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New Ford Explorer Performance Specs, Power & Towing

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New Ford Explorer
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Table of Contents

Summary

The 2026 Ford Explorer specs span two engines, up to an EPA-estimated 20/29 MPG (City/Highway),1 a 5,000-pound towing capcaity,2 a 0-60 mph time as fast as 5.1 seconds,3 and a spacious midsize build with up to seven seats and 85.8 cubic feet of cargo room. From horsepower to legroom, it's an SUV that's bound to impress.

2026 Ford Explorer Specifications: Key Takeaways

  • The 2026 Ford Explorer specs revolve around two EcoBoost engines, both of which deliver reliable efficiency and power
  • Up to an EPA-estimated 20/29 MPG (City/Highway)1 and a 5,000-pound towing capacity2 await
  • A Ford Explorer fits the family with six or seven seats and up to 150.3 cubic feet of passenger volume
  • The 2026 and 2025 Explorer models share most specs, making a used model a good choice, too

2026 Ford Explorer Performance Specs

Explorer Engine Options

The 2026 Ford Explorer specs revolve around two engine options, both of which use a 10-speed automatic transmission and "EcoBoost" turbocharging. Coming standard in most trims is the 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder; it makes 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, motivating the Explorer with efficient, smooth force.

For more thrilling power, the Ford Explorer specifications can be enhanced with the second engine: a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V-6, which has 385 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. Regardless of which engine is at the heart of your Explorer SUV's powertrain, you'll have the choice of RWD or 4WD.

Explorer Tremor seen in Marsh Gray

2026 Ford Explorer Engine Specs
Engine 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 3.0L EcoBoost V-6
Horsepower 300 hp 385 hp
Torque 310 lb-ft 415 lb-ft
EPA-est. MPG (Cty / Hwy) 20 / 29 with RWD1 18 / 25 with RWD or 4WD1
Towing 5,000 lbs2 5,000 lbs2
Drivetrain RWD or 4WD RWD or 4WD

Explorer Fuel Economy Ratings

Impressed so far by the 2026 Ford Explorer specs? Here's an even closer peek at the MPG ratings of each Ford Explorer configuration:

  • 2.3-liter engine and RWD: EPA-estimated 20/29 MPG (City/Highway)1
  • 2.3-liter engine and 4WD: EPA-estimated 20/27 MPG (City/Highway)1
  • 2.3-liter engine and 4WD, Tremor trim: EPA-estimated 19/23 MPG (City/Highway)1
  • 3.0-liter engine and RWD: EPA-estimated 18/25 MPG (City/Highway)1
  • 3.0-liter engine and 4WD: EPA-estimated 18/25 MPG (City/Highway)1
  • 3.0-liter engine and 4WD, Tremor trim: EPA-estimated 17/22 MPG (City/Highway)1

If you're trying to decide whether the Ford Explorer or Chevy Traverse is right for you, know that the Traverse only delivers up to an EPA-estimated 20/26 MPG (City/Highway)4 with FWD, meaning that the Explorer is more efficient and more capable.

Explorer Platinum with Salt Crystal Gray interior shown, and Explorer ST seen in Ruby Red Metallic

Explorer Towing Capacity

Towing is one of the most consistent 2026 Ford Explorer specs across each engine and drivetrain configuration; regardless of your choice, a properly equipped new Ford Explorer can tow 5,000 pounds.2 As for payload capacity, the automaker has not published an overall rating, but the maximum load weight can be found on the driver-side doorjamb label.

Explorer Active seen in Vapor Blue Metallic

Explorer 0-60 mph Acceleration

While top speed is irrelevant to the Explorer SUV's overall purpose and spirit, you'll appreciate its acceleration spec. When equipped with the base four-cylinder engine, the Explorer goes from zero to 60 mph in 6.0 seconds.3 Meanwhile, compare Ford Explorer models with the high-performance V-6 engine and discover a 0-60 mph time of 5.1 seconds.3

Explorer Tremor seen in Agate Black Metallic
Summary
  • The Ford Explorer has two engine options: a 300-horsepower 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder and a 385-horsepower 3.0-liter EcoBoost V-6
  • The 2026 Ford Explorer specs include up to an EPA-estimated 20/29 MPG (City/Highway)1 and a 5,000-pound towing capacity2
  • Go from zero to 60 mph in either 6.0 seconds or 5.1 seconds,3 depending on which engine you choose

2026 Ford Explorer Dimensions

Explorer Exterior Dimensions

The 2026 Ford Explorer specs mark this SUV as a midsize three-row crossover model: a vehicle that's easy to maneuver in tight parking lots, yet spacious enough for a full family outing. Some exterior measurements can vary by trim, but all 2026 Explorer configurations are 198.7 inches long and 78.9 inches wide (without counting the side mirrors).

Height and ground clearance are what vary. Height ranges from 69.6 inches to 70.8 inches. The Ford Explorer Tremor has the most off-road capability, using its raised ride height to traverse rough terrain with 8.7 inches of ground clearance; other trims have 7.6 to 8.3 inches of terrain clearance.

Explorer Platinum seen in Star White Metallic

Explorer Interior Dimensions

With three rows and either six or seven seats, a Ford Explorer lease is designed for the family. As such, the entire interior is spacious, providing third-row dimensions like 31.8 inches of legroom and 54.6 inches of shoulder room.

The new Ford Explorer specs include seven seats as standard via a second-row bench seat; higher Explorer trims or optional packages replace the second-row seating with two Captain's chairs for a six-seat format with extra luxury on tap. The same interior specs apply to a used Ford Explorer from the previous model year, making even a 2025 Ford Explorer a solid family-fitting SUV.

Explorer ST Line interior shown

Explorer Cargo and Passenger Volume

The new Ford Explorer has up to 85.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the first-row seats, or 16.3 cubic feet if all three rows are occupied. The Explorer also has 46 cubic feet of cargo room behind the second-row seats, and up to 150.3 cubic feet of passenger volume overall.

In short, the 2026 Ford Explorer specs are functional for growing families. If you're located in South Florida, we welcome you to our Ford dealer near Miami for a test drive so that you can experience the full Ford Explorer specs for yourself.

Explorer Platinum seen in Star White Metallic and Explorer ST with Onyx interior shown

2026 Ford Explorer Dimensions
2026 Ford Explorer Active / ST Line 2026 Ford Explorer Platinum 2026 Fod Explorer ST 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor
Active / ST-Line Platinum ST Tremor
Length 198.7 in 198.7 in 198.7 in 198.7 in
Height 69.6 in 70.2 in 69.8 in 70.8 in
Width (w/o mirrors) 78.9 in 78.9 in 78.9 in 78.9 in
Ground Clearance 7.6 in 8.3 in 7.8 in 8.7 in
Seating Capacity 6-7 6-7 6 6
Passenger Volume 150.3 cu ft 143.8 cu ft 149.5 cu ft 149.5 cu ft
Legroom (1st / 2nd / 3rd Row) 43 / 37.5 / 31.8 in 42.9 / 37 / 31.8 in 42.9 / 37 / 31.8 in 42.9 / 37 / 31.8 in
Shoulder Room (1st / 2nd / 3rd Row) 62.1 / 61.9 / 54.6 in 62.1 / 61.9 / 54.6 in 62.1 / 61.9 / 54.6 in 62.1 / 61.9 / 54.6 in
Cargo Room (Behind 3rd / 2nd / 1st Row) 16.3 / 46 / 85.8 cu ft 16.3 / 46 / 85.3 cu ft 16.3 / 46 / 85.3 cu ft 16.3 / 46 / 85.3 cu ft
Summary
  • The Ford Explorer is a midsize three-row SUV that measures 198.7 inches long and 78.9 inches wide
  • The Explorer SUV's interior seats six or seven and boasts plenty of room in each row
  • Up to 85.8 cubic feet of cargo room makes the Explorer massively functional

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can the 2026 Ford Explorer tow?

The 2026 Ford Explorer can tow up to 5,000 pounds2 in any trim configuration and with either of its two engine options. This means that the Explorer can tow a small pop-up camper.

How many seats are in a Ford Explorer?

The Ford Explorer is a three-row SUV with seven seats as its standard configuration; a six-seat interior is also available. This setup replaces the three-person second-row bench with two Captain's chairs.

Is the 2026 Ford Explorer good off-road?

The 2026 Ford Explorer is a powerful off-road machine when configured with 4WD. To make it even more enticing, there is an off-road-optimized Explorer Tremor trim level that opens the door to new adventures.

What engine options are there for 2026 Ford Explorer?

There are two engine options for the 2026 Ford Explorer:

  • 2.3-liter I-4 engine that makes 300 horsepower
  • 3.0-liter EcoBoost V-6 that makes 385 horsepower

How big is a Ford Explorer?

The Ford Explorer is a midsize three-row SUV that measures 198.7 inches in length, 78.9 inches in width (not counting the side mirrors), and around 70 inches tall. The Explorer dimensions also include up to 8.7 inches of ground clearance, using the ride height to deliver strong off-road capability.

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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.

2When properly equipped. See dealer for details.

3This information is not verified by the official manufacturer and shall serve solely as unofficial general information. For details, visit: https://www.caranddriver.com/ford/explorer

4EPA-estimated 20 city/26 hwy 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, FWD.

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