Explorer Engines and Towing
2026 Ford Explorer® Engines & Towing | Bainbridge, GA
Whether your daily routine calls for local commutes or extended journeys, the 2026 Ford Explorer® is a three-row mid-size SUV built to get you where you need to go safely and in style. Giving you the choice of two athletic powertrain options, including the 2.3L EcoBoost® engine and the twin-turbocharged 3.0L EcoBoost engine, the Explorer stands ready for what’s next. Learn about the performance specifications and towing capability of the 2026 Ford Explorer with this comprehensive research guide prepared by the team at Riverbend Ford.
Browse our inventory to find the 2026 Ford Explorer trim that will keep up with your family’s active lifestyle. Schedule a test drive at our Ford dealership in Bainbridge, GA, to get behind the wheel. Match it with an attractive Explorer offer that works with your budget. Reach out to our experts with any questions you may have about the Ford Explorer. Call us at (229) 246-0860 or contact us online.
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2026 Ford Explorer Engine Differences
Two available EcoBoost engine options in the 2026 Ford Explorer provide a balance of responsive power and impressive fuel efficiency. Engineered to adapt to your everyday driving needs, each engine delivers smooth acceleration and composed performance across a range of road and trail conditions. Paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission, both powertrains showcase the ability of the Ford Explorer to meet your daily demands.
Which engine is the right fit for your driving style?
2.3L EcoBoost® I4
The turbocharged output of the 2.3L EcoBoost turbo inline four-cylinder (I4) engine provides smooth acceleration, dependable capability, and consistent power delivery for wherever the day takes you. Offering a spirited 300 horsepower and achieving 29 highway MPG, the 2.3L EcoBoost I4 powertrain is engineered with modern versatility, practicality, and long-term reliability in mind.
3.0L EcoBoost V6
Bringing increased performance, the 3.0L EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 engine pairs twin turbochargers with direct fuel injection for broad power delivery when you need it. Increasing output to 400 horsepower, the 3.0L EcoBoost V6 enhances towing capability, low-end torque, and overall responsiveness across diverse driving conditions.
View the Ford Explorer engine specifications in the accompanying table.
| Engine | 2.3L EcoBoost I4 | 3.0L EcoBoost V6 |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 300 HP | 400 HP |
| Max. Horsepower RPM | 5,500 RPM | 5,500 RPM |
| Torque | 310 lb.-ft. | 415 lb.-ft. |
| Max. Torque RPM | 3,500 RPM | 3,500 RPM | Transmission | Ten-speed automatic | Ten-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD / intelligent 4WD | RWD / intelligent 4WD |
| RWD Fuel Economy (City/Hwy) | 20 / 29 MPG | 18 / 25 MPG |
| 4WD Fuel Economy (City/Hwy) | 20 / 27 MPG | 18 / 25 MPG |
2026 Ford Explorer Drivetrain
The 2026 Ford Explorer offers a choice between rear-wheel drive (RWD) and intelligent four-wheel drive (4WD). RWD comes standard on most Explorer trims. An available Terrain Management System™ lets you tailor performance based on road and terrain conditions, with selectable drive modes that include normal, eco, sport, tow/haul, slippery, and trail. On select trims, an off-road mode expands driving capability.
The ruggedly capable Tremor® trim is equipped with standard 4WD capability for added off-road confidence. This trail-ready trim features an available TORSEN® limited-slip differential and a raised off-road suspension that fuses with other rugged design elements to deliver impressive capability across challenging terrain.
2026 Ford Explorer Engine Model Availability
See how each engine option aligns with the 2026 Ford Explorer lineup, offering you tailored performance to your specific driving preferences. The 2.3L EcoBoost I4 engine comes standard on most trims. The 3.0L EcoBoost V6 engine is standard on the ST trim and available on the Tremor.
See which Ford Explorer trims are available with each powertrain.
2.3L EcoBoost I4
Trim Availability: Active 100A, Active, ST-Line, Tremor, Platinum®
3.0L EcoBoost V6
Trim Availability: Tremor, ST
2026 Ford Explorer How Much Can a Ford Explorer Tow?
The 2026 Ford Explorer delivers confident hauling prowess, offering up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity across both available engines and either drivetrain configuration. Maximum tongue weight is rated at 500 pounds, supporting secure, well-balanced trailering. A Class III Tow Package is standard on all six trim levels, featuring:
- Seven-wire harness and four-/seven-pin connector
- Class III hitch receiver
- Tow/haul mode
- Trailer sway control
- Lane keeping alert
2026 Ford Explorer FAQs
Do I need any special package or equipment to reach the maximum towing capacity on my 2026 Ford Explorer?
Yes. To achieve the maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds on the 2026 Ford Explorer, the SUV must be properly equipped with the Class III Tow Package, which is standard across each Explorer trim.
How much interior space and cargo room does the 2026 Ford Explorer provide?
The 2026 Ford Explorer accommodates six passengers with second-row captain’s seats and seven passengers with a second-row 35/30/35 split-fold-flat bench seat. There is 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, which increases to 85.8 cubic feet of cargo volume when the second- and third-row seats are folded down.
2025 Ford Explorer® Engines & Towing | Bainbridge, GA
A standout when it comes to performance, practicality, and everyday versatility, the 2025 Ford Explorer® is ready for life on the move. The dynamic powertrain lineup of this mid-size SUV makes it an ideal companion for your everyday commutes and family weekend getaways alike. To help you navigate the full range of engine and towing features for the 2025 Ford Explorer, the experts at Riverbend Ford have prepared this detailed engines and towing guide.
View our inventory to find the 2025 Ford Explorer trim at our Bainbridge, GA, dealership that will keep up with your active lifestyle. Schedule a test drive of your preferred trim to get behind the wheel. Our Ford experts are here to answer any questions you may have about the 2025 Ford Explorer — give us a call at (229) 246-0860 or contact us online.
2025 Ford Explorer® Engine Differences
Forge ahead on the road to family fun in the 2025 Ford Explorer, powered by a choice of two turbocharged engines built for spirited driving. The 2.3L EcoBoost® turbo inline four-cylinder (I4) engine delivers 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, offering a balance of efficiency and responsiveness. The available 3.0L EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 ramps up performance with a turbocharged 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. Both engine options are paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission.
Learn more about each powertrain configuration to find the best option for your specific needs and driving style.
2.3L EcoBoost® Turbo Inline Four-Cylinder (I4)
The 2.3L EcoBoost turbo I4 engine delivers a dynamic fusion of power and responsiveness, generating an athletic 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. This turbocharged direct fuel injection powertrain is engineered for efficiency without sacrificing acceleration, offering smooth and confident performance in a range of driving situations. Whether navigating city streets for your work commute or hitting the open road for a summer road trip, the 2.3L EcoBoost I4 engine provides a refined balance of capability and control.
View 2.3L EcoBoost I4 engine specifications in the accompanying table.
|
Engine |
2.3L EcoBoost turbo I4 |
|
Horsepower |
300 HP |
|
Torque |
310 lb.-ft. |
|
Transmission |
Ten-speed automatic |
|
Drivetrain |
RWD / 4WD |
|
MPG (City/Hwy) |
20 / 29 |
|
Max. Towing |
5,000 lbs. |
3.0L EcoBoost Twin-Turbo V6
The 3.0L EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 engine boasts exceptional on-road performance with up to 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. For responsive acceleration and confident capability, this advanced powertrain utilizes direct fuel injection and twin turbochargers to optimize acceleration and efficiency. Traversing America’s highways or towing the family camper to the lake, the smooth, high-output performance of the 3.0L EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 provides the potent capability you need.
View 3.0L EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 specifications in the accompanying table.
|
Engine |
3.0L EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 |
|
Horsepower |
400 HP |
|
Torque |
415 lb.-ft. |
|
Transmission |
Ten-speed automatic |
|
Drivetrain |
RWD / 4WD |
|
MPG (City/Hwy) |
18 / 25 |
|
Max. Towing |
5,000 lbs. |
2025 Ford Explorer Model Availability
See which 2025 Ford Explorer trims align with each engine. To further assist in your research, our Ford Explorer trims guide provides a detailed overview of the standard features of each trim.
View which Explorer trims are standard and available with each engine.
2.3L EcoBoost Turbo I4 Engine
Standard Trims: Active, ST-Line, and Platinum®
3.0L EcoBoost Twin-Turbo V6 Engine
Standard Trim: ST
Available Trim: Platinum
How Much Can a Ford Explorer Tow?
Bringing the big toys along for the ride is easy with the 5,000-pound towing capacity of the 2025 Explorer and its standard Class III Trailer Package. Whether hauling gear for summer holiday weekend excursions like jet skis or the family boat, the Explorer delivers towing confidence without compromise. Every Explorer model is also equipped with a standard side-wind stabilization system for maintaining towing stability in gusty conditions.
Learn More About the 2025 Ford Explorer
Refer to our selection of research tools prepared by the experts at Riverbend Ford to assist you in your vehicle-buying search. Our comprehensive Ford Explorer review provides an in-depth overview of its key features, including interior amenities, intuitive technologies, exterior color options, and more. Explore the full range of standard features for each model with our Ford Explorer trims guide.
Learn More About the 2026 Ford Explorer
To further assist your research, the team at Riverbend Ford has prepared a selection of helpful resources. For a more in-depth overview of the 2026 Ford Explorer and its key features, including interior amenities, cutting-edge technologies, exterior color options, and more, please refer to our comprehensive Ford Explorer review. Learn more about its standard features with this detailed Ford Explorer trims guide.
Questions? Give us a call at (229) 246-0860 or message us online.
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