The Ford Explorer is a beloved three-row SUV that's known for its versatility, capability, and family-friendly features. With the 2025 and 2026 Ford Explorer models now available, it's essential to understand the key changes between these two model years, so let's take a closer look.
Exterior Styling
The 2025 Ford Explorer underwent a mid-cycle refresh, introducing notable changes to its exterior design. The 2026 Explorer carries over the same freshened look introduced in the 2025 model year. While it may offer some new color options or minor trim variations, the overall exterior styling remains largely unchanged from its predecessor. This consistency allows the Explorer to maintain its rugged yet refined presence on the roads of Delcambre and beyond.
Interior Updates
In the 2025 Explorer, there was a host of updates like soft-touch plastics and premium leather. Even the center stack underwent a redesign, featuring an updated infotainment system with a larger touchscreen display and intuitive controls. The 2025 model also introduced the option of second-row captain's chairs.
The 2026 Explorer builds upon these enhancements, with a few additional refinements. The infotainment system has received software updates to improve functionality. The available interior color schemes and trim options have also expanded, giving Erath residents more opportunities to customize their Explorer to their preferences.
Performance and Efficiency
Powering the 2025 Ford Explorer is a turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder and the twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6. The hybrid powertrain, introduced in previous model years, also remained available, catering to New Iberia drivers seeking increased fuel efficiency.
For the 2026 Explorer, there's a new plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant, which brings with it minor enhancements to the existing powertrains, such as improved fuel economy and slightly increased horsepower and torque to further optimize the Explorer's performance and efficiency.
Technology and Safety
The 2025 Ford Explorer marked a significant leap forward in terms of technology and safety features. It introduced the latest SYNC 4 infotainment system with a 12.8-inch touchscreen, enhanced voice recognition, wireless smartphone integration, and more.
For the 2026 model year, the Explorer takes another step forward by introducing Ford's cutting-edge BlueCruise hands-free highway driving feature. This system allows drivers to experience a more automated and convenient driving experience on designated highways, reducing stress and fatigue on long journeys. Additionally, the 2026 Explorer debuted the next generation of active park assist, making parking maneuvers even more effortless for drivers in Maurice and other areas.
Key Differences: 2025 vs. 2026 Ford Explorer
To summarize, here are the main differences between the 2025 and 2026 Ford Explorer models:
- Exterior: The 2025 Explorer received a mid-cycle refresh, while the 2026 model carried over this refreshed look with minor variations in color options and trim.
- Interior: The 2025 Explorer introduced higher-quality materials, an updated infotainment system, and available second-row captain's chairs. The 2026 model built upon these enhancements with software updates, expanded color schemes, and trim options.
- Performance: The 2025 Explorer retained its existing engine options, while the 2026 model brought minor enhancements to improve fuel economy and slightly increase horsepower and torque figures.
- Technology and Safety: The 2025 Explorer offered the latest SYNC 4 infotainment system and expanded driver assistance features, while the 2026 model added Ford's BlueCruise hands-free highway driving and next-generation active park assist.
Experience the Differences at Musson Patout Ford in Abbeville
The 2025 and 2026 Ford Explorer models are compelling SUVs that continue to be top choices for active families and adventure seekers in the Abbeville area and beyond. If you wish to experience the differences between the 2025 and 2026 Ford Explorers firsthand, we invite you to visit Musson Patout Ford in Abbeville, LA. Our staff can help you explore the features and capabilities of these SUVs and assist you in finding the perfect Explorer. Now's your opportunity to drive a new Ford Explorer and discover the changes that set the 2025 and 2026 models apart.