Hello everyone! Ford has opened up order banks for the 2026 Explorer, with production slated to start on September 22nd.
Here is a summary of the changes for the Ford Explorer for the 2026 model year includes the following:
- Vista Moonroof has been removed, a fixed glass moonroof replaces it
- Marsh Gray added to color pallet
- Ford Explorer Tremor added
- Second Row Bench Seat now available on the ST trim
- Platinum drops the 3.0L V6
Ford removed the Vista Moonroof, replacing it with a fixed glass unit. This means the moonroof no longer opens or closes. I assume this was done to failure rates and sunroof drains becoming clogged easily. I actually like this change, to me it is just less parts to maybe fail.
All trims add Marsh Gray to the color pallet. At time of writing, I was unable to find a photo of the Explorer in Marsh Gray. Above is a 2025 F-150 in Marsh Gray. It is an interesting color.
New for the 2026 model year, is the Ford Explorer Tremor. Basically the earlier years Timbelrine, and rebadged for the refreshed cars, the trim includes the same 18-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires, auxiliary off-road lights on the grille, unique front fascia, orange accents around the vehicle, a 1-IN. lift, front and rear skid plates, and a Torsion limited-slip rear differential. It will be standard with the 2.3L I-4, but it will be available with the 3.0L V6.
The bench seat also makes it’s return to be available for the ST trim.
A very disapointing change for the 2026 model year is the dropping of the 3.0L V-6 from the Platinum trim. The Platinum will go forward with the 2.3L only.
For those that were hoping the items that were deleted throughout the 2025 model year, they will be disapointed. Those items will not make a return.
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Explorer ST Enthusiasts 