Two “Eco” Boosted Engines
Ford may label them them as “EcoBoost” engines, but there’s nothing economical about the engines in the 2026 Ford Explorer perform. The base motor is a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, which pumps out 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels (a rare configuration in this segment) or optional four-wheel-drive. Compared to competitive three-row SUVs that still use non-turbo V6 engines, Ford’s four-pot produces a bit more power and heaps more torque, resulting in a zero to sixty mph time around six seconds. That’s around a second quicker than many of its rivals.
Most drivers will find the four-cylinders more than adequate, but Ford offers another engine that you won’t find in competitors: a twin-turbocharged V6. This is the same 3.0-liter unit you’ll find in the Bronco Raptor and the Lincoln Aviator, and it delivers a brawny 400 hp and 415 lb-ft. With a RaceBox data recorder, we timed a 2026 Explorer Tremor hitting 60 mph in just 5.24 seconds when equipped with this engine. For comparison, the outgoing 2025 Kia Telluride with its V6 engine needed 7.75 seconds.
Two V6 Flavors
Buyers could previously opt for the EcoBoost V6 in the luxurious Explorer Platinum, stealthily ordering a loaded family SUV with Lincoln-level luxury for a much lower price. That trim is now four-cylinder-only for for 2026, leaving the Tremor and ST as the only Explorer variants available with the V6.
The ST is the sportiest version of the Explorer, so it comes with the V6 standard in either RWD or 4WD for $2,000. The Tremor replaces the Timberline as the rugged Explorer. Buyers of this trim will need to add the V6, and it’s not exactly a cheap option at $11,850. That hefty sum includes more than just the engine, you also get what Ford calls the Tremor Ultimate Package. This brings the following: BlueCruise hands-free driving, 14-speaker B&O audio system (replacing a 10-speaker system), panoramic glass roof, rain-sensing wipers, massaging memory seats, power third-row seats, power-folding mirrors, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
Expanding The Tremor Lineup
The Tremor name first appeared back in 2002 on a Ranger pickup truck, but it only recently became a household name when Ford revived it in 2020 as an off-road package for the Super Duty. Tremor quickly became a popular option, expanding to become a trim level on other vehicles such as the F-150, Expedition, and now the Explorer.
It may not be the most capable SUV in the segment or even in Ford’s lineup, but the Explorer Tremor is built to take families further off the pavement than they could previously go in models like the Timberline. This trim features all-terrain tires, a one-inch suspension lift, and underbody protection. 8.7 inches ground clearance is pretty decent for the segment, besting the Honda Pilot Trailsport (8.3 inches) but falling short of the Kia Telluride X-Pro (9.1 inches).
400-Horsepower Value
The 2026 Explorer Tremor starts at $48,965 with the four-cylinder engine, but if you go for the Tremor Ultimate Package, the price jumps to $60,815. That’s actually more than you’ll spend on the sporty Explorer ST, which starts at $54,905, but doesn’t come with standard 4WD or standard features like the panoramic roof, 14-speaker B&O audio system, and BlueCruise.
Even if you add those options, the Explorer shapes up as a unique value in the three-row SUV segment. Nothing else in the competitive set approaches this level of performance. The Mazda CX-90 with its inline-six (340 hp) and the Toyota Grand Highlander (362 hp) with its Hybrid Max powertrain get the closest, but both fall significantly short. If you’re looking for luxury amenities and luxury performance but want to pay a mainstream price, the Ford Explorer is the way to have your cake and eat it too.
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