2026 Ford Explorer

Agate Black Metallic changes the way this Explorer ST presents itself. The black mesh grille, 21-inch aluminum wheels, ST badging and quad-tip dual exhaust give it a darker, understated performance look. The hardware underneath is anything but subtle: a 3.0L EcoBoost V6, 10-speed automatic, 4WD, sport-tuned suspension and red performance brakes. That combination makes sense in Tampa Bay because the ST has to do more than one thing well. It can sit in New Tampa traffic without feeling temperamental, then deliver the kind of power and chassis control that makes an open stretch north toward Dade City or Brooksville genuinely enjoyable. Selectable drive modes let you change the response to match the road, while front and rear skid plate elements add another layer of protection underneath. The Sun and Sound Package shifts the experience from performance SUV to premium family vehicle. Multicontour front seats are joined by heated and ventilated front seating, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel and heated second-row captain's chairs. The moonroof with fixed glass and power shade opens up the cabin, and the 14-speaker B&O system gives music and podcasts the kind of sound quality that matters on longer drives. When cargo takes priority, the third row power-folds out of the way. A Class III Trailer Tow Package with Trailer Sway Control gives you the ability to pull a small boat, utility trailer or recreational gear. The 110V/150W AC outlet can power or charge equipment on the road, USB-C ports serve all rows, and the power liftgate keeps loading easier when the back of the Explorer is full of sports gear, luggage or groceries. Parks Ford of Wesley Chapel adds the Parks Ford Lifetime Powertrain Warranty to this new Explorer. Parks Plus protection such as paint protection, rain-repellent treatment and headlight protection also fits an Agate Black vehicle that will see Florida sun, storms and highway miles. The technology is built around making a quick vehicle easier to live with every day. A 360-degree camera helps when a full parking lot in Wesley Chapel or Land O Lakes leaves little room to work. The 13.2-inch touchscreen runs Ford Digital Experience with Google Maps and the Google Play Store, while the 12.3-inch digital cluster keeps key information directly ahead. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM with 360L, Wi-Fi hotspot capability and the 5G modem cover the connected side. BlueCruise equipment with a 90-day trial adds access to hands-free highway driving on compatible roads. That can take some of the fatigue out of longer I-75 stretches between Wesley Chapel and Tampa or on weekend runs farther north. The one-year Ford Connectivity trial is included as well, along with Ford app capability, remote start and keyless entry. This particular ST also has the keyless-entry keypad, a small feature that becomes surprisingly useful when you want access without reaching for the key. What separates this Explorer from a conventional thre