The 2026 Ford Explorer is the right SUV for rural South Texas families who need real towing muscle, all-wheel-drive confidence, and room for the whole crew. Starting at $40,465 for the Active 4WD 100A and reaching $52,965 for the Platinum 4WD, all four covered trims share a 300 hp EcoBoost four-cylinder, 5,000 lbs of towing capacity, and about 16 cu ft of cargo space — enough to haul hunting gear, livestock trailers, and three rows of family on the same weekend. Table of Contents How Much Does the 2026 Ford Explorer Cost to Own for Families? Rugged Looks That Match Texas Hill Country Roads Around Dunlay and Lytle Power and Traction Built for Ranch and Farm Life in South Texas with the 2026 Ford Explorer Spacious Cabin for Multigenerational Family Outings in the 2026 Ford Explorer Connectivity Features That Keep You Linked on Rural Routes Safety Systems Designed for Gravel Roads and Country Drives in the 2026 Ford Explorer Affordable Capability for Families: 2026 Ford Explorer Trim Pricing Breakdown Reliable Ford Support for Your Community and Land: Warranty, Maintenance, and Service Awards and Expert Recognition Highlighting the 2026 Ford Explorer's Strengths for Rural Texas Drivers Your Questions About Towing and Fuel Efficiency with the 2026 Ford Explorer How Much Does the 2026 Ford Explorer Cost to Own for Families? The 2026 Ford Explorer spans a $12,500 price range across the four trims covered here, giving South Texas families a clear ladder from capable entry-level to full-luxury 4WD. Every trim adds a $1,795 destination charge on top of base MSRP. Feature Active 4WD 100A Platinum Platinum 4WD ST-LINE 4WD ST-LINE RWD Tremor 4WD Base MSRP $40,465 $50,965 $52,965 $47,155 $45,155 $48,965 Destination Charge $1,795 $1,795 $1,795 $1,795 $1,795 $1,795 The Active 4WD 100A at $40,465 is the value entry point — it brings full all-wheel drive, the 300 hp EcoBoost engine, a 13.2-inch touchscreen, three-zone automatic climate control, and the Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist safety suite. For families watching a budget while still needing AWD traction on limestone back roads, this is a compelling starting point. Step up to the ST-LINE 4WD at $47,155 and you gain a sportier aesthetic with piano-black interior trim, a standard 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, a 360-Degree Camera with Split View, and seven-passenger seating — the only trim in this group that seats seven standard. The ST-Line Premium Package adds memory seats, heated rear seats, ambient lighting, and rain-sensing wipers for buyers who want creature comforts alongside capability. The Tremor 4WD at $48,965 is the off-road specialist of the group, with unique terrain-focused tuning and a curb weight of 4,424 lbs — the heaviest in this lineup. The Platinum 4WD at $52,965 tops the 4WD range with a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen system, woodgrain instrument panel trim, leather door and console trim, memory seats, a wireless charging pad, and a 360-Degree Camera with Split View as standard equipment. Families who want to explore our current new Explorer inventory can compare available trims and in-stock configurations at Cecil Atkission Ford in Hondo. Rugged Looks That Match Texas Hill Country Roads Around Dunlay and Lytle The 2026 Ford Explorer wears a wide, upright stance that reads as purposeful rather than flashy — exactly the right personality for the rolling pastureland and open fields around Dunlay. At 198.7 inches long, 78.9 inches wide (89.3 inches mirror to mirror), and 70.2 inches tall, it has the road presence to look at home parked beside a ranch gate or a church parking lot in equal measure. All four trims run full LED projector-beam headlights with LED daytime running lights, LED rear lights, and LED brake lights. Auto high-beam control comes standard, so night drives on unlit county roads get a little less stressful. The Active 4WD 100A and Tremor 4WD wear black roof rails, while the Platinum trims step up to chrome/silver rails — a subtle but meaningful visual upgrade. The ST-LINE 4WD takes the most distinctive exterior approach: body-color bumpers, piano-black interior accents that carry the sporty theme, and toned door mirrors that give it an edgier look than the base trim. The optional ST-Line Street Pack (package code 68P) adds 21-inch alloy wheels and painted brake calipers for drivers who want the Explorer to turn heads on the way to the feed store. The Tremor 4WD projects a different kind of confidence — rugged, purposeful, and built for the limestone soils and uneven terrain that characterize the Hill Country transition zone. Its higher curb weight of 4,424 lbs signals the additional hardware underneath. For owners who want to personalize their Explorer after purchase, Cecil Atkission Ford carries genuine Ford accessories — you can order parts and accessories directly through our parts department to keep your Explorer looking sharp and protected for the long haul. Power and Traction Built for Ranch and Farm Life in South Texas with the 2026 Ford Explorer Every 2026 Explorer in this lineup runs the same turbocharged 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 engine producing 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, paired with Ford's SelectShift 10-speed automatic transmission. What changes between trims is the drivetrain — and that distinction matters significantly on the pastureland and gravel roads of South Texas. The Active 4WD 100A, ST-LINE 4WD, Platinum 4WD, and Tremor 4WD all come with full-time Intelligent 4WD — the system Ford calls out by name in the catalog data. This isn't part-time AWD that you manually engage; it's an automatic system that distributes torque between axles based on traction conditions, making it genuinely useful when you pull off a paved road onto a limestone caliche track near Dunlay or navigate muddy pasture gates after a rain. The Tremor 4WD is the trim built for the most demanding terrain, with hill descent control standard — a feature that holds your speed steady on steep descents so you can focus on steering rather than braking. Its curb weight of 4,424 lbs reflects additional off-road hardware compared to the 4,303 lbs shared by the other three 4WD trims. Towing capacity is a flat 5,000 lbs across all four covered trims — enough to pull a loaded livestock trailer, a jon boat to the Medina River, or a utility trailer full of equipment across rolling ranchland. The AdvanceTrac with RSC (Roll Stability Control) system monitors trailer sway and intervenes before instability becomes dangerous, which is a meaningful real-world benefit when hauling on two-lane county roads. For operations that regularly demand more towing than 5,000 lbs, Cecil Atkission Ford also carries new heavy-duty F-350 and F-450 Super Duty trucks that can handle heavier commercial and agricultural loads. Spacious Cabin for Multigenerational Family Outings in the 2026 Ford Explorer The 2026 Explorer fits the multigenerational family lifestyle that defines communities like D'Hanis — where Sunday gatherings, festival days, and fishing trips often mean loading up grandparents, parents, and kids in the same vehicle. Here's how the four covered trims stack up on capacity: Feature Active 4WD 100A Platinum Platinum 4WD ST-LINE 4WD ST-LINE RWD Tremor 4WD Seating 6 6 6 7 7 6 Curb Weight 4,303 lbs 4,303 lbs 4,303 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 1,346 lbs Cargo (all seats up) 16.3 cu ft 16.3 cu ft 16.3 cu ft 16.3 cu ft 16.3 cu ft 16.3 cu ft Towing 5,000 lbs 5,000 lbs 5,000 lbs 5,000 lbs 5,000 lbs 5,000 lbs The ST-LINE 4WD is the only trim here that seats seven standard, using a 40/20/40 second-row bench — a meaningful difference for families who regularly transport extended relatives. The other trims default to a 2+2+2 six-passenger configuration with second-row captain's chairs, though the Active 4WD 100A, Platinum, and Platinum 4WD all offer a Second Row Bench With E-Z Entry and Armrest as an option to bump seating to seven. Interior dimensions are generous across all trims: 43 inches of front legroom, 39 inches in the second row, and 32.2 inches in the third row. Front headroom measures 40.7 inches, second-row headroom 40.5 inches, and third-row headroom 38.9 inches — enough for adults to ride comfortably in row two, with the third row better suited to children or shorter passengers on longer trips. Cargo behind the third row measures about 16 cu ft — practical for hunting packs, fishing coolers, and the kind of gear that accumulates on a weekend near the Edwards Plateau. Fold everything flat and you get about 86 cu ft of total cargo volume, which is enough to move furniture, hay bales in bags, or an entire tailgate setup. The Platinum 4WD adds leather door trim, woodgrain instrument panel accents, memory driver seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a wireless charging pad — features that make the daily commute from Lytle feel considerably more refined. Connectivity Features That Keep You Linked on Rural Routes Out on the back roads between Lytle and the Edwards Plateau, staying connected matters — whether you're checking weather before a morning hunt, streaming directions to an unfamiliar ranch, or keeping the kids entertained on a longer drive. The 2026 Explorer handles all of it through a well-integrated tech stack that's consistent across all four covered trims. Every trim comes with a 13.2-inch central touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster — both are standard equipment, not optional upgrades. The infotainment system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto, so phones stay on the charger while maps and music run through the screen. Bluetooth is standard, and a Google virtual assistant handles voice commands without requiring a paired phone. Charging access is thorough: the Active 4WD 100A provides 1 front USB charging port, 1 rear USB charging port, and 2 third-row USB charging ports. The ST-LINE 4WD and Platinum 4WD step this up to 4 front USB charging ports, 2 rear, and 2 third-row — eight total charging connections for a fully loaded family. The Platinum 4WD and ST-LINE 4WD add a wireless charging pad as standard, so the driver's phone tops up without fumbling for a cable on a bumpy ranch road. Ford's embedded Wi-Fi hotspot uses a built-in SIM card and comes with a 12-month subscription included. For families who want longer coverage, the optional Ford Connectivity Package (one-time purchase) extends online services to 84 months — seven years of connected navigation, traffic updates, and remote services including remote start, vehicle diagnostics, theft alert, and Find My Car. The 911 Assist telematics system automatically connects to emergency services after a serious collision — a genuinely valuable feature when you're miles from the nearest town on an isolated ranch road. Over-the-air software updates keep the system current without a dealership visit, which matters for rural owners who don't want to make a trip just to refresh their infotainment software. Safety Systems Designed for Gravel Roads and Country Drives in the 2026 Ford Explorer The 2026 Explorer earns a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with 5-star frontal crash and 5-star side impact ratings — and Good scores from IIHS on moderate overlap front, small overlap front (driver side), side impact, headlights, and seat belt reminder. These are the numbers that matter when you're hauling your family across rural South Texas roads that don't always offer guardrails or wide shoulders. Every trim in this lineup includes 7 airbags — dual front airbags, front side airbags, side curtain airbags covering all three rows, and a driver knee airbag. Front seatbelts include pre-tensioners and height adjusters. LATCH child seat anchors are standard, and all three rows have height-adjustable head restraints. The active safety suite is built around Ford CoPilot360 Assist+ on the Active 4WD 100A and Ford CoPilot360 Assist 2.0 on the ST-LINE 4WD, Tremor 4WD, and Platinum 4WD. Both suites include adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, the Lane-Keeping System that provides active steering correction when you drift, automatic emergency braking that activates from as low as 3 mph, and Rear Cross Traffic Braking — a radar-based system that applies the brakes automatically when cross traffic is detected while reversing, which is genuinely useful when backing out of a barn or equipment shed with limited sightlines. BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) monitors your flanks and warns of vehicles approaching in your blind spot — practical on two-lane highways where passing trucks can appear quickly. The Rear Parking Sensors and standard rearview camera with guidance lines round out the parking assist package on all trims. The Platinum 4WD and ST-LINE 4WD add the 360-Degree Camera with Split View as standard equipment, giving a bird's-eye view of the vehicle's surroundings — useful when maneuvering in tight spaces around equipment or livestock. AdvanceTrac with RSC (Roll Stability Control) and the Trailer Stability Program work together to manage trailer sway and rollover risk, adding a meaningful layer of confidence when towing on winding Hill Country roads. Affordable Capability for Families: 2026 Ford Explorer Trim Pricing Breakdown The four covered trims form a logical progression that matches different budget points and use cases without asking buyers to sacrifice the core capability that makes the Explorer useful in rural South Texas. The Active 4WD 100A at $40,465 is the practical starting point. It delivers the full Intelligent 4WD system, 300 hp EcoBoost engine, 13.2-inch touchscreen, three-zone climate control, wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, rear parking sensors, rearview camera, Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+, and a 3-position electrically adjustable driver seat. For a family that needs AWD traction and towing capability without luxury features, this trim delivers the essentials at the lowest price in the group. The ST-LINE 4WD at $47,155 adds a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, the 360-Degree Camera with Split View, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, seven-passenger seating, and a sportier interior aesthetic with piano-black trim. The optional ST-Line Premium Package (code 68L) layers on memory seats, heated rear seats, ambient lighting, auto-dimming mirrors, and rain-sensing wipers — a meaningful comfort upgrade for families who spend a lot of time in the vehicle. The Tremor 4WD at $48,965 is the off-road-focused choice, with hill descent control, terrain-specific tuning, and the heaviest curb weight in the group at 4,424 lbs. The Platinum 4WD at $52,965 is the full-luxury all-wheel-drive option, adding woodgrain interior trim, leather door panels, a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen system, memory seats, wireless charging, ventilated front seats, and the optional Platinum Lux Leather Package (code 21B) for full leather upholstery. Buyers who want a more budget-friendly entry point can also browse our pre-owned inventory at Cecil Atkission Ford. When you're ready to move forward on a new Explorer, you can submit a credit application online to get the financing process started before you visit the dealership. Reliable Ford Support for Your Community and Land: Warranty, Maintenance, and Service Every 2026 Ford Explorer comes with a 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty — the EcoBoost engine, SelectShift transmission, and drivetrain components are all covered for five full years. Roadside assistance matches the powertrain coverage at 5 years/60,000 miles, so a breakdown on a remote ranch road doesn't leave you stranded without support. The corrosion warranty runs 5 years with no mileage cap, and paint is covered for 3 years/36,000 miles. Ford's over-the-air update capability means the Explorer's software stays current without requiring a service visit for routine system refreshes — a real advantage for owners who live far from town. At Cecil Atkission Ford in Hondo, our service department handles routine maintenance, warranty repairs, and genuine Ford parts for Explorer owners across the region. You can check our current service and parts specials to save on scheduled maintenance. We're also proud of our roots in this community — learn more about our commitment to the families and towns we serve across South Texas. Awards and Expert Recognition Highlighting the 2026 Ford Explorer's Strengths for Rural Texas Drivers The Explorer's 5-star NHTSA overall safety rating — paired with Good ratings across multiple IIHS test categories including headlights, moderate overlap front, small overlap front (driver side), side impact, and seat belt reminder — places it among the better-protected three-row SUVs in its class. These aren't marketing claims; they're independent test results that carry real weight when you're choosing a vehicle to carry your family on roads that don't always offer a safety net. Competitors in the three-row SUV segment include the Chevrolet Traverse, Kia Telluride, and Hyundai Palisade. The Explorer's combination of Intelligent 4WD across all four covered trims, 5,000 lbs of towing capacity, and the Tremor 4WD's off-road capability give it a meaningful edge for buyers whose daily reality includes gravel roads and livestock trailers rather than urban parking garages. The Cecil Atkission Ford team knows this vehicle inside out. Our sales and product specialists can walk you through every trim difference, package option, and configuration detail — so you leave with the right Explorer for your land, your family, and your budget. Your Questions About Towing and Fuel Efficiency with the 2026 Ford Explorer Q: What is the maximum towing capacity of the 2026 Ford Explorer? All four covered trims — Active 4WD 100A, ST-LINE 4WD, Tremor 4WD, and Platinum 4WD — are rated at 5,000 lbs maximum towing capacity (braked trailer). Unbraked trailer capacity is 1,500 lbs. The AdvanceTrac with RSC (Roll Stability Control) and the Trailer Stability Program are standard on all trims and help manage sway when towing on uneven or winding roads. For heavier ranch or agricultural loads that regularly exceed 5,000 lbs, the Explorer is best complemented by a dedicated heavy-duty truck. Q: What fuel economy does the 2026 Ford Explorer get? Fuel economy varies by drivetrain and trim. Here are the EPA-rated figures for all trims in the covered lineup: The Tremor 4WD returns the lowest fuel economy at 19 city / 23 hwy / 21 combined — a direct result of its heavier curb weight ( 4,424 lbs) and off-road-tuned drivetrain. The Active 4WD 100A and Platinum 4WD both return 23 combined MPG on AWD. At 23 MPG combined and a 17.9-gallon fuel tank, the AWD trims have a calculated range of 412 miles per tank — enough for a full day of errands and back without a fuel stop. Q: Does the 2026 Ford Explorer have hill descent control for off-road driving? Yes — the Tremor 4WD includes hill descent control as standard equipment, which holds your speed steady on steep descents without requiring constant brake input. The other three covered trims (Active 4WD 100A, ST-LINE 4WD, Platinum 4WD) do not include hill descent control but do include the full Intelligent 4WD system and AdvanceTrac with RSC for on-road and light off-road traction management. Q: Which 2026 Explorer trim seats the most passengers? The ST-LINE 4WD seats 7 passengers standard, using a 40/20/40 second-row bench in a 2+3+2 configuration. The Active 4WD 100A and Platinum 4WD seat 6 standard (2+2+2 with captain's chairs) but offer a Second Row Bench With E-Z Entry and Armrest as an option to reach seven-passenger capacity. Q: How do I learn more or schedule a test drive at Cecil Atkission Ford? Stop by Cecil Atkission Ford at 109 19th St, Hondo, TX 78861, or give us (830) 426-5391 to speak with a product specialist about current Explorer availability, trim comparisons, and test drive scheduling. We serve families across Hondo, D'Hanis, Dunlay, and Lytle — and we're ready to put the right Explorer to work for your family and your land. Fuel Economy Fuel economy and range by trim Feature Active 4WD 100A Platinum Platinum 4WD ST-LINE 4WD ST-LINE RWD Tremor 4WD MPG 20 city / 27 hwy / 23 combined 20 city / 29 hwy / 24 combined 20 city / 27 hwy / 23 combined 20 city / 27 hwy / 23 combined 20 city / 29 hwy / 24 combined 19 city / 23 hwy / 21 combined © 2026 Cecil Atkission Ford. All rights reserved. Vehicle specification data © JATO Dynamics Limited.
