Does the 2026 Ford Explorer have Intelligent 4WD and drive modes for daily life around New Richmond, WI?

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

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