The 2026 Ford Explorer ST-Line is designed for families needing a flexible two-row SUV that easily accommodates car seats, school gear, and weekend cargo. Rear-seat space supports growing kids, and the cabin's layout simplifies daily routines, whether you're loading up for soccer practice or heading out on a road trip.
Parents seeking a practical solution for daily school runs, after-school activities, and family outings will appreciate the Explorer's thoughtful features. Heated unique cloth captain's chairs and a heated steering wheel ensure comfort during colder months, especially in climates like rd St. Homewood, IL. The panoramic fixed glass roof with power shade brightens the cabin for passengers, and advanced tech like the navigation system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto keeps everyone connected on the go.
Power for the family comes from a 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and 4WD capability. The SUV delivers responsive acceleration for merging onto highways and confidence in adverse weather. With an EPA-estimated 20 city and 27 highway MPG, it balances efficiency for daily commutes and longer family trips. The Explorer's stable ride and precise steering make it easy to handle, even when fully loaded with passengers and cargo.
The Explorer prioritizes family safety through a suite of active protection features. Multiple airbags provide coverage for all seating zones, while the LATCH system ensures secure installation of child seats in the rear. BlueCruise technology offers semi-autonomous driving assistance, reducing fatigue during long journeys. Rain-sensing wipers and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror enhance visibility, and the SUV's 4WD system boosts traction and control in challenging conditions, providing peace of mind for parents focused on protecting what matters most.
Family convenience is enhanced by the Explorer's premium package, which includes a B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen with 10 speakers for immersive audio on every drive. Second-row heated seats extend comfort to all passengers, and the memory driver's seat supports multiple users. The 110V/150W AC power outlet allows you to charge devices on the go, while the ST-Line street pack accents the SUV's sporty personality without sacrificing everyday usability. Integrated navigation with smartphone compatibility keeps routes and entertainment close at hand.
Compared to competitors like the Honda Passport and Toyota Highlander, the Explorer ST-Line stands out for its blend of premium comfort features and advanced driving technology. The Explorer's BlueCruise system and heated second-row seats are rare in the segment, delivering a more relaxing and enjoyable family experience. Its fuel efficiency also helps keep ownership costs in check, while the panoramic roof and Bang & Olufsen audio system enhance every trip, emphasizing peace of mind and enjoyment on the road.
Is this SUV practical for a family? Yes, with its flexible seating, LATCH-ready rear row, and ample cargo space for strollers or sports gear. How easy is it to install a car seat? The LATCH system and wide rear doors simplify installation and access. Is there enough room for older kids or teens? The spacious second row and comfort features like heated seats make longer journeys enjoyable.
To experience the 2026 Ford Explorer ST-Line and see how it fits your family's needs, visit Ford of Homewood at 3233 183rd St. Homewood, IL 60430 or call 708-356-9308. Let their team guide you through the features and help you protect what matters most with the right SUV for your family's lifestyle.
2026 Ford Explorer ST-Line
- Certified vehicle
The overview
- Exterior Color
- Red Metallic
- Interior Color
- Onyx
- Odometer
- 31 miles
- Transmission
- 10-Speed Automatic
- Drivetrain
- 4WD
- Engine
- 2.3L EcoBoost I-4
- VIN
- 1FMUK8KH6TGC43154
- Stock Number
- 3230P
The highlights
- Navigation system
- Lane departure
- Automatic temperature control
- Emergency communication system
- Wireless phone connectivity
- Parking sensors
- Exterior parking camera front
- Exterior parking camera left
- Exterior parking camera right
- Exterior parking camera rear
- Front dual zone A/C
- Auto high-beam headlights
The full specifications
- 1-touch down
- 1-touch up
- Adaptive Cruise Control: Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go
- Air conditioning
- Automatic temperature control
- Driver door bin
- Driver vanity mirror
- Emergency communication system: 911 Assist
- Front beverage holders
- Front dual zone A/C
- Garage door transmitter
- Heated steering wheel
- Illuminated entry
- Navigation system
- Overhead console
- Passenger door bin
- Passenger vanity mirror
- Power windows
- Proximity key: doors and push button start
- Rear air conditioning
- Rear beverage holders
- Rear door bins
- Remote engine start
- Remote keyless entry
- Speed control
- Surround View Monitor: 360 Degree Camera yes
- Telescoping steering wheel
- Tilt steering wheel
- Alloy wheels
- Four wheel independent suspension
- Front anti-roll bar
- Power steering
- Rear anti-roll bar
- Speed-sensing steering
- 1st row LCD monitors: 2
- AM/FM radio: SiriusXM with 360L
- Primary LCD size: 13.2"
- Smart device integration: Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- Speaker type: Bang & Olufsen
- Speakers: 10
- Steering wheel mounted audio controls
- Wireless phone connectivity: Bluetooth
- 3rd row seats: bench
- Front center armrest
- Front seats: bucket
- Heated front seats
- Leather steering wheel
- Power 2-way driver lumbar support
- Power 2-way passenger lumbar support
- Power driver seat
- Power passenger seat
- Rear seats Folding position: fold forward seatback
- Seat Upholstery: cloth/leatherette ActiveX
- Split folding rear seat
- Compressor: intercooled turbo
- Cylinder configuration: I-4
- Drive type: four-wheel
- Electric motor 1 torque: none
- Electric motor horsepower: none
- Engine liters: 2.3L
- Engine location: front
- Fuel economy combined: 23mpg
- Fuel tank capacity: 17.9gal.
- Horsepower: 300hp @ 5,500RPM
- Hybrid electric powertrain type: none
- Hybrid system combined power torque: none
- Hybrid system net power: none
- Hybrid traction battery type: none
- Mode select transmission
- Number of valves: 16
- Recommended fuel: Premium Unleaded
- Standard fuel economy fuel type: gasoline
- Torque: 310 lb.-ft. @ 3,500RPM
- Transmission: 10 speed automatic
- Variable valve control
- Approach angle: 20 deg
- Departure angle: 22 deg
- Ground clearance (min): 208mm (8.2")
- Ramp breakover angle: 17 deg
- Bumpers: body-color
- Heated door mirrors
- Hitch Class: III
- Power door mirrors
- Power liftgate
- Rear cargo: power liftgate
- Skid plates
- Spoiler
- Trailer hitch
- Trailer sway control
- 3rd row headroom: 988mm (38.9")
- 3rd row hiproom: 1,039mm (40.9")
- 3rd row legroom: 818mm (32.2")
- 3rd row shoulder room: 1,387mm (54.6")
- Compression ratio: 10.63 to 1
- Curb weight: 2,022kg (4,457lbs)
- Engine bore x stroke: 87.5mm x 94.0mm (3.44" x 3.70")
- Engine displacement: 2.3 L
- Engine torque: 310 lb.-ft. @ 3,500RPM
- Exterior body width: 2,004mm (78.9")
- Exterior height: 1,783mm (70.2")
- Exterior length: 5,050mm (198.8")
- Front headroom: 1,034mm (40.7")
- Front hiproom: 1,504mm (59.2")
- Front legroom: 1,092mm (43.0")
- Front shoulder room: 1,577mm (62.1")
- GVWR: 2,694kg (5,940lbs)
- Greenhouse Gas Score (GG): 5
- Interior rear cargo volume: 462 L (16 cu.ft.)
- Passenger volume: 4,330L (152.9 cu.ft.)
- Rear headroom: 1,029mm (40.5")
- Rear hiproom: 1,501mm (59.1")
- Rear legroom: 991mm (39.0")
- Rear shoulder room: 1,572mm (61.9")
- Towing capacity: 2,268kg (5,000lbs)
- Wheelbase: 3,025mm (119.1")
- Appearance: digital/analog
- Auto high-beam headlights
- Blind spot: BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) warning
- Compass
- Configurable
- Delay-off headlights
- Exterior parking camera front
- Exterior parking camera left
- Exterior parking camera rear
- Exterior parking camera right
- Front fog lights
- Front reading lights
- Fully automatic headlights
- Lane departure: Lane-Keeping System active
- Low tire pressure warning
- Outside temperature display
- Parking sensors: front and rear
- Rear reading lights
- Rear window defroster
- Rear window wiper
- Speed limit display
- Speed sensitive wipers
- Tachometer
- Trip computer
- Variably intermittent wipers
- 4 wheel disc brakes
- ABS brakes
- Adjustable head restraints: driver and passenger w/tilt
- Brake assist
- Dual front impact airbags
- Dual front side impact airbags
- Electronic stability
- Forward collision: PCA with AEB and Intersection Assist mitigation w/left turn assist
- Front pedestrian detection: prevention
- Ignition disable
- Knee airbag
- Occupant sensing airbag
- Overhead airbag
- Panic alarm
- Perimeter/approach lights
- Rear collision: Rear Cross-Traffic Braking mitigation
- Security system
- Traction control
Notes from the dealer
KBB.com Consumer Reviews
3.6out of 5 overall- 5.0
Love it.
by Alex on 8/9/2026 11:55:02 PM
Single guy looking for a vehicle that is fun to drive but can haul junk too, and this fits the bill. I came from a 2018 Lincoln MKZ 3.0t AWD, this has all the same features but this does it better. Mine had one minor panel issue the dealership is fixing, but otherwise everything is solid. Installed a BOV, I find it funny to blow past people with a quiet exhaust and a loud Spanish sound as they disappear into the distance. Fantastic nighttime viability over the lower trims. Actually just better over all than the lower trims. Bolt ons and a tune just puts this in its own league for the price you pay, the only thing that comes close is a 2026 dodge Durango RT 392. ST is not for everyone but it is for me. "Sporty" family hauler my butt. Wrong demographic. This is a genuine fast mid-sized SUZ that you'd have to go luxury to get close to the performance numbers otherwise. - 5.0
Explorer Value 7-7-2026
by General Jim on 8/7/2026 11:06:23 PM
Your evaluation procedure was simple and complete. I will be in contact with you when I sell or trade this vehicle. - 5.0
Seats and performance
by Chan78 on 6/30/2026 6:16:53 PM
I love the suv its fantastic to drive only issue I have is the wind noise in the driver seat but I'd sleep in it every night the seats are comfortable.