2026 Ford Explorer Shopping Overview in Asheville, NC
Model Overview
A Closer Look at the 2026 Ford Explorer
The 2026 Ford Explorer® is purpose-built for families, professionals, and weekend adventurers who want a midsize SUV that fits seamlessly into daily life around Asheville, NC. From the winding stretches of the Blue Ridge Parkway to quick runs through West Asheville, the Explorer® blends confident capability with refined comfort, an intuitive tech suite, and the kind of packaging that makes errands, carpools, and road trips easier. If you are comparing three-row SUVs online, consider this your local research and buying guide—highlighting the Explorer® features that matter most on our mountain byways and city streets, along with the practical tools and support you can expect from our team at Asheville Ford.
On the Road
Performance & Capability for Every Mile
The 2026 Ford Explorer® centers on a rear-wheel drive architecture for balanced handling and confident towing, with available Intelligent 4WD for added traction when you head toward Pisgah National Forest or navigate steep grades around Old Fort. A responsive 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 is standard across most trims, while an available 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 turns up the power—reaching up to a max available 400 hp. Properly equipped, the Explorer® tows up to 5,000 lbs, making it an ideal match for small campers, utility trailers, or fishing boats you might launch at Lake Lure. With selectable drive modes, the Explorer® tailors throttle, shifting, and traction settings for changing surfaces, and specialized equipment on the Tremor® model adds underbody protection, a Torsen® limited-slip rear axle, and an off-road tuned suspension. It’s an everyday SUV with enough muscle to take on your favorite routes beyond the pavement.
Engine:
2.3L EcoBoost I-4
Horsepower:
Up to 400 hp
Towing:
5,000 lbs
Drivetrain:
RWD or Intelligent 4WD
Inside the Cabin
Interior Comfort & Technology
- Seating capacity: Up to seven passengers
- Cargo space: Up to 85.8 cu ft of max cargo volume
- Connectivity: Ford Digital Experience with streaming and Wi-Fi® capability
- Hands-free tech: Available BlueCruise hands-free highway driving
- Premium audio: B&O® Sound System by Bang & Olufsen® with 10 speakers including subwoofer on select trims
- Convenience: Available panoramic fixed glass roof with power sunshade and power liftgate
Inside the 2026 Explorer®, you’ll find thoughtful storage, flexible seating, and technology that works like your everyday devices. The cabin supports up to seven with available second-row captain’s chairs and easy-fold third-row access. When the to-do list calls, fold the rear rows for up to 85.8 cu ft of cargo space to handle sports gear, project supplies, or luggage for a long weekend. The Ford Digital Experience integrates the content you love for smoother commutes and road trips, while an available B&O® Sound System by Bang & Olufsen® elevates your playlist. Higher trims turn comfort up a notch, with available heated, ventilated, and massaging front-row seats on Platinum™ and unique, durable cloth with red stitching on ST-Line. An available panoramic fixed glass roof with power sunshade opens the cabin with natural light, and features like a power liftgate, heated front-row seats (on select trims), and well-placed USB ports help every drive feel just right.
Driver Confidence
Safety & Driver Assist Features
- Core suite: Ford Co-Pilot360® technologies for added driver confidence
- Assist+: Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist+ including Adaptive Cruise Control on select trims
- Cameras: 360-Degree Camera available for enhanced low-speed visibility
- Highway help: BlueCruise available on select trims for hands-free highway driving
- Blind spot: Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert available
- Braking assist: Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking available
Every 2026 Explorer® is engineered with safety in mind and is available with Ford Co-Pilot360® driver-assist technologies designed to help you feel more confident behind the wheel. Select models offer Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist+ with Adaptive Cruise Control for smoother highway pacing and a 360-Degree Camera to simplify parking lots and tight trailheads. Available BlueCruise adds hands-free capability on compatible highways, while a range of sensors and alerts can support awareness when merging, backing up, or navigating traffic. Together, these technologies complement attentive driving and lend peace of mind on I-26, I-40, and winding routes around the Asheville area.
Trim Options
2026 Ford Explorer Trim Levels
Trim |
Highlights |
|---|---|
Explorer® Active 100A |
2.3L EcoBoost® I-4, Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist+ including Adaptive Cruise Control, selectable drive modes, Class III Trailer Tow Package |
Explorer® Active |
2.3L EcoBoost® I-4, Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist+, heated front-row seats, power liftgate |
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® |
Explorer® Tremor® |
Available 3.0L EcoBoost® V6, Torsen® limited-slip rear axle, off-road tuned suspension with increased ride height, underbody protection |
Explorer® Platinum™ |
2.3L EcoBoost® I-4, BlueCruise equipped on select configurations, heated, ventilated, massaging front-row seats with leather inserts, available panoramic fixed glass roof |
Explorer® ST |
3.0L EcoBoost® V6, BlueCruise equipped on select configurations, sport-tuned suspension, performance brakes with red-painted calipers |
We’ve Got You Covered
Why Buy from Asheville Ford in Asheville, NC
Choosing a dealership matters as much as the vehicle itself. Our Asheville Ford team pairs knowledgeable product specialists with test-drive routes that reflect how you actually drive—from stretches of I-26 to rolling neighborhood roads near Bent Creek and South Asheville. We back your purchase with an in-house service department that offers Pickup & Delivery, a Quick Lane® Tire & Auto Center for common maintenance, and genuine Ford parts. Use online pre-approval tools to save time, explore inventory from home, and work at your own pace. Our focus is simple—consistent care, clear information, and confidence for Asheville drivers.
- Local expertise: Guidance tailored to Asheville driving, from city traffic to mountain grades
- Test-drive routes: Thoughtful loops that include highway, hills, and in-town stops
- Service convenience: Pickup & Delivery and Quick Lane® options designed for busy schedules
- Certified care: Factory-trained technicians using genuine Ford parts
- Digital tools: Online financing pre-approval and transparent, at-home shopping resources
- Community focus: A friendly, low-pressure approach from a team that knows the area
Trade-In Tools
Value Your Trade with Asheville Ford
Upgrading is easier when your current vehicle works for you. Use our online trade-in resources to get a quick estimate for your car, truck, or SUV and apply that value toward your 2026 Explorer®. Share a few details, upload photos if you like, and our team will follow up to finalize your appraisal in person. We streamline the process so you can spend less time on logistics and more time choosing your favorite color, features, and trim.
Start My Appraisal
Competitive Strengths
How the 2026 Ford Explorer Stands Out
- Power advantage: Available 400 hp outmuscles many midsize SUV competitors
- RWD dynamics: Rear-drive architecture supports towing confidence and balanced handling
- Hands-free driving: Available BlueCruise provides hands-free capability on compatible highways
- Factory off-road: Tremor® brings true hardware with Torsen® LSD and underbody protection
- Everyday space: Up to 85.8 cu ft of cargo room to handle gear and groceries
- Audio luxury: Available B&O® Sound System by Bang & Olufsen® is a class-standout touch
Compared with typical front-drive-based rivals, the Explorer® starts with a rear-wheel drive foundation that enhances composure and supports confident towing up to 5,000 lbs when properly equipped. The available 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 provides strong acceleration—an edge you’ll feel merging onto I-40 or climbing long grades east of town. Not every competitor offers hands-free highway driving, but available BlueCruise brings that capability to compatible highways for properly equipped trims. And where some SUVs adopt rugged looks without hardware, the Tremor® model adds off-road upgrades like a Torsen® limited-slip rear axle and underbody protection you can put to use on gravel forest roads. Inside, the available B&O® Sound System by Bang & Olufsen® and optional massaging front seats on Platinum™ deliver features you typically find in higher-end segments. For Asheville shoppers who split time between downtown parking decks, school drop-offs, and weekend getaways, the Explorer® stands out as a capable, refined fit.
Start Shopping
Next Steps for Your 2026 Ford Explorer Search
Ready to make your research count? Browse our current 2026 Explorer® inventory online, filter by trim and features, and schedule a test drive that fits your day. You can apply for financing from home, value your trade, and message our team with questions about packages, colors, and availability. Prefer to see a few options back-to-back? Set an appointment, and we will have vehicles pulled up and ready when you arrive.
Local Support
Proudly Serving Asheville, NC Drivers
Wherever you are in your search—from first look to delivery day—our team is here to help you find the right 2026 Ford Explorer® for life in and around Asheville. We will meet you with friendly guidance, local insight, and a straightforward path to ownership backed by convenient service support. Explore your options, take a drive, and let us show you how well the Explorer® fits the way you live, work, and travel in the mountains.
*Vehicle images and features shown are for illustration only and may vary by trim and option.
May not represent actual vehicle. (Options, colors, trim and body style may vary)