Space, Towing, and Hands-Free Confidence — How the 2026 Ford Explorer Fits Everyday Driving around Barron, WI

Don Johnson Auto Group - 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor capability for exploring around Ashland, WI The 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor® is built for drivers who want an SUV that handles everyday errands without breaking a sweat — and still feels ready when the pavement ends. Around Ashland, WI, that mix matters. Two-lane stretches along US-2, scenic detours down County Highway 13, and gravel pullouts near Chequamegon Bay call for confidence and control. The Tremor trim adds focused hardware and smart tech that make those drives feel natural, not like a compromise. What sets the Explorer Tremor apart At a glance, the Tremor telegraphs intent: increased ride height, subtle orange accents, and functional underbody protection that is more than just a styling cue. Underneath, you will find a thoughtful set of enhancements designed for traction, control, and durability when surfaces change. Yet this is still an Explorer at heart — roomy for family and gear, easy to park around downtown Ashland, and quiet and composed on longer drives toward Bayfield or Washburn. Engine options: 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 standard; available 3.0L EcoBoost V6 for greater power Traction hardware: Torsen® limited-slip rear axle for improved grip on uneven surfaces Suspension tuning: Off-road tuned with increased ride height for added clearance Protection: Underbody deflector plates front and rear help guard key components Drive tech: Available Intelligent 4WD with selectable drive modes for varying terrain That blend of hardware and tuning matters when you meet mixed conditions: smooth highway, interrupted by a surprise road project, followed by a rutted lane down to a lakeside launch. The Torsen limited-slip rear axle actively channels torque to the wheel with better traction, helping you ease forward smoothly instead of spinning needlessly. Pair that with the Tremor’s off-road suspension calibration and added clearance and you get an Explorer that simply feels prepared. Confidence on highway and trail The Explorer Tremor is equally comfortable covering steady miles on US-2 as it is navigating a washboard gravel stretch toward a trailhead. The platform’s standard rear-wheel-drive architecture (with available Intelligent 4WD) helps with stability, steering feel, and towing balance — all benefits you can sense day to day. When properly equipped, Explorer offers up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity, which is convenient if you are hauling a compact camper or utility trailer for weekend projects. Stability advantage: Rear-wheel-drive foundation aids balance when loaded or towing Selectable modes: Choose the drive mode that best matches conditions for more natural control Visibility aids: Available 360-Degree Camera helps in tight pullouts or at trailhead parking Cabin quiet: Road manners stay calm and composed for conversation-friendly cruising For longer stretches, available Ford BlueCruise on compatible trims within the Explorer family adds hands-free highway driving on designated roads while you keep your eyes on traffic — a helpful confidence-builder for commutes or regional trips. It is a reminder that while the Tremor is trail-literate, it remains thoroughly modern and easy to live with. Everyday practicality remains a core strength Capability only works if it fits real life, and that is where the Tremor sticks the landing. You still get the Explorer’s flexible interior, with available seating for up to seven and an accommodating cargo area with up to 85.8 cubic feet of space. Loading paddleboards, camping bins, or bulk groceries is as simple as folding what you need and going. Tech is thoughtful, too — the Ford Digital Experience is designed to bring your favorite apps and content into the cabin, and the available B&O® Sound System by Bang & Olufsen® with 10 speakers and a subwoofer adds warmth and clarity to your everyday soundtrack. Seating flexibility: Configure rows quickly to match passengers and cargo Cargo capacity: Up to 85.8 cu ft helps with weekend getaways or DIY runs Audio upgrade: Available B&O® Sound System by Bang & Olufsen® for crisp, rich sound Smart features: Ford Digital Experience integrates the content you already use In town, the Tremor’s footprint makes it easy to parallel park on Main Street or navigate compact spaces at local shops. Out of town, it is calm over expansion joints and confident on imperfect surfaces — qualities that reduce fatigue and keep everyone more relaxed by the time you arrive. Is Tremor the right Explorer for Ashland drivers? If your week takes you from school drop-offs to a quick supply run, then out to a favorite put-in on a weeknight, the Tremor’s balance may be exactly right. Compared with rivals that reserve real trail hardware for larger or more specialized models, Explorer Tremor gives you a genuine capability bump without sacrificing the daily drivability you want in a midsize three-row SUV. It is a true “yes, and” choice: yes to family versatility, and yes to hardware that helps when the road is not perfect. At Don Johnson Auto Group, we help you decide if the available 3.0L EcoBoost V6 or the standard 2.3L EcoBoost engine better fits your mix of commuting and light adventuring, and we will walk you through Intelligent 4WD and drive modes, so you know exactly what to expect on your favorite routes. Frequently Asked Questions: Does the 2026 Explorer Tremor require the available 3.0L EcoBoost V6 to be trail-capable? No. The Tremor’s capability stems from its off-road tuned suspension, Torsen® limited-slip rear axle, increased ride height, and underbody protection. The available 3.0L EcoBoost V6 adds more power for towing or highway merging, but the core traction hardware is part of the Tremor package regardless of engine. How does the Tremor ride on everyday pavement around Ashland? Comfort remains a priority. The Tremor’s tuning is engineered to handle uneven surfaces without feeling harsh. On typical city streets and highways around Ashland, it feels composed and quiet — a good match for family use. Is BlueCruise available on the Tremor? Ford BlueCruise is available within the Explorer lineup and equipped on select trims. We can help you review the current Tremor configuration availability and plans for hands-free highway driving on compatible roads. Can the Explorer Tremor tow a small camper? When properly equipped, the 2026 Explorer offers up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity, which covers many small campers and utility trailers. Ask us about the Class III Trailer Tow Package and how it fits your towing needs. What makes the Torsen limited-slip rear axle helpful? A Torsen® limited-slip rear axle actively redistributes torque to the wheel with better traction, which helps you stay moving when surfaces are uneven — such as rutted gravel or a slick launch area. It is a hardware advantage you can feel at low speeds when grip matters most. If you want one midsize SUV to cover both weekday and weekend needs around Ashland, the 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor is a compelling fit. You get confident traction, thoughtfully tuned suspension, and practical space — plus available upgrades like the B&O® sound system and BlueCruise to make daily life easier. We are proud to be serving Amery, Ashland, and Medford, and our product experts can help you compare Tremor to other Explorer trims so you end up with the one that fits best. Explore configurations, set up a test drive, or talk through a trade-in to make your next steps simple. *Not actual model shown in images Request more 2026 Ford Explorer information

Don Johnson Auto Group - Does the 2026 Ford Explorer have Intelligent 4WD and drive modes for daily life around New Richmond, WI? The 2026 Ford Explorer® is engineered to adapt — not just to one type of road, but to the wide variety of surfaces drivers see each week. Around New Richmond, WI, that can mean everything from dry pavement and fresh asphalt to gravel, wet roads, and well-traveled two-lanes. This is where the Explorer® formula shines: rear-wheel drive standard for balanced handling, with available Intelligent 4WD for added traction and selectable drive modes to tailor how the SUV responds underfoot. Start with the basics. The Explorer® comes standard with a 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 featuring Auto Stop-Start Technology for smooth, responsive power. Rear-wheel drive helps create a natural-feeling, planted dynamic on the highway and a confident stance while towing. If you want more traction support — say, for mixed roads, slick surfaces, or simply added peace of mind — opt for available Intelligent 4WD. This system can proactively adjust power distribution to help the tires keep their grip when conditions vary, adding an extra layer of control and confidence when you need it most. Selectable drive modes are a great everyday tool, especially if your driving routes fluctuate. Think of them as fine-tuning how the Explorer® behaves based on the situation. One mode may sharpen throttle and shift mapping for passing or merging, while another smooths responses for comfort and traction. These modes help you optimize the Explorer® feel without needing to think about it — you simply pick the mode and drive. The goal is a vehicle that stays predictable and reassuring, whether you are cruising on Main Street or heading out to the countryside. Of course, capability is about more than traction alone. If your weekends include towing, the available Class III Trailer Tow Package unlocks up to 5,000 lbs of capacity when properly equipped. Hitching a small camper or a pair of ATVs is a simple way to expand your weekend radius, and the Explorer® is built for that dual purpose. If off-pavement exploring is on your wish list, the new Tremor® model raises the bar with off-road-tuned suspension, increased ride height, underbody protection with front and rear deflector plates, and a Torsen® limited-slip rear axle for enhanced traction and stability. Pair Tremor® with the available 3.0L EcoBoost® engine, and you have the most powerful off-road Explorer ever — confident on the trail and still easy on the commute. Technology contributes meaningfully to everyday driving around New Richmond, WI. Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist+ brings features such as Adaptive Cruise Control to help maintain following distance and set speed with natural-feeling adjustments. On select trims, the available 360-Degree Camera provides a helpful surround view, especially when you are maneuvering a trailer into a driveway or threading into a tighter street-side spot. On compatible divided highways, available BlueCruise adds hands-free highway driving support so you can relax a bit while keeping your eyes on the road — a welcome boost on longer stretches toward the Twin Cities or weekend road trips. Inside, the Explorer® balances daily comfort with road-trip readiness. Available heated front-row seats take the edge off cold mornings, and an available power liftgate makes loading groceries and gear easier. With available seating for up to seven and up to 85.8 cu ft of cargo space, you can run a full carpool on Friday and still fold down the seats to load in home project supplies on Saturday. If you savor a great soundtrack, the available B&O® Sound System by Bang & Olufsen® with 10 speakers, including a subwoofer, delivers rich, immersive audio that turns familiar routes into easy-listening sessions. Picking the right Explorer® trim comes down to matching your priorities. If you want an athletic feel on the open road, the ST with its 3.0L EcoBoost® engine and sport-tuned suspension is a natural fit. If off-road readiness is calling, Tremor® layers on hardware tuned for trail confidence while preserving the Explorer®’s everyday usefulness. Prefer premium comfort? Platinum™ makes relaxation the centerpiece with available heated, ventilated, and massaging front-row seats with leather inserts — plus BlueCruise hands-free highway driving equipped. When you are ready to take the next step, it helps to map your must-haves to the available hardware and technology. Consider how and where you drive most, then build outward from there. If you regularly travel highways, BlueCruise can be a difference-maker. If you split time between paved and gravel roads, Intelligent 4WD and those selectable drive modes will pay daily dividends. And if your plans include towing, make sure to add the Class III Trailer Tow Package to unlock that 5,000-lb rating when properly equipped. Frequently Asked Questions: Is Intelligent 4WD worth it if I mostly drive on pavement? Yes — Intelligent 4WD adds confidence when weather or surface conditions vary. Even if most of your miles are on pavement, the system’s ability to adjust power distribution can help maintain traction when you encounter slick surfaces or uneven roads. Which trims offer the available 3.0L EcoBoost® engine? The 3.0L EcoBoost® engine is standard on ST for performance-focused driving and available on the new Tremor® to support its enhanced off-road capability. How much can the 2026 Ford Explorer® tow? With the available Class III Trailer Tow Package and proper equipment, the Explorer® can tow up to 5,000 lbs — ideal for small campers, boats, or equipment trailers. Does the Explorer® seat seven comfortably? Yes — the Explorer® offers available seating for up to seven passengers, plus fold-flat flexibility and up to 85.8 cu ft of cargo room for gear, luggage, or supplies. For help choosing the best combination of powertrain, drive system, and driver assistance features, connect with our team at Don Johnson Auto Group — serving Superior, Chippewa Falls, and New Richmond. We will walk you through the trims, demonstrate the technology, and set up a test route that mirrors your daily drive so you get a true feel for fit and capability. Request more 2026 Ford Explorer information

Don Johnson Auto Group - How Ford BlueCruise on the 2026 Ford Explorer builds commuting confidence around St. Croix Falls, WI When your day spans river crossings, rolling two-lanes, and the busier stretches approaching the Twin Cities corridor, the 2026 Ford Explorer® with BlueCruise hands-free highway driving can transform the drive into a calmer, more consistent routine. BlueCruise uses mapped, compatible highways to help accelerate, brake, and steer while you keep your eyes on the road, easing fatigue on longer stints and smoothing the rhythm of daily travel. Pair it with the Explorer’s poised ride, available 3.0L EcoBoost® power, and smart Ford Co-Pilot360® technologies, and you have a family SUV that’s as composed in morning traffic as it is confident on weekend escapes. BlueCruise is available on select Explorer trims, including performance-focused ST and richly appointed Platinum™, and works hand-in-hand with core driver-assist features such as Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Centering. The result is a hands-free experience on compatible roads that still keeps you engaged and informed. In a region where snow squalls and slick surfaces can show up without much warning, having a system that can maintain steady lane discipline and following distance when conditions allow is meaningful. You remain in command, and the Explorer provides an extra layer of helpful assistance when the drive is long. Highway focus: BlueCruise is designed for supported, mapped highways to reduce fatigue on predictable stretches. Driver engagement: You keep eyes forward with attention monitoring while the system assists with steering, braking, and acceleration. Trim availability: Offered on select Explorer models, including ST and Platinum™, with feature availability varying by package. Everyday synergy: Works alongside Ford Co-Pilot360® technologies so you benefit from layered assistance features. Inside the Explorer, the Ford Digital Experience makes it easy to set navigation, manage calls, or stream during downtime, while available B&O® Sound System by Bang & Olufsen® adds depth to your favorite playlists. Families can appreciate available seating for up to seven, generous cargo space for sports bags or weekend totes, and Selectable drive modes that tailor the SUV to rain, snow, or gravel. If your routes around St. Croix Falls, WI regularly expand to Eau Claire or Duluth runs, BlueCruise helps the hours feel shorter and more relaxed, while the rest of the Explorer’s engineering ensures you still have the strength to tow up to 5,000 lbs when properly equipped, and the stability to handle blustery crosswinds. Frequently Asked Questions: Does BlueCruise work in winter? Yes, when conditions allow and the roadway is within compatible coverage. As with any driver-assist system, heavy snow or severe weather can limit functionality, and you remain responsible for safe operation. Is BlueCruise on every 2026 Explorer? It is available on select trims and packages. Our team can show you exactly which models on the lot include it, so you can choose the configuration that fits your driving profile. Can I use BlueCruise on two-lane roads? BlueCruise is designed for compatible highways. On local roads, the Explorer’s other Ford Co-Pilot360® features support confident driving until you return to eligible highway segments. How does BlueCruise impact long drives with kids? By assisting with routine steering, braking, and acceleration on supported highways, BlueCruise can reduce fatigue for the driver, helping you arrive more refreshed and ready for family time. Whether you’re comparing trims or planning the best way to equip your Explorer for a tech-forward commute, a short test route that includes a compatible BlueCruise highway is the best way to feel the difference. Don Johnson Auto Group, serving New Richmond, St. Croix Falls, and Barron, can pair you with an Explorer configured for your daily rhythm, explain how BlueCruise works in real time, and show how the rest of the SUV’s features come together for confident Wisconsin driving. It only takes a few minutes on a known stretch of highway to sense how BlueCruise contributes to calmer, more consistent travel. Couple that with the Explorer’s available Intelligent 4WD, Selectable drive modes, and a cabin ready for family gear, and you have a well-rounded SUV that keeps pace with your life—on busy weekdays and open-sky weekends alike. Request more 2026 Ford Explorer information