2026 Ford Explorer near Wisconsin Rapids, WI
2026 Ford Explorer Overview
The 2026 Ford Explorer arrives with the confidence of a rear-wheel-drive architecture, the flexibility of available all-wheel drive, and thoughtful updates that make day-to-day life easier for busy families. Building on last year’s refresh, it pairs a modernized cabin and a standard 13.2-inch LCD touchscreen with the Ford Digital Experience, seamless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration, and available BlueCruise hands-free driving. Power choices include a responsive 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine or an athletic twin-turbo V6, both paired with a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic. Every model features a Class III Towing package and trailer sway control, giving the Explorer up to 5,000 pounds of confident capability. From dirt-road escapes in the new Tremor to the ST’s sport-lux attitude, there’s a trim for every plan on your calendar. At Stevens Point Auto Center, we guide you through the details and help identify the configuration that matches your lifestyle. If you want an SUV that balances tech, comfort, and capability, the 2026 Ford Explorer near Wisconsin Rapids, WI stands out as the right-size three-row that fits school runs, weekend errands, and road trips with equal poise.
Exterior - Ford Dealer serving Wisconsin Rapids, WI
The latest Explorer projects strength and purpose without shouting. Subtle design refinements sharpen the profile, while a confident stance and balanced proportions showcase the vehicle’s rear-wheel-drive foundations. LED lighting and a bold grille give each trim a distinct identity, from the clean, athletic ST-Line to the adventurous Tremor and the expressive ST. The Tremor builds in practical trail-ready elements, including a lifted suspension, special 18-inch wheels, a limited-slip rear differential, and grippy all-terrain tires. The ST-Line rolls on stylish 20-inch painted alloy wheels and offers an available black-painted roof for a premium two-tone look. Functional details continue to impress—wide-opening doors for easy child-seat access, a low liftover height that simplifies loading, and roof rails ready for cargo carriers and outdoor gear. For families near Wisconsin Rapids, WI, the Explorer’s design works hard every day, blending durability for winter and shoulder-season weather with a refined presence for school drop-offs and nights out. Each detail underscores a simple idea—this three-row SUV looks ready for your plans and is built to handle them with ease.
Interior - 2026 Ford Explorer near Wisconsin Rapids, WI
Comfort, clarity, and smart storage define the Explorer’s reworked interior. In the first and second rows, softened materials now cover high-touch areas on the dash, doors, and center console, while redesigned controls feel intuitive from day one. Seating for six or seven is available, and a one-touch mechanism helps the second row slide away so passengers can reach the third row quickly. When you need space for cargo, both rear rows fold flat, creating a large, flexible load floor that swallows strollers, coolers, and camping gear without drama. Tech-forward families will appreciate the standard 13.2-inch LCD touchscreen and the Ford Digital Experience, which brings app access from Google and Amazon, plus the ability to browse or stream video from YouTube when parked. Eight USB ports, including two for third-row passengers, and three 12-volt outlets keep everyone’s devices powered during long drives. On upper trims, the B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen envelops the cabin with rich detail, while ST-Line adds a flat-bottom steering wheel and heated second-row seats. Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ connectivity complete an interior that’s focused on convenience and easy-to-use technology.
Ford Explorer Mechanical specs
Under the skin, the Explorer leverages a robust foundation designed for poise and predictability. The rear-wheel-drive layout promotes balanced handling and confident weight transfer, a trait you notice when merging, towing, or navigating sweeping rural highways. Up front, strut suspension pairs with a multilink setup in back to smooth out cracked pavement and gravel transitions without the bounciness some crossovers exhibit. Vented disc brakes at all four corners provide reassuring pedal feel on long downhill grades, and selectable drive modes help the Explorer adapt to changing conditions with a twist of a dial. The standard Class III Towing package adds a hitch, trailer wiring, and trailer sway control, so weekend projects and lake runs are part of the plan rather than a stretch. The new Tremor goes further, with its lifted suspension tuning and limited-slip rear differential creating a more composed ride on washboard surfaces and improved traction on loose trails. Whether you choose rear-wheel or available all-wheel drive, our team at Stevens Point Auto Center appreciates how this chassis blends durability with day-to-day comfort, keeping the drive settled when roads and weather don’t cooperate.
Powertrain - Ford Dealership near Wisconsin Rapids, WI
Choice defines the Explorer lineup. The standard 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder delivers 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, providing brisk, confident acceleration for commuting and passing with a full cabin. Drivers who want a livelier edge can opt for the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 found in the ST, rated at 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque when fueled appropriately. Both engines are matched to a 10-speed automatic transmission that shifts cleanly and keeps the engine in the sweet spot of its power band. Rear-wheel drive comes standard, with available all-wheel drive for added traction on slick pavement and snow-swept side streets. The pairing of strong low-end torque and smart gearing helps when trailering, too, complementing the included Class III Towing equipment. In daily use, the Explorer feels settled and composed, with the ST’s extra punch adding a genuinely sporty character. The result is a powertrain menu that covers the spectrum—from efficient family hauling to spirited highway climbs—with enough headroom to carry, tow, and explore without the powertrain ever feeling strained.
Safety - 2026 Ford Explorer dealer
Every Explorer arrives with a robust suite of driver-assist technologies and a structure designed around passenger protection. Standard features include forward-collision warning with automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist—essential tools for long drives, busy parking lots, and low-visibility commutes. Available BlueCruise adds hands-free driving capability on compatible highways, reducing fatigue on extended trips while maintaining vigilant monitoring of traffic and lane position. Parking technology is equally thoughtful, with available self-parking assist to help with parallel or tight urban spaces. The standard Class III Towing package’s trailer sway control is more than a convenience; it’s a critical safeguard when pulling a boat or utility trailer across gusty overpasses or uneven pavement. Inside, the Ford Digital Experience supports safer habits by making core controls intuitive and minimizing the need to dig through menus for everyday tasks. At Stevens Point Auto Center, we emphasize a simple point—technology should actively support awareness, and that’s exactly how the Explorer’s systems feel when conditions get complicated or weather closes in during shoulder season.
Request more 2026 Ford Explorer near Wisconsin Rapids, WI information
Capability, connectivity, and everyday practicality all come standard, and that’s what makes the 2026 Ford Explorer near Wisconsin Rapids, WI such a smart choice for busy households. With confident rear-wheel-drive dynamics, available all-wheel drive, and standard Class III Towing across the lineup, your to-do list becomes more manageable and your weekend plans more flexible. Tech upgrades—from the 13.2-inch touchscreen with the Ford Digital Experience to available BlueCruise—turn long drives into calm, well-orchestrated trips. Whether you’re drawn to the sporty demeanor of ST and ST-Line or the trail-friendly Tremor hardware, there’s an Explorer that fits your routine and your sense of adventure. Stevens Point Auto Center is ready to help you compare trims, talk towing needs, and tailor features so the SUV you take home is the one you’ll enjoy for years. From Waupaca and Rothschild to our backyard, our team is here to make the process seamless, informed, and genuinely helpful. When you’re ready for a confident, right-sized three-row SUV to elevate daily life, the 2026 Ford Explorer near Wisconsin Rapids, WI is ready to step in.
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price. Excludes options; taxes; title; registration; delivery, processing and handling fee; dealer charges. Dealer sets actual selling price. While great effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information on this site, errors do occur so please verify information with a customer service rep. This is easily done by calling us at 715-344-4100 or by visiting us at the dealership. For more information on America’s Best Warranty, click here.
*Any MPG listed is based on model year EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary, depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, battery pack age/condition (hybrid only) and other factors.