Ford is giving its three-row SUV lineup a rugged refresh with the 2026 Explorer Tremor, a trim that's more than just tough looks. This version of the Explorer is designed to handle off-road trails without giving up comfort or everyday drivability-a sweet spot for families and adventurers alike.
A Stronger, Smarter Platform
For 2026, the Explorer still rides on Ford's rear-drive-based CD6 platform, but it's been reworked for better ride and handling. The updated chassis features improved suspension geometry, lighter materials, and a revised steering system. While these changes improve the entire lineup, the Tremor trim takes things a step further.
It gets retuned twin-tube dampers for better flex and shock absorption, plus revised control arms and new front knuckles to increase ground clearance without making it feel sloppy on pavement. Skid plates protect key components like the front differential, transfer case, and fuel tank, and the front bumper has been redesigned to give it a better approach angle-helpful when tackling steep inclines.
Power That Backs It Up
Every Tremor comes with Ford's 3.0-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 under the hood. It's expected to push out 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic and a smart 4WD system. Unlike the street-focused ST version, the Tremor gets different throttle and shift tuning to handle trails better.
Ford's Trail Control system-basically cruise control for off-roading-is back, along with a hill descent assist and a locking center coupling that can send up to half the torque to the rear wheels. Torque vectoring helps with traction side-to-side, using the brakes to shift power where it's needed.
Built to Look the Part-and Play It
The Tremor's design matches its off-road intent. It gets a darkened grille, red tow hooks, and 32-inch General Grabber A/T tires wrapped around 18-inch machined wheels. Fender flares and tweaked fascia panels aren't just for style-they're there to help with clearance and durability.
LED fog lights, Tremor-specific running boards, and blackout badging complete the look. A heavy-duty steel roof rack adds real utility, built to handle roof tents and adventure gear.
Interior: Durable Meets High-Tech
Inside, the Tremor mixes rugged materials with the latest tech. A big 13.2-inch touchscreen runs Ford's SYNC 4 system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and over-the-air updates. The seats use easy-to-clean materials-think neoprene-like surfaces and tough synthetics-great for muddy boots or dusty gear.
Front seats get extra bolstering and Tremor-branded embroidery. You still get second-row captain's chairs and a fold-flat third row, so it's trail-ready without losing family flexibility.
There's also a fully digital gauge cluster, a head-up display, and, on higher trims, a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system.
Smart Safety, Trail Tech
Ford's Co-Pilot360 safety suite is standard, with features like adaptive cruise control, lane centering, blind spot monitoring with trailer coverage, and intersection assist.
One of the coolest new additions is Off-Road View-a camera system that gives you a stitched-together look at what's in front and alongside the vehicle when crawling over tricky terrain. Add in the 360-degree camera with tire path overlays, and you've got serious trail visibility without sticking your head out the window.
Where It Stands
Compared to the likes of the Honda Passport TrailSport or Hyundai Santa Fe XRT, the 2026 Explorer Tremor offers more legitimate off-road gear. It's not quite as hardcore as a 4Runner TRD Pro, but it's a lot more livable on pavement. In fact, it's closer in spirit to the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk-blending trail talent with street manners.
Ford knows more buyers want a real SUV that can handle both their weekday routine and weekend getaways. The new Tremor isn't just a visual upgrade-it's a thoughtfully built trim for people who use their SUVs beyond the driveway.
In a segment filled with soft roaders, the 2026 Explorer Tremor shows up with real capability and no-nonsense. It's not just checking boxes. It's answering the call for something that works as hard as it looks.