A Closer Look at the 2026 Ford Explorer
If you’re researching three-row SUVs with confidence-inspiring performance and smart technology, the 2026 Ford Explorer® belongs at the top of your list. It blends rear-wheel-drive dynamics with available Intelligent 4WD, offers a family-ready interior with up to seven seats, and brings advanced driver assistance to your daily routine. For shoppers near Holly, MI, this SUV hits the sweet spot between capability for weekend towing or trail access and everyday comfort for errands along Saginaw Street or commutes down I-75 toward Metro Detroit. Below, we break down what matters most—performance, interior features, safety tech, trims, and how to make your buying process simpler with our local team at Lasco Ford.
Performance and Capability for Every Mile
Explorer is engineered to feel composed and responsive, whether you’re cruising to Seven Lakes State Park or navigating busy town routes. The standard 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 delivers strong, turbocharged pull for everyday passing and merging, while the ST model’s 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 ups the ante for enthusiasts who want a sport-tuned chassis and serious horsepower. With up to 5,000 lbs of towing capacity, you can confidently pull a compact camper, small boat, or pair of ATVs. The platform’s rear-wheel-drive design helps with balanced handling and confident towing; Intelligent 4WD is available when you want added traction on unpaved roads or when weekend plans take you beyond the pavement.
Interior Comfort and Technology
- Seating: Up to seven passengers with available second-row captain’s chairs
- Cargo: Up to 85.8 cu ft of max cargo volume for gear and luggage
- Sound: Available B&O® Sound System by Bang & Olufsen® with 10 speakers including subwoofer
- Screens: Ford Digital Experience with familiar apps and connected features
- Camera: Available 360-Degree Camera for confidence in tight parking
- Connectivity: In-vehicle Wi-Fi hotspot capability to keep devices online
Inside Explorer, the layout makes space feel effortless. Available seating for up to seven means school runs, weekend team carpools, or airport trips along I-75 can happen without a second thought. When it’s time to haul, fold the rear rows for up to 85.8 cubic feet of space—handy for home projects or a big grocery stock-up in Holly. The cabin’s Ford Digital Experience brings your favorite apps and services into one intuitive interface, and the available B&O® Sound System by Bang & Olufsen® elevates podcasts, playlists, and road-trip audiobooks. Add the available 360-Degree Camera, and tight downtown parking becomes easier, with helpful exterior viewpoints right on the screen.
Safety and Driver Assist Features
- Co-Pilot360: A suite of driver-assist technologies designed to boost confidence
- Pre-Collision: Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking for added peace of mind
- BLIS: Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert to help with lane changes
- Lane-Keeping: Lane-Keeping System helps you stay centered when you need it most
- Assist+: Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist+ with Adaptive Cruise Control and added assistance features
- BlueCruise: Available Ford BlueCruise hands-free highway driving on compatible sections
- Rear View: Rear View Camera helps you see what’s behind you when backing up
Explorer weaves advanced safety into your daily drive. Standard Ford Co-Pilot360® technologies include familiar confidence-boosters like Automatic Emergency Braking, BLIS with Cross-Traffic Alert, a Lane-Keeping System, and a helpful Rear View Camera. Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist+ adds intelligent features like Adaptive Cruise Control for calmer highway miles. On select trims, Ford BlueCruise enables hands-free highway driving on compatible roads—an asset when your route from Holly to Fenton or beyond includes extended freeway stretches.
2026 Ford Explorer Trim Levels
| Trim | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Explorer® Active 100A | 2.3L EcoBoost® engine, Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist+, selectable drive modes, Class III Trailer Tow Package |
| Explorer® Active | 2.3L EcoBoost® engine, Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist+, heated front-row seats, power liftgate |
| Explorer® ST-Line | 2.3L EcoBoost® engine, 360-Degree Camera, unique durable cloth-trimmed seats with red stitching, B&O® Sound System by Bang & Olufsen® with 10 speakers |
| Explorer® Tremor® | Available 3.0L EcoBoost® engine, Torsen® limited-slip rear axle, off-road tuned suspension with increased ride height, underbody protection with front/rear deflector plates |
| Explorer® Platinum™ | 2.3L EcoBoost® engine, BlueCruise hands-free highway driving equipped, heated/ventilated/massaging front-row seats with leather inserts, available panoramic fixed glass roof with power sunshade |
| Explorer® ST | 3.0L EcoBoost® engine, BlueCruise hands-free highway driving equipped, sport-tuned suspension, performance brakes with red-painted calipers |
Why Buy from Lasco Ford near Holly, MI
Shopping for a family SUV is easier with a team that knows the area. Our staff builds Explorer recommendations around how and where you drive—whether that’s a short hop to downtown Holly or freeway miles toward Oakland County. We map test-drive routes that include a balance of local roads and highways to help you feel the suspension, evaluate cabin quietness, and explore driver-assist features. And once you’ve found the right Explorer, our service lane keeps you moving with certified care, genuine parts, and convenient support.
- Local Expertise: We understand daily driving from Holly to Fenton, Flint, and beyond, and tailor recommendations to your routes
- Selection Ready: Access an extensive Explorer inventory with popular trims and colors
- Test-Drive Routes: Try real-world loops near Grange Hall Road, Dixie Highway, and I-75 to feel ride, handling, and road noise
- Time-Saving Tools: Online scheduling, trade-in valuation, and financing pre-approvals to keep your day moving
- Service Support: Certified Ford technicians, Ford Pickup & Delivery options, and genuine Ford parts
- Flexible Solutions: Lease Pull Ahead guidance and resources for a seamless transition from your current vehicle
Value Your Trade with Lasco Ford
Bringing a vehicle to trade is a smart way to lower what you finance on your next 2026 Ford Explorer. Use our online trade-in tools to get a quick estimate, upload a few photos, and receive a transparent, market-informed number you can apply toward your purchase. If you’re nearing the end of a lease—or even months away—ask our team about Lease Pull Ahead options that can position your trade and timing to your advantage. We make it simple to finalize your Explorer from home, then visit for a test drive and a professional appraisal to lock in your value.
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How the 2026 Ford Explorer Stands Out
- Powertrain Choice: Available 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 with up to 400 hp outmuscles many rivals’ V6s and turbo fours
- Rear-Drive Dynamics: Standard RWD platform with available Intelligent 4WD inspires confident towing and handling
- Hands-Free Driving: Available Ford BlueCruise delivers hands-free capability on compatible highways
- Trail-Ready Trim: Explorer® Tremor® adds Torsen® limited-slip rear axle, underbody protection, and off-road tuned suspension
- Towing Confidence: Up to 5,000 lbs of towing capacity supports campers, small boats, or weekend toys
- Cabin Tech: Ford Digital Experience and available 360-Degree Camera bring modern convenience to daily life
In a crowded three-row SUV field, Explorer carves out a meaningful advantage for Holly, MI, shoppers. The Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot have well-rounded reputations, but Explorer’s available twin-turbo V6 power and rear-drive architecture set a different tone—especially when you want confident passing, sportier handling, and balance under load. Chevrolet Traverse offers generous space, but Explorer counters with a broad trim selection, hands-free BlueCruise availability, and an off-road-focused Tremor® model with a mechanical limited-slip rear axle—hardware many competitors don’t match. If your weekends include towing to a campsite off Grange Hall Road or exploring scenic routes near Seven Lakes, Explorer’s 5,000-lb towing rating, Intelligent 4WD, and composed chassis deliver a reassuring, road-trip-ready feel.
Next Steps for Your 2026 Ford Explorer Search
Start online: browse our 2026 Ford Explorer inventory, compare trims, and check availability for features like BlueCruise, the 360-Degree Camera, and trailer packages. Schedule a test drive to experience ride quality on local highways and neighborhood streets, then apply for financing to streamline your visit. If you have a vehicle to trade, capture photos and mileage through our trade tools for a quick estimate. Prefer more guidance? Contact our team—we’ll help you confirm tow needs, cargo fitment for strollers or sports gear, and which trim best aligns with your tech and comfort priorities.
Proudly Serving Holly, MI Drivers
We’re proud to help Holly drivers choose the right 2026 Ford Explorer for Southeast Michigan life—family errands, regional sports tournaments, weekend lake trips, or just confident commuting. From test-drive routes that mirror your daily routine to clear explanations of Ford Co-Pilot360® features and available BlueCruise, our approach is built around your needs. When you’re ready, we’ll have the keys, the right route, and an Explorer that fits. Count on our team at Lasco Ford to make every step straightforward, from trade-in to delivery and beyond.
*Vehicle images and features shown are for illustration only and may vary by trim and option.
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