Discover the 2026 Ford Explorer Base at Green Ford – Spacious, Smart, and Ready for Family Adventures
If you're searching for a reliable SUV that blends family-friendly space with smart technology and solid performance, the 2026 Ford Explorer Base is worth a closer look. Whether you drive around Greensboro, Summerfield, or Burlington, this three-row midsize SUV caters to a range of lifestyles—from family outings to weekend adventures. At Green Ford, located at 3800 W Wendover Ave, Greensboro, NC 27407, we’re here to guide you through everything this versatile Explorer offers.
Give us a call at (336) 292-8310 and let’s chat about which Explorer fits your needs best.
What Makes the 2026 Ford Explorer Base the SUV for You?
The 2026 Ford Explorer is a midsize SUV with three rows of seating designed with family comfort and flexibility in mind. It balances spacious interiors with modern technology and safety features to keep your drives in Greensboro or Gibsonville safe and comfortable. This model year carries forward what folks loved about the previous Explorer with thoughtful updates to technology and cabin features.
This SUV suits families needing room for six or seven passengers thanks to its flexible seating arrangements. It’s a great match if you want plenty of cargo space for road trips or local errands in Burlington and Graham.
Plus, whether you want the dependable power of a turbocharged four-cylinder or the added muscle of a twin-turbo V6, the 2026 Explorer offers options that fit your driving style.
Table of Contents
- Distinctive Exterior Design That Turns Heads
- Performance That Balances Power and Efficiency
- Interior Comfort and Spaciousness for the Whole Family
- Smart Technology & Connectivity to Keep You Connected
- A Strong Focus on Safety and Driver Assistance
- Trim Overview and Available Options Explained
- Warranty Coverage and Maintenance Support
- Wrapping Up: Why the Explorer Base Is a Smart Choice
Distinctive Exterior Design That Turns Heads
Clean, Modern Look with Functional Details
The 2026 Explorer Base maintains Ford’s familiar yet fresh styling that fits perfectly into both city streets of Greensboro and weekend drives around Summerfield. It features sleek lines combined with practical exterior touches.
- Standard 18-inch wheels: Durable and attractive for everyday use while offering a comfortable ride.
- LED headlights and taillights: Bright and energy-efficient lighting for clear visibility in all conditions.
- Black roof rails and mirror caps: Adds an athletic, rugged edge while providing utility for extra cargo carrying needs.
Size and Proportions That Make a Difference
Here’s a simple look at the Explorer’s exterior dimensions, showing how it fits well-sized family needs without feeling bulky in busy areas like Gibsonville:
2026 Ford Explorer Base - Exterior Measurements
| Dimension | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Overall Length | 198.7 inches |
| Width (including mirrors) | 78.9 inches |
| Height | 69.8 inches |
| Wheelbase | 119.1 inches |
| Ground Clearance | Approximately 8.7 inches |
This careful balance of size means it’s spacious enough inside while still easy to maneuver for daily errands or trips to shopping hubs in Burlington.
Performance That Balances Power and Efficiency
Engine Choices Tailored for Various Drivers
The Explorer Base comes standard with a turbocharged 2.3-liter inline-4 engine that puts out a solid 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This engine pairs with a smooth 10-speed automatic transmission designed for responsive shifts whether you’re cruising through Greensboro or heading up country roads near Graham.
If you crave more power, there’s also a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 available in higher trims offering up to 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, geared for quicker accelerations and a more spirited drive.
Drivetrain Options to Match Your Needs
- Rear-wheel drive standard: Ideal for efficient daily driving and a confident feel on open roads around Burlington.
- All-wheel drive optional: Provides extra traction and control, especially helpful for wet or uneven terrain on weekend adventures near Summerfield.
Performance and Fuel Efficiency Summary
| Powertrain | 0-60 mph (seconds) | Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | Estimated Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3L Turbo I4 RWD | 6.1 | 20/29 mpg | Over 400 miles per tank |
| 2.3L Turbo I4 AWD | 6.8 | 20/27 mpg | Over 400 miles per tank |
| 3.0L Twin-Turbo V6 AWD | 5.9 | 18-20/25-27 mpg | Over 400 miles per tank |
Handling and Ride Comfort
The Explorer handles with a composed ride that feels stable and predictable whether you're driving through urban traffic in Greensboro or out on quieter roads in Gibsonville. The suspension balances comfort and control, so long journeys remain relaxed for everyone on board.
Interior Comfort and Spaciousness for the Whole Family
Room for Everyone and Everything
This SUV seats up to seven people across three rows, making it a solid pick for families around Burlington and Summerfield. Its flexible seating arrangements allow you to prioritize passenger comfort or maximize cargo space depending on your trip.
Interior Dimensions and Cargo Space
| Space Area | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Front Legroom | 43.0 inches |
| Second Row Legroom | 39.0 inches |
| Third Row Legroom | 32.2 inches |
| Cargo Volume (behind 1st row) | 87.8 cubic feet |
| Cargo Volume (behind 2nd row) | 47.9 cubic feet |
| Cargo Volume (behind 3rd row) | 18.2 cubic feet |
The third row suits children or smaller adults best, making it just right for school runs around Gibsonville or weekend trips with friends. The wide cargo area behind the first row makes it easy to carry bulky gear like sports equipment or groceries.
Seating Comfort and Materials
- Cloth upholstery: Durable and comfortable for everyday use.
- Power-adjustable driver seat: Let’s you find a comfortable driving position easily.
- Optional second-row captain’s chairs: Available with no extra charge for added comfort and easier access to the third row.
Cabin Quality and Atmosphere
The refreshed dashboard and cabin materials add a modern, pleasant feel. While not overly luxurious, this SUV is thoughtfully designed to feel welcoming and practical for families and everyday use.
Smart Technology & Connectivity to Keep You Connected
Updated Infotainment System
Ford’s new Digital Experience infotainment system replaces the older Sync platform for the 2026 model. It features a sharp 13.2-inch touchscreen that’s easy to navigate whether you’re stuck in traffic near Burlington or on a road trip out of Graham.
Connectivity Options
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto: Seamlessly connect your smartphone for apps, calls, and music.
- Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant integration: Voice commands make it convenient to control your vehicle’s functions or ask questions while keeping your hands on the wheel.
- Video streaming and gaming: Enjoy these features when the vehicle is parked, perfect for keeping kids entertained during pit stops.
- Eight USB ports across all three rows: Everyone can charge their devices without hunting for outlets.
- Optional wireless charging pad: For hassle-free smartphone power-up in the front row.
Audio System
- Base model: Equipped with a solid 6-speaker system that delivers clear sound for everyday listening.
- Premium trims: Offer advanced Bang & Olufsen systems for an immersive audio experience (available starting on higher trim levels).
A Strong Focus on Safety and Driver Assistance
Safety is a priority for families around Greensboro and beyond, and the Explorer Base comes packed with features to give you peace of mind behind the wheel.
Standard Safety Technologies
- Automatic emergency braking both front and rear
- Lane departure warning and lane keeping assist
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Adaptive cruise control for relaxed highway driving
- Automatic high beams to improve night visibility
Optional Advanced Driver Assistance
For those who want to add convenience on long stretches, the Blue Cruise hands-free driving feature is available on the Explorer lineup. It enables self-driving on mapped highways, a handy bonus for regular highway commuters in Summerfield or Gibsonville.
Safety Ratings
| Test Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Safety | 5-star |
| Crash Test Performance | “Good” across all major tests |
Trim Overview and Available Options Explained
The 2026 Explorer comes in several trims, though here we focus on the Base level, often called the Active trim, that blends value with essential features. Higher trims like ST-Line, Platinum, and the off-road Tremor add specialized elements for performance, luxury, or rugged capability.
Key Features in the Base (Active) Trim
- 18-inch wheels with practical styling
- Black exterior accents – side mirror caps and roof rails
- LED headlights and taillights
- Cloth upholstery and practical interior materials
- Power-adjustable driver's seat for personalized comfort
- Ford Co-Pilot360 suite included for safety
Noteworthy Optional Features Across Other Trims
- Upgraded audio with Bang & Olufsen speakers
- Massaging front seats and ambient interior lighting
- Second-row captain’s chairs for easier access and comfort
- Black-painted roof (notably priced higher than competitors)
- 18-inch all-terrain wheels and skid plates on Tremor trim for off-roading
Ready for a bit more adventure? The Tremor trim boosts suspension and ground clearance and adds rugged visual touches, ideal for those near Greensboro looking for weekend escapes.
Warranty Coverage and Maintenance Support
When buying an SUV meant to serve your family daily, knowing the coverage behind it matters. Green Ford offers you peace of mind with great warranty options and maintenance help locally.
- Basic limited warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain limited warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles
- Shop Ford Parts available for genuine replacements to keep your Explorer running smoothly
- Schedule Service online with our expert technicians at Green Ford for easy maintenance near Burlington
Plus, if you’d like to find out how much your current vehicle is worth trade-in toward a new Explorer, be sure to check our handy online tool: Value your Trade In.
Why the 2026 Ford Explorer Base Is a Great Fit for Your Family
Bringing together dependable performance, a spacious and flexible interior, smart technology, and a broad set of safety features, the 2026 Ford Explorer Base is a well-rounded option for families throughout Greensboro, Graham, and Summerfield. Its combination of rear-wheel drive and a turbocharged engine provides an engaging yet reliable driving experience, while the available all-wheel drive helps tackle changing roads confidently.
At Green Ford, we’re here to help you find the right Explorer that fits your lifestyle and budget. Whether you want a practical SUV for your growing family or a smart, tech-friendly vehicle for daily commuting, this model checks many boxes.
Explore our inventories today—both new and used—and come see us at 3800 W Wendover Ave, Greensboro, NC 27407. You can start your search here:
Have questions or ready to experience the 2026 Explorer in person? Give us a call at (336) 292-8310 or stop by our Greensboro location. We’re excited to welcome you to the Green Ford family—your neighborhood source for dependable, comfortable, and modern vehicles.