2026 Model Year · Explorer Active 200A

Explorer
Active

A versatile three-row SUV with a standard 300-horsepower EcoBoost engine, available Intelligent 4WD, and up to 5,000 lbs. of towing capacity, in stock now at Sam Pack's Five Star Ford.

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Max Towing
6–7
Passenger Seating
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Max Cargo Volume

2026 Explorer Active Overview

The Practical, Value-Oriented Three-Row Explorer

The 2026 Ford Explorer Active is built around everyday versatility. Standard second-row captain's chairs seat six, an available 35/30/35 split-folding bench raises capacity to seven, and cargo space runs from 16.3 cu. ft. behind the third row up to 85.8 cu. ft. with the rear rows folded.

Active is offered in two configurations for 2026. Active 100A is the new entry-level configuration, while Active 200A is the more fully equipped version and the version featured throughout this page. Active should be viewed as the practical, everyday three-row Explorer, not the lineup's dedicated off-road model. That role belongs to the new Explorer Tremor.

Two Active configurations for 2026: Active 100A (new entry-level trim) and Active 200A (shown here). Starting MSRP for the Explorer lineup is $38,465; Active 200A is listed from $40,585. See the 100A vs. 200A comparison below for full differences.

Vehicle Walkaround

See It In Person

Watch a full walkaround of the 2026 Ford Explorer Active, inside, outside, and behind the wheel.

Engine, Performance & Fuel Economy

Standard 300-HP EcoBoost Power

Every 2026 Explorer Active comes standard with a 2.3L EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a 10-speed automatic transmission. Rated output is achieved using premium fuel.

SpecificationDetail
Powertrain
Engine2.3L EcoBoost Turbocharged 4-Cylinder
Horsepower300 hp at 5,500 rpm (premium fuel)
Torque310 lb-ft at 3,500 rpm (premium fuel)
Transmission10-Speed Automatic
Standard DrivetrainRear-Wheel Drive
Available DrivetrainIntelligent Four-Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy (EPA-Estimated)
Rear-Wheel Drive20 City / 29 Highway / 24 Combined MPG
Intelligent 4WD20 City / 27 Highway / 23 Combined MPG
Fuel Tank18.6 Gallons
Dimensions & Weight
Overall Length198.7 in.
Wheelbase119.1 in.
Width (Excl. Mirrors)78.9 in.  |  (Incl. Mirrors) 89.3 in.
Overall Height69.6 in.
Ground Clearance7.6 in.
Approach / Breakover / Departure Angle19.7° / 16.5° / 21.5°
Base Curb WeightApprox. 4,312 lbs. (2.3L RWD)
Pricing
Explorer Lineup Starting MSRPFrom $38,465
Active 200A Starting MSRPFrom $40,585

Pricing shown reflects starting MSRPs and should be treated as dynamic figures rather than fixed offers. EPA-estimated fuel economy figures. See window sticker for VIN-specific ratings.

Towing Capacity & Drive Modes

5,000 Lbs. of Towing, Standard

The Class III Trailer Tow Package is standard on Explorer Active rather than gated behind an upgrade package.

Standard Class III Trailer Tow Package
Maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs.
Trailer Sway Control, standard
Four-pin and seven-pin trailer wiring connectors
Independent front and rear suspension
Electric power-assisted steering
Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS
Available Intelligent Four-Wheel Drive
Drive modes: Normal, Eco, Sport, Tow/Haul, and Slippery are available across Explorer Active. Rear-wheel-drive models add a Trail mode; four-wheel-drive models add an Off-Road mode in place of Trail.

Passenger & Cargo Space

Seating for Six or Seven

Explorer Active provides three-row seating for six passengers with standard second-row captain's chairs. An available second-row 35/30/35 split-folding bench increases capacity to seven and is available separately, without requiring the Active Comfort Package.

Total passenger volume is approximately 150.3 cu. ft.

  • 16.3 cu. ft. behind the third row
  • 46.0 cu. ft. behind the second row
  • 85.8 cu. ft. behind the first row, maximum
  • First-row legroom: 43.0 in. · headroom: 40.7 in.
  • Second-row legroom: 37.5 in. · headroom: 40.5 in.
  • Third-row legroom: 31.8 in. · headroom: 38.9 in.

Interior Comfort

Standard Comfort on Active 200A

Everything below is standard on the Active 200A configuration.

Unique cloth seating, Dark Space Gray
Heated first-row seats
Ten-way power driver's seat
Four-way manual front-passenger seat
Second-row captain's chairs
Manual 50/50 split-folding third-row seat
Tri-zone automatic climate control
Active noise cancellation
Four-door Intelligent Access with push-button start
Vinyl-wrapped steering wheel
Multiple 12-volt power outlets
8 USB ports: 4 first row, 2 second row, 2 third row

Technology & Connectivity

13.2-Inch Touchscreen, Standard

A 13.2-inch center touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster anchor the Explorer Active's cabin, running Ford Digital Experience with wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto.

  • 13.2-inch center touchscreen
  • 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
  • Six-speaker audio system
  • SiriusXM trial subscription
  • 4G/5G-capable modem
  • Ford Connectivity Package trial or included service period, depending on current retail program
  • Rear-view camera and rear parking sensors

Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist+

Standard Driver-Assist Technology

The 2025–2026 Ford Explorer earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation for vehicles built after June 2025.

Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go
Lane Centering & Lane-Keeping System
Blind Spot Information System
Cross-Traffic Alert with Trailer Coverage
Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking
Pedestrian Detection & Forward Collision Warning
Dynamic Brake Support & Intersection Assist
Evasive Steering Assist
Rear Cross Traffic Braking
Speed Sign Recognition
Automatic High-Beam Headlights
Hill Start Assist & Side-Wind Stabilization

Available Options

Active Comfort Package

The available Active Comfort Package builds on the Active 200A's standard equipment with additional comfort, convenience, and appearance content.

Active Comfort Package

Available on Active 200A
  • ActiveX seating material
  • Eight-way power front-passenger seat
  • Heated steering wheel
  • Remote start
  • LED fog lamps
  • LED signature lighting
  • Second-row climate controls
  • Additional silver-painted front fascia and skid-plate styling

Option & Package Dependencies

  • The heated steering wheel is not standard on Active 200A. It comes through the Active Comfort Package.
  • The panoramic fixed-glass roof with power shade requires the Active Comfort Package and is listed in Ford's order guide for the four-wheel-drive Active 200A.
  • The SecuriCode keyless-entry keypad requires the Active Comfort Package.
  • On four-wheel-drive Active models, choosing the Active Comfort Package requires one of the available 20-inch wheel designs.
  • A second-row bench seat is separately available and does not require the Active Comfort Package.
  • A spare-wheel and jack kit is available and replaces the standard tire-inflator and sealant kit.

Trim Comparison

Active 100A vs. Active 200A

Both configurations share the same 2.3L EcoBoost engine, 10-speed automatic transmission, three-row layout, and 5,000-lb. maximum towing rating. Active 200A adds the following comfort and convenience content.

Feature Active 100A Active 200AFeatured Above
LiftgateManualPower
Driver's SeatSix-Way PowerTen-Way Power
Heated Front SeatsNoYes
Active Noise CancellationNoYes
Roof RailsNot StandardBlack Roof Rails
Exterior Active BadgeNoYes
Lower CladdingBlackBlack with Chrome Accent
Steering WheelStandardVinyl-Wrapped
Mirror Approach LampsNoYes
Third-Row USB PortsNoYes
Engine & Transmission2.3L EcoBoost / 10-Speed2.3L EcoBoost / 10-Speed
Maximum Towing5,000 lbs.5,000 lbs.

Exterior & Interior

Colors & Materials

Verified exterior colors available on Explorer Active for 2026.

Agate Black Metallic
Carbonized Gray Metallic
Space White Metallic
Star White Metallic Tri-CoatMay carry additional charge
Vapor Blue MetallicMay carry additional charge
Oxford WhiteFleet ordering
Interior: Unique cloth seating comes in Dark Space Gray. With the Active Comfort Package, available ActiveX seating comes in Space Gray or Dark Space Gray. Exact combinations depend on exterior color and package selection; confirm against a specific vehicle's window sticker.

Common Questions

Explorer Active FAQ

Answers based on Ford's current specifications and order-guide information for the 2026 Explorer Active.

It comes standard with a 2.3L EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, achieved using premium fuel.
The 2026 Explorer Active can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. A Class III Trailer Tow Package is standard.
It seats six with standard second-row captain's chairs or seven with the available second-row bench.
Yes. Rear-wheel drive is standard, and Intelligent 4WD is available.
It provides 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.0 cubic feet behind the second row, and up to 85.8 cubic feet with the rear rows folded.
EPA estimates are 20 city, 29 highway and 24 combined mpg with rear-wheel drive, or 20 city, 27 highway and 23 combined mpg with four-wheel drive.
A panoramic fixed-glass roof with a power shade is available on qualifying Active 200A configurations. Ford's order guide associates it with four-wheel drive and the Active Comfort Package.
The 200A adds comfort and convenience features such as a power liftgate, heated front seats, a ten-way power driver's seat, active noise cancellation, roof rails, and additional USB ports.

Find Your Explorer Active

In-stock 2026 Ford Explorer Active units are available now at Sam Pack's Five Star Ford. Our team can help you compare the 100A and 200A configurations and get you behind the wheel.

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