2026 Ford Explorer Trim Levels: Six Options for St. Louis Drivers

For St. Louis families shopping three-row SUVs, the 2026 Ford Explorer trim levels bring a lineup worth knowing this year. Ford added two brand-new configurations for 2026: the value-focused Active 100A and the trail-ready Explorer Tremor, giving buyers more options than ever before. Whether everyday practicality, sport styling, off-road capability, or a premium cabin experience is the priority, Ford built an Explorer for each. At Sunset Ford St. Louis on Gravois Road, you’ll find the full lineup in stock with competitive pricing and current promotions.

2026 Ford Explorer Trim Levels & Starting MSRP

• Active 100A: From $38,465
• Active: From $40,585
• ST-Line: From $45,155
• Tremor: From $48,965
• Platinum: From $50,965
• ST: From $54,905

Pricing Note: All figures above reflect starting MSRP before destination and applicable fees. Sunset Ford St. Louis regularly offers dealer specials and incentives that can bring your actual price even lower, making it one of the best places in St. Louis to get a great deal on a new 2026 Ford Explorer. Visit our monthly promotions page to see current offers.

What Every 2026 Ford Explorer Includes

Regardless of which trim you choose, every 2026 Explorer includes the 13.2-inch Ford Digital Experience touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ (adaptive cruise with stop-and-go, automatic emergency braking, lane-centering, and blind spot monitoring), a standard Class III Trailer Tow Package rated for up to 5,000 lbs, and one year of Ford Connectivity with unlimited Wi-Fi. That is a strong standard slate for the segment.

Breaking Down the 2026 Ford Explorer Trim Lineup

The Foundation: Active 100A and Active

The Active 100A (from $38,465) is Ford’s new entry point for 2026, delivering the full safety and technology package at a lower price by trading away comfort items like heated front seats and a power liftgate. The step-up Active (from $40,585) brings those features back along with roof rack side rails, a 10-way power driver’s seat, and active noise cancellation — a welcome addition for St. Louis families spending time on Highway 270 or I-44. Both trims are the natural starting point for buyers who want a capable three-row SUV without climbing into premium territory.

The Sport Option: ST-Line

Starting from $45,155, the ST-Line delivers the look of the Explorer ST at a lower price. It adds 20-inch Ebony-painted machined aluminum wheels, black exterior accents, Explorer hood badging, a B&O 10-speaker sound system, unique cloth seating with red contrast stitching, a heated steering wheel, and the upgraded Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 system with a 360-degree camera. Note that the ST-Line uses the same 2.3L EcoBoost engine as the lower trims — it is a styling upgrade, not a performance one. Ford BlueCruise hands-free highway driving is available as an option on this trim.

The Off-Road Option: Explorer Tremor

Brand new for 2026, the Tremor (from $48,965) comes standard with Intelligent 4WD and is built for buyers who want to go further than pavement. It sits an inch higher than the rest of the lineup on 18-inch High Gloss Ebony Black wheels with Tremor Orange accents and 31-inch all-terrain tires. Underneath, a Torsen limited-slip rear axle, off-road tuned suspension, and front and rear steel deflector plates handle the terrain.

Heated and ventilated front seats and heated second-row seats are both standard. The available 3.0L V6 is exclusive to the Tremor and ST, giving adventure-focused St. Louis buyers a path to even more capability on gravel roads or winter-weather highways.

The Premium Tier: Platinum and Explorer ST

The Platinum (from $50,965) is the comfort leader, wrapping passengers in multicontour massaging leather front seats, a 14-speaker 980-watt B&O sound system, PowerFold third-row seats, and standard BlueCruise hands-free highway driving.

For 2026, Ford removed the 3.0L V6 from the Platinum entirely — it now comes exclusively with the 2.3L EcoBoost. The Explorer ST (from $54,905) is the performance choice, with the 3.0L twin-turbo V6 rated at 385 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque as standard equipment, plus sport-tuned suspension, performance brakes with red-painted calipers, and quad-tipped exhaust.

Active 100A vs. ST-Line vs. Tremor vs. ST: Which Explorer Is Right for You?

• Looking for the most value at a lower starting price: Active 100A or Active
• Want sport styling without paying performance-trim prices: ST-Line
• Need all-weather traction and off-road hardware: Explorer Tremor
• Prioritizing a premium cabin and comfort technology: Platinum
• Want the most power in the lineup: Explorer ST

Find the Right 2026 Ford Explorer at Sunset Ford in St. Louis

Sunset Ford St. Louis at 11700 Gravois Road carries the full 2026 Ford Explorer lineup, from the value-focused Active 100A to the performance-ready Explorer ST. Our team helps you compare trims side by side and works to get you the best deal in the St. Louis area. Most new Explorers on our lot also come backed by Sunset Ford’s Lifetime Warranty — see a team member for details and eligible vehicles.