New & Used 2026 Ford Explorer for Sale nearWhitby, ON

Is the 2026 Ford Explorer a good car?

Yes — 5/5 from owners and 7.5/10 from our experts. The standout strength is Safety at 10/10.

The 2026 Ford Explorer remains a practical choice in the midsize three-row SUV class, especially if you want a comfortable family hauler with room for the whole family. It also offers an optional twin-turbo V6, and Ford’s 2026 updates add a Tremor model that replaces the Timberline as the most off-road-capable Explorer, plus an updated BlueCruise system.

The trade-offs are familiar: bland styling, a nondescript interior, and pricing that can climb quickly with options.

With 32.6% of listings priced as good or great deals, the market gives you some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2026 Ford Explorer reliable?

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

The Explorer’s long-standing role as a family-friendly SUV supports its reputation for everyday usefulness, and the expert assessment backs up its solid all-around execution. The performance notes also point to a well-sorted powertrain setup, with the 10-speed automatic described as quick and responsive, and the turbo-four noted as capable for normal use.

Ford also includes a three-year/60,000-kilometre bumper-to-bumper warranty and a five-year/100,000-kilometre powertrain warranty, which helps with early ownership confidence.

For used buyers, the main long-term risk is that higher-spec versions can become expensive to maintain and repair if you buy one that’s heavily optioned.

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, while the Tremor adds the rugged look and hardware. Base-model equipment is lighter, so check carefully for the features you want.
• Powertrain: The standard 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder makes 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. A twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 is available on the Tremor and standard on the ST, with 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. Both engines use a 10-speed automatic and standard AWD in Canada.
• Safety package: CoPilot 360+ 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 get CoPilot 360 2.0, which adds the 360-degree camera system, predictive speed assist, and road-edge detection.
• Infotainment: All models get a 13.2-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Google Maps, Google Play Store, and SiriusXM with 360L. The base Active uses an unbranded six-speaker audio system, while other trims get a 10-speaker B&O system, with a 14-speaker version available.
• Fuel efficiency: The turbo-four is rated at 10.4 litres per 100 kilometres 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 four-cylinder 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 entry point, and it makes sense if you want the Explorer’s core family-hauling ability at the lowest starting price. It gets the standard infotainment setup and the full CoPilot 360+ safety suite, but it’s the least lavishly equipped version.
• ST-Line: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it adds more visual appeal and upgraded audio without jumping all the way to the pricier luxury or performance models.
• Platinum: Choose this if you want the most luxurious Explorer, with leather upholstery and the richest feature set in the lineup.
• ST: This is the one to buy if you want the strongest on-road performance, thanks to the twin-turbo V6, sport-tuned suspension, and beefier brakes.
• Tremor: Pick this if you want the most off-road-capable Explorer. It adds all-terrain tires, a raised ride height, off-road lights, a Torsen limited-slip rear differential, an off-road drive mode, and steel skid plates.

Higher trim levels get CoPilot 360 2.0, while the Active uses CoPilot 360+.

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 carefully and still find worthwhile listings.

• Deal availability: 32.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 304 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 in frontal and side crash testing, and four-star ratings in rollover testing from NHTSA.

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. Ford’s BlueCruise hands-free highway driving system is also updated for 2026 to version 1.5 with automated lane change capability.

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:

• 32.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2026 adds a Tremor model and an updated BlueCruise system.

Consider the 2025 if:

• It brings a broader refresh with improved interior quality and a more appealing overall presentation.

The bottom line: If you want the newest Explorer with the Tremor off-road model and updated driver assistance, the 2026 is the better target. If you’re shopping mainly on value and want a freshened Explorer with strong tech, the 2025 is worth a look, especially if pricing is more favourable.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 20, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.