2026 Ford Explorer Overview
The 2026 Ford Explorer near Howell, MI, brings proven capability, modern tech, and everyday versatility together in a well-sorted three-row SUV. A refreshed interior and updated tech suite carry forward, while the lineup expands with the new Tremor model engineered with off-road hardware for weekend trails. Every model features a standard 13.2-inch LCD touchscreen running the Ford Digital Experience, seamless smartphone integration, and thoughtful cabin storage that keeps family life organized. Power comes from a responsive turbocharged four-cylinder or a twin-turbo V-6 for robust acceleration and confident passing, each paired to a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic with rear-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive available. Towing confidence is baked in thanks to the standard Class III Trailer Tow Package rated up to 5,000 pounds. Safety is a standout with standard driver-assistance features and available hands-free highway driving via Ford BlueCruise. At Lasco Ford, we spotlight how smart packaging and strong fundamentals make this SUV an easy choice for daily commutes, road trips, and everything in between for drivers from Holly and Highland. If your next family vehicle needs space, substance, and technology that genuinely help, the 2026 Ford Explorer near Howell, MI, is built to deliver.
Exterior - Ford Dealer serving Howell, MI
Confident proportions and purposeful details give the Explorer presence without pretense. Subtly revised styling from the recent refresh sharpened the front and rear designs, and each trim offers a distinct look. The ST-Line brings sporty flair with bold accents and rides on standard 20-inch painted alloy wheels, while an available black painted roof amplifies the street-savvy vibe. The new Tremor trim underscores the Explorer’s adventurous side with a lifted suspension, limited-slip rear differential, all-terrain tires, and special 18-inch wheels that look ready for the trail. From every angle, the lines feel cohesive and athletic, emphasizing the SUV’s balanced stance. Practical touches remain front and center, with wide openings for easier loading and roof-ready proportions for weekend gear. At Lasco Ford, our team can walk you through the design nuances across Active, ST-Line, Tremor, Platinum, and ST, helping you pinpoint the mix of ruggedness and refinement that matches your day-to-day. Whether your style leans toward understated sophistication or a more aggressive, off-road-inspired profile, the Explorer’s trim lineup gives you the freedom to choose an exterior that reflects how you drive and where you’re headed next.
Interior - 2026 Ford Explorer near Howell, MI
Step inside and the Explorer’s cabin immediately feels intuitive, open, and ready for family duty. A streamlined dash centers on a standard 13.2-inch LCD touchscreen powered by the Ford Digital Experience, giving direct access to Google and Amazon apps, plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto through compatible devices. While parked, you can even stream video or browse the web, turning downtime into entertainment. Thoughtful utility is everywhere: eight USB ports, including two for third-row passengers, and three 12-volt outlets keep everyone charged. Seating for six or seven is available, with an easy-entry mechanism that slides and tilts the second row at the touch of a button so kids can reach the third row with minimal fuss. Materials were elevated in last year’s refresh with more soft-touch surfaces on the dash, door panels, and center console, contributing to a quieter, more refined feel. Available heated second-row seats and a premium 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system dial up the comfort and sound quality on most trims. Fold-flat flexibility in the second and third rows helps the Explorer transition quickly from school runs to gear hauling, making daily life simpler without sacrificing the upscale touches you’ll appreciate on longer drives.
Ford Explorer Mechanical specs
Under the skin, the Explorer’s engineering focuses on confident control and adaptable capability. Rear-wheel drive is standard to deliver balanced handling and solid towing manners, while available all-wheel drive adds four-season traction. A 10-speed automatic transmission optimizes power delivery, keeping the engine in its sweet spot whether you are merging, passing, or towing. The standard Class III Trailer Tow Package brings the hardware and software you want for the job, including a hitch, a trailer wiring harness, and trailer sway control to help keep loads steady. Ride and handling are composed and predictable, the sort of poise that makes the Explorer easy to live with on broken pavement and long highway stretches alike. If your adventures take you off the beaten path, the Tremor trim layers in a lifted suspension, all-terrain tires, and a limited-slip rear differential that work together for additional confidence on dirt, gravel, and mud. Shoppers near Howell, MI value vehicles that can handle both winter weather and weekend project runs, and the Explorer’s mechanical setup is dialed precisely for that blend. It’s a platform built to move people, tow gear, and stay surefooted when conditions change.
Powertrain - Ford Dealership near Howell, MI
The Explorer gives you two compelling engine choices tailored to how you drive. The standard turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder produces 300 horsepower and 310 lb.-ft. of torque, an excellent match for daily commuting with enough reserve power for highway merges and on-ramps. For drivers who want a stronger punch, the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 ups output to 400 horsepower and 415 lb.-ft. of torque. That engine is standard on the ST and optional on the Platinum, and when paired with the 10-speed automatic it delivers rapid, refined acceleration that makes the SUV feel genuinely quick. Performance is more than straight-line speed, and the Explorer’s rear-drive architecture adds stability and responsiveness you can feel, especially when towing. Every model includes the Class III Trailer Tow Package rated up to 5,000 pounds, giving you the capability to bring a small camper, boat, or pair of ATVs along. All-wheel drive is available across the lineup for enhanced traction in rain and snow, and it pairs seamlessly with either engine. Whether you prioritize efficiency and smoothness or you want the elevated performance of the twin-turbo V-6, the Explorer’s powertrain menu makes it easy to pick your ideal blend of power and poise.
Safety - 2026 Ford Explorer dealer
Peace of mind is built into every Explorer with a robust list of standard driver-assistance features. Forward-collision warning with automated emergency braking helps detect potential frontal hazards, while blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert keeps tabs on vehicles you might not see. A lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist helps the Explorer stay centered, easing long highway days and busy commutes. Available features add even more assistance: self-parking technology can help guide the vehicle into tight spots, and Ford BlueCruise enables hands-free highway driving on supported sections, adding convenience to routine trips and reducing fatigue during multi-hour drives. Structural strength and intelligent airbag placement work alongside the active tech, and a clear camera view plus intuitive controls make the systems easy to use. For a deeper look at ratings, we recommend checking results from major crash-test programs such as the NHTSA and IIHS. Our team at Lasco Ford can explain how each feature functions in real-world scenarios, from alerts and interventions to what conditions must be met for hands-free capability. The result is an SUV designed to watch the road with you and help out when you need it most.
Request more 2026 Ford Explorer near Howell, MI information
From school-day carpools to trailhead getaways, the 2026 Ford Explorer near Howell, MI, is built to handle life’s moving parts with ease. A refined, tech-forward interior keeps everyone connected and comfortable, while meaningful mechanical upgrades—like standard towing hardware and available all-wheel drive—expand what your SUV can do when plans change. Choose the well-balanced turbo four-cylinder for confident daily driving or step up to the twin-turbo V-6 for extra punch; either way, you’ll appreciate the Explorer’s composed ride and well-sorted handling. Advanced safety features come standard, and available Ford BlueCruise brings hands-free highway capability to a vehicle that already makes road trips feel simpler. At Lasco Ford, our product specialists will help you choose the right trim and features and set up your systems so they work exactly the way you want. When you’re ready to upgrade to a three-row SUV that anchors your routine and elevates your weekends, the 2026 Ford Explorer near Howell, MI, is ready to lead the way.
