Review:
The 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor
Like a lot of people, I still have an image in my head of the old Ford Explorer. Even though it’s evolved over the years, that's the version I instinctively picture.
After spending a week with the 2026 Explorer Tremor—including a round-trip drive from Denver to Colorado Springs—I realized it's time to update that mental picture.
Ford has given the Explorer a more modern, confident look. I wouldn't call it sleek, because that's not really the point. But it looks capable without trying too hard. The Tremor trim adds just enough rugged styling to remind you this isn't simply another suburban family SUV. It's built with some real off-road ability in mind.
That personality continues inside.
One of the first things I noticed was the upholstery. The seats feature attractive contrast stitching, and even the dashboard has stitched trim. They're small details, but together they give the cabin a more premium feel than I expected.
The front seats were comfortable over the course of my drive, and the second-row captain's chairs deserve special mention. There's plenty of headroom and legroom, making them a genuinely pleasant place for adults to spend several hours. They also slide well forward to make access to the third row much easier.
Speaking of that third row . . .
As with most three-row SUVs in this class, it's best suited for children or smaller adults. My daughter-in-law would fit back there just fine. Me? I'll happily stay in the first or second row.
Cargo space behind the third row is better than I expected. There's enough room for groceries, luggage, or everyday gear without immediately folding seats, and when you do need additional space, the third row folds flat to create a much more useful cargo area.
Ford also deserves credit for thinking about the little things. There are plenty of storage areas up front for phones, charging cables, water bottles, sunglasses, and the assortment of odds and ends that seem to accumulate during everyday driving. Those little cubbies end up getting used far more often than flashy features you'll show off once and forget.
Technology is another strong point.
The 13-inch touchscreen is bright, sharp, and easy to navigate. I never found myself digging through confusing menus just to find a common function, and that's becoming increasingly rare as infotainment systems grow more complicated.
One design decision especially made me smile.
Right in the middle of the dashboard sits a large, shiny volume knob.
Thank you, Ford. Not every function needs to live inside a touchscreen.
Now, Ford doesn't go all the way. Climate controls still require using the touchscreen, which isn't my favorite approach. I'd rather have physical controls for those, too. But I'll gladly take the volume knob as a partial victory.
On the road, the Tremor feels exactly like what it is.
This isn't the nimblest SUV you'll ever drive, nor should you expect it to be. The Tremor package is engineered with off-road capability in mind, and that influences how it behaves on pavement. Rather than floating down the highway like a luxury crossover, it feels solid, planted, and ready for rougher terrain when the pavement ends.
For my highway drive, that translated into something I appreciated even more than agility: confidence.
I liked the sense of command I had behind the wheel, and I don't mean that in an aggressive way. Some vehicles leave you feeling slightly defensive, almost as though you're constantly reacting to traffic around you. I never felt that in the Explorer. Visibility is excellent, the seating position inspires confidence, and the whole vehicle feels reassuringly composed.
The engine contributes to that feeling. Step into the accelerator and the Tremor responds with a satisfying growl. There's plenty of power available for merging and passing, and it never feels strained.
Of course, that performance comes with a fuel economy trade-off. My everyday vehicle is a hybrid that routinely gets around 40 miles per gallon, so almost anything else feels thirsty by comparison. The Explorer won't win fuel economy contests, but I also never thought it was unreasonable for a three-row SUV with this level of capability.
The Bottom Line
When I handed back the keys, I found myself thinking Ford has struck a nice balance with the Explorer Tremor. It delivers genuine off-road capability without becoming uncomfortable on everyday roads. It offers modern technology while still hanging onto a few common-sense controls. And perhaps most importantly, it inspires confidence behind the wheel.
No, it's not the sportiest SUV in the segment. But it was never trying to be. Instead, it delivers exactly what many buyers want: a comfortable, capable three-row SUV that's ready for family duty during the week and a little adventure on the weekend.
The Details
2026 Ford Explorer Tremor
3.0-liter Ecoboost V6 engine
400 horsepower
10-speed automatic transmission
Four-wheel drive
Fuel economy: 17/22/19 combined
MSRP: $48,465
As tested: $62,710
Reviewed by Dom Testa
Vehicle provided by manufacturer