As Ford Authority recently reported, the 2026 Ford Explorer bucks the trend of rising prices with two trims actually becoming more affordable than their 2025 model year counterpart. One of them, the entry level Active, will be available at a lower price thanks to the introduction of a new base trim package.
According to sources familiar with the matter, the 2026 Ford Explorer Active Base will slot in below the “regular” Active trim, offering a more affordable entry level model to the crossover’s lineup. While this trim – which is identified as equipment group 100A – will contain plenty of standard equipment, it will leave out some convenience features that are included in the 200A equipment group.
Notably, the 2026 Ford Explorer Active Base will sport a manual liftgate, as opposed to the Active’s power liftgate. Said liftgate also will not feature Active badging like its higher-tiered brethren. Its sideview mirrors will still get heated glass, but must be manually folded; they will also be molded-in-color, which means the skullcaps are colored in non-glossy black instead of the painted setup on other models. The driver’s seat will get six-way power adjustment without power lumbar and recline, while the passenger side’s seat will be controlled by a four-way manual adjustment, as opposed to the Active’s 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat.
The vinyl wrapped steering wheel will not feature heating like the Active 200A bundle. It also will not get roof rack side rails or active noise cancellation features, or heated front-row seats. Finally, the Explorer Active Base will only get first- and second-row USB ports, negating the third-row ports found in the higher Active trim level.
For reference, the 2026 Ford Explorer Active Base starts at $38,330, which is $1,720 more affordable than the Active trim’s price point for the 2025 model year.
Other changes heated to the greater 2026 Ford Explorer line include the deletion of the Panoramic Vista Roof, replaced with a fixed glass option across the board. The crossover is also losing the Ultimate Package, going hand-in-hand with the elimination of the 3.0L EcoBoost V6 as an option on Platinum-trimmed models. However, that engine will still b e standard on ST and optional on the all-new Tremor trim.
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