The Ford Explorer has been one of America’s best-selling three-row SUVs for over three decades - and for Nassau County families, it continues to make a compelling case. Whether you’re running kids between schools and sports in Levittown, commuting the Southern State to work, or loading up for a weekend trip to Montauk, the 2026 Explorer is designed around exactly those realities.
This buyer’s guide breaks down every trim, powertrain option, and feature that matters - so you walk into the dealership knowing exactly what you want.
Bottom Line:
- The 2026 Explorer offers six trims from Base through Platinum, with rear-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive available across the lineup
- The 2.3L EcoBoost turbo-four is the volume engine and handles Nassau County driving confidently; the 3.0L twin-turbo V6 in ST and Platinum trims adds serious power
- Third-row seating is functional for kids and shorter adults - genuinely usable for school carpools and weekend trips
- Towing capacity reaches up to 5,600 lbs with the right configuration, enough for most boat trailers and campers
2026 Ford Explorer Trim Breakdown
| Trim | Engine | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base | 2.3L EcoBoost (300 hp) | 8” touchscreen, SYNC 4, Co-Pilot360 | Budget-conscious families |
| XLT | 2.3L EcoBoost (300 hp) | Power liftgate, roof rails, upgraded cloth | Most Nassau County families |
| ST-Line | 2.3L EcoBoost (300 hp) | Sport appearance, 20” wheels, sport-tuned suspension | Style-forward buyers |
| Timberline | 2.3L EcoBoost (300 hp) | Trail-ready suspension, underbody protection, AWD standard | Light off-road and winter driving |
| ST | 3.0L EcoBoost V6 (400 hp) | Performance tuning, sport exhaust, upgraded brakes | Performance-minded parents |
| Platinum | 3.0L EcoBoost V6 (400 hp) | Leather, 14-speaker B&O, adaptive suspension | Premium buyers wanting it all |
Base and XLT - Where Most Buyers Start
The Base Explorer is not stripped-down. Ford includes SYNC 4 infotainment with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the full Co-Pilot360 driver-assist suite - forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping. It starts around the mid-thirties, which is competitive for a three-row SUV with this level of standard equipment.
The XLT is the volume trim for good reason. It adds a power liftgate, roof rails, upgraded interior materials, and a few convenience features that families notice daily. For most Nassau County buyers doing school runs in Levittown, Hicksville, and Wantagh, the XLT hits the right balance of features and value.
ST-Line and Timberline - Specialized Choices
The ST-Line borrows the ST’s aggressive styling - 20-inch wheels, blacked-out trim, sport-tuned suspension - without the V6 engine upgrade. It drives and looks sharper than the XLT while keeping the 2.3L EcoBoost’s fuel efficiency. If appearance and handling matter to you but you don’t need 400 horsepower, this is a smart pick.
The Timberline is Ford’s answer for buyers who occasionally leave pavement. Standard all-wheel drive, raised suspension, underbody skid plates, and all-terrain tires make it genuinely more capable on dirt roads and in winter conditions. If you’re heading upstate regularly or want extra confidence during Long Island nor’easters, the Timberline earns its keep.
ST and Platinum - The Top of the Range
The ST drops a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 producing 400 horsepower into the Explorer chassis - and the result is genuinely quick. A sport-tuned suspension, larger brakes, and performance exhaust give it a character that most three-row SUVs simply cannot match. Zero to 60 comes in around 5 seconds - in a vehicle that seats seven.
The Platinum shares the ST’s 400-horsepower V6 but wraps it in premium leather, a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, adaptive dampers, and the highest-grade interior materials Ford offers. It’s the Explorer for buyers who want luxury-brand refinement from a nameplate they trust.
"The Explorer is the backbone of our showroom for a reason - it fits Nassau County family life better than almost anything else in its class. The third row handles carpools, the towing capacity covers boats and trailers, and the AWD system is confidence-inspiring during our winter storms. Most of our families land on the XLT or ST-Line, but the ST surprises a lot of people with how fun it is to drive."
General Manager, Levittown Ford
RWD vs. AWD: Which Drivetrain for Nassau County?
The 2026 Explorer comes standard with rear-wheel drive - a shift from earlier generations - with all-wheel drive available on every trim (and standard on the Timberline).
For most Nassau County buyers, AWD is worth the upgrade. Long Island winters are inconsistent but can be harsh, and the Explorer’s intelligent AWD system distributes torque between front and rear axles automatically. You don’t need to think about it - the system reads road conditions and adjusts in real time.
That said, rear-wheel drive is perfectly adequate if you garage the Explorer and don’t drive in snow. RWD also delivers slightly better fuel economy and a marginally sportier feel through corners. If you’re strictly a fair-weather driver doing Southern State commutes, RWD saves you money without meaningful sacrifice.
Third-Row Usability: The Honest Assessment
Let’s be straightforward - the Explorer’s third row is not a Suburban’s third row. Adults can sit back there for short trips, but it’s tight for anything over 30 minutes. For kids under 12, it’s genuinely comfortable, and the fold-flat mechanism makes expanding cargo space easy.
What the Explorer’s third row does well is daily versatility. Carpool pickup at Levittown schools? Perfect. Hauling the travel soccer team to a tournament? Everyone fits. Weekend trip with the extended family? The third row handles it. Just don’t plan cross-country road trips with three full-sized adults in that back row.
Behind the third row, cargo space is limited - roughly 18 cubic feet. Fold the third row flat and you get a much more useful 47+ cubic feet. With both rear rows folded, the Explorer opens up to over 87 cubic feet - enough for a full furniture store run.
Towing Capacity and Nassau County Boats
If you keep a boat at one of Nassau County’s marinas or trailer to Jones Beach, towing capacity matters. The 2026 Explorer tows up to 5,600 lbs when properly equipped with the towing package, which includes a Class III hitch receiver, trailer sway control, and an integrated wiring harness.
The 2.3L EcoBoost handles most small-to-midsize boat trailers comfortably. For heavier loads - larger center-console boats or dual-axle trailers - the 3.0L V6 in the ST and Platinum provides meaningfully more pulling confidence, especially when merging onto the Meadowbrook or climbing bridge approaches.
If towing is a primary need and you frequently exceed 5,600 lbs, you may want to consider the F-150 or Bronco for higher capacity - but for occasional towing alongside family duties, the Explorer covers the bases well.
Technology and Safety
Every 2026 Explorer includes Ford’s Co-Pilot360 suite: pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot information system with cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, and auto high beams. Higher trims add adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, evasive steering assist, and a 360-degree camera - all features that earn their value on congested Nassau County roads.
SYNC 4 powers the infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice-activated navigation, and over-the-air update capability. The 12-inch center screen available on higher trims is responsive and well-organized. Ford’s interface has improved substantially in recent years - it’s competitive with anything in the segment.
FordPass app integration lets you remote start, lock/unlock, and check vehicle status from your phone - a convenience feature that Nassau County buyers use year-round, from warming up the Explorer on cold January mornings to cooling it down after sitting in a Levittown parking lot in August.
How the Explorer Fits Nassau County Life
The Explorer’s dimensions work well in suburban Nassau County. It fits in standard garage bays (just barely - measure first if your garage is tight), navigates school parking lots without feeling unwieldy, and is narrow enough for most shopping center spots. The turning radius is reasonable for a vehicle this size.
On the Southern State, Meadowbrook, and Wantagh Parkways, the Explorer cruises quietly and comfortably. Highway fuel economy in the mid-to-high twenties (RWD, 2.3L) is competitive for a three-row SUV, and the 20.2-gallon tank gives you solid range between fill-ups.
For buyers also considering a two-row crossover, our Bronco Sport vs. Toyota RAV4 comparison covers that segment - but if you need the third row even occasionally, the Explorer is the right call.
Ready to see the Explorer in person? Levittown Ford keeps a strong Explorer inventory across trims and colors.
Browse Explorer inventory at Levittown Ford →
Schedule Explorer service at Levittown Ford →
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2026 Ford Explorer available with all-wheel drive on every trim?
Yes. All-wheel drive is available across the entire 2026 Explorer lineup and comes standard on the Timberline trim. The intelligent AWD system operates automatically - distributing torque between the front and rear axles based on road conditions - so there’s no driver intervention required. For Nassau County’s unpredictable winter weather, AWD adds meaningful peace of mind.
How many passengers does the 2026 Ford Explorer seat?
The Explorer seats up to seven passengers across three rows. The second row is comfortable for adults on any trip length. The third row is best suited for children and teenagers or shorter rides for adults - think school carpools and local errands rather than six-hour highway trips. The third row folds flat easily when you need the cargo space instead.
Can the Ford Explorer tow a boat?
With the available towing package, the 2026 Explorer tows up to 5,600 lbs - enough for most small-to-midsize boat trailers commonly seen at Nassau County marinas and launch ramps. The 3.0L twin-turbo V6 in the ST and Platinum trims provides additional towing confidence for heavier loads. Trailer sway control comes standard with the tow package for added safety.
What’s the difference between the Explorer ST-Line and ST?
The ST-Line gives you the ST’s aggressive exterior styling - 20-inch wheels, sport-tuned suspension, and blacked-out design elements - but keeps the 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder engine. The full ST upgrades to the 3.0L twin-turbo V6 with 400 horsepower, larger brakes, and a sport exhaust. If you want the look without the V6 premium, the ST-Line delivers strong value. If performance is a priority, the ST’s power difference is substantial and worth the step up.
How does the 2026 Explorer compare to the Ford Expedition?
The Expedition is a full-size SUV built on a body-on-frame truck platform - it’s significantly larger, seats up to eight with a genuinely adult-friendly third row, and tows up to 9,300 lbs. The Explorer is a midsize SUV that’s easier to park, more fuel-efficient, and more maneuverable in suburban Nassau County. If you regularly need full-size third-row space or heavy towing, the Expedition is worth considering. For most families, the Explorer’s balance of space, efficiency, and drivability makes it the better daily choice.