Midsize three-row SUV
2026 Ford Explorer: buying summary
America's original SUV, now with a meaningful hybrid option
- MSRP range
- $38,050–$62,040
- Combined MPG
- 24
- Body style
- Midsize three-row SUV
- Powertrain
- Hybrid available
Pros
- Hybrid powertrain hits 28 mpg combined — 4 mpg better than Telluride and 5 better than Pilot
- 18.2 cu ft of cargo behind the third row, best in its price class
- ST sport trim has 400 hp and a track-worthy chassis — unique in the family three-row segment
- SYNC 4A with over-the-air updates addresses the infotainment reliability issues of 2022–2024 models
Cons
- Third-row legroom (33.5 in) trails Telluride's (31.9 in, though Telluride is tighter — Explorer beats it) and Pilot (34.7 in)
- Base XLT starts FWD; AWD costs extra and is not standard as on Telluride
- Ford reliability per Consumer Reports trails Toyota and Honda in the 3-year ownership window
- Tow rating (5,600 lb) is competitive but trails Pilot's AWD-standard 5,000 lb on the value math
Best trim: XLT Hybrid AWD
XLT Hybrid AWD is the smart pick at ~$47K. You get the 28-mpg hybrid, all-wheel drive, the 10.1-inch touchscreen, Ford Co-Pilot360, and second-row captain's chairs. Skip Platinum unless you want the premium interior; the Telluride EX AWD at $44K does most of the same things. ST is for buyers who want performance and won't use the third row.
What to cross-shop
- Kia Telluride
- Toyota Highlander Hybrid
- Honda Pilot
Verdict
The Explorer Hybrid is the only mainstream three-row SUV that combines reasonable fuel economy with best-in-class cargo. If reliability is your top concern, choose the Highlander Hybrid. If interior quality matters more than gas mileage, the Telluride is the pick. Explorer wins on cargo and hybrid balance.
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