2026 Ford Explorer Shopping Overview in Cumberland, WI
Model Overview
A Closer Look at the 2026 Ford Explorer
The 2026 Ford Explorer® brings a well-rounded mix of space, confidence, and modern tech to families and adventurers shopping around Cumberland, WI. If you’re comparing three-row SUVs by the numbers and the everyday details that matter, the Explorer® checks key boxes: up to seven seats, a proven 2.3L EcoBoost® engine standard, available Intelligent 4WD, and the option to add advanced highway assistance with Ford BlueCruise. Our local shoppers appreciate that it tows up to 5,000 pounds, offers balanced cargo space of up to 85.8 cubic feet, and delivers a poised ride thanks to a rear-wheel-drive architecture that’s uncommon in this class. Whether you’re commuting along US-63, heading out near Beaver Dam Lake, or organizing a multi-stop family day around Barron County, the Explorer® is built to make the trip effortless.
On the Road
Performance & Capability for Every Mile
From confident passing power to steady trailering, the 2026 Ford Explorer® is engineered to keep up with busy lives. The standard 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 provides smooth, responsive acceleration for everyday drives, while the available 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 raises performance for those who want an extra punch. With a 5,000-pound maximum towing capacity and selectable drive modes, you can match the Explorer® to your task and terrain. If you’re planning mild off-pavement exploring, the Explorer® Tremor® adds hardware that matters, including an off-road-tuned suspension, a Torsen® limited-slip rear axle, and underbody protection. For highway miles, the system design — rear-wheel drive as standard, with available Intelligent 4WD — helps the Explorer® feel balanced and secure when loaded with passengers and gear.
Engine:
2.3L EcoBoost I-4 (std.)
Max horsepower:
Up to 400 hp (avail.)
Towing:
5,000 lbs
Drive type:
RWD std., Intelligent 4WD avail.
Inside the Cabin
Interior Comfort & Technology
- Seating capacity: Up to seven
- Cargo volume: Up to 85.8 cu ft
- Infotainment: Ford Digital Experience
- Hands-free tech: Ford BlueCruise available
- Premium audio: B&O® Sound System by Bang & Olufsen® with 10 speakers including subwoofer (ST-Line)
- 360-degree view: 360-Degree Camera standard on ST-Line, available on other trims
- Comfort seats: Heated and ventilated front seats available; massaging front seats on Platinum™
- Panoramic roof: Available panoramic fixed glass roof with power sunshade
- Ambient lighting: Available for a tailored cabin feel
Inside, the Explorer® focuses on comfort and intuitive connectivity. The Ford Digital Experience brings your content and apps together in a way that feels familiar, while available features like the B&O® Sound System by Bang & Olufsen® elevate the drive for everyone on board. With three-row versatility, you can prioritize people, cargo, or both — and the available power liftgate simplifies loading at the curb or in your driveway. Upscale touches, from ambient lighting to available massaging front seats on Platinum™, transform daily errands and long-haul drives into time you’ll actually enjoy.
Driver Confidence
Safety & Driver Assist Features
- Ford Co-Pilot360®: Confidence-enhancing driver-assist technologies
- Co-Pilot360® Assist+: Includes Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and more
- BlueCruise: Available hands-free highway driving assistance
- Pre-Collision Assist: With Automatic Emergency Braking
- Blind Spot Information System: With Cross-Traffic Alert
- Lane-Keeping System: Helps you stay centered
- Reverse Brake Assist: Helps detect and brake for certain rear obstacles
- 360-Degree Camera: Standard on ST-Line, available elsewhere for enhanced visibility
The 2026 Explorer® integrates a robust suite of safety and driver-assist systems designed to help you feel prepared in the moments that matter. Standard Ford Co-Pilot360® features support your awareness, while available Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist+ and BlueCruise can reduce fatigue on long highway drives by adding intelligent speed and distance management — even hands-free highway assistance where available. With helpful aids like Reverse Brake Assist and available 360-Degree Camera views, maneuvering in tight lots around Cumberland or backing up to a trailer feels more controlled and predictable.
Trim Options
2026 Ford Explorer Trim Levels
| Trim | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Explorer® Active 100A | 2.3L EcoBoost® engine; Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist+; Selectable drive modes; Class III Trailer Tow Package |
| Explorer® Active | 2.3L EcoBoost® engine; Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist+; Heated front-row seats; Power liftgate |
| Explorer® ST-Line | 2.3L EcoBoost® engine; 360-Degree Camera; Unique durable cloth-trimmed seats with red stitching; B&O® Sound System by Bang & Olufsen® |
| Explorer® Tremor® | Available 3.0L EcoBoost® engine; Torsen® limited-slip rear axle; Off-road tuned suspension; Underbody protection |
| Explorer® Platinum™ | 2.3L EcoBoost® engine; BlueCruise equipped; Heated, ventilated, massaging front seats with leather inserts; Available panoramic glass roof |
| Explorer® ST | 3.0L EcoBoost® engine; BlueCruise equipped; Sport-tuned suspension; Performance brakes with red-painted calipers |
We’ve Got You Covered
Why Buy from Don Johnson's Cumberland Motors in Cumberland, WI
We live and drive where you do, so we tailor our recommendations to the realities of daily life around Cumberland — from quick morning commutes along WI-48 to weekend runs toward Rice Lake. Our team combines a friendly, no-pressure environment with product expertise and a full-service ownership experience, including maintenance, parts, and collision repair under one roof. When you’re ready to upgrade to a 2026 Explorer®, we’re here to make the process easy, informative, and built around your priorities.
- Local expertise: We know Barron County roads and regional driving needs
- Transparent process: Our team delivers clear, straightforward guidance from start to finish
- Certified service: OEM and ASE-certified technicians and a dedicated collision center
- Convenient support: Concierge pick-up and delivery and complimentary loaner vehicles when available
- Technology help: Personalized technology refreshers so you master every feature
- Family legacy: A fifth-generation, community-focused auto group with deep Wisconsin roots
Trade-In Tools
Value Your Trade with Don Johnson's Cumberland Motors
Putting the value of your current vehicle toward a new 2026 Ford Explorer® is fast and simple. Use our online trade-in tools to share a few details about your car, truck, or SUV, and get a clear, market-informed estimate in minutes. We’ll review the details together, answer questions, and help you apply that value toward your next Explorer®, saving time on your visit and streamlining the path to your new SUV.
Start My Appraisal
Competitive Strengths
How the 2026 Ford Explorer Stands Out
- Rear-drive dynamics: RWD platform with available Intelligent 4WD for balanced handling
- Available power: Up to 400 hp from the available 3.0L EcoBoost® V6
- Towing confidence: 5,000-lb max rating with thoughtful tow-friendly features
- Hands-free driving: Available BlueCruise for highway travel assistance
- Off-road hardware: Tremor® adds Torsen® LSD, underbody protection, and tuned suspension
Many competitors in the three-row class are front-wheel-drive based, which can feel different under load or when the road curves. The Explorer® starts with a rear-wheel-drive foundation, helping it feel composed and predictable with passengers or a trailer in tow. With up to 400 horsepower available, it also delivers a stronger performance story than several mainstream rivals that top out well below that figure. While some SUVs limit highway assistance to lane-centering and adaptive cruise, the Explorer® elevates the experience with available BlueCruise — a hands-free system that gives you a welcome break on long stretches of US-63. For shoppers eyeing light two-tracks or trailheads near Cumberland, the Tremor® model layers in real traction and protection hardware, whereas other brands’ appearance-oriented “off-road” packages can come up short in capability. It all adds up to an SUV that fits our local roads and day-to-day routines, without asking you to compromise on power, towing, or tech.
Start Shopping
Next Steps for Your 2026 Ford Explorer Search
Ready to zero in on the right configuration for you? Browse our current 2026 Ford Explorer® inventory, schedule a test drive, and apply for financing online to save time at the store. You can also value your trade, compare trims, and message our team with questions. We’ll help you choose features that match your lifestyle, walk you through Ford Co-Pilot360® tech, and set up a personalized test drive so you can feel the difference on the roads you use every day.
Local Support
Proudly Serving Cumberland, WI Drivers
We’re proud to help Cumberland shoppers — and our neighbors across Barron County — find the right three-row SUV with confidence. If the 2026 Ford Explorer® is on your list, our team is ready with local insights, hands-on demos, and convenient online tools to make your research and purchase efficient and enjoyable. Visit us to get to know the Explorer® in person, explore its trims and options, and take the next step toward a smarter, more capable daily drive around Cumberland, WI.
*Vehicle images and features shown are for illustration only and may vary by trim and option.
Thank you for reading the fine print! We try to provide the most accurate, up-to-date information regarding our vehicles and our services. However, occasionally we do make mistakes. In those instances, we reserve the right to correct our errors. (After all, nobody's perfect!) Before traveling across the country to visit us, please contact our team directly to verify all pricing and vehicle details. We want to ensure that your experience at Don Johnson Motors is exceptional!
*Any MPG listed is based on model year EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary, depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, battery pack age/condition (hybrid only) and other factors.