2026 Ford Explorer Shopping Overview near Chippewa Falls, WI
Model Overview
A Closer Look at the 2026 Ford Explorer
The 2026 Ford Explorer® brings a confident blend of power, technology, and three-row versatility that fits how real people actually drive. For shoppers researching from home near Chippewa Falls, WI, our team at Don Johnson Auto Group has taken a buying guide lens to this SUV’s strengths. From standard rear-wheel-drive architecture for balanced handling to available Intelligent 4WD for year-round confidence, the Explorer is engineered for everyday life and weekend plans with equal ease. Factor in Ford BlueCruise hands-free highway driving on select trims, an available 3.0L EcoBoost® engine, and up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity, and you’ll see why this model continues to be a standout choice among midsize three-row SUVs. If you value clear capability, smart tech that makes sense, and thoughtful comfort for up to seven passengers, the 2026 Explorer is a compelling fit to put at the top of your list.
On the Road
Performance & Capability for Every Mile
The Explorer’s driving character starts with confidence. Its standard rear-wheel-drive layout gives you poised, predictable handling, while available Intelligent 4WD adds traction when you want extra grip. Choose the responsive 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 for strong everyday power or step up to the available 3.0L EcoBoost in the ST or Tremor® for serious punch — including up to 400 horsepower in the lineup. A Class III Trailer Tow Package is available, and properly equipped, every 2026 Explorer can tow up to 5,000 pounds. That’s plenty for a mid-size boat to Lake Wissota, a pair of snow machines, or a well-packed utility trailer. Multiple selectable drive modes help tailor throttle, steering feel, and traction control for changing conditions, and the Tremor model amplifies trail-ready control with a Torsen® limited-slip rear axle, underbody protection, and an off-road tuned suspension. It all adds up to an SUV that feels equally at home running errands, tackling highway miles on US-53, or pointing the grille toward the woods.
Engine:
2.3L EcoBoost I-4
Max Horsepower:
400 hp (available)
Towing:
Up to 5,000 lbs
Drivetrain:
RWD or Intelligent 4WD
Inside the Cabin
Interior Comfort & Technology
- Seating: Up to seven with generous second-row space
- Cargo Room: Up to 85.8 cu ft when properly configured
- Premium Audio: Available B&O® Sound System by Bang & Olufsen®
- Heated/Ventilated: Available front-row comfort features on select trims
- Ford Digital Experience: Streaming, apps, and connected features
- Panoramic Roof: Available fixed glass roof with power sunshade
- Ambient Lighting: Personalize cabin atmosphere
- Wireless Tech: Seamless phone integration and connectivity
Inside the 2026 Explorer, you’ll find a cabin designed for everyday ease and road-trip flexibility. The available Ford Digital Experience brings familiar apps and features into a responsive interface — from streaming while parked to Wi-Fi hotspot capability and cloud-connected services that help you stay in sync with life. Available premium touches amplify comfort: heated front seats show up early in the lineup, while certain trims offer ventilated and even massaging front-row seats with leather inserts. Families and active owners will love how the third row folds flat to open up to 85.8 cubic feet of cargo space. Add the available B&O® Sound System by Bang & Olufsen® for rich audio clarity, choose the available panoramic fixed glass roof to brighten the cabin, and use ambient lighting to set the evening mood. It’s a flexible, tech-forward interior that adapts to everything from weekly commutes to weekends around Irvine Park and Lake Wissota.
Driver Confidence
Safety & Driver Assist Features
- Ford Co-Pilot360®: Core driver-assist technologies for everyday confidence
- Assist+ Package: Adds Adaptive Cruise Control and more on select trims
- 360-Degree Camera: Available surround views for tight maneuvers
- BlueCruise: Hands-free highway driving available; equipped on select models
- Blind Spot System: BLIS with Cross-Traffic Alert
- Lane-Keeping: Lane-Keeping System with alerts and assist
- Pre-Collision Assist: Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection
- Auto High-Beams: Headlamps that adjust to conditions
Every 2026 Explorer is engineered to help you feel calm and in control. Ford Co-Pilot360® technologies are standard, adding meaningful support like Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane-Keeping System, BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross-Traffic Alert, and Auto High-Beam Headlamps. Available Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist+ builds on that foundation with features such as Adaptive Cruise Control and additional assistance for more confident cruising. For a quick parking-lot confidence boost, the available 360-Degree Camera helps visualize tight spaces. And when you want the next level of convenience, BlueCruise hands-free highway driving is available and equipped on select trims — including ST and Platinum™ — to help with acceleration, braking, and steering on compatible highways while you keep your eyes on the road.
Trim Options
2026 Ford Explorer Trim Levels
| Trim | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Explorer® Active 100A | 2.3L EcoBoost engine; Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist+; Selectable drive modes; Class III Trailer Tow Package; Available Intelligent 4WD |
| Explorer® Active | 2.3L EcoBoost engine; Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist+; Heated front-row seats; Power liftgate; Available Intelligent 4WD |
| Explorer® ST-Line | 2.3L EcoBoost engine; 360-Degree Camera; Unique durable cloth-trimmed seats with red stitching; B&O® Sound System by Bang & Olufsen®; Available Intelligent 4WD |
| Explorer® Tremor® | Available 3.0L EcoBoost engine; Torsen® limited-slip rear axle; Off-road tuned suspension with increased ride height; Underbody protection; Available Intelligent 4WD |
| Explorer® Platinum™ | 2.3L EcoBoost engine; BlueCruise equipped (subscription terms apply); Heated/ventilated/massaging front-row seats with leather inserts; Available panoramic fixed glass roof; Available Intelligent 4WD |
| Explorer® ST | 3.0L EcoBoost engine; BlueCruise equipped (subscription terms apply); Sport-tuned suspension; Performance brakes with red-painted calipers; Available Intelligent 4WD |
We’ve Got You Covered
Why Buy from Don Johnson Auto Group near Chippewa Falls, WI
We make it simple to shop the 2026 Ford Explorer near Chippewa Falls, WI. Our Rice Lake store is an easy drive up US-53, and you’ll find additional support at our Cumberland, Ladysmith, and Hayward locations. Because our sales team is non-commissioned, we start with your priorities and walk you through the trims and features that make the most sense for your day-to-day — whether that means BlueCruise for your highway time, Intelligent 4WD for confidence when roads get slick, or the Tremor® model for trail-friendly weekends. With available pickup and delivery for service and a fast online trade-in experience, our approach is built to fit around your life.
- Local Convenience: Quick access from Chippewa Falls via US-53 to our Rice Lake, Cumberland, Ladysmith, and Hayward locations
- Broad Selection: Multiple trims and colors — including Space White Metallic — to match your needs
- Non-Commissioned Team: Our product experts focus on your fit, not a sales quota
- Concierge Service: Available pickup and delivery that works around your schedule
- Trade Tools: Fast online “10 Second Trade Value” to estimate your vehicle
- Full-Service Support: Sales, service, parts, and collision centers under one roof
- Century-Strong Roots: A fifth-generation family business with community commitment
Trade-In Tools
Value Your Trade with Don Johnson Auto Group
Bringing a vehicle to trade can simplify everything. Use our online trade-in tools — including our quick “10 Second Trade Value” — to get a real-time estimate based on current market data. Upload a few details, see what your vehicle could be worth, and apply the value toward your new 2026 Ford Explorer. It’s a smart way to plan ahead, compare scenarios, and streamline your time at the dealership. If you prefer an in-person appraisal, our team can handle that too — we make it easy either way.
Start My Appraisal
Competitive Strengths
How the 2026 Ford Explorer Stands Out
- Rear-Drive Platform: Standard RWD contributes to balanced handling; many rivals start FWD
- Available 400 hp: ST’s 3.0L EcoBoost power tops many mainstream three-row competitors
- Hands-Free Driving: BlueCruise available and equipped on select trims; rivals often lack it
- Off-Road Trim: Tremor adds Torsen® LSD, underbody protection, and lift — rare in class
- Tow-Ready: Up to 5,000 lbs plus available Class III hardware for confident hauling
- Flexible Cabin: Up to 85.8 cu ft cargo space and available premium seating amenities
Cross-shopping the midsize three-row field? The Explorer brings several structural and feature advantages to the table. Its standard rear-wheel-drive platform offers a planted, composed feel that many front-wheel-drive-based competitors simply don’t match. If you want serious punch, the Explorer ST’s available 400 horsepower outmuscles much of the segment’s V6 offerings. If daily highway runs on WI-29 or US-53 are part of your life, available BlueCruise hands-free highway driving is equipped on select trims to help with long stretches — a convenience that some competitors don’t offer. And if you’d like a factory-built off-road option, the Tremor® model is purposefully tuned for trails with a Torsen® limited-slip rear axle, underbody protection, and increased ride height — capability you won’t find in many rival lineups. Add confident towing up to 5,000 pounds and a flexible, tech-forward cabin, and the Explorer stands out both on paper and in the real world for Chippewa Falls drivers.
Start Shopping
Next Steps for Your 2026 Ford Explorer Search
Ready to get moving? Browse our current 2026 Ford Explorer inventory online to compare trims, colors, and features. When something catches your eye, schedule a test drive to see the ride quality, cabin tech, and cargo flexibility up close. You can also apply for financing online, use our “10 Second Trade Value” to estimate your current vehicle, and contact our team with any questions. We’re happy to walk you through BlueCruise compatibility, Intelligent 4WD availability, towing setups, and the differences among Active, ST-Line, Tremor®, Platinum™, and ST trims.
Local Support
Proudly Serving Chippewa Falls, WI Drivers
From school drop-offs near the Chippewa River to weekend family trips toward the Northwoods, the 2026 Ford Explorer is built to fit how Chippewa Falls, WI, drivers live. Our team at Don Johnson Auto Group is here with clear answers, convenient tools, and a friendly, low-pressure experience to help you find the right Explorer for you. Explore online, then stop by our Rice Lake location — a straightforward drive up US-53 — to test drive an Explorer and see why this three-row SUV continues to set a high bar for comfort, capability, and confidence.
*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.