Blog

Alpine Ford - What to Know About the 2026 Ford Explorer The 2026 Ford Explorer carries forward a legacy that has helped define the three-row SUV class, now with thoughtful updates that make everyday life easier and weekend adventures more rewarding. If you are considering a family hauler that balances comfort, tech, and confidence-inspiring capability, this latest Explorer deserves a close look. It brings a modern cabin, intuitive digital tools, and a wide range of trims so you can match your SUV to how you actually drive. From carpool to canyon roads, it feels composed and predictable, with powertrains designed for both efficiency-minded commuters and drivers who prefer extra punch. An available off-road oriented trim adds trail-ready hardware for those who like to explore beyond the pavement, while a performance-focused variant sharpens responses for a more spirited feel. Across the lineup, the Explorer remains easy to live with, easy to park for its size, and generous with cargo space once you fold the rear rows. Quick highlights to know before you shop: Three-row versatility with adult-friendly space in the first two rows Available all-wheel drive for four-season confidence Trail-friendly equipment offered on a dedicated off-road trim Performance-oriented trim with a sport-tuned personality Large touchscreen with seamless smartphone integration Comprehensive driver-assist technologies included on every model Performance and capability are central to the Explorer’s appeal. Rear-wheel-drive architecture underpins composed handling, and available all-wheel drive adds traction when weather or terrain calls for it. Multiple drive modes help the SUV adapt to snow, gravel, or highway cruising. If you are eyeing light trail use or rougher two-tracks, the off-road-focused trim builds in the right hardware and calibration for extra grip and ground clearance. For drivers who prefer brisk acceleration and sharper responses, a performance-forward trim delivers a sportier chassis tune and quicker reflexes without giving up daily comfort. Inside, the 2026 Explorer emphasizes clarity and ease of use. The digital interface is straightforward, with a wide, vibrant central display that responds quickly to inputs. Smartphone integration feels natural, and navigation, media, and voice features are presented with minimal menu-diving. When parked, select apps and entertainment experiences are accessible to help pass time between activities. Thoughtful storage solutions appear throughout the cabin, and the second-row access to the third row is engineered to be quick with just a single touch to slide and tilt. Fold-flat seats transform the interior into a flexible cargo hold for gear-heavy weekends. Safety remains a priority. The Explorer includes a robust suite of driver-assist technologies such as forward collision mitigation, lane-keeping assistance, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts. Available upgrades add highway-driving aids that help reduce fatigue on longer stretches. As always, features vary by trim and options, so our team can walk you through what is standard and what can be added based on the configuration you choose. Choosing the right trim is about matching features to your lifestyle. A well-equipped value choice brings the fundamentals families want. A sport-styled trim adds athletic design cues and a more engaging look. Those who want the most refinement can step into a top-tier model with premium materials and comfort amenities. For trail lovers, the off-road variant stands out with lifted stance and all-terrain hardware. Meanwhile, a true performance model dials up acceleration and chassis tuning for drivers who enjoy a more dynamic feel. Local shoppers often ask how the Explorer handles altitude, snow, and weekend getaways. The available all-wheel drive, traction modes, and ground clearance inspire confidence when the weather turns or when the road to the campsite becomes rutted. Roof-rail options and interior versatility make hauling skis, bikes, or camping gear straightforward. We are proud to be serving Colorado Springs, Canon City, and Castle Rock, and our advisors can help tailor an Explorer to your routes and routines. If you are narrowing down your shortlist, consider this simple approach: Define your seating needs now and three years from now Decide how often you drive in snow, on gravel, or off pavement Estimate cargo and towing needs for trips and projects Choose the tech and comfort features you will use every day Test drive two trims back to back to feel the differences At Alpine Ford, we guide you through trims, packages, and accessories so your Explorer fits your life on day one. Our team can also help with trade appraisals, order timing, and protection plans that keep ownership simple and predictable. Frequently Asked Questions: What is new on the 2026 Ford Explorer? The latest Explorer builds on last year’s interior and technology updates and adds an off-road oriented trim for shoppers who want extra trail capability from the factory. How many people can the Explorer seat? The Explorer offers three rows with seating for large families, and the second row can be configured for either captain’s chairs or a bench depending on the trim. Is the 2026 Explorer good for winter driving? Yes. Available all-wheel drive, multiple traction modes, and driver-assist features help with snowy commutes and variable mountain weather when equipped with appropriate tires. Can the Explorer handle weekend towing and road trips? When properly equipped, the Explorer is well suited for small trailers, pop-up campers, or a pair of personal watercraft, while still riding comfortably on long highway stretches. Which trim is best for light off-roading? The off-road focused trim adds all-terrain tires, specialized suspension tuning, and trail-friendly calibration to boost confidence on dirt and rocky paths. Does the Explorer include advanced driver-assistance features? Yes. A comprehensive safety suite is included, with additional highway and parking aids available depending on the model and package selection. If you are ready to experience the 2026 Ford Explorer firsthand, we invite you to schedule a test drive. Our consultants will help you compare trims, explore accessories, and lock in the configuration that fits your life. Reach out today to get started—we are here to make your next SUV decision straightforward and rewarding. Request more 2026 Ford Explorer information

Alpine Ford - How Much Can the 2025 Ford Explorer Tow for Weekend Getaways around Canon City, CO? Planning a camper, boat, or toy-hauler weekend and wondering if the Explorer® is up to the task? You are not alone. Towing confidence is a core reason families choose this SUV, and for 2025, Ford makes it simpler than ever by including the Class III Trailer Tow Package on every model. When properly equipped, the 2025 Explorer® can tow up to 5,000 lbs., which opens the door to a wide range of pop-up campers, aluminum fishing boats, small cargo trailers, and multi-sled setups for winter fun near the mountains. Capability starts with engineering, but the bigger story is how comfortably the Explorer® tows on the road. Colorado trips often mix I-25 cruising with two-lane grades and crosswinds. The SUV’s integrated hardware and driver-assist technologies support stability and control in those exact scenarios. With Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist+, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane-Centering help reduce fatigue when traffic ebbs and flows, and the system’s smooth responses make it easier to maintain a steady pace while keeping your rig composed. Before you hook up, think through your real-world load. Trailer dry weights rarely reflect full trip mass, which grows with water, fuel, coolers, tools, and extra gear. Knowing your total helps you match your setup to that up to 5,000-lb. ceiling when properly equipped. It also guides smart choices like weight distribution, cargo placement, and tire pressures for your trailer and SUV. Know your numbers: Add up trailer dry weight plus cargo, water, fuel, and accessories to confirm you are within limits. Balance your load: Aim for proper tongue weight and distribute gear to minimize sway and improve tracking. Plan the route: Choose grades and speeds that suit your load, allowing time for breaks and weather checks. Use assistance features: Rely on Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane-Centering as conditions permit to reduce driver fatigue. Do a final walkaround: Verify hitch security, chains, lights, and tire pressures on both the trailer and SUV. Explorer® also shines as a daily driver between trips. Standard seven-passenger seating and fold-flat versatility make it easy to pivot from towing duty to school and sports. In the cabin, SYNC® 4 on equipped models and a 5G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot help the family stay connected, while available BlueCruise on compatible vehicles with a plan adds hands-free convenience in designated zones. That dual mission is why so many households use one SUV for everything from weekday errands to weekend adventures. If you are weighing options, bring your typical trailer details, including length and fully loaded weight, to your test drive. We can help you think through route planning, seasonal considerations for passes, and accessory options that fit your use case. Alpine Ford is here to support confident towing from the first hookup to the final mile, serving Canon City, Castle Rock, and Denver with product expertise and personalized guidance. Frequently Asked Questions: Can the 2025 Explorer® tow a small camper? Yes. When properly equipped, Explorer® can tow up to 5,000 lbs., which covers many pop-up and lightweight campers. Confirm the camper’s loaded weight, not just dry weight. Is the Trailer Tow Package included? Yes. The Class III Trailer Tow Package is standard on every 2025 model, so you are set up from the start with integrated towing hardware. Do I need four-wheel drive for towing in Colorado? While not required for towing, available four-wheel drive can add traction and confidence on slick surfaces or unpaved roads, especially when launching boats or navigating winter conditions. Which driver-assist features help most while towing? Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane-Centering can reduce fatigue during highway stints. Always remain attentive and adjust speeds for grade, wind, and load. Request more 2025 Ford Explorer information

Alpine Ford - How Denver, CO Families Can Maximize Towing and Tech With the 2025 Ford Explorer For families who want one SUV that can haul weekend gear, keep everyone connected, and stay confident in all seasons, the 2025 Explorer hits a rare sweet spot. With the Class III Trailer Tow Package standard on every model and a maximum 5,000-pound rating when properly equipped, it is ready to pull campers, boats, or sleds without breaking a sweat. Inside, SYNC 4 brings your media, navigation, and voice commands together with clean, intuitive controls, while the available 5G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot supports work, play, and navigation needs across three rows. Just as important is how calm the Explorer feels when the road gets busy. Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ adds Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane-Centering, smoothing out longer drives and city crawl. Available BlueCruise takes that ease a step further with hands-free driving on compatible sections of divided highways. It is exactly the kind of smart confidence families appreciate when the itinerary includes school drop-offs, mountain passes, and evening events. At Alpine Ford, serving Castle Rock, Denver, and Pueblo, we help you match the right trim and features to your routine so you get real value from day one. Two powertrains underline the Explorer’s adaptable character. The 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 is a responsive everyday partner, while the ST’s 3.0L EcoBoost V6 transforms the drive with high-output performance that shines on on-ramps and mountain grades. A 10-speed automatic transmission keeps both engines in their sweet spot, and available Intelligent 4WD adds the traction you want for changing weather or trailhead access. That blend of power, composure, and traction is what makes the Explorer such a smart fit for Colorado families who demand versatility without compromise. Technology and comfort matter just as much as muscle. The three-row interior serves seven, with fold-flat flexibility for big cargo days. SYNC 4 integrates seamlessly with smartphone features, and available Connected Navigation sharpens route planning when plans change mid-journey. Add available Alexa Built-in for a familiar voice assistant and tap into FordPass Connect for remote vehicle access via the FordPass App. It is a modern cockpit that feels straightforward and supportive rather than cluttered, which is a relief when you are juggling passengers, gear, and timing. Towing confidence: Standard Class III Trailer Tow Package across every model delivers up to 5,000 lbs. of capability when properly equipped. Smart driver assists: Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ with Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane-Centering makes long or crowded drives easier. Hands-free highway help: Available BlueCruise enables hands-free driving on compatible divided highways in designated Hands-Free Blue Zones. Always connected: SYNC 4 and an available 5G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot keep maps, media, and devices in sync for everyone on board. Room for seven: Three rows and fold-flat versatility adapt quickly from passengers to cargo. Frequently Asked Questions: What is the towing capacity on the 2025 Explorer? When properly equipped, the Explorer can tow up to 5,000 lbs., with the Class III Trailer Tow Package standard on every model. Is four-wheel drive available? Yes. Available Intelligent 4WD adds traction and confidence for changing weather and light off-pavement travel. How does Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ help on long trips? It adds Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane-Centering to reduce fatigue and help maintain a smooth, consistent drive on busy highways. Can my family stay connected on the go? SYNC 4 integrates navigation and smartphone features, and an available 5G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot supports streaming, work, and play for passengers in all three rows. Ultimately, the 2025 Explorer is about doing more with fewer compromises. It tows with confidence, travels with composure, and wraps advanced tech in a cabin designed for real family life. If your checklist includes capability, comfort, and connectivity in equal measure, it deserves a top spot on your test-drive list. Request more 2025 Ford Explorer information