2026 Ford Explorer Performance: Turbocharged Power and the All-New Tremor

The 2026 Ford Explorer doesn’t just carry families. It does it with turbocharged confidence, a 5,000-lb tow rating on every single trim, and a brand-new Tremor model that earns this three-row SUV an entirely new capability tier for the year. Whether the goal is confident merging onto I-270 during the morning commute or hauling a boat down I-44 toward Lake of the Ozarks, the 2026 Ford Explorer performance lineup gives St. Louis drivers the right engine for the job. At Sunset Ford on Gravois Road, the full Explorer lineup is in stock and ready to drive.

2.3L EcoBoost I-4: Standard Power That Covers the Bases

The engine powering the Active, ST-Line, Platinum, and Tremor trims is the 2.3L EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder. It produces 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. That torque arrives low in the rev range, giving the Explorer confident pull from a stop and easy highway entries without feeling strained. Rear-wheel drive is standard on most trims, with Intelligent 4WD available for $2,000. Up to six selectable drive modes come with the Explorer depending on the configuration, including Sport, Eco, Tow/Haul, Slippery, and Trail or Off-Road on 4WD-equipped models. For most St. Louis driving, this engine covers everything from school-run duty to occasional towing without compromise.

3.0L Twin-Turbo EcoBoost V6: The High-Performance Option

For buyers who want more, the 3.0L twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 steps up to 385 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. This engine is standard on the Explorer ST and available as an option on the new Tremor. In the ST, it pairs with a sport-tuned suspension, performance brakes with red-painted calipers, SelectShift capability with paddle shifters, and quad chrome exhaust tips — turning the Explorer into a genuinely performance-focused three-row SUV. In the Tremor, the optional V6 combines that output with standard Intelligent 4WD, a Torsen limited-slip rear axle, off-road tuned suspension, and 31-inch all-terrain tires. The result is the most capable, most powerful off-road Explorer Ford has built.

Fuel Economy: What Both Engines Return

With the 2.3L EcoBoost and rear-wheel drive, the 2026 Explorer earns EPA-rated figures of 20 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. Adding Intelligent 4WD adjusts that to 20/27 mpg. The 3.0L V6 rates at 18/25 mpg with RWD. The Tremor, which comes standard with 4WD, all-terrain tires, and a lifted suspension, returns 19 city and 23 highway with the four-cylinder. For a three-row family SUV this capable, those figures hold up well against the segment.

Towing: 5,000 Lbs Across Every Trim

Every 2026 Ford Explorer, regardless of engine or trim level, includes the Class III Trailer Tow Package standard. That means a maximum tow rating of 5,000 lbs on any Explorer on Sunset Ford’s lot. A boat for Lake of the Ozarks, a utility trailer for a weekend project, or a loaded cargo hauler across Missouri’s highways — all well within range. The package includes a Class III hitch receiver, a seven-wire harness, and four- and seven-pin connectors. Trailer sway control and BLIS with Trailer Coverage are also standard across the lineup, helping drivers maintain control when towing through traffic or on two-lane highways.

Come Feel the Difference at Sunset Ford St. Louis

Specs tell part of the story. The rest comes from behind the wheel on Gravois Road. Whether you’re cross-shopping engines, deciding between RWD and Intelligent 4WD, or curious what the Explorer ST’s V6 actually feels like against the flow of South St. Louis traffic, Sunset Ford’s team can put you in the right seat. Browse the full 2026 Ford Explorer lineup or schedule your test drive below.