2026 Ford Explorer Trim Levels for Chicagoland Drivers

The 2026 Ford Explorer lineup gives you six distinct ways to tackle life around Chicagoland, with models aimed at value, comfort, trail capability, luxury, and serious performance. You can keep things straightforward with the Explorer Active 100A, add everyday conveniences with the Active, lean into style with the ST-Line, or step into more specialized territory with the Tremor, Platinum, and ST.

At Ford of Homewood in Homewood, you can compare these Explorer trims based on the features that actually matter for your commute, family, and weekends.

2026 Ford Explorer Active 100A Near Chicago

The Explorer Active 100A gives you the essentials without stripping away the capability that makes this SUV appealing.

Its 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine provides turbocharged power for suburban commuting and highway travel, while selectable drive modes let you adjust the Explorer's behavior to changing Chicagoland conditions. Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ adds useful driver-assistance technology, including Adaptive Cruise Control.You also get a Class III Trailer Tow Package, making the Active 100A surprisingly well equipped if your weekends involve towing recreational gear.

Highlights include:

• 2.3L EcoBoost engine
• Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ with Adaptive Cruise Control
• Selectable drive modes
• Class III Trailer Tow Package

2026 Ford Explorer Active in Homewood, IL

The standard Active builds on the Explorer formula with comfort features you'll appreciate every day.

You retain the 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine and Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+, but this trim adds heated front seats and a power liftgate. Those upgrades sound simple, yet they can make a major difference during a January morning in Homewood or when you're loading groceries with your hands full.

For many Chicagoland families, the Active may hit the sweet spot between features and simplicity.

Daily-driver upgrades include:

• 2.3L EcoBoost engine
• Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ with Adaptive Cruise Control
• Heated front-row seats
• Power liftgate

2026 Ford Explorer ST-Line Near Chicagoland

If you want your Explorer to look and feel a little sharper without jumping to the full ST performance model, the ST-Line makes a strong case.

The ST-Line keeps the 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine but gives the cabin a sportier personality through unique durable cloth-trimmed seating with red stitching. A 360-Degree Camera helps when navigating tight parking lots, while the 10-speaker B&O Sound System gives your commute a worthwhile audio upgrade.

Its standout equipment includes:

• 2.3L EcoBoost engine
• 360-Degree Camera
• Cloth-trimmed seats with red stitching
• 10-speaker B&O Sound System with subwoofer

2026 Ford Explorer Tremor for Illinois Adventures

The Explorer Tremor is the model for drivers whose weekend plans don't always end when the pavement does.

An off-road-tuned suspension with increased ride height gives the Tremor a more adventurous setup, while a Torsen limited-slip rear axle helps put power down when traction gets tricky. Front and rear underbody protection adds confidence on rougher terrain.

An available 3.0-liter EcoBoost engine also gives you the opportunity to pair the Tremor's rugged hardware with considerably more muscle.

Trail-focused hardware includes:

• Available 3.0L EcoBoost engine
• Torsen limited-slip rear axle
• Off-road-tuned suspension with increased ride height
• Front and rear underbody protection

2026 Ford Explorer Platinum Near Homewood

The Platinum takes the Explorer's practical three-row layout and gives it a much more upscale attitude.

Heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats with leather inserts make longer Chicagoland drives far easier to enjoy. BlueCruise hands-free highway driving technology adds another level of convenience on compatible roads, while an available panoramic fixed glass roof helps open up the cabin.

Luxury highlights include:

• 2.3L EcoBoost engine
• BlueCruise hands-free highway driving
• Heated, ventilated, massaging front seats
• Available panoramic fixed glass roof with power sunshade

2026 Ford Explorer ST Near Chicago

The Explorer ST is the choice when you want your three-row SUV to bring legitimate performance into the equation.

Its 3.0-liter EcoBoost engine separates it immediately from most of the lineup. Ford pairs that additional power with a sport-tuned suspension and performance brakes featuring red-painted calipers, giving the ST more personality on the road than you'd expect from a family-focused SUV.

Performance equipment includes:

• 3.0L EcoBoost engine
• BlueCruise hands-free highway driving
• Sport-tuned suspension
• Performance brakes with red-painted calipers

Which 2026 Ford Explorer Trim Is Right for You in Chicagoland?

If you want value and capability, start with the Active 100A. Choose the Active for additional daily comfort, or the ST-Line if style and technology matter more. The Tremor is the clear pick for outdoor adventures, while the Platinum caters to drivers who prioritize luxury. If horsepower and sharper handling sit at the top of your list, the ST is the Explorer to beat.

Visit Ford of Homewood in Homewood to compare the 2026 Ford Explorer lineup in person and find the trim that best fits your Chicagoland routine.