For years, the Ford Explorer Platinum trim has offered a choice of two engines. Buyers could stick with the base turbocharged 2.3L EcoBoost I4, or upgrade to twin-turbo 3.0L EcoBoost V6 for some more get-up-and-go. However, that’s no longer true for the 2026 Ford Explorer Platinum, as the trim is losing the 3.0L V6 engine option.
Sources familiar with the matter told Ford Authority that the 2026 Ford Explorer Platinum is exclusively offered with the 2.3L I4, and no longer offers the 3.0L V6 as an upgrade. However, the 3.0L V6 is still standard on the Explorer ST and becomes optional on the all-new 2026 Explorer Tremor, as first reported by Ford Authority.
For the 2025 Explorer Platinum, the 3.0L V6 was offered as an optional powertrain upgrade bundled into the $4,725 Ultimate Package. That Ultimate Package has also been deleted, meaning it’s no longer an option on the 2026 Ford Explorer Platinum.
As for what sets the Platinum apart from the rest of the lineup, the well-equipped trim features adaptive headlamps, LED taillamps, a power liftgate, satin roof rack side rails and Premium Silver painted skid plate elements. It rolls on a set of 20-inch Luster Nickel painted aluminum wheels, while inside, it gets ambient lighting and Platinum-branded door sill scuff plates. It also offers BlueCruise and a host of driver safety tech features as part of the Ford Co-Pilot 360 Assist 2.0 bundle, just to name a few.
Aside from the deletion of the 3.0L V6 on the Platinum trim, the 2026 Ford Explorer receives minor changes and updates over its 2025 model year counterpart. As previously stated, the biggest change is the addition of the all-new Tremor trim, but it also gains a couple new wheel options, while the ST trim can now be fitted with a second-row bench seat. There are also updates inbound to its BlueCruise subscription model along with the addition of the Ford Connectivity Package.
At the time of this writing, 2026 Ford Explorer pricing has not been revealed.
Expanding that lineup yet again.
A way to potentially help avoid obstructions in wet weather.
Increasing a bit compared to the past couple of quarters.
A massive project, but one certainly worth undertaking.
Most companies are transitioning workers back to the office, too.
While the overall market posted a sharp increase in issues.
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Still at the traditional Ford annual decontenting. Keep it up and the Fat Lady will start singing, if she hasn't already.
First they take the 6 out of the 2 door bronco unless you get some over price Stroppe Trim. Now the idiots that run Ford now days, drop the 3.0 from the Palatium what a joke. These NA planners are going to kill Ford. Your top Luxury Explorer and you take the engine that matches it best and leave it with a rough 4 cylinder. They need to fire all the management that came up with this. I will never buy a 4 again they do not feel wright and are not smooth enough for a Luxury trim model.
Absolutely agree with you. The Platinum option was really a very nice package with the 3.0. The 4 cylinder is noisy, under acceleration, and underpowered. I make a 900 mile trip between Michigan and N.C. about 6-7 times a year. The 4 cylinder has to work hard going through the mountains of Virginia and West Virginia. I suppose the company figures they can push those who want a 3.0 into a pricier Lincoln Aviator. I don’t want an ST. I always liked the Platinum option with the 3.0. It may be time to look at the other companies and see what they offer.
Take the V6 out and raise the price the people running Ford don't care what the people want they're just looking for maximum profit and destroying the company at the same time. This time the auto makers go bankrupt DON'T bail them out.
I agree I’ve always had F150 platinum‘s and switched to in 22 to Ford Explorer platinum‘s and replace every two years now I’m not sure what about the six I have a 25 I’m glad it was the last model year with the 3.0
How can you take the 3 litter motor from the upper level trim? They keep de contenting the car, no wireless charger no sunroof no power telescopic steering wheel no window shades. They are ruining a car that I love. I will not buy another one.
Now is perfect chance for Ford to do the right thing for customers, who tired of all the recalls and want quaility over power...Offer this V6...in non turbo. version...simplier and more reliable.
I’ve had that V6 twin turbo in two SHO’s I bought new 2011 and 2016 and our bought new 2020 Explorer Platinum we love that engine and the Platinum format . Don’t stop offering it !! In it !! Why put an under powered enimic four cylinder in that heavy vehicle! ? What a pos !! I hate to leave Ford for a Cadillac but I guess I will .?
Sales of the Explorer Platinum are about to tank. That's a promise. Nobody with any knowledge at all will pay Platinum price for the Aluminum option 2.3L EcoBoost. Ford does some things right, like the 2.7L in the Ranger, but this is a bad mistake. Ford, please wake up.
Glad I have my purchased new, last year of the n/a 3.7 V6 Mustang.
The Tremor gained the 3.0L, that may have something to do with it.