The 2026 Ford Explorer is bringing some significant changes and updates to the table, headlined by the addition of the all-new Tremor trim and the deletion of the 3.0L EcoBoost V6 as an option on Platinum-trimmed models. There’s another deletion headed to that very trim, this time concerning the Ultimate Package.
According to sources familiar with the matter, the 2026 Ford Explorer Platinum can no longer be ordered with the Ultimate Package. Considering that the Ultimate Package could only be added to the 2025 Explorer Platinum in conjunction with the now-unavailable 3.0L V6 engine, it’s not really a surprise that it’s being slashed from the options list.
Previously, the Ultimate Package was offered on the 2025 Explorer Platinum for $4,725. It bundled the Lux Leather Package – itself a standalone option priced at $1,695 – with a set of 21-inch Dark Alloy Painted machined aluminum wheels. Specifically, the Lux Leather Package includes Premium Sanctuary Leather Seating Surfaces, plus piped and quilted seats and door panels.
Note that the Lux Leather Package is still offered on the 2026 Ford Explorer Platinum as a standalone bundle, although pricing has not yet been released. In order to equip this package, it must be paired with four-wheel-drive (4WD), but cannot be added in conjunction with the 35/30/35 second-row bench seating configuration. Meanwhile, the other half of the Ultimate package, the 21-inch Dark Alloy Painted machined aluminum wheels, are no longer available at all.
In addition, the 2026 Ford Explorer also lost its Panoramic Vista Roof, gaining the optional Panoramic Fixed Glass Roof in its stead, which is optional on all trims. Meanwhile, though the 3.0L V6 is gone from the Platinum trim, it’s still standard on ST and optional on the all-new Tremor trim.
Pricing for the 2026 Ford Explorer Active starts at $38,330, not including destination freight charges, making its entry level model more affordable than the $40,050 price tag it wore for the 2025 model year. The Platinum trim is also more affordable, starting at $50,830 as opposed to $52,525; the rest of the lineup features the same pricing as their 2025 model year equivalents.
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Really looking forward to seeing more information on the Explorer lineup.
Well Ford, I kinda think UR shooting yourself in the foot again. No 3.0 engine option on the Top end Lux version is a bad, if not a very bad idea. What’s the story with a ‘Fixed” glass roof? Are the bean counters really responsible for all these crazy idea’s? I guess it sounds that is responsible. You should be optioning this vehicle as if your customer wants to pay for can get an almost Aviator version of their Explorer. Not go backwards.
One thing add...it more color options..interior especailly...bascailly a all black interior., ditto for the Transit...with this heat wave , and i owned multi black interiors it the hottest, hardest to keep clean,,show dirt bad...and slowing to air condition..after while they be single colors like the model T
Explorer tremor will it be over priced like the expedition tremor ?lot of overpriced useless power options . Ford needs to offer a low price FX 4 2 row off roader for us true off roader overlanders car campers who don't want a 3 row luxury family school bus loaded with every possible power file tilt everything we touch with memory settings
The fixed glass “concept” is absolutely ridiculous by Ford. If you keep making cuts to this vehicle, I’ll be switching brands in the future. This comes from a F150 Raptor, Bronco and 2025 build 1 ST owner. Wake up Ford, you’re losing customer base.
Ford, I know it's your "choice" to remove high-end up grades on your vehicles, but I'm not sure why you have to blame it on President Trump. Maybe you need to get over yourself and look at the person or persons within making these decisions.
There are signs when a Ford will be getting a redesign, and this is one of them. Decontent the vehicle to the point nobody will buy it.
Ford really doesn't understand its customers or the market.
Absolutely unbelievable for the TOP END model to loose the TOP engine. I have a 16 Platinum right now and wanted to upgrade to a new platinum. Oh, and the whole sunroof not opening anymore thing? Also completely ridiculous. Ford is screwing up big time on this