The 2026 Ford Explorer’s interior pairs luxury touches with leading-edge technology. This three-row SUV sports a fresh design with better materials, top-notch info systems, and family-friendly comfort perks that work perfectly whether you’re battling Philadelphia traffic or heading out for weekend trips to the Pocono Mountains. Our team at John Kennedy Ford Conshohocken has put together a guide on the 2026 Ford Explorer’s interior to help you make an informed decision.
Seating Configuration and Materials
The dashboard, door panels, and center console of the 2026 Explorer now feature more soft-touch materials than previous models, providing a higher-quality feel and improving comfort on every trip. While it has a family-first design, you’ll notice plenty of upscale details, too.
You’ve got options with the Explorer’s seating. Pick the second-row bench seat for seven passengers total, or go with captain’s chairs for a six-person setup with extra elbow room on long drives. Seat materials range from basic cloth to ActiveX, ActiveX with Miko inserts, and various leather choices, depending on the trim level that fits your budget.
Higher trims offer heated and cooled front seats, as well as massage functions, which make traffic jams almost pleasant. Front seats give you 43 inches of legroom and nearly 40 inches of headroom. Second-row passengers have about 39 inches of legroom with either seating option. The back row offers decent space too: 32.2 inches of legroom and almost 38 inches overhead, plenty for kids and shorter adults.
Technology and Infotainment Features
Every 2026 Ford Explorer comes standard with Ford’s Digital Experience system built around a 13.2-inch touch screen that runs the show. This Android-based system connects to Google Maps and other Google apps using your account, and it also works wirelessly with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Got kids who need to stay connected? The built-in Wi-Fi hot spot handles up to 10 devices at once, perfect for road trips.
The tech doesn’t stop at the big screen. You’ll find eight USB ports scattered throughout the cabin, plus three 12-volt outlets for other gadgets. Music sounds crisp through the 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen system that comes standard on all except the base Active trim. Higher trims bump that up to 14 speakers. Voice commands work surprisingly well, and wireless phone charging pads keep devices topped up. The new Ford Explorer really does turn every drive into a fun and connected experience.
Interior Space and Cargo Capacity
The Explorer turns passenger space into cargo space in seconds. You get 18.2 cubic feet in back with all three rows up, which is enough for groceries or a few suitcases. If you need more room, you can fold the back row to get up to 46 cubic feet. Fold both rear rows flat, and you’re looking at a massive 87.8 cubic feet of storage space.
The third row works well for kids and smaller adults, with 32.2 inches of legroom. Power-folding seats make switching configurations as simple as pushing a button. The completely flat load floor means no awkward bumps when sliding in oversized items such as furniture or a kayak.
Climate Control and Comfort Features
The standard tri-zone climate system lets everyone pick their perfect temperature setting. The driver, front passenger, and rear-seat passengers all get their own temperature controls. Standard heated front seats take the sting out of Pennsylvania winter mornings, and some trims also add heated second-row seats.
Other comfort touches make the Explorer feel like a much pricier vehicle. Opt for the panoramic glass roof to flood the cabin with natural light, making it feel bigger and more open. Adjustable mood lighting lets you change the vibe to match your day. Higher trims even offer ventilated rear seats, which are a lifesaver during hot Philly summers. Our Ford Explorer blog dives deeper into what makes this SUV special.
Interior Features by Trim Level
The base Active trim starts at $38,330 MSRP and offers a lot for a base trim. You get 18-inch wheels, LED lights, a power liftgate, a trailer hitch, push-button start, heated front seats that adjust electrically, three-zone climate control, a 13.2-inch screen with Google built-in, six speakers, a heated steering wheel, remote start, Wi-Fi, voice controls, noise cancellation, automatic high beams, blind-spot warning, an eight-way power driver’s seat, and LED fog lights.
Step up to the sporty ST-Line, and you’ll get 20-inch wheels, black trim pieces, a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, and BlueCruise hands-free driving. Inside, you’ll find ActiveX seats with red stitching, unique cloth captain’s chairs, more seat adjustments for both front positions, full carpet, and a heated leather steering wheel. Off-road fans might prefer the Tremor, while luxury seekers should check out the Platinum with its leather seats, adaptive headlights, twin-panel roof, heated/cooled seats with fancy stitching, and 14-speaker audio system.
The speedy ST packs a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 that generates 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. It can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.8 seconds. Beyond raw power, you get sport-tuned suspension, better brakes, sporty captain’s chairs with the ST logo, a memory driver’s seat, a sport steering wheel, massage front seats, a panoramic roof, and a concert-worthy 980-watt sound system with 14 speakers.
Experience the 2026 Ford Explorer Today
The 2026 Explorer’s cabin combines high-quality materials, cool tech, and smart design to drive around Philly in style. The flexible seating, technology features, and comfort perks put it ahead of other midsize SUVs. From the budget-friendly Active to the hot-rod ST, every trim offers something special while providing what families actually need.
Drop by John Kennedy Ford of Conshohocken to test-drive the 2026 Ford Explorer. Once you experience it firsthand, you’ll get why this SUV sets the bar for others. Contact us today, and we’ll help you find the perfect Explorer for your family’s needs and budget.
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