Some SUVs try to be everything to everyone. The 2026 Ford Explorer® knows what it is. If you’re loading up for a weekend on the Carolina coast or tackling the school pickup line, the Explorer® has a configuration that feels purpose-built rather than one-size-fits-all. If you’re shopping for a Ford Explorer® in Shallotte, NC, here’s what sets each trim apart.
The Explorer® Lineup Starts Strong
The Explorer® Active delivers everything most SUV buyers need right out of the gate. Its standard 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 produces 300 hp and 310 lbs. ft. of torque, paired with a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive comes standard, while Intelligent 4WD® is available for drivers who regularly encounter wet roads, sand, or changing weather.
Every Explorer® also includes a standard Class III Trailer Tow Package with a maximum towing capacity of up to 5,000 lbs., giving it the flexibility to pull boats, campers, or utility trailers without moving into a larger SUV. Drivers who choose the available Active Comfort Package gain thoughtful upgrades including a Panoramic Vista Roof®, heated steering wheel, remote start, and ActiveX® seating surfaces.
Platinum® and ST Deliver Two Different Kinds of Premium
Moving into the Platinum® and ST trims adds more than luxury features—it gives buyers two very different personalities to choose from. The Platinum® focuses on refinement, offering available amenities such as a B&O® Sound System by Bang & Olufsen®, wireless charging, front and rear parking sensors, a 360-degree camera, and available heated, ventilated, and Active Motion® massage front seats.
The ST approaches things from a performance perspective. Powered by a 3.0L EcoBoost® V6, it produces 400 hp and 415 lbs. ft. of torque, making it the most powerful Explorer® in the lineup. Unique exterior details—including blackout lighting elements, 21-inch Magnetite aluminum wheels, quad chrome exhaust outlets, and ST-specific styling—help distinguish it visually, while paddle shifters and SelectShift® technology make the driving experience noticeably more engaging.
Technology That Works for Everyone Onboard
The Explorer® does an excellent job of making technology useful instead of distracting. Every trim includes a 13.2-inch center touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility. USB ports are available throughout all three rows, making it easier for everyone to keep devices charged during longer trips.
Available Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist 2.0 adds features like Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go, Lane Centering, Evasive Steering Assist, and additional driver-assistance technology that helps reduce stress during everyday driving. Drivers exploring Ford SUVs near Shallotte, NC will appreciate how these systems fit into everyday life.
Comfort Across All Three Rows
The Explorer® remains one of Ford’s most versatile family vehicles. Depending on the seating configuration, it accommodates up to 7 passengers, or 6 with available second-row captain’s chairs. Every trim includes tri-zone automatic climate control, helping passengers in every row stay comfortable regardless of the weather outside.
Upper trims introduce premium leather seating, ambient interior lighting, memory settings for the driver’s seat and mirrors, and available household-style 110-volt/150-watt AC power outlets that prove surprisingly useful on family vacations and weekend adventures. It’s the sort of thoughtful functionality that tends to become more appreciated the longer you own the vehicle.
Explore the 2026 Ford Explorer® at Jones Ford
The 2026 Ford Explorer® continues to earn its reputation by offering something for nearly every kind of driver. If you’re drawn to the value-packed Active, the refined Platinum®, or the high-performance ST, every model combines capable performance, modern technology, and everyday practicality.
Visit us today to browse our inventory of new Ford Explorer® models, compare available trim levels, or explore our complete selection of new Ford SUVs in Shallotte, NC. When you’re ready to see which Explorer® fits your needs, you can schedule a test drive online and experience it for yourself.
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