2026 Ford Explorer
This page covers the 2026 Ford Explorer, a SUV available in 9 trims from $38,465 to $56,905. Below you will find crash test ratings, fuel cost data, reliability scores, recall history, ownership costs, and manufacturer specifications, each sourced and linked to the original publisher.
The 2026 Ford Explorer carries a 5-star NHTSA safety rating, a fuel cost grade of B among mid-range SUVs, and a RepairPal reliability score of 3.5/5. NHTSA has 4 recall campaigns on file, more than the 1.8 average for SUVs.
What the published data indicates
Compared with similar SUVs in our dataset, the clearest positive signals for the 2026 Ford Explorer are high published crash-test results and lower estimated fuel cost. The main caution is that the recall history is not a standout.
- safety
- fuel cost
Strongest published signals
- Safety: 5-star NHTSA + IIHS TSP+. Safest SUVs 2026 →
- Fuel: Below-average fuel cost among gas SUVs. Best-case annual fuel cost is $1,800. Cheapest SUVs to fuel 2026 →
Limits and cautions
- There are 4 recalls on file, above the current SUVs average. Zero-recall cars 2026 →
- Reliability is not a standout here: RepairPal 3.5/5.
- AAA estimates $13,584/yr in non-fuel costs for the Medium SUV class: insurance $1,873, maintenance $1,817, depreciation $5,074. These are class averages, not specific to this model.
Comparable models
- Starting MSRP
- $38,465 - $56,905
- EPA Combined MPG
- 20-24 MPG
- NHTSA Safety Rating
- 5-Star (Highest)
- IIHS Award
- Top Safety Pick+
- Est. Annual Fuel Cost
- $1,800 - $2,200/yr
- Recalls on File
- 4 recalls on file
- EPA: vs Avg Vehicle
- $1,250 more over 5 yrs
- Brand Origin
- United States
How Safe Is the 2026 Ford Explorer?
The 2026 Ford Explorer earned NHTSA's highest 5-star safety rating and TSP+ recognition from IIHS, placing it among the most thoroughly tested SUVs for crash protection. 82% of SUVs share this top NHTSA rating. Source: NHTSA.
Overall Safety
82% of SUVs share this top rating
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Frontal Crash | |
| Side Crash | |
| Rollover |
Rollover Risk: 15.1%
NHTSA and IIHS test vehicles independently using different crash scenarios. Together, they provide the most complete picture of a vehicle's crashworthiness.
How Did the 2026 Ford Explorer Perform in IIHS Crash Tests?
IIHS awarded the 2026 Ford Explorer a TSP+ designation, which requires good or acceptable ratings in all crashworthiness categories plus effective front crash prevention. IIHS tests are independent of NHTSA and use different crash configurations. Source: IIHS.
| Test | Rating |
|---|---|
| Small Overlap Front | G Good |
| Moderate Overlap Front | G Good |
| Side | G Good |
| Headlights | G Good |
| Front Crash Prevention (Pedestrian) | G Good |
| Child Seat Anchors (LATCH) | A Acceptable |
IIHS vehicle class: Midsize SUVs
Beyond crash test performance, the recall record shows whether the manufacturer has identified and addressed any safety-related defects after the vehicle went on sale.
Does the 2026 Ford Explorer Have Any Recalls?
NHTSA has 4 recall campaigns on file for the 2026 Ford Explorer, affecting ENGINE, TRAILER HITCHES, VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD. This is more than the 1.8 average for SUVs. A higher recall count does not necessarily indicate a less safe vehicle. It may reflect a manufacturer's responsiveness to potential issues. Repairs are free at authorized dealers. Source: NHTSA.
4 recall campaigns on file with NHTSA.
Components: ENGINE, TRAILER HITCHES, VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
Most recent: January 2026
Units affected: 626,677
Owner-Reported Problems
NHTSA complaint data is not available for the 2026 Ford Explorer. This does not mean there are no complaints. The model may not yet be tracked in the NHTSA database.
Source: NHTSA Vehicle Complaints Database. Data last refreshed 2026-03-07.
With the safety picture established, the next question is cost. Fuel is typically the largest variable expense for most drivers.
What Is the 2026 Ford Explorer Fuel Economy?
The 2026 Ford Explorer achieves up to 24 combined MPG, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $1,800. This is close to the $1,708 average for mid-range SUVs. Actual costs depend on driving habits and fuel prices. Source: EPA (fueleconomy.gov).
Ranges from 20 to 24 combined MPG depending on trim and drivetrain.
| Trim | Combined | City | Highway | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Active RWD GAS | 24 MPG | 20 | 29 | $1,800/yr |
| Active AWD GAS | 23 MPG | 20 | 27 | $1,900/yr |
| ST-Line RWD GAS | 24 MPG | 20 | 29 | $1,800/yr |
| ST-Line AWD GAS | 23 MPG | 20 | 27 | $1,900/yr |
| Tremor AWD GAS | 23 MPG | 20 | 27 | $1,900/yr |
| Platinum RWD GAS | 24 MPG | 20 | 29 | $1,800/yr |
| Platinum AWD GAS | 23 MPG | 20 | 27 | $1,900/yr |
| ST RWD GAS | 21 MPG | 18 | 25 | $2,100/yr |
| ST AWD GAS | 20 MPG | 18 | 25 | $2,200/yr |
Fuel is only one part of the ownership cost equation. AAA estimates the full picture: insurance, maintenance, depreciation, and financing.
What Does the 2026 Ford Explorer Cost to Own?
Estimated 5-year total ownership cost for the 2026 Ford Explorer ranges from $91,285 to $135,825 depending on trim, based on AAA's Your Driving Costs study for the Medium SUV class. This includes insurance, maintenance, depreciation, registration, and financing. These are class averages, not specific to this model. Source: AAA.
| Maintenance | $1,817/yr |
|---|---|
| Insurance | $1,873/yr |
| Depreciation | $5,074/yr |
| Registration & Taxes | $862/yr |
| Financing | $1,815/yr |
| Total (excluding fuel) | $13,584/yr |
| Cost per mile | $0.84/mi |
Total cost varies significantly by trim. The table below breaks down each trim so you can see exactly where your money goes.
How Do the 2026 Ford Explorer Trims Compare?
The 2026 Ford Explorer is available in 9 trims, with base prices ranging from $38,465 to $56,905. All trims use a Gasoline powertrain. The table below compares key specifications and costs across all available trims. Prices shown are manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) and do not include destination charges, dealer fees, taxes, or incentives.
| Trim | Base MSRP | Combined MPG | Est. Annual Fuel Cost | Drive Type | Horsepower | Est. 5-Year Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Active RWD GAS | $38,465 | 24 MPG | $1,800/yr | RWD | 300 hp | $91,285 |
| Active AWD GAS | $40,465 | 23 MPG | $1,900/yr | AWD | 300 hp | $117,885 |
| ST-Line RWD GAS | $45,155 | 24 MPG | $1,800/yr | RWD | 300 hp | $97,975 |
| ST-Line AWD GAS | $47,155 | 23 MPG | $1,900/yr | AWD | 300 hp | $124,575 |
| Tremor AWD GAS | $48,465 | 23 MPG | $1,900/yr | AWD | 300 hp | $125,885 |
| Platinum RWD GAS | $50,965 | 24 MPG | $1,800/yr | RWD | 300 hp | $103,785 |
| Platinum AWD GAS | $52,965 | 23 MPG | $1,900/yr | AWD | 300 hp | $130,385 |
| ST RWD GAS | $54,905 | 21 MPG | $2,100/yr | RWD | 400 hp | $109,225 |
| ST AWD GAS | $56,905 | 20 MPG | $2,200/yr | AWD | 400 hp | $135,825 |
The Ford Explorer lineup has contracted from 15 trims in 2024 to 9 trims in 2026. The entry price has increased $1,605 since 2024.
New trims since 2024
- Active RWD GAS (added 2025)
- Active AWD GAS (added 2025)
- Tremor AWD GAS (added 2026)
Trims no longer available
- Base RWD GAS (last available 2024)
- XLT RWD GAS (last available 2024)
- Base AWD GAS (last available 2024)
- XLT AWD GAS (last available 2024)
- Limited RWD GAS (last available 2024)
- Timberline AWD GAS (last available 2024)
- Limited AWD GAS (last available 2024)
- King Ranch RWD GAS (last available 2024)
- King Ranch AWD GAS (last available 2024)
Price changes since 2024
- ST RWD GAS $50,105 (2024) → $54,905 (2026) +$4,800
- ST AWD GAS $52,105 (2024) → $56,905 (2026) +$4,800
- Platinum RWD GAS $54,770 (2024) → $50,965 (2026) -$3,805
- Platinum AWD GAS $56,770 (2024) → $52,965 (2026) -$3,805
- ST-Line RWD GAS $46,455 (2024) → $45,155 (2026) -$1,300
- ST-Line AWD GAS $48,455 (2024) → $47,155 (2026) -$1,300
View full trim timeline (2024–2026)
| Trim | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base RWD GAS | $36,860 24 MPG | — | — |
| XLT RWD GAS | $38,670 24 MPG | — | — |
| Base AWD GAS | $38,860 23 MPG | — | — |
| XLT AWD GAS | $40,670 23 MPG | — | — |
| ST-Line RWD GAS | $46,455 24 MPG | $45,020 24 MPG | $45,155 24 MPG |
| Limited RWD GAS | $47,520 24 MPG | — | — |
| ST-Line AWD GAS | $48,455 23 MPG | $47,020 23 MPG | $47,155 23 MPG |
| Timberline AWD GAS | $49,430 21 MPG | — | — |
| Limited AWD GAS | $49,520 23 MPG | — | — |
| ST RWD GAS | $50,105 21 MPG | $54,770 21 MPG | $54,905 21 MPG |
| ST AWD GAS | $52,105 20 MPG | $56,770 20 MPG | $56,905 20 MPG |
| King Ranch RWD GAS | $54,625 21 MPG | — | — |
| Platinum RWD GAS | $54,770 21 MPG | $52,525 24 MPG | $50,965 24 MPG |
| King Ranch AWD GAS | $56,625 20 MPG | — | — |
| Platinum AWD GAS | $56,770 20 MPG | $54,525 23 MPG | $52,965 23 MPG |
| Active RWD GAS | — | $40,050 24 MPG | $38,465 24 MPG |
| Active AWD GAS | — | $42,050 23 MPG | $40,465 23 MPG |
| Tremor AWD GAS | — | — | $48,465 23 MPG |
Compare Trim Costs
Select two trims and adjust your driving and financing to see how monthly costs compare. Only costs we can compute from EPA data and your inputs are shown. No estimates, no guesses.
Your driving & financing
Choosing a trim is also about long-term dependability. The section below shows the third-party reliability rating available for this model.
How Reliable Is the 2026 Ford Explorer?
RepairPal rates the 2026 Ford Explorer at 3.5 out of 5.0 for reliability, which is about average for mid-range SUVs. RepairPal ratings reflect repair frequency and cost data from a network of certified repair shops. Source: RepairPal.
The manufacturer's warranty provides a baseline of coverage. Here is what Ford includes.
What Warranty Does the 2026 Ford Explorer Come With?
Ford provides the following warranty coverage for the 2026 Explorer. Warranty terms are published by the manufacturer and apply to all trims. Coverage begins from the date of original purchase. Warranty terms shown here reflect the most recently published manufacturer data.
| Basic Warranty | 3yr/36k |
|---|---|
| Powertrain Warranty | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion Warranty | 5yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/60k |
What Are the 2026 Ford Explorer Specs?
Detailed specifications for the 2026 Ford Explorer as reported by the manufacturer. Specifications may vary by trim, market, and production date. Source: manufacturer-reported data.
| Engine | 2.3L I4, 3L V6 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 300 - 400 hp |
| Torque | 310 - 415 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic, 10-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drive Type | Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded |
| Fuel Tank | 17.9 - 20.2 gal |
| Length | 198.8 in |
|---|---|
| Width | 78.9 in |
| Height | 69.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 119.1 in |
What Changed for the 2026 Ford Explorer?
- Number of available trims changed
- Pricing changed across one or more trims
- Recall status changed
All data shown for the 2026 Ford Explorer comes from EPA, NHTSA, IIHS, AAA, manufacturers, and selected third-party references. This page updates automatically when source agencies publish new information. See our methodology page for details on data collection and verification.
2026 Ford Explorer FAQ
How does the 2026 Ford Explorer compare to other suvs?
Based on published data, the 2026 Ford Explorer has a safety grade of A, a fuel cost grade of B, and a RepairPal reliability score of 3.5/5. These grades compare it against similar suvs in its price range. No single metric tells the whole story, so we recommend reviewing each section on this page. See our Safest SUVs 2026 list.
Which 2026 Ford Explorer trim has the lowest ownership cost?
Among 9 available trims, the Active RWD GAS has the lowest estimated five-year ownership cost at $91,285, starting at $38,465 MSRP. The most expensive trim to own is about $135,825. See the full trim comparison table above for a side-by-side breakdown.
How much does 2026 Ford Explorer insurance cost?
AAA estimates the annual insurance cost for the Medium SUV class at $1,873 per year, or about $156 per month. This is a class-level average, not specific to the 2026 Ford Explorer. Your actual premium will depend on your driving history, location, and coverage choices. Source: AAA Your Driving Costs study.
How much does 2026 Ford Explorer maintenance cost per year?
AAA estimates average annual maintenance for the Medium SUV class at $1,817 per year. This covers routine services, wear items, and unscheduled repairs. Combined with insurance ($1,873/yr) and depreciation ($5,074/yr), total non-fuel ownership costs run about $13,584 per year. These are class averages from the AAA Your Driving Costs study.
How fast does a 2026 Ford Explorer depreciate?
AAA estimates the Medium SUV class depreciates about $5,074 per year, or roughly $25,370 over five years. On a base MSRP of $38,465, that represents about 66% of the purchase price. These are class averages and actual depreciation varies by trim, condition, mileage, and market demand. Source: AAA.
How much will I spend on gas with a 2026 Ford Explorer?
The most efficient 2026 Ford Explorer trim costs an estimated $1,800 per year in fuel, or about $150 per month, based on EPA ratings and national average fuel prices. See our Cheapest SUVs to fuel 2026 list.
What vehicles compete with the 2026 Ford Explorer?
Based on price range, body type, and segment positioning, the closest competitors to the 2026 Ford Explorer include 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, 2026 Mazda CX-90, and 2026 Kia Sorento Hybrid. Each of those pages includes the same safety, fuel cost, reliability, and recall data so you can compare directly. Browse all 2026 SUVs.
What changed on the 2026 Ford Explorer from last year?
Compared to the previous model year, 3 new trims were added, 9 trims were dropped, and the entry price increased by $1,605 for the Ford Explorer lineup. See the trim evolution timeline above for full year-by-year pricing and availability details.
How much does a 2026 Ford Explorer cost per month to own?
Excluding your car payment, estimated monthly costs for the 2026 Ford Explorer include about $1,132 for insurance, maintenance, depreciation, and fees, plus roughly $150 for fuel. That puts non-payment running costs around $1,282 per month. These are estimates based on AAA class averages and EPA fuel data. Actual costs depend on your driving, location, and coverage.
Is the 2026 Ford Explorer safe for families?
The 2026 Ford Explorer earned NHTSA's highest 5-star overall safety rating, which evaluates frontal crash, side crash, and rollover resistance. It also earned IIHS TSP+ recognition, which tests different crash scenarios. A 5-star rating does not guarantee safety in every situation but indicates strong performance in standardized crash tests. See our Safest SUVs 2026 list.
Compare to Similar Vehicles
Other Model Years
Data on this page is compiled from government agencies and independent research organizations. It is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, purchasing, or safety advice. Verify all data with the original source before making decisions.