2026 Ford Explorer ST Test Drive: Power, Towing Capacity, and Features Explored

Looking for a third-row SUV that packs not only space but serious performance? The 2026 Ford Explorer ST might just tick all the boxes. Recently, the team at Smail Ford in Greensburg, PA took the top-performing Explorer trim for a spin, and the results were impressive.

Performance & Towing
Right up front, Logan Clair, sales consultant and Ford expert, highlights the ST’s V6 twin-turbo engine, pumping out about 400 horsepower. If you love a sportier drive, the Explorer ST delivers a strong punch, especially in Sport mode, which you can switch on the fly for even more excitement and responsiveness. When it comes to towing, this SUV outpaces most competitors, offering a robust 5,000-pound towing capacity thanks to its Class 3 trailer package.

Exterior Elegance
The Marsh Gray exterior color, new for the 2026 model year, sets off the SUV’s blacked-out features and gunmetal wheels, with eye-catching red brake calipers and a sleek black Ford logo. Tail lights redesigned for 2025 continue to shine bright, and the quad silver exhaust tips signal its powerful intent.

Interior Comfort & Tech
Inside, the Explorer ST blends black leather, suede accents, and bold red stitching for a sporty yet refined look. Passengers in all rows enjoy thoughtful amenities: captain’s chairs, heated and ventilated seats (front and rear), and even massaging front seats. The third row offers real legroom, especially for kids, and folds down electronically for extra cargo space.

Tech lovers will appreciate the huge 13.2-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 360-degree camera system, ambient lighting, and a full suite of USB-C and household outlets. The panoramic sunroof is a showstopper, though it stays permanently shut—borrowing design cues from Ford’s Mach-E EV.

Smart Driving Features
Safety and convenience are baked in—adaptive cruise control matches speed and distance from the car ahead, while Ford’s BlueCruise hands-free driving activates on mapped “blue roads” nationwide. Blind spot assist, cross-traffic alerts, backup sensors, and front-facing cameras make maneuvering this large SUV surprisingly easy, whether in parking garages or busy lots.

Connected Ownership
The FordPass app is available for the lifetime of the vehicle: remote start, lock/unlock, maintenance scheduling, recall checking, and reward tracking are all just a tap away.

Shop for a 2026 Ford Explorer ST

Final Thoughts
The 2026 Ford Explorer ST stands out for its muscular engine, standout towing ability, and a cabin packed with smart tech and creature comforts. If you want a family hauler that doesn’t compromise on performance or style, this should be high on your list.

Questions about the Explorer ST or want to see it in person? Reach out to Logan Clair via smailford.com or visit Smail Ford in Greensburg, PA.