The Ford Explorer has been an SUV staple for over 35 years. Early versions were capable off-roaders featuring truck-like amenities, such as a solid rear axle, two-speed transfer cases, and even five-speed manual transmissions. But, like many longer-running SUV nameplates, Explorer evolved.
Nowadays, it offers car-like unibody construction, independent suspension, and a more compliant on-road demeanor. There’s even an on-road performance ST version. While the sporty ST lives on for 2026, Ford is also now offering a version focused on taming trails versus pounding pavement. Enter the 2026 Explorer Tremor.
In short: The Explorer, like many other Ford truck and SUV models, can now be had in the adventure-ready Tremor trim. More than just an appearance package and all-terrain tires, it has features allowing buyers to confidently travel off the pavement.
2026 Ford Explorer Tremor
- Engine: 2.3L turbocharged I4 or 3.0L twin-turbo V6
- Power: 300 HP, 310 lb.-ft. torque (2.3L); 400 HP, 415 lb.-ft. torque (3.0L)
- Transmission: 10-speed automatic transmission
- Towing capacity: 5,000 lbs.
- Cargo Space: 16.3 cu.-ft. behind 3rd row; 46 cu.-ft. behind 2nd row; 85.8 cu.-ft. max cargo volume
- Fuel Economy: 19 city/23 hwy/21 cmb (2.3L); 17 city/22 hwy/19 cmb (3.0L)
- MSRP: $48,465 (2.6L); $60,315 (3.0L) + $1,695 destination fee; $68k (as tested)
Pros
- Available twin-turbo V6 is powerful
- Torsion rear limited-slip differential adds grip
- Admirable off-road capability for a six-passenger vehicle
- Comfortable and spacious
Cons
- Mediocre fuel economy
- V6 upgrade is expensive
- No wireless phone charger available
2026 Ford Explorer Tremor Review
The sixth-generation Explorer debuted in 2020 and got a refresh in 2025. There were four trim levels available for ’25, and for ’26, there are six, one being the new Tremor.
Ford’s Tremor packages often include off-road amenities: more ground clearance, all-terrain tires, skid plates, and auxiliary lights. Tremor is a trim for those looking for a more adventure-ready rig. Tremor trims also include a host of gold-trimmed — ahem … “electric-spice”-trimmed — bits.
FYI, this is the first time the Tremor trim has been used on the Explorer, although there was the 2022–2024 Explorer Timberline, which had a similarly adventurous spirit and similar features.
Added Off-Road Chops
Tremor is more than just an appearance package on Explorer. You get 8.7 inches of ground clearance, about an inch more than the lowest Explorer models. More clearance means getting over obstacles more easily.
Additionally, the suspension has been tuned for off-road use and includes different springs and sway bars. Under the rig, Ford provides three steel skid plates for protection against trail hazards. And, if you get stuck, there are functional gold-accented front tow hooks for recovery.
Next up, Explorer Tremors get 265/65R18 Bridgestone Dueler A/T tires mounted on unique 18-inch black aluminum wheels with a distinctive gold “electric spice” accent. Off the pavement, an all-terrain tire will provide better traction and durability than highway rubber.
A Torsen limited-slip rear differential — different than the one in the ST model — is also present, and is ready to help on- and off-road traction. A locking rear differential is not available.
And yes, all Explorer Tremor models are all-wheel drive, and get a Terrain Management System offering six drive modes, including “Trail.”
Ford also states that approach, breakover, and departure angles are improved compared to a standard Explorer, which you’d expect with a lifted vehicle. Approach and departure angles are 23.5° and 23.7°, respectively.
Explorer’s Exterior Accoutrements
In addition to the aforementioned Tremor-specific wheels, this Explorer also gets auxiliary lights in the bumper and narrow LED lights in the grille, which has more electric-spice–colored trim. The rear bumper’s lower valence is also unique, with more gold-colored accenting.
All Explorer Tremor models, regardless of engine type, can tow up to 5,000 pounds. The SUV also includes roof rails ready for a rack or rooftop tent.
The vehicle’s color palette is subdued. No bright hues here: black, two shades of white, two gray tones, and Vapor Blue Metallic round out the color selection. They all look right at home on the Explorer Tremor.
Overall, the Tremor package adds mucho machismo to the already handsomely styled SUV. The wheel and tire packages really make it look ready for the dirt.
Interior Upgrades
The Explorer Tremor’s interior has custom embroidery on the front and rear seats with the word, you guessed it, “Tremor,” on them. You also get more electric spice in the form of stitching throughout this three-row SUV, which seats six.
Our test models also included a very nice Bang & Olufsen sound system, heated, cooled, and massaging seats, a moonroof, and a host of easy-to-read screens and monitors, for gauges and infotainment. These are, however, not unique to Tremor, but were good.
There are USB-A and USB-C ports throughout, as well as two 12V ports for other accessories, with one being in the rear cargo area — ideal for things like 12V fridges.
Death Valley Driving Details
We tested the Explorer Tremor’s off-road prowess on the trails of Death Valley in California and Nevada. We went north out of Furnace Creek, Calif., and headed for the hills to see just how this all-terrain Explorer would perform. We switched into Trail mode and hit the dirt.
From an off-roader’s standpoint, the trails were mostly scenic, with some small rocky sections and lots of dirt. This wasn’t high-speed desert driving, rather more technical and twisting trail driving. Our routes were well suited to the Explorer Tremor’s capabilities and represented places buyers might actually go exploring.
Good Grip
The Bridgestone tires offered good grip in all scenarios, and the all-wheel drive system, which is rear-wheel-drive biased, offered admirable control.
The Torsen limited-slip rear differential gets kudos here. While not as hardcore as a fully locked rear differential which prohibits wheel slip between left/right wheels, the Torsen diff helped this Explorer explore more without getting hung up.
Competent Ground Clearance
We definitely found the skid plates more than once, and I’m always a fan of having them — especially on a lower SUV/CUV.
At 8.7″ of clearance, however, this SUV bests the current Chevrolet Traverse Z71 (7.8″), the Kia Sorento X-Pro (8.2″), the Honda Pilot TrailSport (8.3″), and the Hyundai Santa Fe XRT (8.3″). But the upcoming 2027 Kia Telluride will offer up to 9.1 inches.
A Composed AWD Off-Road SUV
The Explorer Tremor offered good composure off road for this kind of rig (remember this isn’t a Bronco). The parts come together to offer a reassuring ride with good control. We would’ve benefited from airing the tires down from 40 PSI to 25 PSI, but didn’t, however.
Of note, the vehicle’s multi-view camera system worked very well. It offered a myriad of views, letting me see over the tall hood and around the vehicle. This was helpful when cresting hills and showcased virtual tire tracks to show where the vehicle would go.
There is hill descent control, but I would’ve liked to have had a physical button to engage it. Instead, when the camera system on, you must back out of it, go to another menu, select the descent control, and go back to the camera. The camera had a physical button, thankfully.
We pushed the Explorer Tremor harder off road than 95% of buyers ever will. It didn’t falter in Death Valley’s expansive network of trails. This isn’t a hardcore wheeler, but it is a good back roads explorer — pun intended.
On-Road Warrior
We drove on road for multiple hours in the Explorer Tremor, too. After all, that’s where most owner’s time will be spent.
The SUV rides comfortably, with a bit of float at higher speeds and over bumps. Cornering is controlled, but there’s noticeable body roll (If you want a canyon carving Explorer, get the ST).
The Tremor variant would, however, make for a fantastic all-weather road tripper. With the Bang and Olufsen stereo, an admirable ride, and optional massaging seats, you’d likely arrive at your destination without much fatigue. And, thankfully, the Bridgestone A/Ts only add minimal road noise.
The Explorer Tremor I tested had the potent 3.0L twin-turbo V-6 engine. It makes the 4,457 pound. SUV move out with gusto. Merging was a snap. Passing was a cinch. Power was always on tap. Plus, there’s even a nice exhaust note.
Our tester, an early production unit, did develop a rattle somewhere behind the glovebox, however. It stuck with us all day. Yes, we jarred the SUV with extensive off-road travel, but still.
Overall build quality still felt solid, even if the doors didn’t have the resounding bank-vault-like “thunk” I’d like from a $60,000+ SUV. Also, no wireless charging for phones, despite the price.
A Powerful, Comfortable, Capable Off-Road-Ready Explorer
The Explorer Tremor comes together nicely. Whether you’re taking it camping, exploring (obviously), or driving it cross-country, it’ll perform well on bad roads, dirt roads, or even the wide-open highway. My test vehicles also had Ford’s optional BlueCruise hands-free driving, which helps further reduce long-distance driving fatigue.
If you stick with the 2.3L Explorer Tremor, you’ll be right around the $50,000 mark after delivery and destination. The powerful 3.0L V6 will set you back an additional $11,850 and will kick you over the $60,000 mark. The test vehicles I experienced were around $68,000.
Regardless of engine options, the AWD, the Torsen rear diff, and the suspension tuning make this a worthy explorer, no matter where you take it. (See what I did there?)
