The 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor offers two engine choices: a 300-horsepower 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and a 400-horsepower 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6. The test vehicle included the larger engine, which produces 415 pound-feet of torque and accelerates smoothly to 85-plus mph on open desert roads. Electric cars have jaded us to high-horsepower gassers, but the 3.0-liter EcoBoost packs an impressive punch.
Handling suffers slightly for that power. The off-road-tuned suspension keeps the ride smooth and controls body motions well, but the all-terrain tires create a loose feel during cornering at higher speeds. The tires also add a bit of road noise, but not so much that it overpowers the optional seat massagers.
The V-6’s power creates off-road challenges
The 3.0-liter EcoBoost engine excels on pavement but may not be the best choice for the Tremor. Its weight and 415 pound-feet of torque work against the vehicle when traction is limited, making finesse difficult on loose or uneven surfaces.
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The bigger engine might not suit off-road buyers as well as the smaller option, reflecting a trade-off between quick highway acceleration and controlled performance where grip matters most.
BlueCruise 1.5 faces early issues
The 2026 Explorer Tremor debuts Ford’s updated hands-free driving system, BlueCruise 1.5, which is supposed to handle automated lane changes. During testing, the feature failed to engage at all.
On a 90-minute interstate trip, adaptive cruise control and lane-centering worked normally, but hands-free mode never activated. No error message appeared, even after multiple restarts. Another journalist at the event reported a single attempted lane change before the system stopped responding.
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Ford later identified a hardware problem in the test vehicle that blocked hands-free operation. When tested in a Lincoln Aviator, BlueCruise 1.5 performed as expected, completing lane changes and improving driver feedback. The Explorer’s torque-based steering wheel sensor caused issues, though. Unlike touch-sensitive systems, it only registers hands when the driver applies slight movement, triggering false warnings even when the wheel was held firmly.
These problems suggest Ford still needs to refine the system before it can be considered fully reliable.
The Tremor blends power and off-road styling in an unusual way. It accelerates quickly where it excels and holds back where it faces challenges. Buyers wanting a rugged-looking SUV that outpaces traffic will find it appealing.