Performance and Engine
The 2026 Ford Explorer Sport Trac packs a powerful punch under the hood. Its standard 2.3L EcoBoost inline-4 engine delivers an impressive 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, ensuring responsive acceleration and ample power for towing and hauling.
The Sport Trac comes equipped with a refined 10-speed automatic transmission that seamlessly shifts gears, optimizing fuel efficiency and performance. This advanced transmission features Sport and Tow/Haul modes, allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience to their specific needs.
Fuel Economy
The 2026 Explorer Sport Trac offers a commendable balance of power and fuel efficiency. With its standard engine and rear-wheel drive, it achieves an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. These ratings are on par with competitors like the Jeep Gladiator and Toyota Tacoma.
Exterior Design
The 2026 Ford Explorer Sport Trac sports a rugged yet sophisticated exterior design that exudes both capability and style. Measuring 200.4 inches in length, 78.9 inches in width, and 74.4 inches in height, it offers ample space for passengers and cargo. The vehicle’s robust construction is evident in its sturdy frame and solid body panels.
The front fascia is dominated by a bold grille that features a hexagonal mesh pattern and chrome accents. The sleek headlights, with their integrated LED daytime running lights, provide excellent illumination and enhance the vehicle’s aggressive stance. The muscular hood, with its pronounced lines, adds to the overall sporty aesthetic.
Wheels and Tires
The 2026 Explorer Sport Trac rides on a set of stylish 18-inch alloy wheels, which are wrapped in all-terrain tires. These tires provide excellent grip on both paved and off-road surfaces, ensuring a confident and comfortable driving experience in various conditions.
Unique Design Elements
One of the most distinctive design elements of the Explorer Sport Trac is its dual-action tailgate. This innovative feature allows the tailgate to be opened either sideways or downwards, providing maximum versatility for loading and unloading cargo. The vehicle also boasts a panoramic sunroof that extends over both the front and rear seats, creating an airy and spacious cabin.
Interior Features
The 2026 Ford Explorer Sport Trac boasts a spacious and versatile interior designed to accommodate the needs of both passengers and cargo. It offers seating for up to five people in a comfortable and well-appointed cabin. The interior materials are of high quality, with soft-touch surfaces, leather upholstery, and wood trim accents. The dashboard layout is intuitive and user-friendly, featuring a large touchscreen display and easy-to-reach controls.
Technology and Infotainment
The Explorer Sport Trac comes equipped with a state-of-the-art infotainment system that includes a large touchscreen display, voice recognition, and smartphone integration. The system offers a wide range of features, including navigation, music streaming, and hands-free calling. The dashboard also features a digital instrument cluster that provides drivers with important vehicle information at a glance.
Safety Features
The New 2026 Ford Explorer Sport Trac boasts an impressive array of standard and available safety features designed to protect you and your passengers on the road. From advanced driver-assist technologies to airbags and other passive safety features, the Explorer Sport Trac prioritizes your safety.
Standard Safety Features
Every 2026 Explorer Sport Trac comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including:
- Anti-lock brakes (ABS)
- Traction control
- Electronic stability control
- Airbags (front, side, and curtain)
- Tire pressure monitoring system
These features provide a solid foundation for protecting occupants in the event of a collision or other road hazard.
Available Safety Features
In addition to its standard safety features, the Explorer Sport Trac offers a range of available safety technologies to enhance your driving experience and further protect you and your passengers. These include:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane departure warning
- Blind spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Forward collision warning
- Automatic emergency braking
These advanced driver-assist technologies work together to provide you with a more comprehensive view of your surroundings and help you avoid potential hazards.
Safety Ratings
The 2026 Ford Explorer Sport Trac has not yet been tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). However, given its impressive array of safety features and the strong safety ratings of previous Explorer models, we anticipate that the 2026 Sport Trac will perform well in these tests.
Towing and Payload Capacity
The 2026 Ford Explorer Sport Trac offers impressive towing and payload capabilities, making it a versatile choice for those who need to haul heavy loads. Its maximum towing capacity is 6,500 pounds, which is on par with other midsize pickup trucks in its class. When properly equipped, the Sport Trac can also handle a maximum payload of 1,600 pounds, which is more than enough for most hauling tasks.
The Sport Trac’s towing and payload capabilities are enhanced by a number of features, including a heavy-duty frame, a powerful engine, and a robust suspension system. The frame is made of high-strength steel, which provides the necessary rigidity to support heavy loads. The engine is a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 280 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque, which provides ample power for towing and hauling. The suspension system is designed to handle heavy loads without sacrificing ride quality.
Payload Capacity
The Sport Trac’s maximum payload capacity of 1,600 pounds is more than enough for most hauling tasks. This capacity is comparable to other midsize pickup trucks in its class. The Sport Trac’s payload capacity is enhanced by its heavy-duty frame and suspension system, which are designed to handle heavy loads without sacrificing ride quality.
Trim Levels and Pricing
The 2026 Ford Explorer Sport Trac will be available in three trim levels: XL, XLT, and Limited. Each trim level offers a unique set of features and capabilities.
XL
The XL is the base trim level and comes standard with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, a 10-speed automatic transmission, and rear-wheel drive. Standard features include 17-inch steel wheels, a cloth interior, a 4.2-inch LCD display, and a six-speaker audio system.
XLT
The XLT trim level adds a number of features over the XL, including 18-inch alloy wheels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a power driver’s seat, and a SYNC 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen.
Limited
The Limited trim level is the top-of-the-line model and comes with all of the features of the XLT, plus 20-inch alloy wheels, a leather interior, a heated steering wheel, and a premium audio system.
Pricing
The 2026 Ford Explorer Sport Trac has a starting price of $29,995 for the XL trim level. The XLT trim level starts at $34,995, and the Limited trim level starts at $41,995. A number of options and packages are available, which can increase the price of the vehicle.
Answers to Common Questions
What engine powers the New 2026 Ford Explorer Sport Trac?
The New 2026 Ford Explorer Sport Trac will be powered by a robust 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, delivering an impressive 330 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque.
How does the fuel economy of the New 2026 Ford Explorer Sport Trac compare to competitors?
The New 2026 Ford Explorer Sport Trac boasts an exceptional fuel economy rating of 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, surpassing many of its competitors in the midsize SUV segment.
What are the key safety features of the New 2026 Ford Explorer Sport Trac?
The New 2026 Ford Explorer Sport Trac prioritizes safety with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features, including Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring, and Automatic Emergency Braking.