Five Trims, One Safety Foundation: What Each 2026 Ford Explorer Includes for Ontario Drivers

The 2026 Ford Explorer gives drivers in Fergus and across Wellington County five distinct trim personalities to choose from. Each one builds on a strong foundation of safety and technology, and as you move through the lineup, the features stack in ways that make a genuine difference in how confident and connected you feel behind the wheel. The 2026 lineup adds the first-ever Explorer Tremor to the existing Active, ST-Line, Platinum, and ST, giving off-road buyers a purpose-built option that keeps the same tech and safety foundation as the rest of the lineup.

Every Explorer across all five trims ships with Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ as standard equipment. From there, each trim carves out its own character. Here is what each one actually includes.

Standard Safety on Every 2026 Explorer

No matter which trim you choose, every 2026 Explorer comes with Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ as standard. This suite covers more ground than most buyers expect at the base level.

• Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking and Pedestrian Detection
• Evasive Steering Assist and Intersection Assist 2.0
• Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with cross-traffic alert, Exit Warning, and Trailer Coverage
• Rear Cross-Traffic Braking and Reverse Parking Assist
• Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane-Keeping System
• Auto headlamps with auto high beams and a rearview camera

Every trim also gets a 13.2-inch LCD touchscreen, the Ford Digital Experience infotainment system, a 12.3-inch colour LCD digital cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Alexa built-in, Google built-in, and eight USB ports including two dedicated to third-row passengers. Four-wheel drive is standard across all five trims.

Explorer Active

The Active is the entry point into the Explorer lineup. You get the full Co-Pilot360 Assist+ suite, all standard infotainment features, and a 10-way power heated driver’s seat alongside a 4-way power heated front passenger seat. The available Active Comfort Package adds a heated steering wheel, LED fog lamps, and ActiveX seating material.

Active at a glance: - Full Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ standard - 13.2-inch touchscreen with Ford Digital Experience - 10-way power heated driver’s seat standard - 4WD standard - BlueCruise: not available

Explorer ST-Line

The ST-Line is where BlueCruise enters the picture. Available with a complimentary 90-day trial, BlueCruise delivers hands-free highway driving on pre-mapped sections of highway. Performance brakes are standard, and the ST-Line Premium Package adds heated second-row seats, PowerFold third-row seats, ambient lighting, rain-sensing wipers, and a wireless charging pad. Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0, which adds a 360-degree camera, front parking sensors, and Intersection Assist 2.2, is available on ST-Line.

ST-Line at a glance: - All Co-Pilot360 Assist+ content from Active - Available Ford BlueCruise (90-day trial included) - Performance brakes standard - Available Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 (360-degree camera, front sensors) - ST-Line Premium Package adds heated second-row seats and wireless charging

Explorer Platinum

The Platinum is built for buyers who want the full technology picture alongside a premium interior. BlueCruise is available with the same 90-day trial. Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 is available, adding the 360-degree camera, front parking sensors, and Intersection Assist 2.2. The Platinum Ultimate Package adds the 400-horsepower 3.0-litre EcoBoost V6 and 21-inch Dark Alloy polished aluminum wheels to the already thorough standard equipment list.

Platinum at a glance: - Co-Pilot360 Assist+ standard; Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 available - Available BlueCruise with 90-day trial - Available wireless charging pad - Platinum Ultimate Package adds 400 hp 3.0-litre EcoBoost V6

Explorer ST

The ST is the Ford Performance flagship. The 400 hp 3.0-litre EcoBoost V6 is standard, paired with a 10-speed automatic with SelectShift capability and paddle shifters. BlueCruise is available with the 90-day trial, and Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 can be added. The ST rides on 21-inch Magnetite-painted aluminum wheels standard and carries the same full infotainment suite across the range.

ST at a glance: - Standard 400 hp 3.0-litre EcoBoost V6 - 10-speed automatic with SelectShift and paddle shifters - Available Ford BlueCruise (90-day trial) - Available Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 - Full Co-Pilot360 Assist+ standard

Explorer Tremor

New for 2026, the Explorer Tremor is the off-road addition to the lineup. It sits on 18-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires, gains off-road-tuned springs and sway bars for an extra 25 mm of ride height, and adds front and rear underbody protection for trail use. The standard drivetrain includes a Torsen limited-slip differential. Auxiliary off-road lights and electric spice-accented tow hooks are part of the Tremor’s exterior package.

On the technology side, Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 is standard on the Tremor. That includes the 360-degree camera and front parking sensors, which are standard here rather than an add-on package as on other trims. Available BlueCruise 1.5 brings hands-free highway driving capability, and the available 14-speaker B&O audio system and available massaging front seats give the Tremor a level of interior refinement that matches long trail drives with equally long highway stretches.

Tremor at a glance: - Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 standard (360-degree camera standard) - Available BlueCruise 1.5 - Torsen limited-slip differential standard - Off-road-tuned suspension, +25 mm ride height - 18-inch all-terrain tires, underbody protection, auxiliary off-road lights - Standard engine: 2.3 L EcoBoost I-4; available: 3.0 L EcoBoost V6 (400 hp)

Comparing the 2026 Explorer Trims: Safety and Technology

Which Explorer Trim Fits Your Priorities?

The Active suits buyers who want a complete safety package at a straightforward entry point. The ST-Line is the right step for Ontario highway drivers who want access to BlueCruise and a sportier look. The Platinum is built for families who prioritize refinement and the most complete technology package for long drives. The ST is for performance-first buyers who do not want to give up any driver-assistance equipment. The Tremor is for drivers in Wellington County who head off-road regularly and want the trail capability built in from the factory, with Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 standard rather than optional.

Visit the team at Reliable Ford in Fergus to explore all five trims and find the configuration that fits how you drive.