Are you thinking the Ford Explorer is just another SUV? Think again. Ford just released a surprise for 2026: check one option box, and suddenly you're driving a 400-horsepower off-road beast called the Explorer Tremor. It’s not just an appearance upgrade— this is a fully-fledged trail machine, packing real muscle, missive get hardware, and the family-friendly tech you need all in one. Whether you're carrying gear into the mountains, or just picking up groceries in style, the new Tremor lets you do so with power and personality. Let’s take a closer look at why this Explorer is so wild.
400 HP In An SUV? Yep, Ford Did That
Ford is giving it the old college try on the 2026 Explorer with the Tremor trim. A twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 is at the heart of the Explorer Tremor, generating 400 horsepower—an engine usually available only in the ST. But in the Tremor it's re-tuned for more rugged duty. This means more power when riding on some dirt road, and more confidence when trying to pass, climb, or tow. It's not for joy-riding after all-it's for work.
- 400 HP and 415 lb-ft torque from a 3.0L twin-turbo V6
- Shared engine with Explorer ST but tuned specifically for off-road capability.
- Only available with the "Tremor" option box selected.
- Mated with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
- Tows 5,000 pounds (estimated).
Off-Road Kit That Means Business
One of the most impressive features of the Tremor is that it is designed to actually leave the pavement. Ford did not merely add a badge to the truck; they equipped it with true trail gear. The Tremor has a 1-inch lift, custom-tuned suspension components including springs and sway bars for balanced off-road capability, steel skid plates, and a larger, more aggressive all-terrain tire to provide increased grip and confidence in sketchy situations.
- 1-inch factory lift from suspension
- High-quality, top-shelf springs and sway bars that are specifically designed to work together for a well-balanced off-road truck
- 18-inch rims fitted with larger aggressive all-terrain tires, not just a slightly wider combined surface width of the regular tires
- The Tremor has professional quality steel undercarriage engineering plates under the engine and transmission
- The rear uses a Torsen limited-slip differential for truly increased traction
The Look Matches the Muscle
Despite the performance features hiding behind the sheet metal, Ford made sure to give the Tremor a wicked look, too. The orange "spice" accents on the grille, wheels, tow hooks, and even the stitching inside the cabin is notable. The additional exterior treatments have a muscular appeal without being too over the top—it's rugged with style for those who want to go on adventures without sacrificing that clean, daily-driver vibe.
- Unique Tremor front fascia and grille treatment
- Orange ("spice") accents on tow hooks, wheels, and trim
- Custom interior stitching and badging
- Blacked-out trim for a muscular appearance
- LED lighting and roof-rack options for outdoorsy appeal
Still Family-Friendly Inside
Even with all its ruggedness, the 2026 Explorer Tremor still doesn’t forget it’s a family SUV. You’ll find a spacious, comfortable interior with all of the tech you expect in 2026. There’s a 13.2-inch touchscreen, a digital gauge cluster, and options such as massage seats and a B&O sound system. Ford's CoPilot360 and available BlueCruise make even a long drive a piece of cake.
- 13.2-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- CoPilot360 driver-assist suite (standard)
- Available BlueCruise hands-free highway driving
- Available massage seats, heated second-row, and B&O audio
