2026 Ford Explorer in Annapolis, MD


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The 2026 Ford Explorer provides a standard 5,000-pound maximum towing capacity across every trim level, allowing you to haul a camper or boat straight off the dealership lot. Whether you are navigating the historic downtown district or crossing the Chesapeake Bay Bridge for a weekend getaway, this three-row SUV balances sophisticated comfort with raw capability. Here at Koons Ford in Annapolis, we want you to have all the facts before you make a decision. This guide outlines the turbocharged engine options, advanced trailering features, trim configurations, and the all-new Ford Digital Experience to help you choose the right 2026 Explorer for your family.

Performance and Engine Specs

The 2026 Explorer lineup features two distinct turbocharged EcoBoost engines, allowing you to prioritize robust daily efficiency or aggressive high-speed performance.

The standard 2.3L EcoBoost engine delivers 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel. This gives the Explorer highly responsive acceleration, making it incredibly easy to merge safely onto US-50. If you demand maximum passing power, the 3.0L EcoBoost V6 generates a thrilling 385 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel. This immense power output ensures the SUV never feels sluggish, even when all three rows are fully occupied. You can review the complete technical background of these powertrains on the official Ford Explorer specifications page.

Engine ConfigurationHorsepowerTorque
2.3L EcoBoost I-4300 hp (Premium Fuel)310 lb-ft (Premium Fuel)
3.0L EcoBoost V6385 hp (Premium Fuel)415 lb-ft (Premium Fuel)

Capabilities

Ford engineered the Explorer to serve as a highly capable family hauler, ensuring you never have to leave your recreational gear behind.

With a standard 5,000-pound maximum towing capacity thanks to the included Class III Trailer Tow Package, the Explorer is ready for work immediately. This specific capability means you can securely tow a heavy dual-axle boat trailer down to the Severn River or haul a camper to a local state park without needing costly aftermarket upgrades. The available Intelligent 4WD system automatically optimizes traction, giving you absolute confidence during unpredictable Maryland rainstorms.

View Explorer models configured for maximum utility

CapabilityRating
Maximum Towing CapacityUp to 5,000 lbs (Standard on all trims)
Maximum Payload CapacityNot Published by OEM (when properly equipped)

Trim Lineup and Key Features

Ford structures the 2026 Explorer lineup to cater to active families, off-road adventurers, and high-performance driving enthusiasts.

Active

Key Differentiators: 2.3L EcoBoost, Power Liftgate, 13.2-inch center display

Best For: Families needing a highly equipped and connected daily driver.

ST-Line

Key Differentiators: 20-inch Ebony Machined wheels, ActiveX seating with red stitching

Best For: Drivers wanting aggressive, sport-inspired styling without the V6 price.

Platinum

Key Differentiators: 20-inch Luster Nickel wheels, Multicontour Seats with Active Motion

Best For: Luxury buyers demanding premium materials and massaging seats.

ST

Key Differentiators: 3.0L EcoBoost V6, sport-tuned suspension, 21-inch Magnetite wheels

Best For: Driving enthusiasts seeking maximum horsepower and track-inspired handling.

Platinum

Key Differentiators: 20-inch Luster Nickel wheels, Multicontour Seats with Active Motion

Best For: Luxury buyers demanding premium materials and massaging seats.


The Tremor trim completely transforms the Explorer into an off-road machine, adding a specialized suspension, an elevated 8.7-inch ground clearance, and a Torsen limited-slip rear axle for superior grip on muddy trails. For a completely different thrill, the ST trim focuses on the pavement, pairing the 385-horsepower V6 with a stiffened sport-tuned suspension for sharp cornering. Once you find your preferred setup, browse our specific Explorer ST inventory to check local availability.

Exterior Design and Utility

The exterior of the 2026 Explorer balances aerodynamic styling with everyday practicality. The standard Power Liftgate opens automatically with a press of your key fob, allowing you to load groceries from the Annapolis Town Center without putting your bags down. Standard LED headlamps and taillamps provide brilliant visibility during night drives, while the ST and ST-Line models feature blacked-out light treatments for a sinister, customized look right from the factory.

Interior, Cargo and Dimensions

The Explorer maximizes its interior cabin space, offering comfortable seating for up to seven passengers and versatile cargo solutions.

The cabin provides up to 85.8 cubic feet of total cargo volume behind the first row on most models. The standard second-row captain's chairs feature an E-Z Entry mechanism, allowing children and adults to easily access the third row. When you are not hauling passengers, the third-row 50/50 split-fold bench seat folds completely flat, providing a massive, uniform cargo floor that easily accommodates bulky sports equipment or large furniture purchases.

Technology and Infotainment

Ford entirely reinvented the digital experience for the 2026 Explorer, turning the dashboard into a highly connected command center.

Every trim features the all-new Ford Digital Experience, accessed through a massive standard 13.2-inch touchscreen. This system natively integrates Google Assistant and Google Maps, providing dynamic routing and voice control without requiring a phone connection. It also includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility for ultimate flexibility. Behind the steering wheel, a standard 12.3-inch digital cluster provides a vibrant, customizable display of your speed and driver-assist metrics. If you are ready to explore your purchase options for these advanced features, use our dealership financing tools.

Safety Features and Driver Assist

Whether you are navigating local school zones or cruising on the interstate, the Explorer surrounds your family with an active network of safety sensors.

Standard Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 equips the SUV with Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, which monitors the road ahead and can stop the vehicle to prevent an impact. The Blind Spot Information System explicitly includes Trailer Coverage, which calculates the length of your boat or camper to warn you if a vehicle is hiding in your extended blind spot during highway lane changes. To keep these crucial sensors correctly calibrated, rely on our certified Ford service center. You can also review the vehicle's structural crash data via the NHTSA safety standards site.

Ready to Put the 2026 Explorer in Your Driveway?

Koons Ford in Annapolis is your local authority on the completely updated 2026 Ford Explorer. Whether you require the standard 5,000-pound maximum towing capacity for your weekend boat trips or the premium massaging seats of the Platinum trim for your daily commute, this three-row SUV is designed to exceed expectations. We invite you to explore our current selection, experience the new Ford Digital Experience in person, and schedule a test drive to feel the EcoBoost power for yourself.


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