2026 Ford Explorer Shopping Overview near Denver, CO
Model Overview
A Closer Look at the 2026 Ford Explorer
The 2026 Ford Explorer® arrives with the right mix of power, space, and modern driver-assist technology that Colorado shoppers ask about first. If you’re researching your next three-row SUV from a local, buying-guide perspective, start with the fundamentals that matter most around Denver, CO: confident traction in changing conditions, a family-friendly cabin that flexes with your day, and advanced features that reduce stress on longer drives up I-70 or US-36. Explorer checks those boxes with a standard 2.3L EcoBoost® engine, rear-wheel-drive architecture with available Intelligent 4WD, up to 5,000 pounds of towing capability, and Ford BlueCruise hands-free highway driving available on select trims. With six trims—from Active 100A to ST—plus an off-road-ready Tremor® model, Explorer lets you tailor capability, comfort, and tech to your exact needs. Below, we break down what stands out and why buying your 2026 Ford Explorer with our team near Denver can make the process simpler and more rewarding.
On the Road
Performance & Capability for Every Mile
Explorer’s capability starts with a strong foundation. The standard 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 provides balanced, everyday power, while select models like ST add serious punch with an available 3.0L EcoBoost® V6. The rear-wheel-drive layout enhances stability, towing manners, and steering feel. Available Intelligent 4WD and selectable drive modes help you adapt to changing traction with confidence—handy for mountain corridors and variable surfaces along the Front Range. And with a 5,000-pound maximum towing capacity, you can bring along campers, small boats, or a pair of ATVs without overthinking it. If your weekends call for unpaved access roads or tougher routes, Explorer® Tremor® steps up with off-road tuned suspension, a Torsen® limited-slip rear axle, and underbody protection, making the most powerful off-road Explorer yet a compelling pick for Colorado adventures.
Engine:
2.3L EcoBoost I-4
Drivetrain:
RWD, avail. Intelligent 4WD
Towing:
5,000 lbs max
Seating:
Up to seven
Inside the Cabin
Interior Comfort & Technology
- Seating flexibility: Available seating for up to seven passengers
- Cargo room: Up to 85.8 cu ft of max cargo space
- Digital cabin: Ford Digital Experience with streaming and built-in apps while parked
- Premium audio: Available B&O® Sound System by Bang & Olufsen® with 10 speakers including subwoofer
- Convenience: Available power liftgate and heated front-row seats
- Driver view: Available 360-Degree Camera on select trims
- Ambient feel: Available ambient lighting and panoramic fixed glass roof (select trims)
Explorer’s cabin is built for real life—easy to configure, comfortable for carpool duty, and thoughtfully equipped with features that keep everyone engaged on longer drives. The Ford Digital Experience integrates your favorite services with a clean, intuitive interface. While parked, you can stream, play games, or jump into productivity tasks so downtime feels more like me-time. Add the B&O® Sound System by Bang & Olufsen® on trims like ST-Line to elevate your playlist, and choose available amenities such as heated and ventilated front-row seats, massaging front seats on Platinum™, and a panoramic fixed glass roof to make the cabin feel bright and open.
Driver Confidence
Safety & Driver Assist Features
- Core tech: Ford Co-Pilot360® technologies to support confident driving
- Highway help: BlueCruise hands-free highway driving available on select trims
- Traffic ease: Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist+ including Adaptive Cruise Control
- Parking visibility: Available 360-Degree Camera for low-speed maneuvering
- Traction control: Selectable drive modes and available Intelligent 4WD
Ford Co-Pilot360® is designed to help you feel more confident the moment you set off, whether you’re navigating downtown Denver or merging onto I-25. BlueCruise—available on select trims—adds hands-free highway driving assistance on compatible roadways for a more relaxed commute while you keep your eyes on the road. Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist+ with Adaptive Cruise Control helps manage speed and following distance in traffic, while the available 360-Degree Camera sharpens visibility for parking. Combine that with selectable drive modes and available Intelligent 4WD, and Explorer offers a well-rounded approach to safety and driver assistance that fits Colorado’s diverse driving conditions.
Trim Options
2026 Ford Explorer Trim Levels
| Trim | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Explorer® Active 100A | 2.3L EcoBoost® engine; Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist+ including Adaptive Cruise Control; Selectable drive modes; Class III Trailer Tow Package |
| Explorer® Active | 2.3L EcoBoost® engine; Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist+ including Adaptive Cruise Control; Heated front-row seats; Power liftgate |
| Explorer® ST-Line | 2.3L EcoBoost® engine; 360-Degree Camera; Unique durable cloth-trimmed seats with red stitching; B&O® Sound System by Bang & Olufsen® with 10 speakers including subwoofer |
| Explorer® Tremor® | Available 3.0L EcoBoost® engine; Torsen® limited-slip rear axle; Off-road tuned suspension with increased ride height; Underbody protection — front and rear deflector plates |
| Explorer® Platinum™ | 2.3L EcoBoost® engine; BlueCruise hands-free highway driving equipped; Heated, ventilated, massaging front-row seats with leather inserts; Available panoramic fixed glass roof with power sunshade |
| Explorer® ST | 3.0L EcoBoost® engine; BlueCruise hands-free highway driving equipped; Sport-tuned suspension; Performance brakes with red-painted brake calipers |
We’ve Got You Covered
Why Buy from Alpine Ford near Denver, CO
Shopping near Denver, CO often means cross-checking real capability with everyday usability. Our team guides you through that balance with local context—think traction considerations for mountain drives, how BlueCruise can ease long-haul stretches on I-70, or the benefits of a Class III Trailer Tow Package if your weekends involve a small travel trailer. We make the process easy with flexible appointments, online tools, and a people-first approach designed to deliver a smoother buying experience from start to finish.
- I-25 convenience: Easy access down the corridor with flexible test-drive scheduling
- Colorado know-how: Guidance on RWD vs. Intelligent 4WD, towing, and drive modes for local roads
- Transparent process: Clear trade-in valuation, online tools, and streamlined paperwork
- People-first service: A team focused on respect, timely updates, and seamless follow-through
- Selection support: Help comparing trims like ST-Line, Tremor®, and Platinum™ based on your routine
Trade-In Tools
Value Your Trade with Alpine Ford
Turning your current vehicle into value toward a new 2026 Ford Explorer® is fast and straightforward with our online tools. Start with our trade-in valuation to quickly estimate your vehicle’s worth, then connect it to your upgrade path—whether that’s an Active 100A for everyday versatility, a Tremor® for trail access, or an ST for performance. We pair your trade estimate with personalized guidance so you can choose features confidently and streamline the transition into your next SUV.
Start My Appraisal
Competitive Strengths
How the 2026 Ford Explorer Stands Out
- Rear-drive foundation: RWD architecture enhances towing stability and steering feel vs many FWD-based rivals
- Power advantage: Up to 400 hp available on ST for confident passing and mountain grades
- Hands-free help: BlueCruise available for hands-free highway driving on compatible roads
- Trail-focused trim: Tremor® hardware includes Torsen® LSD, underbody protection, and added ride height
Explorer competes in a strong class, but it distinguishes itself where daily needs and Colorado driving meet. Many segment leaders are front-wheel-drive-based, which can feel different under tow or when weighted with passengers and gear. Explorer’s rear-wheel-drive foundation offers reassuring composure, while the available 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 in ST delivers up to 400 horsepower—an edge when merging onto fast-moving Denver highways or tackling high-altitude grades. BlueCruise helps reduce fatigue on compatible stretches of I-25 and I-70, and the Tremor® model brings real hardware—Torsen® limited-slip rear axle, underbody protection, and an off-road tuned suspension—that outpaces appearance-only packages common in this segment. Competitors can match features on paper, but Explorer’s unique blend of power, drive layout, and available hands-free tech aligns especially well with the way Denver drivers actually use their SUVs.
Start Shopping
Next Steps for Your 2026 Ford Explorer Search
Ready to narrow your options? Browse our current 2026 Ford Explorer® inventory, schedule a test drive, and apply for financing online. If you have a vehicle to trade, use our valuation tool to estimate its worth and connect it to your Explorer build. Our team is here to answer questions about trims, packages, and features such as BlueCruise, the available 3.0L EcoBoost® engine, or the Tremor® off-road setup. When you’re set, we’ll help you finalize the details and get you on the road with confidence.
Local Support
Proudly Serving Denver, CO Drivers
We understand what Denver drivers need from a three-row SUV: day-to-day comfort, confident traction, and technology that makes longer drives less tiring. The 2026 Ford Explorer® blends those priorities with a chassis and feature set that fit the Front Range. Whether you’re commuting across the metro area, packing for a youth sports weekend, or plotting a trailhead with the Tremor®, our team is ready to help you match the right trim and tech to your routine. We look forward to supporting your 2026 Explorer search near Denver, CO.
*Vehicle images and features shown are for illustration only and may vary by trim and option.
Prices include all active discounts, incentives and $689.50 dealer handling fee. Prices exclude tax, tag, title, and dealer installed accessories. $2,495 for the Alpine package which includes window tint clear bra, alpine shield, road hazard, paintless dent repair, windshield repair, and nitro fill. Additional discounts and factory rebates may be applied depending on the zip code of where the vehicle will be titled. For the maximum discount, you must purchase from in-stock inventory and finance with Ford Motor credit. Ford Motor Credit rebates, APR, and lease rates can vary based on zip code and individual credit score. While we make every effort to ensure the information listed on our website is correct, there may be instances of errors resulting in vehicle prices, options, and/or features to be listed incorrectly. The dealer is not responsible for any of these errors. Please contact a dealership sales representative for additional details and to verify the accuracy of the information on this website.
Although every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on this site, absolute accuracy cannot be guaranteed. This site, and all information and materials appearing on it, are presented to the user "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied. All vehicles are subject to prior sale. Price does not include applicable tax, title, and license charges. ‡Vehicles shown at different locations are not currently in our inventory (Not in Stock) but can be made available to you at our location within a reasonable date from the time of your request, not to exceed one week.