Style

Bold Styling for Shelbyville Squares and Rugged Protection for Manchester Backroads

The 2026 Explorer measures 198.8 inches in length and 78.9 inches in width, creating a commanding presence when parked near the Shelbyville Courthouse Square. For those choosing the Active trim, the exterior can be upgraded with 20-inch Luster Nickel-Painted Aluminum Wheels for an additional $1,000, while the Platinum trim offers 21-inch Bright Machined Aluminum wheels with Tarnish Dark Pockets for a $745 premium. To further customize the look, the ST-Line, Platinum, and ST trims offer an available Black Painted Roof for $4,895, providing a sharp contrast against paint options like the $600 Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat.

Safety & Driver Assistance

Armor for the Manchester Trails

When navigating the more rugged terrain and backroads around Manchester, the new Tremor trim provides essential functional styling. This off-road specialist features underbody protection and a Torsen limited-slip rear axle to handle gravel and uneven paths. The Tremor also includes an off-road tuned suspension that maintains the vehicle’s 71-inch height while ensuring better capability on unpaved surfaces. For those who prioritize a sportier appearance on the streets of Murfreesboro, the ST trim distinguishes itself with red-painted brake calipers and a quad-tipped exhaust system that complements its performance-tuned chassis.

Panoramic Views and Modern Finishes

Visibility is enhanced across the lineup with the available panoramic fixed-glass roof, priced at $1,850 for most models. This feature includes a power sunshade to manage the Tennessee heat during summer drives. If you are considering a different style or a previous generation, you can browse our selection of pre-owned SUVs to compare various model years. For a modern touch, the ST-Line and ST trims also offer Marsh Gray Metallic paint for $495, adding a sleek, contemporary finish to the vehicle’s 198.8-inch frame. These design choices ensure the vehicle remains as functional as it is visually striking.

Wheels, Covers and Spare

Wheels, Covers & Spare — available options with MSRP pricing

Floor, Cargo & Interior Protection

Floor, Cargo & Interior Protection — available options with MSRP pricing

Available across all trims:

Comfort & Seating Enhancements

Comfort & Seating Enhancements — available options with MSRP pricing

Available across all trims:

Exterior Style & Visibility

Exterior Style & Visibility — available options with MSRP pricing

Available across all trims:

Performance

EcoBoost Performance to Tackle Shelbyville Farmland and 5,000-Pound Towing for Duck River Weekends

Engine & Performance

Powertrain specifications across trim levels

Standard across all trims:

The 2026 Explorer arrives with a standard 4WD drivetrain across the entire lineup, providing the necessary traction for navigating the wet grass of Shelbyville pastures or the gravel access points along the Duck River. This capability is paired with two distinct EcoBoost engines tailored to different driving priorities. For those prioritizing efficiency during trips to the Stones River in Murfreesboro, the Active, ST-Line, and Platinum trims utilize a 2.3L I4 engine. This configuration delivers an EPA-estimated 20 city / 27 hwy MPG and a 24 combined MPG, ensuring that a full day of errands does not require constant refueling.

When the terrain demands more muscle, the ST and Tremor trims step up with a 3.0L V6 engine. In the ST, this power is managed by a sport-tuned suspension and performance brakes with red-painted calipers, while the Tremor focuses on rugged utility. The Tremor is positioned as the most powerful off-road Explorer ever, featuring a Torsen limited-slip rear axle and specialized off-road tuned suspension to handle the uneven elevation of the Cumberland Plateau. Despite its increased output, the Tremor maintains a respectable 19 city / 25 hwy MPG, while the ST offers 18 city / 25 hwy MPG.

Practicality remains a cornerstone of the mechanical design, with a maximum 5,000-pound towing capacity when properly equipped. This allows families to easily haul a boat for a weekend on the water or a trailer full of supplies for a local community event. To maintain this level of performance over the long term, our Ford parts department stocks the genuine components needed for routine maintenance or specific upgrades. Owners utilizing the underbody protection of the Tremor on a wooded trail or those enjoying the quad-tipped exhaust note of the ST will find the engineering provides a confident experience across the region.

Interior

Seven-Passenger Versatility for MTSU Game Days and Massive Cargo Space for Stones River Outings

Dimensions & Capacity

The 2026 Explorer is engineered to manage the specific needs of local families, providing standard seating for 7 passengers across the Active, ST-Line, Platinum, ST, and Tremor trims. With an overall length of 198.8 inches and a width of 78.9 inches, the cabin offers a spacious environment for social commutes or group outings. Families frequently visiting the university will appreciate that the ST-Line includes Second Row Captain’s Chairs with E-Z Entry and armrests as standard equipment, which streamlines access to the back row. In contrast, the Platinum and ST trims come with a Second Row Bench with E-Z Entry, ensuring maximum passenger capacity for larger groups.

Cargo utility is a standout feature, offering up to about 86 cubic feet of total storage volume when the rear seats are stowed. This capacity is ideal for transporting large picnic baskets to Stones River or loading up supplies after a day at Cannonsburgh Village. The Platinum trim simplifies these transitions with standard PowerFold third-row seats that fold flat electronically. For interior comfort, the Platinum provides heated, ventilated, and massaging front-row seats with leather inserts, while the Active trim can be upgraded with a $2,000 Active Comfort Package.

To protect the cabin from outdoor elements, Weather Floor Liners for the third row are available for $155 on the Active or $120 on the ST-Line and higher trims. If you are deciding between different interior layouts, our experienced staff members can help you compare the bench and captain's chair options. Every configuration benefits from the 71-inch roof height, providing sufficient headroom for all occupants during regional travels.