2026 Ford Explorer AWD Towing Issaquah
The 2026 Ford Explorer is the right choice for active families who need genuine towing capacity, three-row seating for six, and a turbocharged engine that handles everything from forested hill roads to highway commutes. Every trim shares a 5,000 lbs towing rating and about 16 cu ft of cargo space behind the third row, while the lineup spans from $38,465 (Active RWD 100A) to $56,905 (ST 4WD). The single powertrain question that matters most is whether to choose the standard 2.3L EcoBoost or the ST's 3.0L unit producing 400 hp. 
Table of Contents
- Rugged Style That Matches an Evergreen Landscape in the 2026 Ford Explorer
- Power and Control on Hills and Lakeside Roads with the 2026 Ford Explorer
- Roomy Cabin Designed for Family Days in the 2026 Ford Explorer
- Smart Tech That Keeps You Connected in the 2026 Ford Explorer
- Safety Built for Busy Streets and Family Drives in the 2026 Ford Explorer
- Breaking Down 2026 Ford Explorer Trims and Pricing
- Warranty, Maintenance, and Service Insights for 2026 Ford Explorer Owners
- Awards and Expert Recognition Highlighting the 2026 Ford Explorer's Strengths
- 2026 Ford Explorer Buyer Questions Answered for Families
How Well Does the 2026 Ford Explorer Serve Active Families in Issaquah?
The 2026 Explorer fits Issaquah families precisely because it pairs practical three-row capacity with genuine AWD traction and a towing rating that handles a boat trailer for Lake Sammamish without a second thought. This is not a softened crossover dressed up with rugged styling — it is a body-on-platform SUV with 4,303 lbs of curb weight, 1,467 lbs of payload, and a 17.9-gallon fuel tank that keeps stops infrequent on longer weekend runs.
The fuel economy picture varies meaningfully across the lineup and is worth understanding before choosing a drivetrain configuration. RWD trims — Active RWD, Active RWD 100A, Platinum, and ST-LINE RWD — return 20 city / 29 hwy / 24 combined mpg, which is a measurable improvement over their AWD counterparts. The 4WD-equipped Active variants and ST-LINE 4WD come in at 20 city / 27 hwy / 23 combined, while the Tremor 4WD drops slightly to 19 city / 23 hwy / 21 combined due to its more aggressive off-road orientation. The performance-focused ST and ST 4WD both return 18 city / 25 hwy with 21 and 20 combined mpg respectively, a fair trade for 400 hp.
| Feature | Active 4WD | Active 4WD 100A | Active RWD | Active RWD 100A | Platinum | Platinum 4WD | ST | ST 4WD | ST-LINE 4WD | ST-LINE RWD | Tremor 4WD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| City MPG | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 18 | 18 | 20 | 20 | 19 |
| Highway MPG | 27 | 27 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 27 | 25 | 25 | 27 | 29 | 23 |
| Combined MPG | 23 | 23 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 23 | 21 | 21 | 23 | 24 | 21 |
For a family that commutes between Issaquah and a Bellevue tech office daily, the RWD trims offer the best fuel efficiency, and the roads through Issaquah Highlands are well-maintained enough that RWD works comfortably year-round for most drivers. Those who regularly navigate Cougar Mountain's gravel access roads or who tow a trailer in wet fall conditions will find the added confidence of Intelligent 4WD worth the modest efficiency trade-off.
The Explorer's standard seating for six — with second-row captain's chairs on most trims — also suits the car pool reality of suburban family life. An optional Second Row Bench With E-Z Entry and Armrest upgrades that to a 2+3+2 configuration for seven passengers on trims that offer it, adding flexibility when extended family visits or a school group ride is on the schedule.
Families who are also considering a pre-owned option can browse Evergreen Ford's used vehicle inventory to compare certified and pre-owned Explorer models alongside new units.
Rugged Style That Matches an Evergreen Landscape in the 2026 Ford Explorer
Stand the 2026 Explorer next to the forested backdrop of Issaquah's hillside neighborhoods and the design reads as intentional rather than coincidental. The body is 198.7 inches long, 78.9 inches wide without mirrors (89.3 inches with mirrors extended), and 70.2 inches tall on 4WD trims — proportions that give it a properly upright, confident stance without tipping into the bloated dimensions of a full-size SUV.
The exterior architecture emphasizes clean horizontal lines across the hood and beltline, with a roof spoiler, black roof rails as standard, and painted front and rear bumpers that integrate cleanly with the body color rather than being finished in bare plastic. LED low-beam and high-beam headlights with projector-beam lenses are standard across the lineup, and the automatic high-beam control means the lights adapt on dark forest roads without driver intervention. LED daytime running lights add a distinctive signature at the front.
Trim-specific exterior differentiation is meaningful. The Active variants lean into an outdoors-ready character with black exterior accents and roof rails that visually anchor the truck to its intended environment. The ST-LINE trims take a more urban-sport direction, with body-colored treatments and a visual profile that reads more at home in downtown parking structures than on a gravel trailhead. The ST itself wears the most aggressive exterior, though specific unique exterior treatments beyond the standard architecture are not enumerated in the catalog data. The Tremor 4WD is the lineup's most trail-ready expression, with suspension and approach geometry tuned for unpaved surfaces.
Wheel and tire choices span 18-inch alloys on Active trims — running 10-inch-wide all-season tires with a 65-series profile — to 20-inch alloys on higher trims. The optional 20-inch Luster Nickel-Painted Aluminum Wheels and 20-inch Carbonized Gray-Painted Aluminum Wheels are available on the Active 4WD, both wrapped in 10-inch-wide 55-series all-season rubber. The 20-inch option sharpens the Explorer's visual stance without compromising the all-season capability that Pacific Northwest weather demands.
Color choices on Active trims include metallic options such as Vapor Blue Metallic and Star White Metallic Tri-Coat, with the Platinum adding Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat to its palette. Interior trim options on the Active trims cover three distinct directions: Dark Gray/Onyx Unique Cloth for buyers who prioritize durability, Light Space Gray/Onyx ActiveX for a synthetic-leather feel, and Dark Gray/Onyx ActiveX for a darker interior tone. The Platinum's Mojave Dusk/Onyx interior with leather-interlaced diamond perforated inserts is the most premium material story in the lineup.
If you are planning to step up to a 2026 Explorer from your current vehicle, finding out what your trade is worth before visiting is a practical first step that takes only a few minutes online.
Power and Control on Hills and Lakeside Roads with the 2026 Ford Explorer
Nine of the eleven covered trims share the same mechanical foundation: a 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 turbocharged engine producing 300 hp at 5,500 rpm and 310 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm, paired with Ford's SelectShift 10-speed automatic transmission. The ST and ST 4WD break from this with a 3.0L engine rated at 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque — a 33 percent torque increase that changes the character of the vehicle substantially.
The 2.3L EcoBoost's torque arrives early in the rev range, which is exactly what matters on Issaquah's rolling terrain. Pulling out of a parking lot onto a 6 percent grade with a full passenger load and a trailer attached, the engine does not need to be wound out to find its power — 310 lb-ft at 3,500 rpm means the available torque is accessible at normal driving speeds. The 10-speed transmission manages gear selection automatically but allows manual SelectShift control when the driver prefers a more engaged experience on winding roads.
The suspension architecture is independent at both axles — front strut with coil springs, rear multi-link with coil springs — which contributes to a composed ride on the kind of undulating pavement common throughout the forested residential streets of Issaquah Highlands. Front and rear stabilizer bars are included, and the braking system uses four ventilated disc brakes with ABS, brake assist, cornering brake control, and an electronic parking brake with auto-hold function. Hill Hold is also standard, which prevents rollback on steep inclines before the driver applies throttle — a practical benefit on Issaquah's steeper neighborhood streets.
The Tremor 4WD's 19 city / 23 hwy / 21 combined mpg reflects its more aggressive off-road suspension tuning and different tire specification, which add 121 lbs over the standard 4WD curb weight of 4,303 lbs (Tremor weighs 4,424 lbs). The ST and ST 4WD trims are the heaviest at 4,631 lbs each, with payload reduced to 1,139 lbs as a result. Buyers who need maximum payload should note this distinction.
| Feature | Active 4WD | Active 4WD 100A | Active RWD | Active RWD 100A | Platinum | Platinum 4WD | ST | ST 4WD | ST-LINE 4WD | ST-LINE RWD | Tremor 4WD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seating | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 6 |
| Curb Weight | 4,303 lbs | 4,303 lbs | 4,303 lbs | 4,303 lbs | 4,303 lbs | 4,303 lbs | 4,631 lbs | 4,631 lbs | 4,303 lbs | 4,303 lbs | 4,424 lbs |
| Payload | 1,467 lbs | 1,467 lbs | 1,467 lbs | 1,467 lbs | 1,467 lbs | 1,467 lbs | 1,139 lbs | 1,139 lbs | 1,467 lbs | 1,467 lbs | 1,346 lbs |
All trims share about 16 cu ft of cargo space behind the third row and a maximum towing rating of 5,000 lbs, making the Explorer genuinely capable of pulling a mid-size boat or a loaded utility trailer to Lake Sammamish State Park. The 4WD trims use Intelligent 4WD with automatic drive selection, which distributes torque without requiring driver input — useful when transitioning from dry pavement to a wet boat ramp without remembering to engage a 4WD mode manually.
Families considering the purchase can apply for financing online before visiting the showroom to streamline the buying process.
Roomy Cabin Designed for Family Days in the 2026 Ford Explorer
Six-passenger seating is standard across most of the covered lineup, with the ST-LINE RWD and ST-LINE 4WD offering a seven-passenger configuration via standard 2+3+2 seating. Every other trim defaults to a 2+2+2 layout with second-row captain's chairs, and an optional Second Row Bench With E-Z Entry and Armrest is available on Active and Platinum trims to add the seventh seat when needed.
The interior dimensions are generous across all three rows. Front headroom measures 40.7 inches, second-row headroom is 40.5 inches, and third-row headroom is 38.9 inches — enough for adults to sit upright without the compressed posture that plagues many three-row crossovers. Front legroom extends to 43 inches, second-row legroom is 39 inches, and the third row provides 32.2 inches. Shoulder room is 62.1 inches up front, 61.9 inches in the second row, and 54.6 inches in the third, so three adults across the second row is realistic rather than just a specification-sheet claim.
Cargo behind the third row measures about 16 cu ft, which accommodates a weekend bag for each passenger when the family heads to Cougar Mountain for a hike. Fold the third row and that number expands to about 86 cu ft — enough for a full set of camping gear, a pair of mountain bikes, or the kind of bulk grocery run that feeds a family for two weeks. The cargo area floor sits 31.1 inches off the ground with a loading height that works without requiring a step stool, and the power liftgate with programmable height memory closes automatically.
Climate control runs three zones — driver, front passenger, and rear — with separate rear controls on the center console so back-seat passengers manage their own temperature. The front seating on the Active 4WD includes heated front seats and a heated steering wheel as part of the optional Active Comfort Package (package code 68A), which also upgrades the front passenger seat to four-way power adjustment. Standard on the Active 4WD is a five-way power driver's seat with electric height, reach, recline, tilt, and lumbar adjustment.
The Platinum trim's interior steps up with a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system with a subwoofer and surround sound, compared to the six-speaker setup on Active trims. That difference is audible on a long drive, and for a family that spends significant time on the road, it matters more than a spec sheet comparison suggests.
USB charging coverage is thorough: the Active 4WD provides four USB charging ports in the front, two in the rear, and two in the third row — eight total — so every passenger can charge simultaneously without a cable dispute. The Active 4WD 100A and Active RWD 100A reduce the front charging ports to one each but retain the rear and third-row coverage.
Owners looking to personalize the cabin after purchase — all-weather floor liners, cargo organizers, or a console vault — can browse the full range of Ford-branded accessories and parts online.
Smart Tech That Keeps You Connected in the 2026 Ford Explorer
The 2026 Explorer's technology foundation is consistent across the entire covered lineup: a 13.2-inch portrait-oriented center touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, both standard from the Active 100A trim upward. The infotainment screen runs internet-connected navigation with satellite view, live traffic data, and map updates — all included for the first 12 months — and the system receives over-the-air software updates, meaning the vehicle's operating system improves after purchase without a dealer visit.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto are both standard, eliminating the cable requirement that turns a short errand into a fumbling exercise. Both integrations carry an indefinite subscription period in the catalog data, meaning there is no expiration date on the wireless phone mirroring functionality. Bluetooth connectivity, Google voice assistant integration, and built-in apps round out the smartphone ecosystem. The embedded Wi-Fi hotspot connects via an embedded SIM card and includes a 12-month subscription, after which a data plan renewal is required.
Ford's connected services suite — branded 911 Assist for automatic emergency notification after a detected collision — is standard, as are remote services for the first 12 months covering lock/unlock, remote start, vehicle location, theft alert, driving history analysis, and vehicle diagnostics. These remote services are genuinely practical for a commuter who wants to confirm the vehicle is locked from a Bellevue office building or pre-condition the cabin temperature on a cold morning before school drop-off.
The optional Ford Connectivity Package (code 91D) extends connected services and Wi-Fi to 84 months with a one-time purchase, which is worth evaluating against the cost of annual renewals for families who plan to keep the vehicle long-term.
The Platinum trim adds a notable optional upgrade: BlueCruise (option code 50S), Ford's hands-free highway driving system. BlueCruise handles lane centering, speed management, and lane changes on pre-mapped divided highways, reducing driver fatigue on longer commutes between Issaquah and destinations further afield. It requires a one-time purchase on top of the Platinum's MSRP and is not available on any other covered trim.
The optional SiriusXM with 360L (code 94B) adds a 36-month satellite radio subscription on any trim that offers it, which complements the standard AM/FM and internet radio capability. The Active Comfort Package on the Active 4WD and Active RWD also upgrades the interior to ActiveX synthetic leather upholstery and adds LED front fog lights, which improve forward visibility on foggy mornings along waterfront roads.
If your Explorer ever needs body repair after a parking lot encounter, Evergreen Auto Body handles collision and cosmetic repair work for Explorer owners in the area.
Safety Built for Busy Streets and Family Drives in the 2026 Ford Explorer
The 2026 Explorer's active safety suite is consistent across every covered trim and represents a meaningful layer of protection for families navigating everything from school zones to freeway on-ramps. The system is built around Ford CoPilot360 Assist+, which bundles automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, low-speed front collision braking (active from 3 mph), a Lane-Keeping System that applies steering correction when the vehicle drifts, and Rear Cross Traffic Braking using radar to detect crossing vehicles when reversing.
BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) is standard on all covered trims and uses radar-based sensors to monitor the rear quarter zones, providing a visual alert in the side mirror when a vehicle is present in the blind spot. This is particularly useful in the stop-and-go traffic patterns of school pickup lines and urban parking structures. The system is active without requiring turn signal engagement, so it provides continuous monitoring rather than only alerting when a lane change is already initiated.
The structural airbag count is seven per trim: driver and passenger front airbags, front side airbags, side curtain airbags covering all three rows, and a driver knee airbag. Front seatbelts include pre-tensioners and height-adjustable anchors for both the driver and passenger positions. Second-row and third-row belts are present at both outboard positions, and the second-row optional bench adds a center belt as well. LATCH child seat anchors are included and rated Acceptable by IIHS — a meaningful distinction for families with rear-facing infant seats.
The braking system's four-wheel ventilated disc setup with cornering brake control and multi-collision braking (which applies brakes automatically after an initial impact to reduce secondary collision severity) adds layers of protection that go beyond the basic ABS and stability control that have been standard for years.
NHTSA crash test results in the catalog data show an overall 5-star rating with a 5-star frontal crash rating, 5-star side impact rating, and a 4-star rollover rating. The IIHS results show Good ratings for moderate overlap front, small overlap front (driver side), and side impact tests, along with Good headlight performance and a Good seat belt reminder score.
The Explorer's autonomous drive capability is rated Level 2 (partial automation), which means the standard system handles adaptive cruise with stop-and-go function — Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist manages speed and following distance in traffic — while the driver remains responsible for steering. The optional BlueCruise on the Platinum extends this to true hands-free highway driving on compatible roads.
For families with children, the Intelligent Access with Push-button Start (PEPS) keyless entry and the car exit warning system — which alerts occupants to approaching traffic before opening a door — address two of the most common safety concerns in real-world daily use.
Breaking Down 2026 Ford Explorer Trims and Pricing
The 2026 Explorer lineup covered here spans eleven distinct configurations across four trim families, with base MSRPs ranging from $38,465 to $56,905 before the $1,795 destination charge. The powertrain split between the 2.3L EcoBoost and the 3.0L ST engine is the most significant performance decision in the lineup, while the 4WD versus RWD choice has the largest impact on fuel economy and pricing within the same trim family.
| Feature | Active 4WD | Active 4WD 100A | Active RWD | Active RWD 100A | Platinum | Platinum 4WD | ST | ST 4WD | ST-LINE 4WD | ST-LINE RWD | Tremor 4WD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base MSRP | $42,585 | $40,465 | $40,585 | $38,465 | $50,965 | $52,965 | $54,905 | $56,905 | $47,155 | $45,155 | $48,965 |
All trims add a $1,795 destination charge to the above figures.
| Feature | Active 4WD | Active 4WD 100A | Active RWD | Active RWD 100A | Platinum | Platinum 4WD | ST | ST 4WD | ST-LINE 4WD | ST-LINE RWD | Tremor 4WD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.3L | 2.3L | 2.3L | 2.3L | 2.3L | 2.3L | 3.0L | 3.0L | 2.3L | 2.3L | 2.3L |
| Horsepower | 300 hp | 300 hp | 300 hp | 300 hp | 300 hp | 300 hp | 400 hp | 400 hp | 300 hp | 300 hp | 300 hp |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft | 415 lb-ft | 415 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft |
| Drivetrain | All-wheel drive | All-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive | All-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive | All-wheel drive | All-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive | All-wheel drive |
All trims use the SelectShift 10-speed automatic transmission.
The Active RWD 100A at $38,465 is the lowest-cost entry point, delivering the full 300 hp EcoBoost with the Explorer's complete safety suite and the 13.2-inch infotainment system. The 100A designation reflects a simplified base specification — the driver's seat has three power adjustments rather than five, the steering wheel is plastic rather than synthetic leather, and the passenger seat adjusts manually. For buyers who prioritize value and plan to add the Active Comfort Package for heated seats and synthetic leather, the Active RWD provides more content per dollar than the 100A.
The ST-LINE trims at $45,155 (RWD) and $47,155 (4WD) offer the sportier exterior and interior aesthetic of the ST without the 3.0L engine premium. They also uniquely offer standard seven-passenger seating in the 2+3+2 configuration, making them the right choice for families who need that seventh seat without moving to the ST's higher price and heavier curb weight.
The Tremor 4WD at $48,965 is the off-road specialist, with suspension tuning, approach angles of 19.7 degrees and departure angles of 21.5 degrees, and the Intelligent 4WD system calibrated for unpaved surfaces. At 4,424 lbs and with a 1,346 lb payload, it is lighter than the ST but heavier than the standard 4WD trims.
The ST and ST 4WD at $54,905 and $56,905 are the performance choice. The 400 hp / 415 lb-ft 3.0L engine represents a meaningful real-world difference, but the 4,631 lb curb weight and reduced 1,139 lb payload are trade-offs that buyers who regularly tow close to the 5,000 lb limit should factor carefully.
The Platinum and Platinum 4WD at $50,965 and $52,965 represent the luxury tier, adding the 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, the premium leather interior, and BlueCruise availability — the only trims in this lineup that offer Ford's hands-free highway driving technology.
Warranty, Maintenance, and Service Insights for 2026 Ford Explorer Owners
Ford's warranty structure on the 2026 Explorer covers three distinct periods that together provide five years of powertrain protection. The bumper-to-bumper basic warranty runs 36 months or 36,000 miles. The powertrain warranty extends to 60 months or 60,000 miles, covering the engine, transmission, and drivetrain components. Roadside assistance matches the powertrain term at 60 months or 60,000 miles. Corrosion protection covers 60 months, while paint is warranted for 36 months or 36,000 miles.
For a family that drives 15,000 miles annually, the basic warranty covers approximately 2.4 years of ownership, and the powertrain warranty extends to the four-year mark. These are standard industry terms for a mainstream American SUV, and they align with what competing three-row SUVs in this price segment offer.
The Explorer's over-the-air update capability means that software improvements — including updates to the SYNC infotainment system, driver assistance calibrations, and connected services features — can be delivered without scheduling a dealer visit. This reduces the friction of keeping the vehicle's software current, which matters increasingly as connected features become a larger part of the ownership experience.
Owners who purchased a pre-owned Explorer and want the additional peace of mind of factory-backed coverage can explore Ford Certified Pre-Owned vehicles at Evergreen Ford, which carry their own inspection and warranty terms distinct from new-vehicle coverage.
For routine maintenance — oil changes, tire rotations, brake inspections, and the periodic filter and fluid services that keep a turbocharged engine healthy — Evergreen Ford's service department handles Explorer-specific work with factory-trained technicians. Families can book a service appointment online to avoid waiting, which is a practical time-saver for dual-income households with tightly scheduled weekdays.
The 2.3L EcoBoost requires regular attention to the intercooler and turbocharger oil supply — not unusual for any turbocharged engine, but worth noting for buyers who have previously owned naturally aspirated vehicles. Sticking to the Ford-recommended oil change intervals and using the correct oil specification matters more on a forced-induction engine than on a simple V6.
Awards and Expert Recognition Highlighting the 2026 Ford Explorer's Strengths
The catalog data for the 2026 Explorer does not include specific named awards or year-specific accolades to cite here, so rather than fabricating recognition, it is worth noting what the independent testing data in the catalog does confirm: NHTSA's overall 5-star safety rating is the agency's highest possible score, achieved across a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side impact rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These are government-administered tests, not manufacturer claims, and a 5-star overall rating places the Explorer in the top tier of its class for crash protection.
The IIHS results in the catalog show Good ratings — the highest IIHS score — for moderate overlap frontal, small overlap frontal (driver side), and side impact tests. The headlight performance also earns a Good rating, which is notable because headlight quality is an area where many SUVs in this price range fall short. The IIHS seat belt reminder system earns a Good score as well, and the LATCH child seat ease-of-use is rated Acceptable.
These third-party safety assessments matter in a practical way for families. A 5-star NHTSA overall rating and Good IIHS scores across structural tests mean the Explorer's crash protection has been validated by organizations with no financial interest in the outcome. For parents who are weighing the Explorer against the Chevrolet Traverse, the Hyundai Palisade, or the Kia Telluride, independent safety scores provide an apples-to-apples comparison that trim-level feature lists cannot.
The Explorer's competitive set in the three-row family SUV market includes these rivals, and the 2026 model's combination of a 5,000 lb towing rating, 5-star NHTSA overall rating, and a lineup that spans from $38,465 to $56,905 gives it meaningful breadth. Buyers who need towing capacity that a car-based crossover simply cannot match — a boat, a pop-up camper, a large utility trailer — will find the Explorer's rating confirmed by the platform's body-on-architecture engineering.
2026 Ford Explorer Buyer Questions Answered for Families
Q: Which Explorer trim is the best value for a family that needs AWD and seven seats?
The ST-LINE 4WD at $47,155 is a strong option. It is the only covered trim that combines standard AWD with standard seven-passenger seating in a 2+3+2 configuration, making it a strong value choice compared with the Platinum 4WD. The ST-LINE 4WD uses the same 2.3L EcoBoost producing 300 hp and 310 lb-ft as the Active trims, delivers 20 city / 27 hwy / 23 combined mpg, and carries the full Ford CoPilot360 Assist+ safety suite. Families who want the seventh seat without paying ST performance prices should start here.
Q: Does the 2026 Explorer's 5,000 lb towing capacity require a special package?
No — every covered 2026 Explorer trim is rated at 5,000 lbs maximum towing capacity as a standard figure. Trailer towing preparation is included across the lineup, which means the hitch receiver, wiring harness, and trailer stability program are built in. The trailer stability program monitors trailer sway and applies individual wheel brakes to correct it, which is meaningful when towing a boat down a steep boat ramp approach or on a freeway in crosswind conditions. No optional tow package is required to access this rating.
Q: What is the difference between the Active 4WD and the Active 4WD 100A?
The 100A designation is the lower-content specification at $40,465 versus $42,585 for the standard Active 4WD — a $2,120 difference. The 100A has a three-position power driver's seat rather than five, a plastic steering wheel rather than synthetic leather, a manual passenger seat recline rather than power, and fewer standard USB charging ports (one front versus four on the Active 4WD). The 100A also does not offer the Active Comfort Package (heated seats, four-way power passenger seat, heated steering wheel, synthetic leather upholstery). For buyers who want those comfort features, the standard Active 4WD at $42,585 is the better starting point.
Q: Is the ST's 3.0L engine worth the significant price premium over the 2.3L trims?
The ST starts at $54,905 — significantly more than the Active RWD 100A — and delivers 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque versus 300 hp and 310 lb-ft. The trade-offs are real: the ST and ST 4WD weigh 4,631 lbs (328 lbs heavier than a standard 4WD trim), payload drops to 1,139 lbs, and fuel economy falls to 18 city / 25 hwy. For buyers who prioritize straight-line performance and the 3.0L's character, the ST is the right answer. For buyers whose primary concerns are towing capacity, seven-seat flexibility, or fuel efficiency, the 2.3L trims deliver more of what they need at lower cost.
Q: How do I see current Explorer inventory and get in touch with Evergreen Ford?
You can browse Evergreen Ford's current new Explorer inventory online to check which trims and configurations are in stock. The dealership is located at 1500 18th Ave NW Suite A, Issaquah, WA 98027 — directions are available here. To speak with a product specialist directly, call (425) 392-6900.