The 2026 Ford Explorer’s off-road credibility is in for a boost when the midsize SUV adds a model with the automaker’s popular Tremor badge later this year.
The Explorer Tremor adds gear, including three steel skid plates, increased ground clearance and a Torsen rear differential.
The 2026 Explorer Tremor also gets handsome visual upgrades from bright LED off-road lights across a new grille to “Electric Spice” orange details.
2026 Ford Explorer Tremor Ford key facts
On sale late 2025
Standard four-wheel drive
3.0L twin-turbo V6 or 2.3L turbocharged four-cylinder engine
400-hp maximum power
10-speed automatic transmission
31.5-inch Bridgestone all-terrain tires
18-inch gloss black painted wheels with orange highlight
Electric spice orange highlights
Assembled in Chicago
Price: TBA
Taking the Explorer off-road — for real, this time
The Tremor should add meaningful capability compared with the Explorer’s short-lived Timberline trim, which was about looks more than function. Ford discontinued the Timberline after the 2024 model year.
The Tremor is an outdoorsy model mirroring the performance-oriented ST in the Explorer lineup. ST prices start at $56,770. It’s not unreasonable to expect the Tremor in the same neighborhood.
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Tremors will be available with either a 2.3L four-cylinder or 3.0L V6 engine. The only performance figures Ford has revealed is 400 hp from the twin-turbo V6. Towing capacity is 5,000 pounds.
A 14-speaker B&O audio system will be available.
The Explorer is the second Ford SUV to get a Tremor model, following the Expedition. There are also Tremor models of Ford’s pickups.
What makes the Explorer Tremor special?
The Explorer Tremor’s front corners were carved out so the front wheels can tackle big rocks without damaging the fascia. Selecting a new off-road mode modifies throttle response, shift points, traction control, power distribution, 360-degree trail view and an inclinometer.
Other unique Tremor touches include:
1 inch more ground clearance
Twin front recovery hooks
LED off-road lights in grille
Steel front, rear and transmission skid plates
Unique front and rear fascia
Off-road driving mode
Improved approach and departure angles
Trail view cameras
Unique stabilizer bars and springs
Upgraded shock absorbers
The Tremor will be the first vehicle with the 1.5 version of Ford’s Blue Cruise hands-free driving system, which adds fully automatic lane changes to its other features.
It shares the upgrades the 2025 Explorer received, including Google navigation, apps and music. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remain standard equipment.
Ford is taking orders for the Explorer Tremor now.
Contact Mark Phelan: mmphelan@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @mark_phelan. Read more on autos and sign up for our autos newsletter. Become a subscriber.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor SUV gets new off-road chops, more style
