From Towing to the Tremor: The Most Common 2026 Explorer Questions, Answered

The Ford Explorer has been one of the top-selling three-row SUVs in Canada for more than three decades. It carries up to seven passengers, tows a meaningful amount, and comes in a lineup that now spans five trims, from the practical Active to the trail-ready Tremor. Buyers shopping in Victoria and across British Columbia tend to arrive with the same core questions before committing. Here are the ten most common ones, answered directly using confirmed specifications.

1. How Many People Does the Explorer Seat?

The 2026 Ford Explorer seats six or seven passengers depending on trim. Active, ST-Line, and Platinum offer second-row configurations that allow for seven-passenger layouts. The Explorer ST seats six. The Explorer Tremor’s seating capacity follows the same general layout as the rest of the lineup. Speak with the Glenoak Ford Sales team in Victoria to confirm the exact configuration for any trim you are comparing.

2. What Engines Are Available?

The Explorer lineup uses two engines. Active, ST-Line, and Platinum standard trims use a 2.3-litre EcoBoost I-4 producing 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The Explorer ST comes standard with a 3.0-litre EcoBoost V6 producing 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. The Platinum Ultimate Package makes the 400 hp 3.0-litre V6 available on Platinum as well. The Tremor comes standard with the 2.3-litre I-4, with the 3.0-litre V6 available.

3. Is Four-Wheel Drive Standard?

Yes. Four-wheel drive is standard across all five Explorer trims. Active, ST-Line, Platinum, ST, and Tremor all come with 4WD as standard equipment. The Tremor adds a Torsen limited-slip differential to its standard 4WD setup for improved traction on loose or uneven surfaces.

4. What Is the Explorer’s Towing Capacity?

The 2026 Ford Explorer tows up to 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) when properly equipped. Every Explorer comes with a Class III Trailer Tow Package as standard equipment. Trailer Sway Control is also standard, actively managing trailer movement on the highway.

5. Does the Explorer Have Hands-Free Highway Driving?

Available Ford BlueCruise hands-free highway driving comes on ST-Line, Platinum, ST, and Tremor trims. Active does not have BlueCruise available. On equipped trims, a complimentary 90-day trial is included. The Tremor specifically offers available BlueCruise 1.5, an updated version of the system. After the trial period, an annual or monthly plan can be activated.

6. What Safety Features Come Standard?

Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ is standard on every Explorer. That includes Adaptive Cruise Control, BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) with cross-traffic alert, Exit Warning and Trailer Coverage, Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking and Pedestrian Detection, Evasive Steering Assist, Intersection Assist 2.0, Rear Cross-Traffic Braking, Lane-Keeping System, Reverse Parking Assist, auto headlamps with auto high beams, and a rearview camera.

Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0, which adds a 360-degree camera, front parking sensors, and Intersection Assist 2.2, is available on ST-Line, Platinum, and ST trims. On the Tremor, Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 is standard rather than optional.

7. What Technology Does the Explorer Come With Standard?

Every Explorer includes a 13.2-inch LCD touchscreen, the Ford Digital Experience infotainment system, a 12.3-inch colour LCD digital cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Alexa built-in, Google built-in, eight USB ports (including two for third-row passengers), three 12-volt powerpoints, and a FordPass Connect embedded modem.

8. What Are the Explorer’s Five Trims?

The 2026 Explorer lineup consists of five trims:

• Active: Entry-level with the full Co-Pilot360 Assist+ suite, 2.3-litre EcoBoost, and a capable base package. Available Comfort Package adds heated steering wheel and LED fog lamps.
• ST-Line: Adds a sport aesthetic, performance brakes, and access to BlueCruise. Available Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 adds the 360-degree camera and front sensors.
• Platinum: The luxury tier with standard 2.3-litre power, available 3.0-litre V6, BlueCruise availability, and premium interior packages.
• ST: Ford Performance-tuned with the 400 hp 3.0-litre V6 standard, SelectShift transmission with paddle shifters, and available BlueCruise.
• Tremor: New for 2026. Off-road-tuned suspension with 25 mm of added ride height, 18-inch all-terrain tires, Torsen limited-slip differential, front and rear underbody protection, auxiliary off-road lights, and Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 standard. Available BlueCruise 1.5 and available 14-speaker B&O audio.

9. Is the Explorer Tremor Significantly Different from the Other Trims?

The Tremor is built on the same Explorer platform but adds hardware specifically for off-road use. The off-road-tuned springs and sway bars raise ride height by 25 mm. The Torsen limited-slip differential directs torque more effectively on loose surfaces. The all-terrain tires, underbody protection, and auxiliary trail lights are purpose-built additions. On the technology side, the Tremor comes with Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 as standard equipment, which includes the 360-degree camera, rather than requiring it as an option package. For drivers on Vancouver Island who want to take the Explorer on logging roads, gravel trails, or the rougher sections of the Gulf Islands, the Tremor is built for exactly that.

10. Is the 2026 Explorer Available in Canada Now?

Yes. The 2026 Ford Explorer is available at Ford dealers across Canada, including at Glenoak Ford Sales in Victoria. Visit the Glenoak Ford Sales team to explore all five trims and find the configuration that fits what your family drives into every day.

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