The 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor Finally Brings 3-Row Capability in a Smaller Sized SUV
Plus, it adds all the Tremor goodies for a truly bad-ass look and feel
You’d have thought with the off-road capability of the Bronco, the Bronco Sport and the Ford Expedition Tremor that Ford had covered all the bases for trail riding, hill climbing and mudding SUVs. But there was one base left uncovered: The space between the 5-passenger Bronco and Bronco Sport and the Expedition: the smaller 3-row 6-or -7 passenger SUV.
That space will be filled with the Ford Explorer Tremor edition. We got a sneak peek at it recently and were able poke around and check out the details as well as what this model brings to the trail, and for the off-roading, overlanding family, this could be the ultimate 3-row SUV.
This story is 100% human-researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience, and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks.
What Makes This Explorer a True Tremor?
Ford Tremor models are known for solid off-roading capability thanks to features and options that an owner might need to buy from after-market modifiers or accessories sellers. Taking a page from other popular Tremor models, the Ford Explorer Tremor adds many of those things, giving it all the capability it needs off the pavement, including:
- A 360 camera so driver and spotter can see all the angles from inside the car
- 18” wheels equipped with all terrain tires
- An additional 1”ride height
- Limited slip rear differential
- Underbody skid plates
- Front recovery/tow hooks
- Accessory lights for off-roading
- Off-road tuned suspension
- Up to 5,300 lbs towing
- Gold Tremor accents inside and out, including a gold band on the wheels to help identify air valves
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Good Power, and More Power, Drive This Tremor
The Ford Explorer Tremor is powered by Ford’s 4-cylinder Ecoboost engine that delivers 300 HP, but buyers can opt for the V6 Ecoboost that powers the Explorer ST; it produces 400 HP.
To complete the power picture, Ford retooled the suspension of the Explorer Tremor a bit so all that extra power won’t add to the jostle factor; the company says that the off-road experience should be comfortable, which is great news.
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Advanced Tech Enhances the Ford Explorer Tremor
Buyers of the Ford Explorer Tremor will find that not only is this trim capable and rugged, but it’s also loaded with the latest tech Ford has to offer. That starts with the Ford Digital Experience, the company’s redesigned multimedia system that includes Google built in and Hey Google voice activated assistance; it replaces Ford Sync in the Explorer and the Expedition.
The Explorer Tremor also includes a 360-degree surround view camera; Co-Pilot 360 driver assist features such as blind spot monitor, lane keep assist, cross traffic alert and emergency braking.
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Also available is Ford’s newest version of its hands-free highway driving system, Blue Cruise 1.5. With advancements including automatic lane change assistance, this system works on most mapped limited access highways under ideal conditions and allows the driver to relax and take hands off the wheel.
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Visual Cues Make the Ford Explorer Tremor Feel Special, Too
Walking around the Explorer Tremor you’ll see lots of gold accents—the Tremor badge, gold tow hooks, a gold bar across the front grille that frames the high-intensity off-road accessory lights.
Also notable are a gold frame on each of the wheels that indicate where the tire’s air valves are; this is nice on really muddy or dirty trails that can make it hard to find the valves when you need to add or release air from the tires.
The gold accents continue inside with contrast stitching and the Tremor badge embroidered on front and center row seats.
And Now the Bad News: You’ll Have to Wait—But Not Too Long
The addition of the Ford Explorer Tremor is a welcome one for buyers who love off-roading or just want a more bad-ass SUV for the daily challenges of potholes and snow. The Explorer Tremor will go on sale in late 2025 and Ford will announce final pricing then. If you want to guess, though, I’d look at how the mid-tier Explorer is priced for the 4-cylinder model; it starts at about $45,000. The ST, which carries the same engine, is priced at about $54,000, so that’s likely where the V6 model will be priced.
Now, aren’t you glad Ford added a Tremor to the Explorer lineup?
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