Power Your Next Adventure with Unmatched Towing and EcoBoost® Performance in Homewood, IL

Whether you are hauling a boat to Lake Michigan, packing up the family for a cross-country road trip, or simply tackling the unpredictable winter roads of the Chicago south suburbs, you need an SUV that doesn't just look the part—it has to perform. The 2026 Ford Explorer, available now at Ford of Homewood, is engineered precisely for those demands.

Combining three-row practicality with muscular performance and advanced towing technology, the newest Explorer remains the gold standard for full-size capability. If you are looking to understand exactly how the 2026 Explorer earns its reputation as a powerhouse, here is the complete performance and towing breakdown.

Under the Hood: Two Potent EcoBoost® Engines

The 2026 Ford Explorer leaves sluggish, uninspired driving in the rearview mirror. Ford offers two distinct, highly capable engine options designed to match your driving style perfectly:

• 2.3L EcoBoost® Inline-4: Standard on the Active, ST-Line, and Platinum trims, this turbocharged engine is a marvel of engineering. It delivers a robust 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, providing plenty of punch for highway merging while maintaining an efficient EPA-estimated up to 29 MPG on the highway.
• 3.0L Twin-Turbo EcoBoost® V6: For those who crave adrenaline with their family hauler, this engine is standard on the ST and available on the Platinum. It generates a jaw-dropping 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a sport-tuned suspension on the ST trim, it transforms the Explorer into a high-performance machine that handles more like a sports sedan than a three-row SUV.

Both engines are mated to a smooth and responsive 10-speed automatic transmission, with the ST trim featuring paddle shifters for drivers who want total control over their shift points.

Heavy-Duty Capability: 5,000-Pound Towing Capacity

One of the most impressive updates to the current generation of the Explorer is the standardization of towing power. You no longer have to guess which engine or trim level is required to pull your weekend toys.

For 2026, every Ford Explorer comes standard with a Class III Trailer Tow Package. Whether you choose the 2.3L four-cylinder or the 3.0L V6, the maximum towing capacity is an impressive 5,000 pounds. This means your Explorer is ready right off the lot to handle mid-sized travel trailers, pontoon boats, or heavily loaded utility trailers.

The Class III package ensures safe hauling by including:

• A Class III hitch receiver
• Seven-wire harness and four-/seven-pin connector
• Dedicated Tow/Haul mode to optimize gear shifts for heavy loads
• Trailer Sway Control: A crucial safety feature that automatically applies targeted braking and adjusts engine power to keep your trailer stable in crosswinds or during emergency maneuvers.

Master the Elements with Intelligent 4WD and Terrain Management.

Power means nothing without traction. While rear-wheel drive is standard—providing sporty handling and optimal weight distribution—the available Intelligent 4WD system is a must-have for Illinois winters.

This system constantly monitors driving conditions and seamlessly distributes power between the front and rear wheels to prevent slipping before it happens. When paired with the Terrain Management System™, you can easily adapt to changing environments with selectable drive modes, including Deep Snow/Sand, Slippery, Sport, and Eco. For 2026, the newly added Tremor® trim takes this even further with underbody skid plates, all-terrain tires, and an off-road-tuned suspension for the ultimate trail capability.

Unleash the 2026 Ford Explorer at Ford of Homewood

The 2026 Ford Explorer proves that a family vehicle can still be thrilling, rugged, and profoundly capable. If you are ready to upgrade your family's towing capacity and command the road with EcoBoost® power, our team is ready to hand you the keys.

At Ford of Homewood, we offer an incredible selection of trims, from the efficient Active to the high-performance ST, ensuring we have the exact configuration you need.

Visit Ford of Homewood today or book a test drive online to experience the incredible capability of the 2026 Ford Explorer!