2026 Ford Explorer® Engine & Towing Guide in St. Clair Shores, MI
Confident acceleration and impressive towing capability define the 2026 Ford Explorer®, which offers two turbocharged EcoBoost® engines tuned for different driving styles. One is built for efficient daily driving, while the other brings twin-turbocharged V6 muscle to your weekend plans. Compare horsepower, torque, towing capacity, and engine availability across the lineup with this 2026 Ford Explorer engine and towing guide prepared by the team at Roy O'Brien Ford.
Browse our inventory to find the new Ford Explorer with the engine and equipment you want at our Ford dealership in St. Clair Shores, MI. Ask about our current finance and lease offers for added value. If any questions come up, contact us online or call us at (586) 496-5039.
Quick Jump
Navigate to a specific research section to learn more:
2026 Ford Explorer® Engine Options
Two turbocharged EcoBoost engines power the 2026 Ford Explorer lineup, each paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission and standard rear-wheel drive (RWD) or available intelligent four-wheel drive (4WD). The standard 2.3L EcoBoost inline four-cylinder (I4) engine balances responsive output with everyday efficiency, a natural fit for school runs and daily commutes. The available 3.0L EcoBoost twin-turbocharged V6 engine is tuned for performance, with the output to make highway merges and passing maneuvers feel effortless. Whichever engine you choose, the Terrain Management System™ includes up to six selectable drive modes, such as normal, eco, sport, slippery, and tow/haul, with mode availability varying by trim.
View the following engine specifications for more information.
| Engine | 2.3L EcoBoost I4 | 3.0L EcoBoost V6 |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 300 HP | 400 HP |
| Torque | 310 lb.-ft. | 415 lb.-ft. |
| Transmission | Ten-speed automatic | Ten-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD / 4WD | RWD / 4WD |
| MPG (City/Hwy) | 20 / 29 | 18 / 25 |
2026 Ford Explorer® Engine Availability by Trim
Matching an engine to your driving style starts with the trim you choose. The 2.3L EcoBoost I4 engine comes standard on nearly every 2026 Ford Explorer trim, while the 3.0L EcoBoost V6 engine is reserved for the performance-tuned ST, where it is standard, and the off-road-focused Tremor®, where it is available. Drivetrain pairings follow a similar pattern, with RWD standard on every trim except the Tremor, which comes with standard 4WD to support its off-road hardware.
See the following engine availability for more details.
| Trim | 2.3L EcoBoost I4 | 3.0L EcoBoost V6 |
|---|---|---|
| Active 100A | x | |
| Active | x | |
| Value | x | |
| ST-Line | x | |
| Tremor | x | x |
| Platinum™ | x | |
| ST | x |
2026 Ford Explorer® Towing Capacity
When properly equipped, the 2026 Ford Explorer tows up to 5,000 pounds with either engine and drivetrain. Each configuration also carries a gross combined weight rating (GCWR), the maximum allowable weight of the loaded vehicle and trailer together. A Class III Trailer Tow Package comes standard on every trim, so a weekend boat run or a small camper getaway is within reach right off the lot. Available BLIS® (blind spot information system) with trailer coverage extends monitoring along the length of your trailer, while a selectable tow/haul drive mode adjusts transmission behavior for added control with a load in tow.
The standard Class III Trailer Tow Package includes:
- Class III trailer hitch receiver
- Seven-wire harness with four-/seven-pin connector
- Tow/haul drive mode
- Trailer sway control
- Lane keeping alert
Review the following towing specifications for more information.
| Towing Specs | 2.3L EcoBoost I4 | 3.0L EcoBoost V6 |
|---|---|---|
| Max. Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs. | 5,000 lbs. |
| GCWR | 10,000 lbs. | 10,800 lbs. |
Explore the 2026 Ford Explorer in St. Clair Shores, MI
Roy O'Brien Ford makes it easy to keep your Ford Explorer research moving. Get a full rundown of features, colors, and interior details in our Explorer review, or compare standard equipment across the lineup with our Explorer trims guide. If you have any questions, reach out to our team online or call us at (586) 496-5039.
How can we help?
* Indicates a required field