Everything You Need to Know Before Buying a New 2026 Ford Explorer near Eau Claire, WI
Everything You Need to Know Before Buying a New 2026 Ford Explorer near Eau Claire, WI
When an SUV consistently hits the mark on power, space, and smart tech, you notice. That is exactly the appeal of the 2026 Ford Explorer® — a three-row icon refined with the kind of capability and confidence drivers want for school runs, workday commutes, and weekend getaways alike. If you are shopping near Eau Claire, WI, you will find a modern, flexible SUV that is easy to live with and ready to handle your plans today and your ambitions tomorrow. From Superior and Chippewa Falls to the Northwoods and beyond, this is an SUV designed for how you actually drive.
At Don Johnson Auto Group, we pair that vehicle versatility with a truly simple process — knowledgeable guidance, clear steps, and a team dedicated to answering your questions quickly and thoroughly. This page walks through the highlights of Ford’s latest Explorer from the trims and capability, to the in-cabin technology that makes daily driving more relaxing and connected. By the end, you will have a clear picture of why this SUV has remained a staple in so many driveways — and why our team is ready to help you make it yours on your terms.
2026 Ford Explorer Overview
The 2026 Ford Explorer® lineup makes it easy to find the right mix of style and substance across six models: Active 100A, Active, ST-Line, Tremor®, Platinum™, and ST. Every model is engineered to feel composed and confident on the road, with rear-wheel drive standard and available Intelligent 4WD for added traction when you want it. The standard 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 with Auto Stop-Start Technology delivers lively power, while available 3.0L EcoBoost® performance turns up the heat in ST and, when equipped, helps make the new Explorer Tremor the most powerful off-road Explorer ever. Properly equipped, towing is rated up to 5,000 lbs, making it easy to bring your gear along.
Inside, you will find thoughtful touches like available heated front-row seats, an available power liftgate, and available seating for up to seven with up to 85.8 cu ft of cargo space. Technology stands tall, too, with Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist+, including Adaptive Cruise Control, available 360-Degree Camera on select trims, and available BlueCruise hands-free highway driving on designated sections of compatible divided highways. Whether you are focused on daily convenience or weekend confidence, the 2026 Ford Explorer builds in the flexibility to match your life.
5 Key Reasons the 2026 Ford Explorer Stands Out near Eau Claire, WI
- Balanced performance choices: From the standard 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 to the available 3.0L EcoBoost® engine, there is an Explorer® for smooth commuting or spirited driving.
- Trailer-ready confidence: With up to 5,000 lbs of towing capability and a Class III Trailer Tow Package, you can bring campers, boats, or cargo with ease.
- Advanced driver assistance: Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist+ and available BlueCruise support your drive with confidence-inspiring tech for everyday highways.
- Space that adapts: Available seating for up to seven and up to 85.8 cu ft of cargo room give you room to grow and go.
- Capability for varied roads: Rear-wheel drive standard with available Intelligent 4WD, selectable drive modes, and Tremor® hardware help you handle changing conditions.
When you put it all together — powertrains that feel right-sized, towing that is up for weekend toys, and technology that actively supports the driver — the 2026 Ford Explorer stands out as a smart, future-ready choice. Add the flexible interior and available off-road hardware, and it becomes an SUV that fits the rhythm of life today while leaving elbow room for whatever is next.
Key Features of the 2026 Ford Explorer
2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 with Auto Stop-Start Technology
The standard 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 blends quick response with well-mannered day-to-day drivability. Tuned for usable torque and smooth acceleration, it pairs confidently with the Explorer® architecture to deliver a planted, composed feel around town and on the highway. Auto Stop-Start Technology helps optimize efficiency during stop-and-go driving by pausing engine operation when you come to a complete stop, then restarting seamlessly as you lift off the brake. Rear-wheel drive is standard — a setup that contributes to balanced handling and surefooted traction under load — with available Intelligent 4WD for drivers who want added traction for changing road surfaces. The result is an engine that feels right at home covering busy weekdays and long, relaxed highway stretches alike.
Available 3.0L EcoBoost® engine
For drivers who want more punch, the available 3.0L EcoBoost® engine elevates the Explorer® experience. It is the heart of the ST’s performance-forward character and is also available on the new Tremor®, where it contributes to the most powerful off-road Explorer ever. Paired with a sport-tuned or off-road-focused suspension, depending on trim, the 3.0L EcoBoost® transforms passing confidence and merges with ease. On Tremor®, this power works in concert with a Torsen® limited-slip rear axle, off-road tuned suspension with increased ride height, and underbody protection including front and rear deflector plates to bolster traction and composure on rutted two-tracks and uneven gravel. Whether your daily drive includes quick freeway merges or you want stout power for weekend trails, this engine has the muscle.
BlueCruise hands-free highway driving
BlueCruise is designed to reduce the effort of highway travel by helping you accelerate, brake, and steer on compatible sections of connected divided highways while you keep your eyes on the road. Available on select trims such as Platinum™ and ST, this hands-free highway driving technology supports a more relaxed commute and long-distance travel by handling the small, continuous adjustments that otherwise add up to fatigue. Need to change lanes, pass a slower vehicle, or re-engage after an on-ramp? BlueCruise brings a reassuring, polished feel to those moments, and visual prompts on the display help you understand system status at a glance. Over time, the ability to let the Explorer® take on more of the repetitive highway workload can make a meaningful difference in how fresh you feel when you arrive.
Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist+
Confidence behind the wheel starts with awareness and timely support, and Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist+ delivers. This comprehensive suite includes features such as Adaptive Cruise Control to help you maintain a set speed and following distance with smooth, natural-feeling adjustments. On trims like ST-Line, you can add an available 360-Degree Camera for a panoramic view around the vehicle, which is especially useful when navigating tight parking spots or hitching a trailer. Together with features from the broader Ford Co-Pilot360® family, these technologies support safer, less stressful driving, extending your natural senses with camera and radar-based assistance for the everyday moments when a little extra help matters most.
Seating for up to seven and 85.8 cu ft of cargo space
The Explorer® cabin is designed around real-world flexibility. Available seating for up to seven passengers means you can bring more people along while still keeping daily comfort front and center, with available heated front-row seats for cold mornings and optional ventilated and massaging front seats with leather inserts on higher trims such as Platinum™. Fold the rear rows, and you can open up to 85.8 cu ft of cargo space for home project supplies or adventure gear. Available amenities such as an easy-to-use power liftgate and available panoramic fixed glass roof with power sunshade elevate daily convenience and ambiance. For those who prefer a rich audio experience, the available B&O® Sound System by Bang & Olufsen® with 10 speakers, including a subwoofer, brings crisp, immersive sound to road trips and daily drives alike.
5 Buying Considerations Before You Choose Your Ford Explorer
- Powertrain choice: Decide whether the standard 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 fits your routine best or if the available 3.0L EcoBoost® engine aligns with your performance or off-road goals.
- Drive system needs: Rear-wheel drive is standard; consider available Intelligent 4WD if you frequently face changing road surfaces or want extra traction margin.
- Seating and cargo flexibility: Think about how often you use three rows and how much cargo you typically carry; the Explorer® can be configured to handle both with ease.
- Driver assistance preferences: Evaluate the value of Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist+ and available BlueCruise based on your commuting patterns and highway mileage.
- Towing and trailering: If you plan to tow, the available Class III Trailer Tow Package and 5,000-lb rating are essential considerations for gear, boats, or small campers.
Our team will help you map these considerations to the trim and options that make the most sense. We take time to understand your routine and priorities — then guide you toward an Explorer® that feels tailor-made, with features you will use and appreciate every day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the towing capacity for the 2026 Ford Explorer?
Properly equipped, the 2026 Ford Explorer® offers up to 5,000 lbs of towing capability. To make towing simpler and more confident, add the Class III Trailer Tow Package and leverage technologies like the available 360-Degree Camera on select trims to help with visibility when hitching and maneuvering.
Does the 2026 Ford Explorer have AWD and 4WD options?
Yes. Rear-wheel drive is standard for confident, balanced handling, and available Intelligent 4WD adds traction-enhancing capability to help you handle changing surfaces and weather. Selectable drive modes help you tailor the Explorer® response to road conditions.
What are the dimensions of the 2026 Ford Explorer?
The Explorer® Active 100A is approximately 198.7 inches long, 78.9 inches wide, and 69.6 inches high. This footprint balances three-row interior space with the kind of maneuverability you appreciate in parking lots and on narrower neighborhood streets.
What is the seating capacity for the 2026 Ford Explorer?
The Explorer® offers available seating for up to seven passengers. Fold-flat flexibility and thoughtful storage solutions let you adapt quickly from people-carrying to cargo-hauling with minimal fuss.
Step-by-Step Tips for Test Driving the 2026 Ford Explorer
A thoughtful test drive helps you feel how the Explorer® fits your life — from the way it accelerates and brakes to how easily car seats click in and cargo loads up. Use the steps below as a guide, and we will tailor a route near Eau Claire, WI to include the roads that match your daily driving.
- Start with seating and visibility: Adjust the driver’s seat, mirrors, and steering wheel, and check outward visibility from all rows.
- Explore the cabin features: Try the power liftgate, fold rear rows, and confirm how your key cargo fits behind the seats.
- Pair your phone and test tech: Connect through the Ford Digital Experience, place a call, and sample the available B&O® Sound System by Bang & Olufsen®.
- Drive mixed routes: Include a few city blocks, a stretch of highway, and a curvier back road to feel ride, handling, and cabin quietness.
- Try drive modes: Toggle selectable drive modes to sense changes in throttle response, shift behavior, and traction support.
- Practice parking: Check camera views, steering effort at low speed, and how easy it feels to maneuver in tighter spaces.
- Ask about BlueCruise: If available on your test vehicle, we will help you understand how BlueCruise works on compatible highways and what to expect day-to-day.
Why Buy from Don Johnson Auto Group near Eau Claire, WI?
Choosing the right SUV is a big decision — choosing who you buy it from matters just as much. We are committed to making your experience clear, quick, and genuinely helpful from your first visit onward.
- Non-commissioned product experts: Our advisors are focused on your needs, not a sales quota.
- One-stop convenience: Sales, Service, Parts, and Collision Repair under one roof for easy ownership.
- Vehicle Exchange Program: If you are not in love, exchange it within 3 days or 150 miles — just ask us for details.
- Technology refreshers: Personalized help so you get the most from your Explorer® comfort, safety, and infotainment features.
- Concierge services and loaners: We can pick up and return your vehicle for service, and offer complimentary loaners when available.
We build relationships for the long haul. From transparent guidance to full-service support, our team aims to simplify every step so you drive away confident and come back because it is easy.
Next Steps
Ready to take a closer look? We will line up the right trim and options, prepare a tailored test route, and walk you through features at your pace.
- Check availability: See which trims and colors we have arriving and in stock.
- Schedule a test drive: Set a time that works — we will have it warmed up and ready.
- Bring your trade: We will provide a firm offer and handle the paperwork.
- Explore protection plans: Review coverage options for added peace of mind.
- Plan your delivery: Choose in-store, or ask about convenient pickup and delivery options.
Request More Info About the 2026 Ford Explorer near Eau Claire, WI
If you are zeroing in on a 2026 Ford Explorer near Eau Claire, WI, our team is here to make the process refreshingly straightforward. Tell us how you drive, what you carry, and which features matter most, and we will match you to the trim and options that fit — including available BlueCruise and Intelligent 4WD. At Don Johnson Auto Group, you get a partner focused on your experience long after you drive home, from technology refreshers to full-service maintenance and collision support. Reach out to Don Johnson Auto Group for availability, to arrange a test drive, or to talk through your configuration. When you are ready for your 2026 Ford Explorer near Eau Claire, WI, count on Don Johnson Auto Group to help you start strong and stay confident for the road ahead.
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*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.