The 2026 Ford Explorer® blends proven SUV versatility with next-generation tech and confident road manners—an ideal match for the way San Antonio drivers live, commute, and getaway. If you’re comparing three-row SUVs online, you’ll find the Explorer® consistently rises to the top for its rear-wheel-drive architecture, available Intelligent 4WD, and family-ready cabin that scales from school runs to road trips with ease. At Ancira Ford Floresville, we keep the research process straightforward. We focus on the features that matter most here in South Texas—towing confidence, easy-to-use technology, advanced driver assistance, and the right mix of trims so you can choose a model that fits your daily routine and weekend plans. From the highway sweep of I-10 and I-35 to the ranch roads off US 181, the 2026 Explorer® is engineered to deliver comfort, control, and capability mile after mile.
The 2026 Ford Explorer® is built around a balanced, confident drive. Standard rear-wheel drive contributes to poised handling and towing stability, while available Intelligent 4WD adds traction for gravel paths and unpaved cut-throughs. The standard 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 delivers strong everyday power, and when you want more, the available 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 on performance-focused trims steps up with maximum available horsepower of 400. A Class III Trailer Tow Package and selectable drive modes help you tailor the drive for changing surfaces, so your Explorer® feels composed whether you’re running errands around San Antonio or heading out with a trailer in tow. With up to 5,000 lbs of towing capacity and available off-road-savvy hardware on Tremor®, this SUV is ready for the long way around.
Inside, the 2026 Explorer® balances everyday practicality with thoughtful design. Families will appreciate the generous cargo volume—up to 85.8 cu ft with the rear seats folded—plus the intuitive layout of controls and expansive screens powered by the Ford Digital Experience. Available upscale appointments such as leather-trimmed seating surfaces, ambient lighting, and the panoramic fixed glass roof with power sunshade give the cabin a relaxing, premium feel. On the tech side, the available B&O® Sound System by Bang & Olufsen® turns playlists and podcasts into immersive sessions, while the 360-Degree Camera on ST-Line and above supports confident maneuvering in tight parking situations around the city or at busy trailheads.
The 2026 Explorer® integrates standard and available driver assistance technologies to help you feel more confident whether you’re navigating weekday congestion or longer weekend routes. Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist+ brings features like Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Centering assistance to reduce fatigue on longer drives. BLIS with Cross-Traffic Alert looks out for vehicles in your blind spots and crossing behind you, while Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking helps you react quickly if the unexpected happens. On properly equipped trims, BlueCruise enables hands-free highway driving on compatible routes, giving you a welcome assist on the long stretches of I-10 and I-35.
| Trim | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Explorer® Active 100A | 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4; Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist+; Selectable drive modes; Class III Trailer Tow Package |
| Explorer® Active | 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4; Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist+; Heated front-row seats; Power liftgate |
| Explorer® ST-Line | 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4; 360-Degree Camera; Unique durable cloth-trimmed seats with red stitching; B&O® Sound System by Bang & Olufsen® |
| Explorer® Tremor® | Available 3.0L EcoBoost® V6; Torsen® limited-slip rear axle; Off-road tuned suspension with increased ride height; Underbody protection |
| Explorer® Platinum™ | 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4; BlueCruise hands-free highway driving equipped; Heated, ventilated, massaging front-row seats with leather inserts; Available panoramic fixed glass roof with power sunshade |
| Explorer® ST | 3.0L EcoBoost® V6; BlueCruise hands-free highway driving equipped; Sport-tuned suspension; Performance brakes with red-painted brake calipers |
We know San Antonio traffic patterns, school schedules, and weekend drive habits because we help local drivers every day. Our location off US 181 in Floresville makes it simple to stop by for a test drive or service visit. We streamline your research with clear walkarounds, real-world demos of features like the 360-Degree Camera and BlueCruise, and practical advice on choosing between trims such as ST-Line, Tremor®, and Platinum™. From online finance pre-approval to trade-in guidance, our goal is to make your Explorer® shopping experience efficient and pressure-free.
Upgrading to a 2026 Ford Explorer® is even easier when you apply the value of your current vehicle. Use our online trade-in resources to estimate your vehicle’s market value in minutes, upload a few details, and see how your trade could streamline the switch to a new Explorer®. You can start a quote at home, then bring your vehicle by for a quick, transparent appraisal. We’ll help you apply that value directly toward your Explorer® so you can focus on selecting the right trim, features, and color.
Many three-row rivals lean on front-wheel-drive platforms, which can feel less planted when fully loaded or towing. The Explorer® starts with rear-wheel drive, contributing to confident dynamics, especially useful on fast merges onto I-35 or when you’re pulling a utility trailer out toward the Hill Country. Performance enthusiasts will appreciate that the Explorer® ST’s available 400 max horsepower outmuscles most competitors in this class. For drivers who want credible off-pavement capability without aftermarket mods, the Tremor® trim’s off-road tuned suspension, Torsen® limited-slip rear axle, and underbody protection stand apart in a segment where many “rugged” packages are largely cosmetic. On the tech front, available BlueCruise provides hands-free highway driving on compatible roads—a feature you won’t commonly find offered across the segment—while practical touches like the 360-Degree Camera and power liftgate simplify tight parking around downtown San Antonio and busy sports fields. Put simply, the 2026 Explorer® brings a rare blend of driving poise, usable power, smart safety, and flexible utility that equips South Texas families and commuters for whatever’s next.
Ready to move forward? Browse our up-to-date inventory to compare colors and trims, then schedule a test drive to see how the Explorer® fits your daily routine. You can apply for financing online, value your trade, and even map out a few must-have features before your showroom visit. If a feature like BlueCruise or the 360-Degree Camera is on your list, let our team know so we can demonstrate it on your drive. We’re here to guide you through each step—from research to key handoff—so you can choose your Explorer® with confidence.
From urban commutes along Loop 1604 to weekend routes across I-10 and scenic drives beyond La Vernia, the 2026 Ford Explorer® brings the space, technology, and traction San Antonio-area drivers count on. Our Ancira Ford Floresville team is ready to help you compare trims, configure towing and driver-assist features, and set up an ownership plan that fits your life. When you’re ready to explore what’s possible, we’re here with expert advice and a neighborhood approach to service.
*Vehicle images and features shown are for illustration only and may vary by trim and option.
