Why the 2026 Ford Explorer ST Feels Effortless on Daily Drives around Brighton, MI

*Not actual model

Lasco Ford - Why the 2026 Ford Explorer ST Feels Effortless on Daily Drives around Brighton, MI

The 2026 Ford Explorer® ST is built for drivers who want practicality and performance to coexist without compromise. It blends a commanding stance and three-row versatility with a responsive 3.0L EcoBoost® engine, a sport-tuned suspension, and performance brakes that make highway merges and two-lane passing feel decisively confident. Yet it remains calm and quiet when the day calls for errands, carpools, and a run to the home center. ST is the Explorer that leans into your whole week — quick on its feet when you want it, refined and adaptable when you need it.

Tech is the secret ingredient that helps ST feel effortless. BlueCruise hands-free highway driving comes equipped, offering extra breathing room on long stretches of roadway when conditions allow, while Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist+ layers on Adaptive Cruise Control and lane support features to reduce fatigue. The 360-Degree Camera lends confidence in tight parking lots, and the Ford Digital Experience integrates navigation, media, and profiles in a way that shortens the learning curve. The result is a performance SUV that drives like a well-sorted sport model on Saturday and a stress reducer on Monday.

Inside, Explorer ST brings a driver-focused environment with supportive seating and a clear, modern interface. The B&O® Sound System by Bang & Olufsen® with 10 speakers, including a subwoofer, elevates podcasts and playlists, and available ambient lighting sets a relaxed tone for evening commutes. With up to seven seats and flexible cargo solutions, you can carry the crew to practice, bring home project supplies, or pack for a weekend escape without second-guessing what fits.

Drivers often ask how ST balances its quick reflexes with composure on Michigan roads. The answer lies in tuning. Suspension components are calibrated to keep body motions in check without turning harsh over frost heaves and seams. Steering is weighted for feedback on curvy backroads but remains easy to guide in town. It is the kind of tuning that makes you look for the long way home, even when you have a list to tackle.

• BlueCruise capability: Helps manage acceleration, braking, and steering on compatible highways when conditions allow, so you can relax while staying alert.
• 360-Degree Camera: Offers a bird’s-eye view around the vehicle to simplify parking, trailer alignment, and tight maneuvering.
• Performance hardware: Sport-tuned suspension and performance brakes with red-painted calipers provide confident control when the road opens up.
• Flexible interior: Seating for up to seven and quick-folding rows create the space you need for people, pets, and weekend gear.
• Connected cabin: Ford Digital Experience ties together your apps, navigation, and profiles with a clean, intuitive layout.

Wondering if ST fits your commute and weekend life? Consider your routes and routines. If your day includes on-ramps, rolling two-lanes, and the occasional detour to the lake, ST’s power, braking confidence, and composed handling will feel like a daily upgrade. If most of your miles are spent on major highways, BlueCruise can make long drives less tiring, and the quiet cabin helps keep conversations easy.

Lasco Ford is serving Brighton, Hartland, and Howell with knowledgeable guidance on Explorer® ST configuration, from all-weather traction discussions to accessory options that protect your investment. Below are answers to the questions we hear most from performance-minded three-row SUV shoppers.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Does Explorer ST still feel comfortable on rough roads?

Yes. The sport-tuned suspension is calibrated to keep body motion controlled while maintaining everyday comfort, so you can commute, road trip, and navigate winter surfaces without a punishing ride.

How does BlueCruise help on long drives?

When conditions allow on compatible highways, BlueCruise helps handle acceleration, braking, and steering so you can relax your hands and reduce fatigue while staying attentive with eyes on the road.

Is the cabin flexible enough for family life?

Absolutely. With up to seven seats and quick-folding second and third rows, you can rapidly shift from carpool duty to hauling larger items, all within a clean, driver-focused interior.

What makes ST different from ST-Line?

ST adds the 3.0L EcoBoost® engine, sport-tuned suspension, and performance brakes for deeper dynamic capability, while ST-Line focuses on sporty design cues and technology.

Request more 2026 Ford Explorer information