2026 Ford Explorer
2026 Ford Explorer in Princeton, IL
MSRP
$38,465
MPG
20 City
29 Highway
2 Vehicles Available
2026 Ford Explorer
The 2026 Ford Explorer continues its reputation as one of America’s most versatile midsize SUVs, delivering strong performance, modern technology, and family-focused comfort. Designed for everyday commuting in Princeton, IL as well as long road trips across LaSalle-Peru, Kewanee, and Dixon, the Explorer blends capability and refinement in a way few SUVs can match.
Whether you need confident highway performance, flexible seating for the family, or advanced safety technology, the Explorer is built to handle it all with ease.
Whether you need confident highway performance, flexible seating for the family, or advanced safety technology, the Explorer is built to handle it all with ease.
Trim Levels
The 2026 Ford Explorer is available in a streamlined lineup designed to fit a variety of driving needs and preferences:
Active – The well-equipped base trim offering strong value and essential features
ST-Line – Sport-inspired styling with premium interior touches and bold exterior design
ST – Performance-focused trim with a 3.0L EcoBoost V6 engine and sporty tuning
Platinum – The luxury-focused model with premium materials, advanced tech, and refined comfort
Each trim is designed to deliver a distinct driving experience, allowing drivers to choose the Explorer that best fits their lifestyle in Princeton, LaSalle-Peru, and surrounding Illinois communities.
Active – The well-equipped base trim offering strong value and essential features
ST-Line – Sport-inspired styling with premium interior touches and bold exterior design
ST – Performance-focused trim with a 3.0L EcoBoost V6 engine and sporty tuning
Platinum – The luxury-focused model with premium materials, advanced tech, and refined comfort
Each trim is designed to deliver a distinct driving experience, allowing drivers to choose the Explorer that best fits their lifestyle in Princeton, LaSalle-Peru, and surrounding Illinois communities.
Performance
The 2026 Ford Explorer is engineered to deliver a balanced mix of power and efficiency. Most models come equipped with a 2.3L EcoBoost® engine producing around 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, giving drivers confident acceleration and strong passing power.
For those seeking enhanced performance, the available 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 engine—standard on the ST—delivers up to 400 horsepower, offering sports-car-like responsiveness in a three-row SUV.
Key performance features include:
- Rear-wheel drive platform with available Intelligent 4WD
- Selectable Drive Modes (Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery, and Tow/Haul)
- Strong towing capability when properly equipped
From daily driving in Princeton to weekend travel across Illinois highways, the Explorer is designed for capability and control.
For those seeking enhanced performance, the available 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 engine—standard on the ST—delivers up to 400 horsepower, offering sports-car-like responsiveness in a three-row SUV.
Key performance features include:
- Rear-wheel drive platform with available Intelligent 4WD
- Selectable Drive Modes (Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery, and Tow/Haul)
- Strong towing capability when properly equipped
From daily driving in Princeton to weekend travel across Illinois highways, the Explorer is designed for capability and control.
Interior
Inside the 2026 Explorer, you’ll find a spacious, thoughtfully designed cabin built for comfort and flexibility. With seating for up to seven passengers, this SUV is ideal for growing families and active lifestyles.
Highlights include:
- Available second-row captain’s chairs for added comfort
- Flexible cargo space with up to nearly 88 cubic feet of storage
- Available PowerFold® third-row seats for easy cargo expansion
- Premium materials and available leather-trimmed seating surfaces
- Available twin-panel moonroof for an open, airy cabin feel
Whether you're running errands in Princeton or heading out toward Peoria or Ottawa, the Explorer adapts to your needs.
Highlights include:
- Available second-row captain’s chairs for added comfort
- Flexible cargo space with up to nearly 88 cubic feet of storage
- Available PowerFold® third-row seats for easy cargo expansion
- Premium materials and available leather-trimmed seating surfaces
- Available twin-panel moonroof for an open, airy cabin feel
Whether you're running errands in Princeton or heading out toward Peoria or Ottawa, the Explorer adapts to your needs.
Technology
The 2026 Explorer comes equipped with Ford’s latest connectivity and infotainment systems to keep drivers and passengers connected on every trip.
Key technology features include:
- Standard SYNC® 4 infotainment system with touchscreen interface
- Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility
- Available 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- Available B&O® Sound System by Bang & Olufsen
- FordPass® Connect with Wi-Fi hotspot capability
- Multiple USB ports and available wireless charging
From navigation to entertainment, the Explorer keeps every drive connected and convenient.
Key technology features include:
- Standard SYNC® 4 infotainment system with touchscreen interface
- Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility
- Available 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- Available B&O® Sound System by Bang & Olufsen
- FordPass® Connect with Wi-Fi hotspot capability
- Multiple USB ports and available wireless charging
From navigation to entertainment, the Explorer keeps every drive connected and convenient.
Safety
Safety remains a cornerstone of the Ford Explorer, which comes standard with Ford Co-Pilot360™ driver-assist technologies.
Standard and available features include:
- Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking
- Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) with Cross-Traffic Alert
- Lane-Keeping System
- Rear View Camera
- Available Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go
- Available Evasive Steering Assist
With its strong structure and advanced driver assistance systems, the Explorer is designed to help protect you and your passengers on every journey through Princeton, IL and beyond.
Standard and available features include:
- Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking
- Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) with Cross-Traffic Alert
- Lane-Keeping System
- Rear View Camera
- Available Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go
- Available Evasive Steering Assist
With its strong structure and advanced driver assistance systems, the Explorer is designed to help protect you and your passengers on every journey through Princeton, IL and beyond.
Conclusion
The 2026 Ford Explorer remains one of the most capable and well-rounded midsize SUVs on the road today. With strong performance options, advanced safety systems, modern technology, and a versatile interior, it’s built to handle everything from daily commutes to family road trips.
If you’re shopping for a new SUV in Princeton, IL, the Ford Explorer delivers the capability, comfort, and confidence you need for every mile ahead.
If you’re shopping for a new SUV in Princeton, IL, the Ford Explorer delivers the capability, comfort, and confidence you need for every mile ahead.
See dealer for details. Tax, tag, title, license and $347 state doc fee (unless itemized above) are extra. While we make every effort to ensure the data listed here is correct, there may be instances where some of the factory rebates, incentives, options or vehicle features may be listed incorrectly as we get data from multiple data sources. PLEASE MAKE SURE to confirm the details of this vehicle (such as what factory rebates you may or may not qualify for) with the dealer to ensure its accuracy. Dealer cannot be held liable for data that is listed incorrectly. Displayed MPG is based on applicable 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 models only) and other factors.