Auto Guide
2026 Ford Explorer
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Review and specifications

2026 Ford Explorer

The redesigned 2020 Explorer has newfound handling agility and a spacious, quiet cabin, but the driving experience is marred by a clunky transmission, noisy engine, and stiff-edged ride. Most versions use the base 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which is energetic but raspy sounding. The transmission has rough shifts, particularly at low speeds. In our tests this combination returned an unimpressive 21 mpg overall. A hybrid was offered through the 2023 model year, but it focused more on power and towing capabilities than fuel economy. The Sync 3 infotainment system is very easy to use. 2025 models are now equipped with Ford's Digital Experience infotainment system, which runs on Android Automotive powered by Google automotive services. The driving position is much improved, but the third-row seat is less roomy now. A power liftgate is standard. Standard through 2024, Ford's Co-Pilot360 suite of advanced safety systems included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and blind spot warning. For 2025, ACC and LCA are added as standard features on all trims (included with Ford's Co-Pilot360 Assist+ suite), and BlueCruise is optional on all but the base Active trim. 2026 adds a new Tremor off-road-focused trim.

Market value
$42,300
Fuel
Conventional
Transmission
Automatic
Seats
7
View listings Find dealers
Model year 2026
Owner rating Not rated
Reliability 2/5
Data updated June 4, 2026

At a glance

Model data

Overview

Powertrain
Conventional
Body style
4-door SUV
Drive type
AWD
Transmission
Automatic, 10-speed
Category
Midsized SUVs 3-row
Generation began
2020

Pricing

Current retail median
$42,300
Retail value range
$35,850 - $53,475
Original MSRP range
$38,465 - $56,905
Trade-in range
$34,620 - $51,970

Ratings

Road test score
75/100
Reliability
2/5

Fuel economy

EPA city
20 MPG
EPA highway
27 MPG
EPA combined
23 MPG
Tested city
14 MPG
Tested highway
29 MPG
Tested overall
21 MPG
Annual fuel cost
$2,360
Cruising range
370 miles

Road tests

0-30 mph
3.1 sec
0-60 mph
7.4 sec
60-0 mph braking
136 ft
Avoidance speed
51.5 mph
Test status
Test Completed

Dimensions

Length
199 in
Width
79 in
Height
70 in
Wheelbase
119 in
Weight
4,565 lb
Maximum load
1,255 lb
Towing capacity
5,600 lb

Interior

Seating
7 people
Front head room
5 in
Front leg room
42 in
Rear head room
3 in
Rear leg room
28.5 in
Cargo volume
44.5 cu ft
Luggage
2+0+0

Environmental impact

Air pollution score
6/10
Greenhouse gas score
5/10
SmartWay
No

Brand context

About Ford

<p>Ford shifted away from cars this decade, focusing on SUVs and pickup trucks, with the Mustang as the lone exception. Fords are seldom leaders in their segments based on CR’s tests and surveys, but the small Maverick and full-sized F-150 trucks are notable standouts. Some other models score well enough to earn our recommendation, such as the Escape Hybrid and Bronco Sport. The Mustang Mach-E EV is Ford's highest-scoring current model. Overall, Ford's new car reliability is above average, but it varies, so used-car buyers should be mindful to check our ratings. </p><p><br/></p>

Vehicle ID: 38686 First published: December 4, 2025 Updated: June 4, 2026

Values may vary by trim, options, location, and market conditions.

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