Hastings Ford – What to Know About the 2026 Ford Explorer
The 2026 Ford Explorer arrives as a confident, do-it-all three-row SUV that fits busy family life, long-distance road trips, and weekend adventures with equal ease. It pairs balanced driving dynamics with everyday comfort, adds meaningful tech that simplifies the drive, and wraps it all in a modern interior that feels inviting from the first test drive. Whether you want a smooth commuter, a trail-capable companion, or a family hauler with an upscale touch, the Explorer lineup makes it simple to match features to your needs without overcomplicating the choices.
Capability remains at the heart of the Explorer story. Turbocharged powertrains provide strong acceleration and passing power, while rear-wheel-drive foundations and available all-wheel drive contribute to secure handling in year-round conditions. The transmission shifts cleanly and keeps the engine in its sweet spot, so the Explorer feels responsive without being busy. For towing, loading up for a lake day, or carving a steady path across Nebraska backroads, you get a quiet, composed ride that keeps everyone comfortable and confident.
- Powertrains: Turbocharged options deliver a blend of efficiency and punch, including a performance-focused setup for drivers who want extra thrills.
- Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive supports confident handling, with available all-wheel drive for added traction in rain, snow, and on gravel.
- Seating: Flexible three-row layout with available second-row captain’s chairs or a bench to suit six- or seven-passenger needs.
- Cargo: Flat-folding rear rows and a wide cargo opening make it easy to pack strollers, sports gear, coolers, or luggage.
- Tech: A large touchscreen, seamless smartphone integration, built-in apps, and voice control help you stay connected and focused.
- Safety: Advanced driver-assist features such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping support, and blind-spot monitoring come standard or available.
Inside, the Explorer favors smart storage, intuitive controls, and supportive seating across all three rows. The front seats offer an elevated view and easy access to the infotainment system, while the second row slides and tilts to help passengers reach the third row quickly. Materials feel thoughtfully chosen, with soft-touch surfaces in high-contact areas and durable finishes where families need them most. On the tech front, the system loads quickly, displays crisp graphics, and integrates navigation, media, and phone features so you can set destinations, queue playlists, or send texts by voice. Multiple USB ports across all rows, available premium audio, and over-the-air update capability round out the experience.
Shoppers will also find a straightforward path to the right configuration. Looking for an everyday SUV with strong value and comfort features? There is a well-equipped core model for that. Prefer a sportier look and feel? The lineup adds performance cues outside and in. Want more luxury? Upper trims add refined materials and amenities like a panoramic roof and advanced driver assistance. If your weekends involve dirt, mud, or snow-packed trails, you can choose a trail-oriented model that brings beefier tires, protective hardware, and specialized drive modes.
- Family-first comfort: Prioritize captain’s chairs for easy child-seat access, rear climate controls, and added USB ports for tablets and phones.
- Performance personality: Select the more powerful engine and sport-tuned setup if you want brisk acceleration and dynamic road manners.
- All-weather confidence: Add all-wheel drive for extra traction on wet or unpaved roads and choose tires that fit your climate.
- Premium touches: Look for ambient lighting, upgraded audio, and leather seating surfaces to elevate long-haul comfort.
When you are ready to test-drive, plan a route that mirrors your real life: a highway merge, a bumpy side street, a tight parking spot, and a stretch of open road. Bring along car seats, a stroller, or a cooler to check cargo fit. If you have a trade-in, take a few photos and jot down service history so we can provide an accurate valuation. Our team can also walk you through protection plans, accessories like roof carriers and all-weather mats, and service scheduling to keep your Explorer performing its best over time.
- Seating configuration: Try both captain’s chairs and the bench to confirm space and comfort for your passengers.
- Second- and third-row access: Practice folding and sliding the seats to ensure easy entry to the wayback.
- Ride and noise: Evaluate the cabin’s quietness and suspension comfort over patched pavement.
- Tech ease-of-use: Pair your phone, set a destination, and try voice commands to gauge responsiveness.
- Driver-assist feel: Sample lane-centering, adaptive cruise, and parking aids and see how naturally they operate.
- Parking and visibility: Test camera views, sensor alerts, and turning radius in a tight lot.
At Hastings Ford, we are committed to a transparent, pressure-free experience built around your goals—serving Juniata, Grand Island, and Aurora. From first look to delivery day, our advisors help you compare trims, answer technology questions, and set up a personalized test drive so you can decide with confidence. Reach out to schedule your visit, get a trade appraisal, or start your order from home, and let our team tailor a 2026 Explorer to your life.
Frequently Asked Questions:
When can I test-drive the 2026 Ford Explorer?
Availability varies by trim and color, and incoming inventory changes quickly, so contact our team for current test-drive times and to reserve the exact configuration you want.
How many passengers does the Explorer seat?
You can choose a six-passenger layout with second-row captain’s chairs or a seven-passenger layout with a second-row bench, allowing you to prioritize comfort or maximum seating.
Is there an off-road-oriented version?
Yes, the lineup includes a trail-focused model with upgraded suspension tuning, added underbody protection, all-terrain tires, and specialized drive modes for dirt and gravel.
What driver-assist features are included?
Every Explorer includes a comprehensive safety suite such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping support, and blind-spot monitoring, with available upgrades like adaptive cruise and advanced parking assistance.
Can you help with trade-ins and financing?
Absolutely; we provide real-time trade appraisals, a range of competitive financing options, and clear explanations of terms so you can choose the plan that fits your budget and timeline.
What should I bring to my appointment?
Please bring your driver’s license, proof of insurance, and any trade-in documents such as title, registration, loan payoff details, and service records to streamline your visit.
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