2026 Ford Explorer Active 4WD Review

AutoNetwork's expert review of the 2026 Ford Explorer Active 4WD , including POV test drive footage, 360° walkaround, real-world driving impressions, and honest pros and cons for car buyers.

Read the full 2026 2026 Ford Explorer Active 4WD review with detailed photos, video walkaround, and buyer guidance.

Quick Facts

Here at AutoNetwork.com, we’ve seen a lot of family haulers come and go over the last four decades. The whole game has changed. Minivans used to be the default, but today’s young families want the high-riding confidence and all-weather capability of an SUV. The Ford Explorer has been a constant in that conversation for decades, a household name. But in a world full of slick new competitors from Korea and Japan, a name only gets you so far. So, when Ford updated the Explorer for 2026, the question I had was simple: Does this American icon still have what it takes to earn the hard-earned money of a family looking to upgrade? I spent some quality time with the new Explorer Active 4WD at a recent media event, and while they didn’t give us the keys to drive it just yet, a thorough static walkaround can tell you a whole lot about a vehicle.

My first impression, walking up to this Explorer finished in a clean Space Silver, is that Ford understands its audience. This isn't a vehicle that screams for attention. It’s handsome and buttoned-down, with a quiet confidence that a lot of folks will appreciate. The design feels modern without being trendy, meaning it won’t look dated in three years. The details on this Active trim level, like the standard auto LED headlamps and the sharp LED taillamps, give it a premium look, especially at night. The 20-inch nickel-painted aluminum wheels fill out the wheel wells nicely and give the SUV a solid, planted stance. It’s the kind of look that fits in anywhere, from the school pickup line to the valet stand downtown. It’s got a presence that says you’ve made it, but you’re still practical. You’re not trying too hard. For our readers in places like Gardena, California or Camden, New Jersey, that understated and polished look has real appeal.

Under the hood, Ford is sticking with a proven workhorse: the 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Now, let me be clear, since I didn’t get to drive it, I can’t tell you how it feels when you put your foot down. But I can tell you what the numbers promise. With this 4WD model, Ford is rating it at 20 miles per gallon in the city, 27 on the highway, and 23 combined. For a three-row SUV with a 119-inch wheelbase and the security of all-wheel drive, those are respectable figures. That’s real money saved at the pump over the course of a year, and that matters to every family. The promise of that 10-speed transmission is smooth, nearly imperceptible shifts that contribute to a quiet, comfortable ride—something Ford says was a major focus for this updated model. In the stop-and-go traffic that defines daily life in so many of our cities, a smooth powertrain and a quiet cabin aren't luxuries; they're necessities for your sanity.

Climbing inside is where this Explorer Active really starts to make its case. The first thing I noticed was just how easy it is to get in and out of the driver’s seat. It’s at a great height, and the seat itself is supportive. You feel like you’re in command of the road, not climbing up into a truck. This specific vehicle had the Active Comfort Package, and let me tell you, that’s a box you’ll want to check. It adds things like a remote start system and a heated steering wheel. If you’ve ever had to face a cold morning, you know that being able to warm up your car and your steering wheel before you even step outside is a little piece of heaven. It’s one of those near-luxury touches that makes your daily routine just that much better. The package also includes an 8-way power passenger seat, so your partner can get just as comfortable as you are.

Once you’re settled, your eyes are immediately drawn to the technology. Ford has gone all-in on big, beautiful screens, and the execution here is excellent. You get a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel, which is bright, clear, and configurable. But the main event is the massive 13.2-inch touchscreen perched in the center of the dash. This isn’t just some tacked-on tablet; it’s running the new Ford Digital Experience, which has Google built right in. That means you have Google Maps as your native navigation, and it’s a game-changer. It’s fast, familiar, and always up to date. You also get the Google Play store for other apps. For those who live and die by their phones, it still has wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto, so you’re covered no matter what device you use. This is the kind of simple, intuitive tech that young families expect, and Ford delivered it. My one critique from the driver’s seat was a noticeable amount of glare on the front windshield reflecting off the top of the dashboard. It’s something you might have to get used to on a sunny day.

Of course, the main reason you buy an Explorer is for space, and this is where you have to be honest about your needs. For a family of four or five, it’s fantastic. The second-row split bench seat in this seven-passenger configuration is comfortable, and the E-Z Entry feature makes it reasonably simple for a kid to get into the back. When it comes to hauling stuff, the numbers are strong. You get 16.3 cubic feet of space behind the third row, which is enough for a big grocery run or a couple of carry-on bags. But fold those seats down, and your maximum cargo capacity opens up to a cavernous 85.8 cubic feet. That’s enough room for a serious trip to the home improvement store. My favorite feature back there, though, is the deep storage well underneath the cargo floor. It’s a perfect, hidden spot to stash a laptop bag, a purse, or shopping bags that you don’t want visible when you’re parked on a city street. It’s a smart, practical touch.

Now, we have to talk about that third row. While Ford did a good job making it usable—the seatbacks recline and the headroom is surprisingly decent for adults—the legroom is tight. It’s fine for children and probably acceptable for adults on a short trip across town, but you wouldn’t want to put your in-laws back there for a multi-hour road trip. Getting out of the third row is also a bit more awkward than it should be. This is the classic compromise of the mid-size three-row SUV. It’s not a full-size Expedition, and it’s not a minivan. It's a third row for occasional use, and as long as you go in with that understanding, you won’t be disappointed.

So, what’s the final verdict from your uncle Roosevelt? For the right family, the 2026 Ford Explorer Active 4WD is a definite BUY. This is the vehicle for the young, professional family that needs real space and flexibility but doesn’t want the minivan stigma or the flashy badge of a true luxury brand. It’s for the buyer who values smart, easy-to-use technology, appreciates thoughtful comfort features like a heated steering wheel, and needs the confidence of all-wheel drive and solid fuel economy. The Active trim hits the sweet spot of features and value. Yes, the third row is a compromise, but for the family that will use it mostly for kids or carpools, it’s more than adequate. Ford has successfully updated a legend, creating a comfortable, capable, and tech-forward SUV that understands exactly what the modern American family needs.

The Bottom Line

Buy the 2026 Ford Explorer Active 4WD if you are a young, professional family needing real space and flexibility without the minivan stigma or a luxury badge. It offers smart, easy-to-use technology, thoughtful comfort features, all-wheel drive confidence, and solid fuel economy. The third row is a compromise, best for occasional use or children.

Best For

• Young, professional families needing space and flexibility
• Buyers who value smart, easy-to-use technology
• Families who appreciate comfort features like a heated steering wheel
• Drivers needing the confidence of all-wheel drive and solid fuel economy

Skip It If

• You need a third row for frequent adult use on long trips
• You prefer a full-size SUV for maximum third-row space

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