2026 Ford Explorer Redesign, Dimensions, Specs
2026 Ford Explorer Redesign, Dimensions, Specs – After the Mach-E Mustang and the Capri, the 2026 Explorer was the third model year to join Ford’s portfolio. Ford faithful are less likely to be outraged by the Explorer compared to the other two vehicles that take names from the company’s history. While the US SUV was the talk of the town during its Jurassic Park debut, the new electric vehicle is really a refined take of an earlier design. Worse still, the name Explorer has never been found in British history.
The Explorer is based on the MEB platform, which the Volkswagen Group used to speed up Ford’s foray into electric vehicles. When it comes to MEB-based vehicles, we like the Explorer more than the Volkswagen ID.4 and ID.5. Despite stiff competition, Ford’s 2026 Explorer electric compact SUV manages to shine. Its smooth front and rear ends, sparse window arrangement, and squared-off corners give it a practical appearance.
There are currently just two available trim levels, and they are very similar to one another: Select and Premium. A 52 kWh pack is available for the Standard Range, an Extended Range model with 77 kWh, and a four-wheel-drive model with 79 kWh. 2026 Ford Explorer Redesign
2026 Ford Explorer Redesign and Update Plan
Exterior & Interior
The Explorer borrows heavily from Volkswagen, but Ford infused it with its own personality inside. The features include a dashboard with driving options, keyless entry, and touch-screen settings for the lights. Because of design limitations, it is not immediately apparent that the Explorer shared technology and drivetrain components with any Volkswagen cars. This is acceptable, given that Ford had to operate within these parameters. Unlike the more open front seats in the VW ID.4, this is mostly due to the cabin’s architecture, which incorporates a roomy central tunnel that separates the front seats. Furthermore, Ford provides a distinctive 14.6-inch portrait touchscreen.
The display is an example of a poorly executed cabin feature since, while upright, the sliding mechanism reveals edges that diminish the center console’s attractiveness. Having said that, the cabin is well-built and fitted with many high-quality materials.
It should come as no surprise that the majority of the Explorer’s controls are situated on the portrait screen, considering the number of features. Despite taking up about a fifth of the Ford’s enormous 14.6-inch touchscreen, the temperature settings are more finicky and harder to operate than the conventional buttons. The screen is big enough to accommodate the big buttons that access the different submenus, making them easy to see even while you’re on the go.
The Volkswagen-looted volume slider is hard-pressed-only-functional. Additionally, you have the option of a wheel-mounted volume control, however its response may vary. In reality, the long strip of dashboard trim is a sound bar, which in theory serves a purpose analogous to that of a home theater system. A Bang & Olufsen setup produces superb sound, however the unbranded system that comes with certain models is adequate.
If you choose not to use the screen, you may use voice control with the quick and responsive Ford SYNC Move software. To quickly access frequently used features, you can use the row of buttons located at the top of the screen. There is a Home button down below that you may use to quickly go to the main menu.
The Ford design team made sure the Explorer stood out by giving it a sharp front end and a well-balanced rear end. Taking a page out of the classic SUV playbook, this new model has broad shoulders and a squared-off profile, as specified in the specs. The Explorer’s spacious cabin is a result of its long wheelbase and wide track, although the trunk could need some work.
Ingenious technology that maximizes light penetration from all angles makes the space appear more vast, even if the windows are small. The outer C-pillars have an engraved design with a mirror finish, giving the impression that one can look right through them from within the cabin. 2026 Ford Explorer Redesign
2026 Ford Explorer Specs
Engine & Performance
The 2026 Ford Explorer may be configured with either rear- or four-wheel drive thanks to its basis on Volkswagen’s MEB electric vehicle platform. According to Ford brochures, the smallest and lightest 52 kWh battery has a usable capacity of 168 horsepower and 310 Nm of torque. You may get 335 horsepower and 679 nm of torque with the four-wheel-drive option, or 282 hp and 545 nm of torque with the 79 kWh pack.
With the exception of the drive selector, all of the Explorer’s interior features are sourced from Volkswagen. Mode B offers more powerful energy recovery to help recharge the battery while decelerating, while mode D stays the same; both modes share a heavy column shifter on the right side of the steering wheel, as seen in earlier MEB models. B mode allows you to adjust the throttle to the point where you won’t need to use the brakes until absolutely essential, but you can’t set it up to run on a single pedal.
Ford went to great efforts to differentiate the Explorer from other electric SUVs, while using drivetrain components acquired from Volkswagen. Thanks to its triumph over adversity, the Explorer is currently the most enjoyable car to drive on the MEB platform.
In the 2026 Ford Explorer 52 kWh, the sprint from 0 to 62 mph takes 8.7 seconds, and the top speed is 99 mph. Its rear-wheel drive is identical to that of the 77 kWh version. Nevertheless, because to the extra power, it can go from 0 to 62 mph in a just 6.4 seconds. Not being the fastest electric SUV on the market won’t be a big deal to most people.
Thanks to its better grip and torque, the four-wheel-drive variant can go from zero to sixty-two miles per hour in 5.3 seconds, despite having a greater battery. Every big-battery model has an electrical limit of 112 miles per hour.
2026 Ford Explorer Fuel Economy
The Explorer may look boxy, but its exterior design is really rather efficient compared to its rivals. Even while traveling at highway speeds in a premium-trimmed Explorer, we were still able to achieve an average efficiency of 3.7 miles per kWh. The 77 kWh model has a range of 277 miles, which is more than sufficient for the majority of drivers. According to Ford, the 77 kWh Explorer’s base Select model has a range of up to 374 miles per charge.
The 79 kWh model, which has more power and four-wheel drive, increases your range by 329 miles and the Premium option increases it by 20 miles. One charge can take you up to 176 miles in the 52 kWh Select model and 169 miles in the Premium version.
A heat pump is an excellent attachment, but the exorbitant price tag is a big deal for us. Other rivals provide it for less money and even include one as standard equipment, so we may anticipate Ford to follow suit. It will cost roughly £1000 to incorporate this vital component, which helps conserve battery life throughout the colder winter months.
Manufacturers provide maximum DC charging rates for certain battery types. The maximum charging rate for the 52 kWh battery is 145kW, which is higher than the lowered rate of 135kW for the 77 kWh battery. These days, a 28-minute charging time and a 10-80% charge time are rather standard, so neither restriction stands out. The greatest top-up rate that can be achieved with the 79 kWh pack is 185 kW, however the 77 kWh battery still has a slightly longer 26-minute 10-80% charging time. 2026 Ford Explorer Redesign
2026 Ford Explorer Safety Features
You may rest easy knowing that the vehicle has received five stars from Euro NCAP. By going to the main screen and selecting the appropriate submenu, you may turn off specific electronic driving aids. The primary driver-assistance menu may be quickly accessed via the shortcut in the top right corner. Even though it’s more complicated than just pushing a button, this procedure is necessary to start the car.
With the help of its lane assist and forward-traffic detection systems, the Explorer can quickly react to approaching danger by modifying its location and speed, all because of its network of electronic sensors. Thanks to Ford’s small beep, even the mandated speed-limit warning system is more bearable. You are not forced to utilize these systems unless you so choose; a menu exists on the primary touchscreen that permits their disabling.
Both versions come included with a plethora of safety features, including autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, entrance warning, cross-traffic alert, and sign recognition. The total cost is almost £2,000 for the one and only available model, however the driver assistance package is £500 less than that of the pricier Premium model because it already comes with the motorized tailgate. Lane centering, a head-up display, actuated park assist, and lane change assist are all part of this bundle.
Now that ID.4 has been out for a while, we should have resolved any issues with it. The 2024 Driver Power customer satisfaction poll ranked Ford 30th out of 32 manufacturers in the best brands category. This was just one point lower than Volkswagen’s 29th place placing, so clearly something is working for Ford.
2026 Ford Explorer Release Date & Price
The basic model of the 2026 Ford Explorer may be yours for a little under £40,000. This Standard Range car with Select trim has a 52 kWh battery, which is responsible for the 233-mile range. For an extra£4,000, you can upgrade to the 52 kWh battery, which has a slightly reduced 221-mile range.
With the 77 kilowatt-hour extended-range variant, which costs more than £6,000 more, the base Select trim delivers a range of 374 miles. With its 354-mile range, £4,000 premium price tag, and heavier extra equipment and bigger wheels, it’s hard to beat.
The top-tier model, which has all-wheel drive, retails for more over £54,000. An official range of 329 miles is provided by its two-motor configuration and 79 kWh battery. With so many useful features included as standard, the Explorer’s pricing makes it the most costly compact electric SUV in its class, even in the base Select model.
Included as standard equipment are front and rear bumper lights, heated seats, an electrically adjustable driver’s seat, a mobile 14.6-inch portrait touchscreen, and 19-inch alloy wheels. Although we are certain that the base model will meet or exceed expectations, the Premium trim level upgrades the vehicle with a panoramic glass roof, B&O sound system, bigger 20-inch wheels, matrix-LED headlights, and a motorized tailgate that can be opened with the hands-free feature. An additional cost is associated with this trim level.
