The 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor is an SUV that’s ready for off-road adventures. The Tremor-Spec Explorer features all-terrain tires on special 18-inch wheels, a limited-slip rear differential, and a higher ride height. Ford has not yet revealed the pricing for the off-road-capable Explorer. The vehicle will be available with either a 400-horsepower twin-turbo V6 engine or a 300-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine. In Ford’s world, Tremor versions are like Diet Raptors. Even though the Raptors have hardware that allows them to run over rough terrain and withstand the abuse of harsh obstacles, the Tremor treatment adds more underbody protection and off-road-enhancement gear, albeit to a lesser degree. While the Bronco Raptor can handle up to 37 inches of water or tackle sand dunes with ease, the new 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor isn’t built for that level of extreme off-roading. The standard three-row mid-size SUV, on the other hand, lets you go on trips with your family or friends that you wouldn’t have been able to before. Ford used to make an Explorer that was even tougher. It was called the Tremor. That honor used to belong to the Timberline trim that was going. This model wasn’t available for the 2025 model year when the Explorer underwent a significant makeover with new and improved technologies and a redesigned dashboard. On the other hand, the Tremor comes with many of the off-road features that were standard on the Timberline. A reworked suspension featuring Tremor-specific springs and anti-roll bars, underbody skid plates, and a one-inch ride height increase are among the changes that make it easier to navigate obstacles. Each Explorer Tremor comes with 18-inch custom-made wheels and all-terrain Bridgestone Dueler tires, which are designed for rough terrain. There’s a clear orange spot on these wheels that makes it easy to locate the valve stem when it’s time to pump up or deflate the tires. This is also the orange color Ford calls “electric spice” for the front tow hooks and the part of the front grille that holds two LED lights. The Explorer Tremor is equipped with a standard 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 300 horsepower. When extra grip is needed, a Torsen limited-slip rear differential can be added to the normal all-wheel-drive system. If you want more speed when you press the gas pedal, the Tremor might have the same engine as the sporty Explorer ST. The 3.0-liter V-6 twin-turbo engine produces 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, which is quite impressive. Like other 2026 Explorer models, the Tremor features a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The “Tremor” name is prominently displayed on the front seatbacks, while bold orange contrast stitching and trim add flair to the doors and dashboard. A 360-degree camera system is included, but the 14-speaker B&O sound system and massage front chairs cost extra. Version 1.5 of Ford’s Blue Cruise hands-free driving mode now lets you change lanes automatically. According to Ford, reservations for the 2026 Explorer Tremor are already open, even though the SUV won’t be available for purchase until later this year. However, it’s still unclear just how well-equipped the Explorer is for serious adventure. We won’t know for sure for a while, but the starting price is expected to be around $52,000.
