New & Used 2026 Ford Explorer for Sale nearSt Catharines, ON

Is the 2026 Ford Explorer a good car?

Yes — the 2026 Ford Explorer earns a 5/5 user rating and a 7.5/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Safety at 10/10.

It remains a practical midsize three-row crossover that’s aimed at families who want space and everyday usefulness, and Ford has kept most of it unchanged for 2026. The available BlueCruise driver-assist system gets an update, which adds some modern appeal, and the Tremor model gives the lineup its most off-road-capable version. At the same time, the Explorer’s weaknesses are easy to see: its styling is bland, the interior is nondescript, and it can get expensive with options.

Those trade-offs matter most if you want a vehicle that feels distinctive or especially upscale. If your priority is a familiar, capable family SUV with strong safety credentials, the Explorer still fits that brief well. 33.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.

Is the 2026 Ford Explorer reliable?

Owners rate it 5/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The Explorer is described as a straightforward, family-friendly midsize three-row crossover, and Ford’s updates for 2026 keep the formula familiar rather than complicated. The expert assessment also points to strong safety credentials and a powertrain lineup that stays unchanged for the year, which can be reassuring if you prefer a proven setup over a redesign.

The performance notes also support that impression: the 10-speed automatic is described as quick and decisive, and the twin-turbo V6 delivers strong passing power without hesitation. Ford’s warranty coverage is also in line with other mainstream brands, and the source notes that the first scheduled maintenance visit is on the house.

For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is that higher-spec versions can become costly to keep satisfying once options and repairs are factored in.

What should I look for when buying a used 2026 Ford Explorer?

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The Active is the base model, while the Platinum is the most luxurious. The ST-Line and ST lean more toward on-road style, and the Tremor adds the most rugged look and capability. Base-trim feature gaps matter because the Active uses basic cloth seats and an unbranded six-speaker audio system, while higher trims get more upscale materials and a 10-speaker B&O system.
• Powertrain: The standard 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder makes 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, while the twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 makes 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. The V6 is available on Tremor and standard on ST, and the turbo-four can feel stressed when the Explorer is loaded up or towing.
• Safety package: CoPilot 360+ is standard on Active models and includes adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go and lane centring, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring with trailer coverage and safe exit assist, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, rear parking sensors, rear cross traffic braking, post-collision braking, and traffic sign recognition. Higher trims get CoPilot 360 2.0, which adds the 360-degree camera system, predictive speed assist for adaptive cruise control, and road-edge detection for lane keep assist.
• Infotainment: All models get a 13.2-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, plus wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Google Maps, Google Play Store, and SiriusXM with 360L. The system is standard across the lineup, and the available 360-degree camera system is especially useful if you plan to use the Tremor off-road.
• Fuel efficiency: The turbo-four is rated at 10.4 L/100 km combined, while V6 models are rated at 11.6 L/100 km combined. The Tremor is rated at 11.2 L/100 km combined with the inline-four and 12.4 L/100 km combined with the V6.

Which 2026 Ford Explorer trim should I buy?

The 2026 Ford Explorer is offered in 5 trim levels: Active, ST-Line, Platinum, ST, Tremor.

Here's the short version:

• Active: This is the value starting point if you want the Explorer’s core family-SUV strengths without paying for extras. It gets the standard safety suite and the full-size infotainment setup, but it also shows where Ford kept costs down, especially in the audio system and cabin materials.
• ST-Line: This is the better-looking road-focused choice if you want more style than the Active without jumping to the pricier performance or luxury trims. It adds a more dressed-up appearance and sits in the middle of the range for buyers who care about looks and everyday use.
• Platinum: This is the trim to choose if you want the most upscale Explorer experience. It brings the most luxurious presentation in the lineup and is the best fit if you value comfort and a more premium feel over ruggedness or performance.
• ST: This is the performance-oriented pick, with the twin-turbo V6 standard, sport-tuned suspension, and beefier brakes. Choose it if you want the strongest on-road pace and the most energetic driving character.
• Tremor: This is the best-value trim for buyers who want the Explorer’s most distinctive personality. It adds the off-road-focused hardware, the raised ride height, all-terrain tires, skid plates, and the twin-turbo V6 option, making it the most capable choice for rougher terrain.

Higher trim levels have CoPilot 360 2.0, which adds the 360-degree camera system, predictive speed assist, and road-edge detection.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2026 Ford Explorer?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop patiently and compare listings carefully.

• Deal availability: 33.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 289 listings available.

Is the 2026 Ford Explorer safe?

The 2026 Ford Explorer is an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick+ and earns five-star ratings from NHTSA, with five-star ratings in frontal and side crash testing and four-star ratings in rollover testing.

It earns a 10/10 safety score from our experts.

The standard CoPilot 360+ suite on Active models includes adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go and lane centring, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring with trailer coverage and safe exit assist, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, rear parking sensors, rear cross traffic braking, post-collision braking, and traffic sign recognition. Higher trims add CoPilot 360 2.0, which brings the 360-degree camera system, predictive speed assist, and road-edge detection for lane keep assist.

Ford’s BlueCruise hands-free highway driving system is also upgraded for 2026, adding automated lane change capability. The source notes that the system did not always initiate lane changes on its own during testing, although turn-signal-initiated lane changes still worked.

Should I buy a 2026 Ford Explorer or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2026 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2026 if:

• 33.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2026 update adds BlueCruise 1.5 and brings back the Tremor as the most off-road-capable Explorer.

Consider the 2025 if:

• It adds sophisticated new infotainment and safety technology, plus improved interior quality.

The bottom line: You should lean toward the 2026 if you want the latest Explorer with the Tremor’s added capability and the updated BlueCruise system. If you’re shopping mainly on value, the 2025 remains worth a look because it already brought major updates and may be easier to justify on price.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 11, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.