2026 Ford Explorer

Whether packing up for a weekend getaway along the Black River or managing the weekday morning drop-off, the 2026 Ford Explorer provides a versatile three-row platform for families in Onalaska, Wisconsin. This midsize SUV balances spacious accommodations, modern technology, flexible performance options, and robust driver assistance to handle changing Midwestern road conditions.

Exterior Design

The exterior of the 2026 model highlights a bold, commanding stance with a modernized front grille and sleek LED headlamps that frame the fascia. A black-painted roof option adds a distinctive, contrasting look to upper trim levels. Buyers can choose from an array of updated wheel designs ranging from 18-inch to 21-inch alloy wheels.

For those looking to venture beyond paved roads, the newly introduced Tremor trim features rugged exterior elements. This adventure-focused version includes an extra inch of ground clearance, front recovery points, underbody steel skid plates, and grille-mounted trail lights. Across all models, the hands-free power liftgate provides convenient access to the rear cargo area when your hands are full of groceries or sports gear.

Interior Comfort and Technology

Inside, the cabin prioritizes comfort and modern connectivity with seating configurations for six or seven passengers. The dashboard layout features premium soft-touch materials and customizable multicolor ambient lighting. The standard third-row seating incorporates an easy-entry mechanism that slides the second-row seats forward, allowing passengers quick access to the back. When maximum utility is required, folding down the rear rows opens up 85.8 cubic feet of total cargo capacity.

Technology centers around the Ford Digital Experience, which is anchored by a standard 13.2-inch touchscreen display. This interface integrates Google built-in and Amazon Alexa, while offering wireless compatibility for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. For comfort during cold Wisconsin winters, available amenities include a heated steering wheel, heated second-row seats, and multicontour front seats equipped with an Active Motion massage function.

Performance and Capability

The powertrain lineup offers two turbocharged engine options engineered for confident acceleration and hauling power. The standard setup features a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine generating 300 horsepower. For enhanced performance, higher trim levels utilize a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 engine that produces 400 horsepower. Both options route power through a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission.

To tackle snowy winters or slippery boat ramps, intelligent four-wheel drive is widely available, featuring selectable drive modes that recalibrate traction management on the fly. Furthermore, every model comes standard with a Class III Trailer Tow Package, providing a maximum towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.

Safety and Driver Assistance

To support safety on regional routes like Highway 53, the vehicle comes standard with Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ technology. This comprehensive safety suite includes:

• Pre-Collision Assist: Features automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection to mitigate forward accidents.
• Blind Spot Information System (BLIS): Monitors adjacent lanes and extends coverage to include the length of a towed trailer.
• Lane-Keeping System: Applies subtle steering corrections to keep the vehicle centered within its lane.

Advanced safety options include a 360-degree camera system with a split-view display for easier parking maneuvers. Additionally, available BlueCruise hands-free driving technology allows for relaxed travel on designated highways, complete with an automatic lane change feature.