2026 Ford Explorer Comparison

Farmington area families considering the 2026 Explorer most commonly cross-shop it against the Toyota Highlander, the Honda Pilot, and the Chevrolet Traverse. All four are three-row midsize SUVs aimed at families who need seating for six to eight passengers plus cargo room. Each competitor brings a real strength to the comparison, from the Highlander's hybrid efficiency to the Pilot's family-friendly practicality to the Traverse's cargo space. The Explorer stands out in this group for its available horsepower and genuine off-road-oriented Tremor trim.

For buyers who want the strongest available performance, a competitive starting price, and off-road versatility, the Explorer tends to be a strong choice among this shortlist. Buyers who want the best fuel economy through a hybrid option may prefer the Highlander instead. Buyers who need to regularly seat eight passengers or want maximum cargo space will likely prefer the Pilot or Traverse. There is no single right answer for every family, which is why comparing real specs and typical use matters more than following a single overall recommendation.

The 2026 Explorer starts at an MSRP of about $40,585, close to the Traverse's starting price of about $40,800 and below the Pilot's roughly $42,395 and the Highlander's roughly $46,270. All four figures reflect base trim pricing before destination charges, taxes, title, and dealer fees. Pricing on any of these SUVs climbs quickly once buyers add all-wheel drive, higher trims, or the V6 engine on the Explorer. Farmington area shoppers should request an out-the-door price on their specific configuration rather than comparing base MSRPs alone.

The Explorer holds respectable resale value within its segment, though the Highlander and Pilot have historically held stronger resale value tied to Toyota and Honda's broader reliability reputations. The Traverse's value retention is comparable to the Explorer's given similar market positioning and recent full redesigns for both nameplates. Farmington area buyers focused on resale value should research current trade-in figures for their specific trim and configuration before purchasing. Reliability reputation is a meaningful factor in resale value across this entire segment.

The 2026 Explorer lineup spans six main trims: Active, ST-Line, Tremor, Platinum, and the performance-focused ST, plus additional trim variations within those lines. Buyers can choose between the standard 2.3L EcoBoost engine, offered on most trims, and the available 3.0L twin-turbo V6, standard on the ST and available on the Tremor. Entry trims like the Active focus on value and everyday utility, while Platinum adds near-luxury features and the ST adds serious performance. The Tremor sits between ST-Line and ST, adding off-road-oriented hardware.

Trim popularity varies by buyer and use case, and Sam Scism Ford's current inventory reflects the mix of trims available at any given time. The ST-Line trim tends to balance standard equipment, styling, and price in a way that appeals to a broad range of families. Buyers focused on maximum value often gravitate toward the Active trim for its lower cost and strong standard feature set. Farmington area shoppers are encouraged to check current inventory at Sam Scism Ford or ask the sales team which trims are on the lot.

Seating and cargo needs should generally come first, since capacity varies from the Explorer's seven-passenger maximum to the eight-passenger capability of the Highlander, Pilot, and Traverse. Fuel economy priorities matter next, especially for families considering the Highlander's available hybrid. Budget and financing terms should be compared using out-the-door pricing rather than base MSRP alone. Test driving the top two or three contenders back to back is the best way to confirm which SUV actually fits before making a final decision.

Farmington area shoppers can view current 2026 Explorer inventory directly through Sam Scism Ford and schedule a test drive at the dealership. Seeing the engine, trim level, and available Tremor off-road package in person is the best way to confirm fit before comparing further against the Highlander, Pilot, or Traverse. The dealership's sales team can also walk through current financing and lease offers on specific Explorer configurations. Scheduling a test drive ahead of time can help ensure the desired trim and configuration are available on the lot.

The 2026 Explorer's available 3.0L twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 produces 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque on the ST trim, well ahead of the Highlander's single 2.4L turbocharged engine at 265 horsepower and 310 pound-feet. Even the Explorer's base 2.3L EcoBoost engine, at 300 horsepower, outpowers every Highlander configuration, including the hybrid. Buyers who want the strongest acceleration and passing power in this matchup will find the Explorer ahead in every comparable trim. Buyers who prioritize smooth, efficient power delivery over outright horsepower may still prefer the Highlander's more relaxed character.

Both the Explorer and the gas-powered Highlander tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, making towing capacity roughly even between the two in their standard gas configurations. The Highlander Hybrid, however, is limited to 3,500 pounds, a meaningful step down from the gas Highlander's rating. The Explorer's towing capacity is consistent across its lineup regardless of engine choice. Buyers who want a hybrid without sacrificing towing capacity will need to stick with the gas Highlander or consider the Explorer instead.

The Highlander's available hybrid is the clear efficiency leader in this matchup, returning up to 36 mpg combined compared to the Explorer's best highway rating of 29 mpg on the base 2.3L engine with rear-wheel drive. Even the Highlander's gas-only turbo engine, at around 24 mpg combined, edges out the Explorer's combined rating of about 24 mpg on the base engine, essentially even. The Explorer's V6 ST trim drops to about 21 mpg combined given its added power. Buyers who prioritize fuel economy above all else, especially with the hybrid option, will find the Highlander more efficient.

The Highlander offers seating for up to eight passengers with a second-row bench, while the Explorer seats up to seven across all trims. Maximum cargo volume with seats folded is fairly close, at 84.3 cubic feet for the Highlander and 85.8 cubic feet for the Explorer. Behind the third row with all seats in place, both SUVs offer modest cargo space suited to smaller items rather than large luggage. Buyers who need to seat eight passengers will need the Highlander, since the Explorer tops out at seven.

Both the 2026 Explorer and the 2026 Highlander come standard with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Ford Co-Pilot360 is standard on the Explorer, while Toyota Safety Sense comes standard on the Highlander, both widely respected safety suites. The Highlander adds a surround-view camera system on its Limited and Platinum trims. Buyers should compare the specific safety package included on their preferred trim of each SUV rather than assuming identical coverage across the lineup.

The Toyota Highlander has built a long-standing reputation for reliability, a hallmark of the Highlander nameplate across multiple generations. The Explorer has had a more mixed reliability reputation in recent model years compared to Toyota's three-row lineup, though Ford has made continued improvements. Both SUVs are backed by comparable 3-year, 36,000-mile basic and 5-year, 60,000-mile powertrain warranties. Buyers who weigh long-term reliability reputation heavily may lean toward the Highlander, while buyers focused on performance and price may still prefer the Explorer.

The 2026 Explorer starts at about $40,585, roughly $5,685 less than the Highlander's starting price of about $46,270, while also offering more horsepower and a broader engine range. The Highlander's value case rests on its standard all-wheel drive, available hybrid efficiency, and stronger reliability reputation, which can offset its higher starting price for many buyers. Buyers focused on the lowest purchase price and strongest performance will find the Explorer the stronger value. Buyers focused on fuel economy, standard all-wheel drive, and long-term reliability may find the Highlander's higher price justified.

A buyer who wants the strongest available horsepower, a lower starting price, and a broader range of engine choices will generally be better served by the Explorer. A buyer who wants standard all-wheel drive, the best available fuel economy through the hybrid option, or Toyota's long-standing reliability reputation will be better served by the Highlander. Both SUVs are well-rounded three-row family vehicles, and the right choice often comes down to whether performance and price or efficiency and reliability matter more. Test driving both back to back is the best way to feel the real differences in power delivery and ride quality.

The 2026 Explorer's available 3.0L twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 produces 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque on the ST trim, far ahead of the Pilot's single 3.5L V6 at 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet. Even the Explorer's base 2.3L EcoBoost engine, at 300 horsepower, outpowers the Pilot's only available engine. The Pilot's V6 delivers smooth, dependable power without a turbocharger, which some buyers prefer for long-term simplicity. Buyers who want the strongest acceleration and towing muscle in this matchup will find the Explorer ahead in every comparable trim.

The Pilot offers standard seating for up to eight passengers, including a stowable second-row center seat that converts between a bench and captain's chairs, while the Explorer seats a maximum of seven across its lineup. That extra seat can matter for larger families or carpooling needs. The Pilot's third row also benefits from Honda's practical packaging, designed for genuine adult and child use. Buyers who need to regularly seat eight people will need the Pilot, since the Explorer does not offer an eight-passenger configuration.

The Pilot offers a maximum of about 87 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats folded, slightly ahead of the Explorer's 85.8 cubic feet. Honda has built a strong reputation for practical, easy-to-use cargo features, including a two-position load floor and generous small-item storage throughout the cabin. The Explorer counters with its rear-wheel-drive-based platform, which some owners find offers a flatter load floor for certain cargo types. Buyers focused specifically on maximum cargo volume will find the Pilot has a modest edge over the Explorer..

The Explorer offers the dedicated Tremor trim, with standard 4WD, a Terrain Management System with multiple drive modes, and available off-road-tuned suspension hardware. The Pilot's TrailSport trim adds all-terrain tires and revised suspension tuning, but does not match the Tremor's dedicated off-road engineering. Neither SUV is built for serious rock crawling, but the Explorer's Tremor trim gives it a genuine capability edge for light trail use and inclement weather. Buyers who want at least some off-road-oriented hardware should look at the Explorer Tremor over the Pilot TrailSport.

Both the 2026 Explorer and the 2026 Pilot come standard with comprehensive driver assistance suites, Ford Co-Pilot360 on the Explorer and Honda Sensing on the Pilot, both including automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist as standard equipment. Both SUVs perform well in independent crash testing. The Pilot adds CabinTalk on higher trims, letting the driver communicate with rear passengers through the speakers, a unique family-focused feature. Buyers should compare the specific safety package included on their preferred trim of each SUV rather than assuming identical coverage across the lineup.

The Explorer's base 2.3L engine with rear-wheel drive returns an EPA-estimated 20 mpg city and 29 mpg highway, ahead of the Pilot's 19 mpg city and 27 mpg highway on 2WD trims. The Pilot's all-wheel-drive TrailSport trim drops further, to about 18 mpg city and 23 mpg highway. Neither SUV offers a hybrid option, unlike some competitors in the segment. Buyers focused on highway fuel economy will find the Explorer's base engine slightly more efficient than the Pilot's V6.

The 2026 Explorer starts at about $40,585, roughly $1,810 less than the Pilot's starting price of about $42,395, while also offering significantly more available horsepower. The Pilot's value case rests on its standard eight-passenger seating, slightly greater cargo capacity, and Honda's reputation for practical family features. Buyers focused on the lowest purchase price and strongest performance will find the Explorer the stronger value. Buyers who need to regularly seat eight passengers will find the Pilot's extra seat capacity worth the higher price.

A buyer who wants the strongest available horsepower, a lower starting price, and genuine off-road-oriented trim options will generally be better served by the Explorer. A buyer who needs to regularly seat eight passengers, wants slightly more cargo space, or values Honda's family-focused practicality will be better served by the Pilot. Both SUVs are well-rounded three-row family vehicles built around slightly different priorities. The right choice often comes down to whether performance and price or maximum seating and cargo flexibility matter more.

The 2026 Explorer's available 3.0L twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 produces 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque on the ST trim, ahead of the Traverse's single 2.5L turbocharged engine at 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet. Even the Explorer's base 2.3L EcoBoost engine, at 300 horsepower, is close to the Traverse's maximum output despite being the Explorer's entry-level engine. The Traverse's engine is shared across its entire lineup, while the Explorer offers two distinct power levels. Buyers who want the strongest available horsepower in this matchup will find the Explorer's ST trim ahead of anything the Traverse offers.

The Traverse offers a maximum of 97.6 cubic feet of cargo space with both rear rows folded, well ahead of the Explorer's 85.8 cubic feet. Behind the third row with all seats in place, the Traverse offers 22.9 cubic feet compared to the Explorer's 16.3 cubic feet. That gap reflects the Traverse's larger overall footprint and packaging priorities. Buyers who need maximum cargo room for road trips or hauling gear will find the Traverse has a clear advantage over the Explorer.

The Traverse offers seating for up to eight passengers with its no-cost second-row bench option, while the Explorer seats a maximum of seven across its lineup. The Traverse's third row is also generally regarded as more usable for adults given the vehicle's larger overall dimensions. Buyers who need to seat eight people regularly will need the Traverse, since the Explorer tops out at seven. Buyers who consistently carry six or fewer passengers may not notice a practical difference between the two.

The Explorer offers the dedicated Tremor trim, with standard 4WD, a Terrain Management System with multiple drive modes, and an available limited-slip differential for genuine light off-road use. The Traverse's Z71 trim adds all-wheel drive and an exclusive twin-clutch rear differential for improved traction, but it is positioned more as an appearance and traction package than a dedicated off-road trim. Neither SUV is built for serious trail use, but the Explorer's Tremor trim offers more purpose-built off-road hardware. Buyers who want any off-road-oriented capability should look at the Explorer Tremor over the Traverse Z71.

Both the 2026 Explorer and the 2026 Traverse come standard with comprehensive driver assistance suites, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Both SUVs offer a rear seat reminder alert to help prevent unattended children or pets from being left behind. The Traverse's higher trims add a standard surround-view camera and driver attention monitoring. Buyers should compare the specific safety package included on their preferred trim of each SUV rather than assuming identical coverage across the lineup.

The Explorer's base 2.3L engine with rear-wheel drive returns an EPA-estimated 20 mpg city and 29 mpg highway, slightly ahead of the Traverse's front-wheel-drive rating of about 20 mpg city and 26 to 27 mpg highway. The Traverse's all-wheel-drive configuration drops to roughly 19 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. Neither SUV offers a hybrid option. Buyers focused on highway fuel economy will find the two SUVs fairly close, with a slight edge to the Explorer's base engine.

The 2026 Traverse starts at about $40,800, roughly $215 more than the Explorer's starting price of about $40,585, making the two SUVs essentially even on entry price. The Traverse's value case rests on its significantly greater cargo space and eight-passenger seating, while the Explorer's case rests on stronger available horsepower and genuine off-road trim options. Buyers focused on maximum interior space and seating will find the Traverse the stronger value. Buyers focused on performance and off-road versatility will find the Explorer more compelling at a similar price point.

A buyer who wants the strongest available horsepower and a genuine off-road-oriented trim like the Tremor will generally be better served by the Explorer. A buyer who needs maximum cargo space, seating for eight, or the most interior room for family road trips will be better served by the Traverse. Both SUVs start at a similar price point, so the choice largely comes down to whether performance and off-road versatility or interior space and seating capacity matter more. Test driving both back to back is the best way to feel the real differences in size and power delivery.

The 2026 Ford Explorer starts at about $40,585, just below the Chevrolet Traverse's starting price of about $40,800, and both undercut the Honda Pilot at about $42,395 and the Toyota Highlander at about $46,270. All four figures represent base trim pricing before destination charges, taxes, title, and dealer fees. The Highlander's higher starting price partly reflects Toyota's decision to discontinue the entry-level LE trim for 2026, leaving the better-equipped XLE as the new base. Shoppers should compare similarly equipped trims across all four SUVs rather than relying on base MSRP alone.

The Explorer offers the highest available horsepower in the group at 400 hp on the ST trim, while starting at a lower price than the Highlander and Pilot. The Traverse offers the most interior cargo space and seating for eight at a similar starting price to the Explorer. The Highlander offers the best fuel economy through its hybrid option, though at a meaningfully higher starting price. The right value depends on whether a buyer prioritizes performance, interior space, or fuel economy most.

The Toyota Highlander's available hybrid leads the group by a wide margin, returning up to 36 mpg combined. The Explorer's base engine is the most efficient gas-only option in the group at 20 mpg city and 29 mpg highway, narrowly ahead of the Traverse's FWD rating and the Pilot's 2WD rating. The Explorer's V6 ST trim and the Pilot's AWD TrailSport both see fuel economy drop into the low 20s combined. Buyers who drive significant daily mileage will see the largest fuel savings with the Highlander hybrid.

The Explorer, Highlander, Pilot, and Traverse all carry identical coverage in this comparison: a 3-year, 36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year, 60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Warranty length is not a differentiator among these four vehicles. Independent reliability data has generally favored the Highlander and Pilot over the Explorer and Traverse in recent model years, which can translate into different out-of-warranty repair costs over time. Buyers focused on minimizing long-term repair risk should research current reliability ratings for their specific trim before deciding.

Down payment requirements vary by lender, credit profile, and the specific incentives available on a given vehicle at the time of purchase, so there is no single answer that applies to every buyer or every one of these four SUVs. Manufacturers and dealers frequently offer promotional financing rates or lease specials that change monthly and can significantly affect the total cost of a deal. Buyers comparing the Explorer, Highlander, Pilot, and Traverse should ask about current incentives on each specific vehicle rather than assuming list price reflects the real cost. A local Ford dealer can walk through current Explorer financing and lease offers in detail.

Whether leasing or buying makes more sense depends on how the SUV will be used, how many miles it will accumulate annually, and whether the buyer wants to build equity over time. Families who drive significant annual mileage on road trips may find leasing less cost-effective due to mileage limits. Buyers who plan to keep the SUV for many years often find purchasing the more cost-effective long-term option. A conversation with a dealership's finance team is the best way to compare real numbers for a specific vehicle, trim, and credit situation.

The Toyota Highlander has a long-standing reputation for strong resale value, driven by Toyota's broader reliability image and consistent family SUV demand. The Honda Pilot is also well regarded for resale strength within the segment. The Traverse and Explorer both hold respectable resale value for their segment, though full redesigns in recent years mean shorter track records for current generations. Buyers focused specifically on resale value may want to research current trade-in data for their preferred trim before deciding.

Not necessarily. The Explorer's available 400-horsepower V6 is a genuine performance advantage, but long-term value also depends on fuel economy, reliability, and how well a specific configuration matches how the SUV will actually be used. A family that rarely needs maximum acceleration may get more long-term value from the Explorer's efficient base engine, the Highlander's hybrid, or the Traverse's spacious cabin than from a high-horsepower trim they use infrequently. The Explorer's combination of strong available performance, a competitive starting price, and standard safety technology makes it a well-rounded choice for most buyers in this shortlist. Buyers with different priorities should still weigh the Highlander's efficiency, the Pilot's practicality, and the Traverse's cargo space before deciding.

Yes, Sam Scism Ford is a franchised Ford dealership located in Farmington, Missouri, and sells new 2026 Explorer SUVs directly to local buyers. Shopping locally means Farmington area buyers can view, test drive, and purchase an Explorer without traveling into the St. Louis metro area. The dealership's inventory changes regularly based on Ford's production and delivery schedule. Local buyers are encouraged to check current inventory or contact the dealership directly for the latest Explorer availability.

Yes, Sam Scism Ford serves St. Francois County and the broader southeast Missouri region beyond Farmington itself. Buyers from nearby communities such as Park Hills, Desloge, Bonne Terre, and Fredericktown regularly shop and service vehicles at the dealership. Its location along U.S. Route 67 makes it accessible from multiple directions across the region. Buyers outside Farmington are welcome to shop the same Explorer inventory and service department as local customers.

Yes, Sam Scism Ford is a franchised, factory-authorized Ford dealership, meaning it sells genuine new Ford vehicles and is held to Ford's manufacturer standards for sales and service. That authorization gives the dealership direct access to Ford's national inventory and ordering system for the 2026 Explorer. It also means the service department is staffed by technicians trained specifically on Ford vehicles and systems. Buyers working with an authorized Ford dealer can expect manufacturer-backed warranty support handled correctly from the start.

Yes, the sales team at Sam Scism Ford can walk through the differences between Explorer trims, the 2.3L and 3.0L engine options, and packages like the off-road-oriented Tremor trim. Since power and price vary meaningfully across the Explorer lineup, having a knowledgeable sales team explain the real tradeoffs can help buyers choose the right configuration. The team can also compare specific Explorer configurations against the Highlander, Pilot, or Traverse for shoppers who are still deciding. Scheduling a visit or a call ahead of time can help ensure a sales representative has time to go through the full lineup.

Sam Scism Ford's service department handles warranty repairs for the Explorer's standard 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Local warranty service means Farmington area Explorer owners do not need to travel out of the area for covered repairs. The service team uses genuine Ford parts, which helps maintain the vehicle's warranty coverage over time. Owners can schedule warranty and maintenance appointments directly through the dealership's service department.

Yes, the service department at Sam Scism Ford performs routine Explorer maintenance, including oil changes, tire rotations, and multi-point inspections across both the 2.3L and 3.0L engine options. Keeping up with scheduled maintenance helps protect the Explorer's long-term reliability and resale value. The dealership's technicians are trained specifically on Ford vehicles, including the Explorer's full engine lineup. Farmington area owners can schedule routine service appointments online or by contacting the dealership directly.

Farmington area shoppers can schedule a 2026 Explorer test drive by contacting Sam Scism Ford directly or requesting an appointment through the dealership's website. Providing a preferred trim and engine ahead of time can help ensure the right Explorer is ready and available on the lot. Test driving the Explorer alongside a Highlander, Pilot, or Traverse, if available, is the best way to compare real-world ride, cabin feel, and technology. The sales team can also answer specific questions about the Tremor off-road trim or available options during the visit.

Once a Farmington area family has compared specs and identified a preferred SUV, the next step is visiting Sam Scism Ford to see current Explorer inventory in person. A sales representative can confirm which trims and configurations are currently available and discuss financing or lease options. Test driving the top choice, and ideally a close second option, helps confirm the decision before signing paperwork. Shoppers can also ask about any current manufacturer incentives that may apply to their preferred Explorer configuration.