Feb 12, 2026
Refined Comfort Meets Everyday Confidence: The 2026 Explorer Platinum™ around Madison, WI

Stevens Point Auto Center – Refined Comfort Meets Everyday Confidence: The 2026 Explorer Platinum™ around Madison, WI

If you’re looking at the 2026 Explorer Platinum™, you are likely weighing two questions: will it make daily life easier, and does it still feel like a true multi-role family SUV? The answer to both is a confident yes. Platinum balances thoughtful luxury with the adaptability that has long defined the Explorer nameplate. BlueCruise hands-free highway driving is equipped on this trim, and it is the feature that most owners mention first after a road trip. The system helps accelerate, brake, and steer on compatible highways, taking the edge off long stretches while you remain attentive. Pair that with the refined 2.3L EcoBoost® engine’s easy-going power, available Intelligent 4WD for changing weather, and selectable drive modes for fine-tuned control, and Platinum is set for the full calendar of weekday commutes and weekend plans.

Inside, the story gets even better. Heated, ventilated, massaging front-row seats with leather inserts offer genuine relief during winter mornings, summer afternoons, and everything in between. An available panoramic fixed glass roof with power sunshade brightens the cabin and makes the second and third rows feel more open. The Ford Digital Experience keeps you connected with familiar apps and services, while the Ford Connectivity Package can provide Wi-Fi for passengers. With seating for up to seven and up to 85.8 cu ft of cargo space when you need it, Platinum never loses sight of the Explorer’s mission—move people and gear with ease. For many families, it is the trim that feels equally at home rolling to school drop-off as it does cruising across the state on a long weekend.

  • BlueCruise capability: Hands-free highway driving is equipped on Platinum, adding long-distance ease when conditions allow.
  • Comfort-first seating: Heated, ventilated, massaging front-row seats with leather inserts reduce fatigue on busy days.
  • Bright, airy cabin: The available panoramic fixed glass roof with power sunshade brings light to all three rows.
  • Everyday flexibility: Seating for up to seven and generous cargo capacity support errands and road trips alike.
  • Confident traction: Available Intelligent 4WD and selectable drive modes adapt to weather and surfaces.

How does Platinum fit a variety of driving scenarios? Think of it as your calm space during commuter traffic and your confidence partner for winter highways. BlueCruise reduces the grind during long drives, while Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist+ adds the driver-assist foundation you expect, including Adaptive Cruise Control. The 2.3L EcoBoost® engine feels refined and responsive, and the chassis tuning keeps body motions settled without losing the agility that makes mid-size SUVs easy to place in traffic or on narrow streets. Add in the convenience of a power liftgate on the Explorer lineup and the intuitive cabin controls, and it is clear Platinum is designed to remove small hassles that add up over busy weeks.

  1. Set your priorities: If hands-free highway capability and front-row massage are on your wish list, Platinum rises to the top quickly.
  2. Map your routes: Consider how often you travel on compatible highways where BlueCruise can add value.
  3. Bring the family: Test the second and third rows, then fold them down to judge cargo flexibility for your lifestyle.
  4. Evaluate traction needs: If winters and gravel roads are part of your routine, plan on available Intelligent 4WD.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is BlueCruise equipped on the 2026 Explorer Platinum™?

Yes. Explorer Platinum includes BlueCruise hands-free highway driving, adding a new level of comfort for long-distance travel when conditions allow.

How many passengers can the Explorer Platinum seat?

Up to seven. The three-row layout balances people space with quick-fold flexibility for cargo-heavy days.

Does the Platinum still tow confidently?

Absolutely. When properly equipped with the Class III Trailer Tow Package, Explorer models can tow up to 5,000 lbs, keeping small campers and weekend toys on the table.

What makes the Platinum interior feel special?

The combination of heated, ventilated, massaging front-row seats with leather inserts, available panoramic fixed glass roof with power sunshade, and thoughtful ambient lighting creates a welcoming, low-stress environment.

If you want a three-row SUV that eases the daily grind and still delivers real-world flexibility, the 2026 Explorer Platinum™ deserves a test drive. Visit Stevens Point Auto Center—serving Green Bay, Madison, and Marshfield—to experience the BlueCruise calm, the comfort-first cabin, and the confident capability that make Platinum such a compelling all-around choice for families.

*Not actual trim shown in images

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