The Ford Explorer Tremor is essentially an off-road ST with 400 horsepower.
Ford
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Yes, this is yet another blog discussing an outdoorsy crossover. However, the 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor actually appears quite impressive—almost akin to an ST but designed for off-road use. Featuring Bridgestone Dueler all-terrain tires, a slightly elevated suspension, and an optional 400-horsepower EcoBoost V6, it promises to be a blast that can tackle gravel roads with ease.
This off-road Explorer is quite similar to Ford’s other Tremor models, including the Maverick, Expedition, F-150, and Super Duty. Not only does it incorporate the signature orange accents from the lineup, but it also embodies the overall spirit of enhanced off-road capabilities. It is equipped with a limited-slip Torsen differential, which, though distinct from the Maverick Tremor’s advanced twin-clutch GKN system, should still greatly enhance traction. Additionally, it boasts steel skid plates on both the front and rear, a one-inch suspension lift, and LED lighting all around.
I had an early look at the Explorer Tremor back in May, but I couldn’t share any details until now. Caleb Jacobs
The standard powertrain remains robust, with a 300-hp EcoBoost turbo four-cylinder engine. This is the same 2.3-liter engine found in many other Ford vehicles. You also have the option to upgrade to the powerful 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6. Regardless of the engine selected, it will be paired with Ford’s 10-speed transmission that distributes power to all four wheels.
Even though the Explorer Tremor is focused on adventure, it doesn’t skimp on features. In fact, quite the opposite. You can equip it with BlueCruise 1.5, the latest iteration of Ford’s hands-free driving assist technology. This includes new functionalities such as automatic lane changes, a feature I found useful while testing the new Expedition a couple of months ago. If you’re in the mood for luxury, you can also opt for massaging front seats and a 14-speaker B&O audio system. Just picture enjoying some indie acoustic tunes through that setup.
Fortunately, the brand’s CoPilot 360 Assist 2.0, which includes surround-view cameras, comes standard. I believe every off-roader today should have such a system.
Ford has rated the Explorer Tremor’s maximum towing capacity at 5,000 pounds, which is sufficient for a few dirt bikes or a small camper trailer.
Ford has not yet revealed pricing, as a spokesperson informed The Drive that this information will be available closer to the Explorer Tremor’s launch later this year. I wouldn’t be surprised to see it priced above the ST-Line model, starting around $50,000, with a maximum close to the fully loaded Explorer ST, just under $60,000. This is purely speculation, though, so we’ll wait to see where it lands in a few months.
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The Ford Explorer Tremor is essentially an off-road ST with 400 horsepower.
I'm not certain who is requesting a gravel-flinging Ford Explorer, but this model equipped with the 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 is made for them.