Off-Road All The Things: The 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor 4WD
There's an old saying about not being able to spell "American" without "I can".
When it comes to vehicles, "American" also includes a healthy dose of "I might" and "If I want".
The research firm Strategic Vision says its data shows 98% of this country's SUV and crossover buyers go off-road over rocks or mud at most once a year, if ever. And 91% drive on dirt or gravel once a year or never.
Okay, so a rear-wheel drive Ford Explorer Platinum like the one I reviewed a year and a half ago is clearly best suited to suburban neighborhoods and interstate highways, but isn't an Explorer equipped with four-wheel drive (4WD) enough?
Well, truth be told, there were two things holding the Explorer back from being able to make that claim. One, 4WD was an extra-cost option on any trim level, and two, ground clearance was a little tight---7.8 inches when 8.0 is pretty much the agreed-upon minimum for any off-pavement adventuring.
So, Ford, which has Tremor trim levels for the Maverick, Expedition and its F-Series pickups, now has the Explorer Tremor, with standard 4WD and a boost in ground clearance to 8.7 inches.
The Tremor trim also brings front tow hooks, off-road auxiliary lighting, skid plates, a Torsen limited-slip differential, off-road shock absorbers and all-terrain tires to the standard equipment list---a healthy dose of added function to go along with a just-this-side-of-gaudy Electric Spice (that's the name) exterior trim treatment.
The standard Explorer Tremor engine is a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and 315 lb-ft of torque. EPA fuel economy estimate: 19 mpg city/23 mpg highway.
There is an available 3.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged six-cylinder engine with 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. It is an $11,850 option on its own, but it is part of the $11,505 Ulitmate Package (details below).
Figure on 0-60 times (according to Car and Driver) in the low 5s. Plan on fuel economy (according to the Environmental Protection Agency) of 17 mpg city/22 mpg highway.
That power comes on strong and smooth (they may not be fuel-efficient, but I still have a major soft spot in my heart for a good six-cylinder), and the Explorer, already a comfortable machine, rides even better on all-terrain tires (a common upside thanks to the higher profile).
Sixteen cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seats becomes 46 when you fold them flat. Need more space? Fold the second row and there's 85 cubic feet. Third-row legroom is tight at 32 inches. Best left for the pre-teens.
Things are a lot nicer for the folks in the second row, with 39 inches of legroom and their own climate controls (including heated seats).
The base price of the 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor 4WD is $48,330 ($50,025 including destination). That money buys a healthy list of standard equipment beyond what we've already discussed (see the window sticker at the end of this review).
Our tester also had $14,200 in extra-cost options, which broke down as follows:
Star White Metallic Tri-Coat paint: $795
Keyless entry keypad: $455
Ultimate Package (3.0-liter EcoBoost six-cylinder, moonroof, ambient lighting, 14-speaker B&L sound system, multicontour front seats, auto-dimming rearview mirror, driver's seat memory, third-row power-folding seats): $11,505
One-time seven-year connectivity package subscription: $745
SiriusXM satellite radio with 360L: $300.
What's not in the Explorer Tremor---not standard, not available as an option---wireless phone charging. Bring a USB cable.
As-tested price: $64,225.
There's two ways to look at that price tag. You can either have the most powerful (tied with the Explorer ST) and most capable Ford Explorer for a shade under $65,000, or you can have a decently-powered version of the most capable Explorer for a shade over $50,000 by skipping the Ultimate Package.
Your call.
2026 Ford Explorer Tremor at a glance:
Price: $48,330 base/$64,225 as tested
Engine: 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder
Horsepower: 400
Torque: 415 lb-ft
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Curb Weight: 4,788 lbs.
0-60 Acceleration (Car and Driver data): 5.1 seconds
EPA Fuel Economy Estimate: 17 mpg city/22 mpg highway
Fuel tank capacity: 20.2 gallons
EPA Range Estimate: 376 miles
Class competitors: Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, Honda Pilot
