2026 Ford Explorer Shopping Overview near Turtle Lake, WI
Model Overview
A Closer Look at the 2026 Ford Explorer
The 2026 Ford Explorer® blends proven capability, flexible space, and confidence-inspiring technology into one smart choice for families and adventurers around Turtle Lake, WI. If you’re starting your research online, you’ll quickly see why the Explorer continues to be a top pick: strong available power, up to seven-passenger seating, up to 85.8 cubic feet of cargo volume, and advanced driver assistance systems that help on daily drives and longer road trips alike. From the standard 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 to the available 3.0L EcoBoost® V6, from rear-wheel drive with balanced handling to available Intelligent 4WD for traction on rural routes, the Explorer is engineered to match how you actually drive. With multiple trims—Active 100A, Active, ST-Line, Tremor®, Platinum™, and ST—it’s easy to tailor performance, style, and features to your priorities.
Shopping near Turtle Lake, WI, you also want a buying experience that saves time and gives you confidence. That’s exactly what you’ll find with our local team at Don Johnson's Cumberland Motors. We keep the process straightforward—transparent information, easy online tools, and a knowledgeable staff ready to help you compare trims, explore technology like Ford BlueCruise hands-free highway driving, and arrange a test drive that mirrors your real-world routine.
On the Road
Performance & Capability for Every Mile
Every Explorer is built to move with purpose. The standard 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 delivers a strong mix of power and efficiency for commuting and weekend travel, while the available 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 takes output up to a maximum available 400 horsepower for confident passing, merging, and towing. With up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity when properly equipped, you can bring a small camper or boat along for a day on the water. The Explorer’s rear-wheel-drive foundation provides poised handling, and available Intelligent 4WD enhances traction on gravel roads or muddy trailheads. Selectable drive modes help you adapt to varying surfaces quickly, and models like the Tremor® add hardware—off-road-tuned suspension, Torsen® limited-slip rear axle, and underbody protection—that’s ready for unpaved adventures.
Engine:
2.3L EcoBoost I-4 (available 3.0L EcoBoost V6)
Max horsepower:
Up to 400 hp (available)
Towing:
Up to 5,000 lbs (when properly equipped)
Drivetrain:
RWD standard; available Intelligent 4WD
Inside the Cabin
Interior Comfort & Technology
- Seating: Available for up to seven passengers
- Cargo: Up to 85.8 cu ft of max volume
- Infotainment: Ford Digital Experience
- Audio: B&O® Sound System by Bang & Olufsen® with 10 speakers including subwoofer (availability varies by trim)
- Connectivity: Ford Connectivity Package with in-vehicle Wi-Fi® (availability varies by trim)
- Comfort: Heated front-row seats available
- Convenience: Power liftgate available
- Ambience: Available ambient lighting and panoramic fixed glass roof with power sunshade (availability varies by trim)
Explorer’s cabin is designed around flexibility and ease. Families will appreciate the straightforward layout, intuitive controls, and thoughtful storage throughout all three rows. The Ford Digital Experience integrates the content and apps you love into your drive, while available premium audio from B&O® by Bang & Olufsen® brings concert-level sound to everyday errands. Convenience features like an available power liftgate and smart seating configurations make loading cargo simple, and available amenities—heated and ventilated seating, massaging front-row seats on select models, and ambient lighting—help you relax on the way to your next stop.
Driver Confidence
Safety & Driver Assist Features
- Ford Co-Pilot360®: A suite of driver-assist technologies focused on confidence behind the wheel
- Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist+: Includes Adaptive Cruise Control (availability varies by trim)
- BlueCruise: Hands-free highway driving available/equipped on select trims
- 360-Degree Camera: Available for enhanced low-speed visibility (availability varies by trim)
- Blind Spot Information System: With Cross-Traffic Alert
- Lane-Keeping System: Steering support to help you stay centered
- Pre-Collision Assist: With Automatic Emergency Braking
- Rear View Camera: Standard back-up confidence
Explorer aims to help you feel more informed and supported at every turn. Ford Co-Pilot360® technologies are engineered to assist in the background while keeping you in command. Available Ford BlueCruise offers hands-free highway driving assistance on select trims. For parking lots or tricky driveways, the available 360-Degree Camera system can provide a helpful bird’s-eye perspective. The combination of radar, cameras, and smart software contributes to a calmer, more aware driving experience when conditions are hectic or unfamiliar.
Trim Options
2026 Ford Explorer Trim Levels
| Trim | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Active 100A | 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4; Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist+ with Adaptive Cruise Control; Selectable Drive Modes; Class III Trailer Tow Package |
| Active | 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4; Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist+; Heated Front-Row Seats; Power Liftgate |
| ST-Line | 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4; 360-Degree Camera; Unique durable cloth-trimmed seats with red stitching; B&O® Sound System by Bang & Olufsen® with 10 speakers including subwoofer |
| Tremor® | Available 3.0L EcoBoost® V6; Torsen® limited-slip rear axle; Off-road tuned suspension with increased ride height; Underbody protection (front and rear deflector plates) |
| Platinum™ | 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4; BlueCruise hands-free highway driving equipped; Heated/ventilated/massaging front-row seats with leather inserts; Available panoramic fixed glass roof with power sunshade |
| ST | 3.0L EcoBoost® V6; BlueCruise equipped (availability varies by configuration); Sport-tuned suspension; Performance brakes with red-painted calipers |
We’ve Got You Covered
Why Buy from Don Johnson's Cumberland Motors near Turtle Lake, WI
We serve drivers near Turtle Lake, WI with a consultative approach and a deep bench of resources. From planning a test route that reflects your mix of county roads and highway miles to walking through Ford Co-Pilot360® and BlueCruise features in real time, our team makes the research process simpler. With online trade valuation, finance pre-qualification, and flexible service solutions, you can handle more from home and spend less time at the store.
- Local expertise: Guidance tailored to Turtle Lake and Barron County driving
- Extensive selection: Multiple Explorer trims and configurations to compare
- Non-commissioned team: Product experts focused on your needs
- Time-saving tools: Online buying resources, trade valuation, and finance application
- Full-service support: Sales, Service, Parts, and Collision Center under one roof
- Concierge convenience: Pick Up & Delivery and available loaner vehicles (subject to availability)
- Century-strong roots: A fifth-generation family business committed to the community
Trade-In Tools
Value Your Trade with Don Johnson's Cumberland Motors
Turn your current vehicle into meaningful value for your next Explorer with our fast online tools. Use our “15 Second Trade Value” to see market-driven estimates powered by comparable vehicles for sale today, then apply that figure directly toward a 2026 Ford Explorer. You can also explore buying power and get pre-approved online, helping you set a confident plan before you visit.
Start My Appraisal
Competitive Strengths
How the 2026 Ford Explorer Stands Out
- Rear-drive dynamics: RWD architecture for balanced handling and available 4WD for traction
- Available power: Up to 400 hp from the 3.0L EcoBoost® V6
- Tow confidence: Up to 5,000 lbs when properly equipped
- Hands-free tech: Available BlueCruise for highway driving assistance on select trims
- Trail-ready trim: Tremor® hardware with Torsen® limited-slip rear axle
- Smart space: Up to 85.8 cu ft of cargo volume and seating for up to seven
Many three-row SUVs in this class are built on front-drive architectures that can feel less composed when loaded or towing; Explorer’s rear-drive foundation contributes to confident, predictable handling. Some competitors reserve high-output engines for specialty trims or skip hands-free highway driving entirely—Explorer offers both available 400 hp and available BlueCruise on select trims. While a few rivals match portions of Explorer’s capability, the combination of up to 5,000 pounds of towing, trail-focused Tremor® hardware, and flexible cargo space helps Explorer rise to the top. For Turtle Lake and Barron County drivers who split time between US-8, WI-63, and gravel roads around nearby lakes, this balance of highway comfort, tech-driven confidence, and real-world utility makes the Explorer a savvy fit.
Start Shopping
Next Steps for Your 2026 Ford Explorer Search
Ready to personalize your Explorer? Browse our current inventory, compare trims online, and save your favorites. Schedule a test drive that includes your typical mix of highway and back roads to experience BlueCruise availability, drive modes, and ride quality firsthand. You can apply for financing, value your trade, and estimate payments online to streamline your visit. Prefer a walkthrough? Contact our team, and we’ll set up a customized demo—feature by feature—so you can choose with clarity.
Local Support
Proudly Serving Turtle Lake, WI Drivers
From morning commutes along US-8 to weekend outings toward Cumberland, Rice Lake, or campgrounds near Turtle Lake, the 2026 Ford Explorer is designed for everyday usefulness and weekend versatility. Our team understands the routes, conditions, and routines that matter here, and we’re ready to help you build an Explorer that fits—whether that means the poised efficiency of the 2.3L EcoBoost® or the confident punch of the available 3.0L EcoBoost® V6, advanced driver assistance, or family-friendly convenience. Stop by Don Johnson's Cumberland Motors to see how the Explorer can elevate your next mile.
*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.