Exterior color can be a deciding factor for new-vehicle buyers, and the 2026 Ford Explorer delivers with a wide range of options. Below, we break down each hue, along with its availability and pricing.
Space White Metallic
Agate Black Metallic
Carbonized Gray Metallic
Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat
Marsh Gray
Vapor Blue Metallic
Star White Metallic Tri-Coat
All told, there are eight colors offered on the 2026 Ford Explorer. One of which, Oxford White, is exclusively offered on fleet models, and cannot be added to retail variants. Note that Ford has not provided an image of this color. Beyond that, for the retail Explorer, just three colors are offered at no cost. These are Carbonized Gray Metallic, Space White Metallic, and Agate Black Metallic, which are offered on every 2026 Ford Explorer trim, including Active Base, Active, ST-Line, Tremor, ST, and Platinum.
Meanwhile, three more colors are priced at $495 apiece, and their availability depends on trim level. Vapor Blue Metallic is offered on all trims except for Platinum, while Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat is only available on ST and Platinum trims. Marsh Gray - the single new color on offer for the 2026 Explorer - also has limited availability, only available on Tremor, ST-Line, and ST trims.
Finally, the priciest color of the bunch is Star White Metallic Tri-Coat, carrying a $795 price tag. This color is offered on Active Base, Active, ST-Line, ST, and Platinum trims, but cannot be added to the Tremor.
Updates headed to the 2026 Ford Explorer are few, but significant. The star of the show is the brand new Tremor trim, which slips into the lineup as a replacement for the off-road-oriented Timberline trim, which bowed out after the 2024 model year. On the affordable end of the spectrum, the new Active Base offers a relatively inexpensive entry level trim that's not as well-equipped as other models in the lineup.
While it did gain two new trims, the 2026 Ford Explorer did have some content cut. The Ultimate Package has been deleted from the Platinum, and with it, the 3.0L EcoBoost V6 as an option on that trim. However, that V6 engine can still be had on the ST or Tremor trims. The crossover also lost its Panoramic Vista Roof, gaining the optional Panoramic Fixed Glass Roof in its stead, which is optional on all trims.
Pricing for the 2026 Ford Explorer starts at $38,465, not accounting for destination freight charges.
Comment
Surprised at this. My 22 Platinum was Burgundy and I received so many compliments on it. I traded it in for a 25 Platinum so I could still get the 3.0 engine, but expected to see at least one new different/interesting color in 26. Even a Matte Grey/Tan version on the Tremor would look cool. I do hope Ford brings back the bigger engine in the Platinum in a few years when I'm looking to upgrade again or I'll have to possibly switch to a different brand that's comfortable. The Expedition is just too much money at the Platinum level and I like the size of the Explorer, so really not worth the extra $$$.