Exterior Design Updates
The 2026 Ford Explorer Hybrid boasts a refreshed exterior design that enhances its overall aesthetics. The revised grille features a bolder, more angular shape, giving the vehicle a more aggressive and commanding presence. The headlights have been redesigned with sleek LED elements, creating a sharper and more modern look. The body lines have been subtly reshaped, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to the vehicle’s overall profile. These design updates work together to give the 2026 Ford Explorer Hybrid a more distinctive and eye-catching appearance.
Front Grille
The front grille has been redesigned with a more aggressive and angular shape. The upper grille features a mesh design with a chrome surround, while the lower grille has a honeycomb design with a black surround. This new grille design gives the vehicle a more commanding presence on the road.
Headlights
The headlights have been redesigned with sleek LED elements. The new headlights are narrower and more angular than the previous generation, and they feature a distinctive daytime running light signature. These new headlights provide improved visibility and give the vehicle a more modern look.
Body Lines
The body lines of the 2026 Ford Explorer Hybrid have been subtly reshaped. The new body lines are more pronounced and angular, giving the vehicle a more muscular and athletic appearance. These new body lines also help to improve the vehicle’s aerodynamics.
Interior Enhancements
The 2026 Ford Explorer Hybrid boasts a meticulously refined interior that elevates comfort, convenience, and user experience to unprecedented heights. Premium materials, cutting-edge technologies, and thoughtful features combine to create a sanctuary that empowers drivers and passengers alike.
Material Upgrades
The interior of the 2026 Explorer Hybrid is adorned with supple leather upholstery, soft-touch surfaces, and elegant wood accents. These premium materials create a luxurious ambiance, while ensuring durability and ease of maintenance.
Technological Advancements
A 12.3-inch touchscreen display serves as the centerpiece of the dashboard, providing intuitive access to infotainment, navigation, and vehicle settings. The latest SYNC 4A infotainment system offers seamless smartphone integration, voice recognition, and over-the-air updates. A premium Bang & Olufsen sound system delivers an immersive audio experience, transforming every journey into a symphony.
Enhanced Comfort and Convenience
Heated and ventilated front seats with adjustable lumbar support ensure optimal comfort for extended journeys. A panoramic sunroof floods the cabin with natural light, creating a spacious and airy atmosphere. Ambient lighting with customizable colors allows drivers to personalize the interior ambiance, enhancing both relaxation and alertness.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
The 2026 Explorer Hybrid is equipped with Ford Co-Pilot360 2.0, a suite of advanced driver assistance systems. These features include adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking, providing peace of mind and reducing driver fatigue.
Hybrid Powertrain Improvements
The 2026 Ford Explorer Hybrid introduces significant advancements to its hybrid powertrain system, enhancing performance, fuel efficiency, and emissions reduction.
The new hybrid system combines a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine with an electric motor and a 14.1 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. This setup delivers a combined output of 365 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque, a substantial increase over the previous model.
Enhanced Performance
The upgraded hybrid system provides improved acceleration and passing power. The electric motor assists the gasoline engine during acceleration, providing instant torque and reducing turbo lag. The result is a more responsive and engaging driving experience.
Increased Fuel Efficiency
The 2026 Explorer Hybrid boasts improved fuel efficiency thanks to several factors. The larger battery pack enables the vehicle to travel longer distances in electric-only mode, reducing gasoline consumption. Additionally, the hybrid system optimizes energy recovery during braking and deceleration, further improving efficiency.
Reduced Emissions
The hybrid powertrain significantly reduces emissions compared to a gasoline-only engine. The electric motor allows the Explorer Hybrid to operate in zero-emission mode at low speeds and during stop-and-go traffic. This reduces tailpipe emissions, contributing to improved air quality.
Technology and Connectivity Features
The 2026 Ford Explorer Hybrid embraces cutting-edge technology to enhance the driving experience. From advanced infotainment systems to intuitive driver-assist features, the Explorer Hybrid seamlessly integrates connectivity and convenience.
Infotainment System
The Explorer Hybrid boasts a state-of-the-art infotainment system with a large touchscreen display. This user-friendly interface offers intuitive navigation, seamless smartphone integration, and a wide range of entertainment options. The system features voice recognition technology, allowing drivers to control functions without taking their hands off the wheel.
Driver-Assist Systems
Safety and convenience are prioritized with the Explorer Hybrid’s advanced driver-assist systems. These systems include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. They work together to enhance situational awareness, reduce driver fatigue, and prevent potential accidents.
Smartphone Integration
The Explorer Hybrid seamlessly integrates with smartphones via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This allows drivers to access their favorite apps, music, and navigation directly through the vehicle’s infotainment system. Wireless charging is also available, ensuring devices stay powered up on the go.
Safety and Driver Assistance Systems
The 2026 Ford Explorer Hybrid prioritizes safety with an array of advanced driver assistance systems. These systems enhance the driving experience, providing confidence and reducing the risk of accidents.
Ford Co-Pilot360 2.0 is standard, including features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. These systems work together to maintain a safe following distance, keep the vehicle centered in its lane, and apply brakes in the event of an imminent collision.
Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go
This system automatically adjusts the vehicle’s speed to maintain a safe following distance from the car ahead. It can also bring the vehicle to a complete stop and resume driving when traffic conditions allow.
Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keeping Assist
Lane Departure Warning alerts the driver when the vehicle unintentionally drifts out of its lane. Lane Keeping Assist takes it a step further, gently steering the vehicle back into its lane.
Automatic Emergency Braking
This system uses sensors to detect potential collisions and applies brakes automatically if the driver fails to react in time. It can help prevent rear-end collisions and reduce the severity of accidents.
Performance and Handling
The 2026 Ford Explorer Hybrid boasts impressive performance and handling capabilities, delivering a responsive and enjoyable driving experience.
The hybrid powertrain, combining a 3.3-liter V6 engine and an electric motor, provides ample power with a combined output of over 300 horsepower. The electric motor’s instant torque provides responsive acceleration, especially at low speeds, while the V6 engine ensures smooth and efficient cruising.
The chassis tuning, with an upgraded suspension and refined steering system, contributes to the vehicle’s agility and stability. The Explorer Hybrid handles corners with confidence, minimizing body roll and providing a composed ride. The responsive braking system ensures precise control and short stopping distances.
Pricing and Availability
The 2026 Ford Explorer Hybrid is expected to have a starting price of around $45,000 for the base trim level. Higher trim levels, such as the Limited and Platinum, will likely cost more, with the top-of-the-line Platinum trim expected to start at around $60,000.
The 2026 Ford Explorer Hybrid is expected to be available in dealerships in late 2025. It will be available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations.
Common Queries
What are the key exterior design changes in the 2026 Ford Explorer Hybrid?
The 2026 Explorer Hybrid boasts a bold new grille, redesigned headlights with LED accents, and sculpted body lines that accentuate its athletic stance.
How does the 2026 Ford Explorer Hybrid’s interior enhance comfort and convenience?
The interior of the 2026 Explorer Hybrid features premium materials, a panoramic sunroof, and a state-of-the-art infotainment system with wireless connectivity.
What advancements have been made to the hybrid powertrain in the 2026 Ford Explorer Hybrid?
The 2026 Explorer Hybrid’s hybrid powertrain has been optimized for improved fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and enhanced performance, delivering an exhilarating driving experience.
What advanced safety features are available in the 2026 Ford Explorer Hybrid?
The 2026 Explorer Hybrid offers a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring.
When will the 2026 Ford Explorer Hybrid be available for purchase?
The 2026 Ford Explorer Hybrid is expected to arrive in dealerships in the latter half of 2025.