(WWJ) The Ford Explorer, long thought of as a suburban family hauler, is getting its most rugged version yet. The 2026 Explorer Tremor is aimed at people who want to go off the road and into nature.
“I think it fits perfectly into the Explorer heritage,” said Explorer Brand Manager Matt Duffield. “It’s always meant capability, versatility, but there are people who want to go further.”
Off roading has become more popular, and we’ve seen a number of SUV’s add special off road trims recently.
"Our goal was to create an Explorer that could confidently tackle challenging terrain while maintaining the comfort and on-road manners that our customers expect," Brian Naspinsky, Explorer Vehicle Engineering Manager, "We focused on enhancing the vehicle's core capabilities, from its suspension and drivetrain to its underbody protection and technology.”
The Explorer lineup comes with a variety of trims, including the entry level Active, the sporty ST-Line, the high performance ST and the top of the line Platinum. The Explorer Tremor will arrive in showrooms later this year.
The Explorer Tremor will not compete with a vehicle like the Bronco for things like rock climbing and water fording. But Duffield says it will be able to go through the mud, handle hills, slip around trees and do many of the things that drivers want to do when they go into the wilderness.
“What makes it really capable is the Torsen limited slip differential in the back, the skid plates, the 400-horsepower three-liter engine. That’s the stuff that when you get off road, really makes a difference in the driving.”
The 400 horsepower engine is an upgrade. The Explorer Tremor will come with a standard 300 horsepower engine, along with high intensity lights, recovery hooks and an off road tuned suspension with unique springs and sway bars.
Ford has quickly expanded the number of vehicles with special Tremor trims. It’s available on F-Series, Ranger and Maverick. The larger Expedition added a Tremor version with its latest update.
Duffield sees the Explorer Tremor as the natural next step.
“We’re seeing customers take our existing Explorers and push the boundaries with them in both how they are using them and how they equip them. For us, that’s proof positive this vehicle is needed by our customers.”