2026 Ford Explorer
Starting at $44,380 MSRP
2026 Ford Explorer Tremor Review: Is This Off-Road SUV Worth the Upgrade?
Our automotive expert shares opinions and new photos of the 2026 Explorer Tremor.
James Riswick
The 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor is a three-row crossover SUV for families who like to go on extra-adventurous adventures. Compared with a regular Explorer, the Tremor has an off-road-tuned suspension, underbody protection, all-terrain tires, and design changes intended to make it more capable off the beaten path. Although it is noisier and less comfortable than a standard model, it doesn't lose its family-friendly functionality.
What Is the 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor?
The Tremor is one of the 2026 Explorer's six trim levels, but in a way, it could also be considered a factory off-road package for Ford's three-row crossover. It's also one of several Fords with Tremor versions, including the F-Series, Expedition, and Maverick. The general idea is to provide greater off-road capability than other Explorers without losing the three-row seating and other family-oriented elements.
2026 Ford Explorer Test Vehicle Specifications
For this Explorer review, I test-drove the Tremor trim level in Southern California. Optional equipment highlights included the EcoBoost V6 engine; this requires the $11,850 Ultimate package, which adds an abundance of luxury features. The manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) was around $64,510, including the $1,795 destination charge. Ford provided the vehicle for this Explorer Tremor review.
James Riswick
2026 Explorer Tremor Specs: Engine, Performance, and Towing
Like most Explorer trim levels, the 2026 Tremor comes standard with a 2.3-liter turbocharged EcoBoost four-cylinder engine that produces 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. All Explorers get a 10-speed automatic transmission, and although rear-wheel drive is usually standard, the Tremor only comes with four-wheel drive (4WD).
My test vehicle, however, came with the 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 engine that produces 385 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, though that exact output requires premium fuel. The EcoBoost V6 is an option on the Tremor and standard on the Explorer ST.Â
The 2026 Explorer Tremor can tow 5,000 pounds, which is the same as every other Explorer, regardless of engine. The Explorer also comes standard with a Class III tow hitch, so there's no need to check an options box if you need to tow or intend to use a hitch-mounted rack.
James Riswick
Off-Road Capabilities: What the Tremor Actually Gets You
The Tremor has a different suspension from other Explorers. It has specially tuned springs and sway bars, plus increased ground clearance to 8.7 inches from the usual 7.6. The approach and departure angles are also improved. Should the Tremor's clearance not be enough, Ford fitted front and rear underbody protection plates. Other functional upgrades include a Torsen limited-slip rear differential, trim-specific 18-inch wheels fitted with Bridgestone all-terrain tires, and front tow hooks should things go awry.
I took the Tremor to my usual off-road trail, which offers a variety of challenges I wouldn't attempt in a typical family SUV. Before setting off, I selected the Tremor's lone off-road drive mode setting, which is literally called Off-Road.
The trail was especially dusty, reducing overall traction compared with my previous trips in a Ford Bronco 2-Door, a Ford Bronco Sport, and other vehicles not wearing Ford badges. The conditions proved to be quite the challenge for those Bridgestone all-terrains when going up an extremely steep incline that was littered with rocks and ruts.
There was plenty of slippage on the loose surface, but I could feel the 4WD system shifting power between the front and rear axles to compensate. That also goes for when one wheel found minimal traction in a rut. It was a particularly tough challenge, and the Tremor did well.
The all-terrain tires provided lots of confidence when driving over jagged-looking rocks. At the same time, the extra ground clearance and improved approach and departure angles prevented scraping in spots where lower vehicles would definitely make unpleasant noises. I also appreciated the forward-facing camera, as it provided a clear view ahead when I couldn't see beyond the hood line.
That said, the Explorer is quite big and long, and its 8.7 inches of ground clearance isn't that much. Those realities, plus the dusty trail, kept me from tackling harder passages with deep ruts and sharper approach points that I successfully traversed in the smaller Bronco Sport with its Sasquatch package. It was child's play for the Bronco 2-Door.
If I'd had a spotter with me to determine the best way forward, perhaps it would've been possible, but risking damage or getting stuck wasn't worth it. I was particularly worried about high-centering due to the Explorer's lengthy wheelbase. I strongly suspect Explorer Tremor owners would have a similarly cautious mindset and wouldn't attempt to tackle terrain that's much more severe than I did.
Given my experience, the Explorer Tremor does in fact have more off-road capability than the typical three-row crossover SUV. It also proved itself more capable than vehicles I've tested in the same location, such as the Chevrolet Traverse Z71, that are equipped with glorified appearance packages and all-terrain tires.
There is a penalty for the Tremor's extra off-road capability, and it's due to the tires. This version of the Explorer is very loud on the highway, with constant tire roar that'll have you turning up the B&O sound system. Furthermore, the ride quality is much worse. The all-terrains provide little absorption over sharper impacts — it can feel like you've gone running in hiking boots. This is common for crossovers fitted with all-terrains (that Traverse Z71 was even worse), but it's still a trade-off to note.
James Riswick
2026 Explorer Tremor Price: What You'll Pay and What's Included
The 2026 Explorer's base price is near $40,000, including the destination charge, but the Tremor starts at about $51,000. Add the EcoBoost V6 and the Ultimate Package it's automatically tied to, and you're looking at a price tag that's in the mid-$60,000 range, like my test vehicle.
The Explorer's standard equipment includes cloth upholstery, a six-way power-adjustable driver's seat, second-row captain's chairs, and tri-zone automatic climate control. Tech features include a 12.3-inch digital driver's display, a 13.2-inch infotainment touchscreen, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
Every 2026 Explorer also has the massive Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ suite of driver-assistance tech, which includes adaptive cruise control, evasive-steering assist, and reverse automatic braking, to name just three standout features.
Beyond that, Ford equips the Tremor with a power liftgate, a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat and an eight-way power-adjustable front passenger's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, second-row climate controls, and heated second-row seats.
Additionally, it has an AC power outlet, a 10-speaker B&O sound system, and a surround-view camera, plus several Tremor-specific elements, such as special all-weather floor mats and Miko suede upholstery with "Tremor" stitching.
V6 Tremor buyers get the hardware for Ford's BlueCruise hands-free highway driving-assistance system. A 90-day trial is included, after which owners can choose to keep the subscription ongoing or activate it only when needed, such as for an upcoming road trip. It can also be added as a one-time purchase for $2,495.
The test model's optional Ultimate Package added a panoramic fixed-glass roof; auto-dimming rearview and driver's-side mirrors; driver memory settings; massaging front seats; a power-folding third row; and a 14-speaker, 980-watt B&O sound system.
James Riswick
Interior, Technology, and Family-Friendly Features
The Explorer's interior feels a lot better than it looks. Up front, there is padded simulated leather on the dashboard, doors, and center console. There's also a rich-feeling gray cloth that serves as dashboard trim, and nice-feeling, metal-look trim below. The various buttons and knobs are satisfying to use, too. For the segment, the overall materials and build quality are good, in my experience.
At the same time, the Explorer's interior design is plain at best. The shelf that juts out of the dash below the air vents may be handy for offloading your phone or sunglasses, but it makes the center of the dash look like a robot Muppet. I usually don't critique design so strongly, but after seeing the cabins of the Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, Nissan Pathfinder, and Honda Pilot, it's hard to imagine someone being impressed by the Explorer Tremor's.
The Explorer's third row also isn't as accommodating as those in the SUVs mentioned above. The seat is low, flat, and hard. Head- and legroom are comparatively OK, but this is a big-kid or small-teen zone only.
By contrast, I'm 6-foot-3, and can fit with reasonable comfort in the third rows of the Telluride, Palisade, and Toyota Grand Highlander, just to name a few. Getting back there in the Explorer Tremor is at least OK, thanks to an acceptable gap created by sliding the second row forward or slipping through the slot between the standard captain's chairs.
My passengers reported a much better experience in those second-row captain's chairs. They're nice and high off the floor, providing ample leg support, and they have inboard armrests. Taller folks may find their hair grazing the headliner or the Tremor's available panoramic glass roof, however. The second-row cupholders are also smaller than those in the first and third rows, and, in my opinion, poorly placed.
As for cargo space, the Explorer has 46.0 cubic-feet behind the captain's chairs but only 16.3 cu-ft behind the third row. I suspect, however, that's with the removable floor panel in place. Having it there provides a flat floor when the third row is lowered. When I removed that floor panel, the space expanded considerably, and I was able to fit four rollaboard suitcases and two duffel bags behind the third row. In my experience, that's solidly average for the segment.
In terms of technology, the Explorer shines. Its 13.2-inch touchscreen is just the right size, and the interface is easy to use thanks to crisp, legible graphics. I particularly liked the SiriusXM satellite radio menu. It showed my favorites list and song information on the same screen. With Google built-in features, I used the Explorer's integrated Google Maps extensively during a road trip from the northwest outer reaches of Los Angeles County down to, and then around, San Diego.
It has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and switching between the Apple and Ford digital menus was easy. I had no connectivity issues, though Ford is one of the car brands that won't let you scroll through a list of downloaded playlists and songs in the Apple Music app while the car is moving.
In terms of the Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ suite of driver-assistance systems, the Explorer once again proved to me that Ford driver-assistance tech is among the best in the industry. In short, it warns you when it should, it doesn't when it shouldn't, and it lets you customize its alerts and sensitivity. It all amounts to safety technologies that are more likely to be used.
And while I've always been impressed by Ford's adaptive cruise control and lane-centering steering-assist systems (see my Ford Bronco Sport review), my test vehicle had an active subscription to Ford's BlueCruise hands-free driving-assistance system. As such, the Explorer itself did most of the driving down to San Diego for me on Highway 101 and Interstates 405 and 5, all ultracongested, multilane mega-highways. It's a tough test, and BlueCruise passed.
James Riswick
Fuel Economy and Real-World Ownership Costs
Besides the loud road noise and less-comfortable ride, there's another price to be paid for getting the Tremor: fuel economy.
With the standard EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, the 2026 Explorer Tremor's fuel economy is an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in combined city and highway driving. The same engine in other 4WD Explorers returns 23 mpg combined. With the 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6, however, fuel economy goes down even further to 19 mpg combined.Â
In 367 miles of driving, much of which was on mostly free-flowing highways, the Explorer Tremor with the EcoBoost V6 did a bit better than its EPA highway estimate of 22 mpg, with 22.5 mpg. On a road trip with steadier speeds, I'm confident the Tremor could've done even better than that.
In other ownership cost considerations, the Explorer comes with a three-year or 36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, plus five-year or 60,000-mile powertrain coverage and five-year or 60,000-mile roadside assistance. Ford's recommended service interval is 10,000 miles.
According to Consumer Reports, Ford ranks 11th out of 26 brands for reliability, while JD Power ranked Ford 20th out of 29 brands in its 2026 Vehicle Dependability Study. RepairPal estimates the Explorer will provide above-average reliability but also says this SUV costs more than the average midsize SUV in annual repair and maintenance costs.
James Riswick
2026 Explorer Tremor vs. the Competition
In terms of off-road capability, I found that the 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor isn't as capable off the beaten path, or at least as confidence-inspiring, as the Ford Bronco and Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road. In particular, I didn't think twice about taking either one of those traditional SUVs through that extra-tough stretch on my off-road trail.
That can ultimately be OK, though, as the Explorer Tremor is far more comfortable, refined, and spacious than the rougher and more utilitarian Bronco and 4Runner. It also has a much higher-quality interior and handles better.
Indeed, the Explorer stands tall in terms of driving dynamics compared with more family-oriented choices such as the Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, Honda Pilot, Nissan Pathfinder, and Toyota Grand Highlander.
Apart from the Tremor's added noise and rougher ride, I enjoyed driving it, and the steering, in particular, is very good. I also wouldn't be surprised if it surpassed the off-roading capability of the Telluride X-Pro, Pilot TrailSport, and Pathfinder Rock Creek Edition, especially with the EcoBoost V6.
James Riswick
Pros and Cons: Should You Buy the 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor?
Pros:Â
- Great to drive
- Excellent infotainment and safety tech
- Good storage up front
- Powerful engines
Cons:Â
- Tremor's elevated road noise and rougher ride
- Tight third-row seat space
- Off-road capability good for the three-row crossover segment but ultimately limited
I really like the 2026 Ford Explorer. It's great to drive, has excellent technology, and the EcoBoost V6 engine option delivers performance hard to find in the segment. If having spacious rear seating is a priority, however, especially in the third row, the Explorer is not the best choice. And, again, the interior design is a bummer.
As for the Explorer Tremor, it's not the trim level I would recommend. Sure, it looks cool, but the ride-comfort and interior-noise penalties are significant, and I question how many people would actually use its extra off-road capability. It also doesn't add that many utility enhancements for outdoor adventures.
Plus, if off-roading is a priority, a Toyota 4Runner or Ford's own Bronco would be better choices, and I'm confident the Kia Telluride X-Pro and Honda Pilot TrailSport would at least come close to the Tremor's off-roading ability while being more civilized on the road.
James Riswick
FAQs
What makes the 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor different from a standard Explorer?
The Tremor has a different suspension than other Explorers. It has specifically tuned springs and sway bars, plus increased ground clearance to 8.7 inches from the usual 7.6. The approach and departure angles were also improved. Should the SUV's clearance not be enough, Ford has fitted front and rear underbody protection plates. Other functional upgrades include a Torsen limited-slip rear differential, trim-specific 18-inch wheels wrapped with Bridgestone all-terrain tires, and front tow hooks to yank you out of trouble should things go awry.
How much does the 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor cost?
The 2026 Explorer Tremor starts around $51,000, including destination. Add the EcoBoost V6 and the Ultimate Package, which the engine upgrade requires, and you're looking at a price tag in the mid-$60,000 range.
Is the 2026 Explorer Tremor actually capable off-road, or is it mostly cosmetic?
The Explorer Tremor trim level isn't just cosmetic. Yes, it has black wheels, a trim-specific grille with special lighting, and bronze-like accents, but it also has a raised, off-road suspension, better approach and departure angles, standard 4WD, a Torsen limited-slip differential, and all-terrain tires. This test showed that it was more capable off-road than the typical three-row family crossover, but less so than a more dedicated off-roader such as the Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road.
What is the fuel economy of the 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor?Â
With the standard four-cylinder engine, the 2026 Explorer Tremor's EPA-estimated fuel economy is 21 mpg in combined city and highway driving. That represents a 2-mpg penalty compared with other 4WD Explorers equipped with the same engine, which get 23 mpg combined. With the 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6, fuel economy drops even further to 19 mpg combined.
How does the 2026 Explorer Tremor compare with the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk?Â
As the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk is not being sold for 2026, the Explorer Tremor's mere existence gives it a clear edge. However, Jeep has confirmed the Trailhawk is returning for 2027, equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine making 324 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, more than the Explorer Tremor's turbo four. The Trailhawk also offers 6,200 pounds of towing capacity, a Quadra-Lift air suspension providing up to 11.4 inches of ground clearance, and more underbody skid plates than the Tremor. That said, the Ford offers a third-row seat and the Jeep does not.
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