbo V-6 | 3.0L EcoBoost twin-turbo V-6 | 3.0L EcoBoost twin-turbo V-6 |
| Standard Horsepower | 300 | 300 | 300 |
| Available Horsepower | 400 | 400 | 400 |
| Standard Torque | 310 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft |
| Available Torque | 415 lb-ft | 415 lb-ft | 415 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Standard Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | RWD |
| Available Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Maximum Cargo Capacity | 87.8 cu ft | 85.8 cu ft | 85.8 cu ft |
| Maximum EPA-Est. MPG (Cty / Hwy / Cmb) | 21 / 28 / 241 | 18 / 25 / 211 | 18 / 25 / 211 |
Complete Your 2024 vs. 2025 vs. 2026 Ford Explorer Comparison in Homestead, FL
You get the final say in which Ford Explorer model year is right for your needs, and the best way to determine this is through a comprehensive comparison right here at our dealership! As you explore the lineup of new and pre-owned Ford Explorer SUVs, you have our team of specialists at your disposal to point out details you may have missed. For instance, the Ford Digital Experience infotainment system is only available for the 2025 and 2026 model years.
When you spot the SUV of your choice, let our Lorenzo Ford team apply any of our current Ford Explorer deals to help you save. Contact us today to get started!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top changes between the 2026 vs. 2025 vs. 2024 Ford Explorer?
The jump from the 2024 to the 2025 Explorer marks the biggest change in features and design. This model streamlined its trims from eight to four, upgraded to a more rugged grille design and exterior accents, and elevated the interior by adding soft-touch elements and updated software. The 2026 model introduces the Tremor, an off-roading trim that features a limited-slip rear differential and all-terrain tires.
Is the 2026 Ford Explorer bigger than the 2025 Ford Explorer?
The 2026 Ford Explorer is the same size as the 2025 model, at 198.8 inches long and 89.3 inches wide (without side mirrors). It's still considered a midsize SUV with three rows of seating for six or seven (depending on the configuration), and a maximum cargo capacity of 85.8 cubic feet. The real difference between the two is the addition of the Tremor trim level for 2026.
Which has better gas mileage, the 2026, 2025, or 2024 Ford Explorer?
When it comes to the top fuel economy for a 2024, 2025, or 2026 Ford Explorer, the winner is the 2024 model. This SUV gets up to 21/28/24 MPG (City/Highway/Combined),1 while the other two model years only go up to 18/25/21 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).1 If you're prioritizing efficiency while shopping in Homestead, FL, the 2024 Ford Explorer is a great choice.
What Our Happy Customers Say About The Ford Explorer
George Almquist
08-12-2025
Spoke with Mario on the phone about a explorer. Sent me all the numbers got me where i needed to be and delivered my new car to same day at 9pm at night. If that isn’t great service nothing is. Thanks Mario. I love my new explorer
Samantha Michelle Blanco
08-18-2024
I highly recommend Lorenzo Ford! This past week I purchased a 2022 Ford Explorer and could not be happier. I started my purchase process with a phone call with Adrian and explained what I was looking for. I gave him my budget and he was so quick to send options and photos. Adrian knew I had to keep within my budget and was so patient and informative. He found me a beautiful vehicle in great condition. We were coming from Broward and he got us in and out in 2 hours! I have to also mention Anna as well who was so kind and quick in getting our paperwork processed. Overall amazing experience!!
Belinda Hebert
05-18-2025
Andy was very helpful i getting my 2025 Explorer. He was very courteous and even had a since if humor
| Department | Number |
|---|---|
| Sales | 866-370-8011 |
| Service | 866-370-8012 |
| Parts | 866-370-8023 |
| Day | Open | Closed |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 9:00AM | 9:00PM |
| Tuesday | 9:00AM | 9:00PM |
| Wednesday | 9:00AM | 9:00PM |
| Thursday | 9:00AM | 9:00PM |
| Friday | 9:00AM | 9:00PM |
| Saturday | 9:00AM | 9:00PM |
| Sunday | 11:00AM | 7:00PM |
| Day | Open | Closed |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 7:00AM | 6:00PM |
| Tuesday | 7:00AM | 6:00PM |
| Wednesday | 7:00AM | 6:00PM |
| Thursday | 7:00AM | 6:00PM |
| Friday | 7:00AM | 6:00PM |
| Saturday | 7:00AM | 3:00PM |
| Sunday | Closed | Closed |
| Day | Open | Closed |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 7:00AM | 6:00PM |
| Tuesday | 7:00AM | 6:00PM |
| Wednesday | 7:00AM | 6:00PM |
| Thursday | 7:00AM | 6:00PM |
| Friday | 7:00AM | 6:00PM |
| Saturday | 7:00AM | 3:00PM |
| Sunday | Closed | Closed |
| Day | Open | Closed |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 8:00AM | 5:00PM |
| Tuesday | 8:00AM | 5:00PM |
| Wednesday | 8:00AM | 5:00PM |
| Thursday | 8:00AM | 5:00PM |
| Friday | 8:00AM | 5:00PM |
| Saturday | Closed | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed | Closed |
1EPA-estimated city/hwy mpg for the model indicated. See fueleconomy.gov for fuel economy of other engine/transmission combinations. Actual mileage will vary. On plug-in hybrid models and electric models, fuel economy is stated in MPGe. MPGe is the EPA equivalent measure of gasoline fuel efficiency for electric mode operation.