2026 Ford Explorer near Aurora, NE
2026 Ford Explorer Overview
The 2026 Ford Explorer near Aurora, NE brings a well-rounded blend of comfort, technology, and performance that makes everyday driving and weekend adventures feel effortless. A thoughtful refresh has elevated materials and tech while preserving the Explorer’s balanced road manners and flexible three-row layout. From a standard 13.2-inch LCD touchscreen running the Ford Digital Experience to an available Bang & Olufsen audio system, the cabin is tuned for modern family life. Underneath, a confident rear-wheel-drive foundation with available all-wheel drive supports composed handling in varied conditions, and every model includes trailer-ready hardware for confident utility. At Hastings Ford, we highlight how the new Tremor trim’s lifted suspension and trail-oriented hardware expand your horizons without sacrificing the Explorer’s daily usability. For shoppers weighing options against other midsize three-row SUVs, the 2026 Ford Explorer continues to offer meaningful choice—two distinct powertrains, multiple trims, and tech that fits real-world routines. If you’re researching a capable family SUV that functions as smoothly on Monday school runs as it does on long highway stretches, our team is ready to help you compare configurations and test-drive the 2026 Ford Explorer to ensure the fit is right for your needs near Aurora, NE.
Exterior - Ford Dealer serving Aurora, NE
Confident and purposeful, the Explorer’s exterior cues signal capability without excess. Last year’s tasteful styling update carries forward, refining the front fascia, grille, and lighting signatures to give the three-row SUV a crisp, modern face. Wheel choices span from practical to performance-flavored—ST-Line rides on 20-inch painted alloys that pair street presence with easy-clean practicality. For drivers drawn to rugged backroads, the newly added Tremor trim stands out with a factory-tuned, lifted suspension, all-terrain tires on special 18-inch wheels, and a limited-slip rear differential for traction you can trust on loose surfaces. A black painted roof is available for a striking two-tone visual, giving the Explorer a tailored, upscale edge. Towing is supported by integrated hardware that keeps the profile clean while ensuring your hitch, wiring, and trailer stability systems are ready when needed. Whether you choose a family-friendly configuration or a more adventurous look, the Explorer’s stance feels planted, and visibility is excellent. That’s exactly what many families want in a daily driver that can also shoulder vacations, yard projects, and club sports—versatility built into the sheetmetal. If you’re scouting the right 2026 Ford Explorer near Aurora, NE, our team will walk you through color and trim combinations that match your lifestyle.
Interior - 2026 Ford Explorer near Aurora, NE
Inside, the Explorer’s focus on function is now complemented by richer materials and smart design touches that make time behind the wheel more pleasant. The dash and door uppers use more soft-touch surfaces, while the center console is redesigned for easier access to storage and charging. A standard 13.2-inch LCD touchscreen anchors the cabin, powered by the Ford Digital Experience so you can use integrated Google and Amazon services, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and even stream video with the vehicle in Park. Families appreciate the eight total USB ports that reach all three rows, plus three 12-volt outlets for added flexibility. Access to the third row remains simple with a one-touch mechanism that slides the second-row seat clear, and when that third row is folded, a generous cargo floor opens up for strollers, sports gear, or luggage. An available Bang & Olufsen audio system brings concert-like clarity on road trips, while heated second-row seats and a flat-bottom ST steering wheel—standard on ST-Line—add everyday comfort and flair. Hastings Ford customers also value the available options like a black painted roof and upgraded seating materials that let you tailor a look and feel that reflects how you travel and who rides with you.
Ford Explorer Mechanical specs
The Explorer’s mechanical foundation is engineered for confidence. A rear-wheel-drive layout comes standard, creating balanced dynamics and a reassuring, composed feel in everyday driving. Available all-wheel drive adds confident traction in wet, snowy, or gravel conditions, and the 10-speed automatic transmission delivers smooth, decisive shifts that help both performance and efficiency. The Tremor trim deepens that mechanical capability with a lifted suspension designed for extra clearance, a limited-slip rear differential to help you continue moving when traction is split, and robust all-terrain tires that add bite without compromising road manners. Every 2026 Explorer includes a factory Class III Towing package that equips the SUV with a hitch, a trailer wiring harness, and trailer sway control—supporting a maximum towing capacity of up to 5000 pounds when properly equipped. The suspension tuning across the lineup emphasizes stability and comfort, so a fully loaded cabin remains calm over broken pavement. Braking is equally confidence-inspiring, with strong pedal feel and predictable stops. If your search includes real-world capability with straightforward, built-in towing support, the 2026 Ford Explorer near Aurora, NE offers hardware and tuning that make workdays and weekends function with the same smooth predictability.
Powertrain - Ford Dealership near Aurora, NE
Variety under the hood lets you tailor the Explorer’s performance profile to your daily routine. The standard turbocharged 2.3-liter inline-four is rated at 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, pairing brisk acceleration with responsive midrange power for merging and passing. For those who want an even stronger hit, the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6—standard on ST and available on Platinum—amps output to 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque when using premium fuel. Both engines are linked to a 10-speed automatic transmission that helps keep the engine in the sweet spot whether you’re climbing grades, easing through traffic, or cruising on the highway. Rear-wheel drive is standard; all-wheel drive is available across the lineup for added traction and confidence in variable weather. Testers have consistently praised the Explorer ST’s punchy power delivery and confident acceleration, while the four-cylinder’s blend of everyday muscle and efficiency remains a smart choice for many families. The 2026 Ford Explorer also offers smooth towing manners thanks to its broad torque curves and integrated trailer tech, so trips with a boat, small camper, or weekend project feel straightforward and stress-free. If you’re cross-shopping performance, we can help you compare both engines and choose the right match for how you drive.
Safety - 2026 Ford Explorer dealer
Every Explorer is equipped with a robust suite of driver-assist and active safety features. Standard content includes forward-collision warning with automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist. These systems support attentive driving by providing timely alerts and assistance that can help reduce the severity of certain types of collisions or avoid them altogether. Available self-parking assist can guide steering inputs in tight spots, easing the stress of urban errands or crowded school pick-ups. Many families also appreciate the confidence of available BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assist technology designed for approved highways and trained for clear driver monitoring. Trailer sway control, bundled with the factory towing package, further supports safety by helping stabilize a loaded trailer in gusty crosswinds or when passing large trucks. The lighting signatures not only add style but also visibility, reinforcing a sense of security at dusk and after dark. Our team keeps an eye on evolving information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, and we are ready to walk you through available features and demonstrate how they function during a test drive at Hastings Ford so you can decide which systems matter most for your household.
Request more 2026 Ford Explorer near Aurora, NE information
For families balancing school-day routines with weekend ambitions, the Explorer offers practical space, technology that simplifies life, and performance that is easy to live with year-round. It’s versatile enough to carry a full crew and their gear, composed enough to make long drives relaxing, and capable enough to tow confidently when plans call for more than just seats and cargo. The 2026 Ford Explorer fits that brief with a flexible lineup, meaningful technology, and the kind of on-road poise shoppers tell us they want most. At Hastings Ford, our team will help you compare trims—from Active and ST-Line to Platinum and ST—and explain powertrain and package options in plain terms, including which driver-assist features and infotainment upgrades best match your routine. Shoppers from Kearney and York often prioritize a do-it-all three-row SUV that still feels enjoyable to drive, and the Explorer delivers just that. If you’re ready to explore configurations, test features in person, and take a thorough test drive near Aurora, NE, we invite you to see how the 2026 Ford Explorer meets your needs today—and supports your next road trip tomorrow.
May not represent actual vehicle. (Options, colors, trim and body style may vary)