2026 Ford Explorer Shopping Overview near Barron, WI
Model Overview
A Closer Look at the 2026 Ford Explorer
The 2026 Ford Explorer® continues its long-standing reputation as the right-sized three-row SUV for shoppers who want confident performance, modern technology, and everyday versatility. If you are researching your next family SUV near Barron, WI, consider this your practical, buyer-focused guide. We highlight what matters most for local driving — from powertrains you can trust to helpful driver-assist tech — and outline how our team at Don Johnson Auto Group makes the process simple. With standard rear-wheel drive, available Intelligent 4WD, and thoughtful cabin upgrades, the latest Explorer is built to handle the miles you drive on US-8, county roads around Chetek, and daily errands around Rice Lake with ease. Below, you will find a quick breakdown of performance, interior and safety features, trims, and why so many Barron drivers choose to shop with us for a 2026 Ford Explorer.
On the Road
Performance & Capability for Every Mile
The 2026 Ford Explorer builds capability into the core of its design. A standard 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 powers most trims with confident punch, while the 3.0L EcoBoost V6 — available on Tremor® and standard on ST — turns up performance for towing, quick passing, and weekend fun. With up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity when properly equipped, pairing a small camper or utility trailer is straightforward, and the Explorer’s standard rear-wheel-drive architecture helps deliver balanced handling and confident control when loaded. Available Intelligent 4WD with selectable drive modes helps you tailor response for road conditions and terrain, and the ST’s sport-tuned suspension and performance brakes underline how versatile this SUV can be. Whether you are heading across Barron County for activities or taking a longer route along scenic backroads, the 2026 Explorer delivers the power and poise that make every mile feel easy.
Engine:
2.3L EcoBoost I-4 (std)
Power:
Up to 400 hp (avail.)
Towing:
5,000 lbs
Drive:
RWD or available Intelligent 4WD
Inside the Cabin
Interior Comfort & Technology
- Seating capacity: Available seating for up to seven passengers
- Cargo volume: Up to 85.8 cu ft of space for gear
- Front-row comfort: Available heated, ventilated, and massaging seats on Platinum™
- Audio upgrade: Available B&O® Sound System by Bang & Olufsen® with 10 speakers including subwoofer
- Ford Digital Experience: Designed to bring your favorite apps and content to the dash
Inside the 2026 Explorer, the layout is designed to be flexible and comfortable for real life. With available seating for up to seven and an expansive 85.8 cubic feet of cargo volume, organizing daily supplies, sports equipment, or a weekend haul is simple. Available heated, ventilated, and even massaging front-row seats on Platinum add a luxury layer for longer drives. Technology moves forward with the Ford Digital Experience, crafted to integrate the functionality you rely on, plus available connectivity features to help you stream content or stay in touch while parked. Add the available B&O® Sound System by Bang & Olufsen® with 10 speakers and a subwoofer, and you will appreciate how clearly music and podcasts come through on every drive.
Driver Confidence
Safety & Driver Assist Features
- Ford Co-Pilot360®: A suite of driver-assist technologies focused on everyday confidence
- Adaptive Cruise Control: Part of Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ on compatible trims
- 360-Degree Camera: Available surround views to assist with tight parking and trailer hookups
- BlueCruise: Hands-free highway driving available and equipped on select trims
- Blind Spot system: BLIS with Cross-Traffic Alert to help with lane changes and backing
- Lane-Keeping system: Alerts and assists when lane drift is detected
- Pre-Collision Assist: With Automatic Emergency Braking to help mitigate or avoid frontal impacts
Confidence comes standard with Ford Co-Pilot360® technologies. Features such as Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane-Keeping System, and BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross-Traffic Alert help with daily awareness. Adaptive Cruise Control (as part of Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ on compatible trims) is great for longer highway stretches. For an added step forward, BlueCruise is available — and equipped on select trims — to enable hands-free highway driving on compatible roads while you keep your eyes on traffic. An available 360-Degree Camera helps with precise parking and can lend a big assist when lining up a trailer in driveways around Barron or Rice Lake.
Trim Options
2026 Ford Explorer Trim Levels
| Trim | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Explorer® Active 100A | 2.3L EcoBoost I-4, Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+, Selectable drive modes, Class III Trailer Tow Package, RWD with available Intelligent 4WD |
| Explorer® Active | 2.3L EcoBoost I-4, Heated front-row seats, Power liftgate, Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ |
| Explorer® ST-Line | 2.3L EcoBoost I-4, 360-Degree Camera, Unique durable cloth-trimmed seats with red stitching, B&O® Sound System by Bang & Olufsen® with 10 speakers including subwoofer |
| Explorer® Tremor® | Available 3.0L EcoBoost V6, Torsen® limited-slip rear axle, Off-road tuned suspension with increased ride height, Underbody protection (front/rear deflector plates) |
| Explorer® Platinum™ | 2.3L EcoBoost I-4, BlueCruise equipped (plan included per trim’s specification), Heated/ventilated/massaging front seats with leather inserts, Available panoramic fixed glass roof with power sunshade |
| Explorer® ST | 3.0L EcoBoost V6, BlueCruise equipped, Sport-tuned suspension, Performance brakes with red-painted brake calipers |
We’ve Got You Covered
Why Buy from Don Johnson Auto Group near Barron, WI
We know Barron-area driving because we live it. From familiar stretches near Rolling Oaks and county routes up toward Cumberland, our team helps you configure an Explorer that fits your routine — whether that means Intelligent 4WD for confidence, BlueCruise for highway ease, or the B&O® audio upgrade for your daily soundtrack. Our non-commissioned product experts are trained to listen first, recommend second, and see you through delivery and beyond with full-service support. With transparent online tools and multiple locations, we keep the experience efficient and centered on your needs.
- Local roots: A fifth-generation family business serving Barron County and the surrounding communities
- One-stop lineup: Access Ford plus six additional brands across our group for cross-shopping made easy
- Product experts: Non-commissioned team focused on fitting you to the right Explorer trim and features
- Convenient tools: Online trade valuations, finance applications, and virtual walkarounds to save time
- Full-service care: Sales, service, parts, and collision centers working together for long-term ownership support
- Pickup and delivery: Ask about concierge service options that fit your schedule
- Loaner vehicles: Complimentary loaners available while your vehicle is in for service (subject to availability)
Trade-In Tools
Value Your Trade with Don Johnson Auto Group
Bringing a trade? Use our quick online valuation resources to see real-time market data and get a clear picture of what your current vehicle may be worth. In a few simple steps, you can estimate your trade-in value and apply it toward a new 2026 Ford Explorer, reducing the amount you need to finance. Our appraisal process is straightforward, and our team is here to answer questions about titles, payoffs, and next steps so you can move forward confidently.
Start My Appraisal
Competitive Strengths
How the 2026 Ford Explorer Stands Out
- Drivetrain layout: Standard rear-wheel-drive architecture enhances balance and towing compared with many front-drive-based rivals
- Power advantage: Up to 400 available hp outmuscles typical V6 competitors
- Hands-free tech: Available Ford BlueCruise brings hands-free highway capability, many in-class SUVs still do not offer
- Off-road muscle: Tremor® adds a Torsen® limited-slip rear axle, underbody protection, and a tuned suspension for real trail credibility
- Towing confidence: Up to 5,000 lbs with the Class III Trailer Tow Package covers family boats and utility trailers
Many midsize three-row SUVs claim versatility, but the Explorer’s standard rear-wheel-drive foundation makes a real difference when you attach a trailer or load up for a weekend away. Available power climbs to a hearty 400 horsepower, giving the Explorer an edge over many V6-only rivals when merging or passing on US-8. The available Ford BlueCruise hands-free highway capability is a standout that competitors often limit to more expensive models or skip entirely. If your weekends around Barron involve trailheads or unpaved access roads, the Tremor’s Torsen limited-slip rear axle, additional ride height, and underbody protection give you hardware the competition rarely matches in this segment — all while maintaining daily comfort, maneuverability, and a family-friendly cabin.
Start Shopping
Next Steps for Your 2026 Ford Explorer Search
Ready to go deeper? Browse our 2026 Ford Explorer inventory to find colors and trims available near you, schedule a test drive, and apply for financing online to save time at the store. If you have a vehicle to trade, start with our online valuation to get a quick estimate. We are happy to set up a virtual walkaround, go over BlueCruise features, discuss Intelligent 4WD, or compare trims like ST-Line versus Platinum so you can choose with confidence. Reach out to our team with any questions — we are here to help.
Local Support
Proudly Serving Barron, WI Drivers
From family routines in Barron to day trips around the Chetek Chain of Lakes or errands in Rice Lake, the 2026 Ford Explorer is a smart fit for local life. Our team at Don Johnson Auto Group will help you tailor performance, seating, and technology to your daily needs and back you up with comprehensive service support. If you are considering a new Explorer near Barron, WI, we are ready to make the process straightforward and centered around what matters most to you.
*Vehicle images and features shown are for illustration only and may vary by trim and option.
Thank you for reading the fine print! We try to provide the most accurate, up-to-date information regarding our vehicles and our services. However, occasionally we do make mistakes. In those instances, we reserve the right to correct our errors. (After all, nobody's perfect!) Before traveling across the country to visit us, please contact our team directly to verify all pricing and vehicle details. We want to ensure that your experience at Don Johnson Motors is exceptional!
*Any MPG listed is based on model year EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary, depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, battery pack age/condition (hybrid only) and other factors.