Redefining the Three-Row SUV Experience

When searching for the perfect family vehicle, the checklist is often long and demanding. You need space for groceries, gear for sports practice, comfort for long road trips, and the latest safety technology to protect your most precious cargo. In the competitive world of three-row SUVs, one contender consistently rises to the top: the 2026 Ford Explorer.

Unmatched Cargo Space & Versatility

For active families, flexibility is non-negotiable. The 2026 Ford Explorer is engineered to adapt to your changing needs at a moment’s notice.

• Daily Errands: With all seats upright, you have 16.3 cubic feet of space behind the third row. That’s ample room for the weekly grocery haul, school backpacks, or carry-on luggage for a quick getaway.
• Weekend Adventures: Fold down the third row, and space expands to approximately 46 cubic feet. This configuration is perfect for storing heavier gear, camping equipment, or the family pet’s crate while still seating up to five passengers comfortably.
• Maximum Utility: Need to move furniture or tackle a major home improvement project? With both the second and third rows folded flat, the Explorer transforms into a cargo beast with up to 85.8 cubic feet of space.

The flat load floor ensures that sliding heavy items in and out is frustration-free. Plus, the available power-folding third row and power liftgate mean you can reconfigure your interior with the push of a button—a lifesaver when your hands are full.

Interior Comfort Designed for Everyone

The 2026 Explorer features an updated interior that prioritizes premium materials and passenger comfort. The cabin is lined with soft-touch materials that elevate the daily drive, giving it a sophisticated, sanctuary-like feel.

Depending on your family size, you can choose between a 6-seat configuration with captain's chairs for easy third-row access or a traditional 7-seat layout. Parents in the front row are treated to available heated, ventilated, and massaging seats—perfect for decompressing after a busy day. Meanwhile, the standard tri-zone automatic climate control and heated second-row seats ensure that passengers in the back are just as comfortable as those in the front, ending the age-old thermostat war.

Technology That Keeps You Connected

Modern families need modern connectivity. The 2026 Explorer serves as a mobile command center, featuring a standard large touchscreen (available in 8-inch or 12-inch configurations) running the lightning-fast SYNC 4 system.

• Seamless Integration: With wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, you can access your maps, playlists, and messages without cluttering the console with cords.
• Premium Audio: Turn your road trip into a concert with the optional B&O Sound System, available with 10 or 14 speakers. It delivers crystal-clear audio that everyone can enjoy.
• Ambience: Available ambient interior lighting allows you to set the mood for night drives, adding that extra touch of personalization to your cabin.

Safety You Can Trust

Nothing matters more than safety. Ford equips the 2026 Explorer with Co-Pilot360, a standard suite of advanced driver-assist technologies designed to act as an extra set of eyes. Standard features include automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, which are essential for navigating busy Illinois highways.

For those who want the cutting edge of safety tech, the available BlueCruise offers hands-free driving on pre-qualified sections of divided highways. This feature helps reduce driver fatigue on long trips, allowing you to arrive at your destination refreshed.

Experience the 2026 Explorer at Ford of Homewood

The 2026 Ford Explorer checks every box for the modern family: it’s spacious, safe, comfortable, and packed with technology. But the best way to know if it’s right for you is to experience it firsthand.

Ready to get started? Book your test drive online today and discover why so many local families choose the Ford Explorer.