The 2026 Ford Explorer is getting a handful of meaningful updates, with one of the most notable changes coming to the performance-oriented ST trim. For the first time, buyers will be able to opt for a second row bench seat, boosting passenger capacity and adding more flexibility for families and adventurers alike.

This new bench seat option features a 35/30/35 split with E-Z Entry, allowing for easier access to the third row when needed. Until now, the Explorer ST only offered captain’s chairs in the second row, which remain standard on the ST, Active, and Platinum trims for 2026. With the new seating configuration, the ST can now accommodate up to seven passengers instead of six, offering more versatility for those needing extra space.

Beyond seating updates, Ford has adjusted engine availability for the 2026 Explorer lineup. The 3.0L EcoBoost V6 has been dropped from the Platinum trim, leaving it with the 2.3L EcoBoost I4 as its only engine option. However, the 3.0L V6 continues as standard on the Explorer ST and is newly available on the Tremor trim, which replaces the Timberline. The Panoramic Vista Roof is also replaced by an optional Panoramic Fixed Glass Roof, giving drivers another way to bring more natural light into the cabin.

Interestingly, despite these upgrades, pricing has remained stable—or even dropped for certain trims. The entry-level Active trim starts at $38,330 USD, which is $1,720 USD less than the 2025 version. Meanwhile, the ST AWD trim holds steady at $56,770 USD, offering high-performance capability, advanced technology, and now expanded seating options for the same cost as last year.