2026 Ford Explorer ST Gains Second Row Bench Seat Option

Updates and changes headed for the 2026 Ford Explorer are few, but significant – and one such change pertains to the crossover’s performance-oriented ST trim. In particular, it’s receiving a new seating option.

According to sources familiar with the matter, the 2026 Ford Explorer ST is gaining a second row bench seat option, which hasn’t been offered on the trim in the past. The second row bench seat will feature a 35/30/35 split with the E-Z Entry system, which must be manually activated. At the time of this writing, Ford has not released pricing for this option, which will increase the crossover’s seating capacity from six to seven passengers.

The 2025 Ford Explorer ST featured a single second row seating configuration, consisting of two captain’s chairs with E-Z Entry and armrests. This will remain standard on the 2026 Ford Explorer ST, Active, and Platinum.

A significant update headed to the 2026 Ford Explorer concerns the 3.0L EcoBoost V6, which has been removed as an option on Platinum-trimmed models, leaving this model with with only the turbocharged 2.3L EcoBoost I4 as its engine option. As such, the Ultimate Package – which included that 3.0L V6 for the Platinum trim – is also gone.

However, the 3.0L V6 remains standard on ST and optional on the brand-new Tremor trim, which takes the place of the Timberline model, as Ford Authority was the first to report. Meanwhile, the Panoramic Vista Roof is no more, replaced with the optional Panoramic Fixed Glass Roof.

Interestingly, despite the aforementioned tweaks, pricing for the 2026 Ford Explorer doesn’t change all that much. In fact, certain trims are actually cheaper than they were for the 2025 model year. Pricing for the entry level Active trim starts at $38,330, down $1,720 than the same trim’s cost for the 2025 model year, not accounting for destination and delivery. The ST AWD trim remains the priciest one on the list, starting at $56,770 – no different from its 2025 model year counterpart.