What They’re Saying: 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor

The 2026 Explorer Tremor is adding rugged off-road capability with modern comfort and technology to the lineup of America’s all-time best-selling SUV. It replaces Timberline, which was last available in 2024, and continues Ford’s expansion of the Tremor trim series, which also recently launched on the all-new 2025 Ford Expedition. 

Explorer Tremor comes ready for adventure with powerful engine options, underbody skid plates, an off-road-tuned suspension, orange interior and exterior accents, and a ride height one inch higher than other Explorer models. 

Order banks are now open for the new 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor trim series and several automotive media outlets and content creators recently had the opportunity to see it up close. A sampling of their reviews is below: 

Raves 

“The new Tremor model is everything Timberline aspired to be, and then some —– from improved protection, approach angles, and styling to a more capable 400-horsepower V6 EcoBoost for families who need it.” – TopSpeed

“Unlike many automakers’ off-road trims that are little more than a wheel-and-tire package, the Explorer Tremor makes some meaningful changes under the skin to allow for safely venturing into the wilderness and making it back in one piece.” – Cars.com

“Today, the Ford Explorer joins the Tremor family and frankly, this one’s a no-brainer. While the recent three-row Expedition Tremor SUV certainly has its use cases, the Explorer is second only to the F-150 in Ford sales. This means a far wider range of drivers can opt into having what is potentially a top-tier all-rounder.” – TopGear

“Yes, this is another blog about some outdoorsy crossover. But, I will say, the 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor seems actually cool — almost like an ST but for the trail. Running Bridgestone Dueler all-terrains, slightly lifted suspension, and an available 400-horsepower EcoBoost V6, it sounds like a hoot that would make quick work of a gravel fire road.” – The Drive

“The Explorer Tremor should be a great family vehicle both on- and off-road, thanks to features like Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 and hands-free BlueCruise 1.5. Road trips and off-road excursions will be made better with a 14-speaker B&O audio system and massaging front seats.” – CarBuzz

Rants

“In Ford's world, the Tremor models are like a Diet Raptor. … Basically, you can launch a Bronco Raptor off a sand dune or drive through up to 37 inches of water, but you wouldn't want to do the same thing with the new 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor.” – Car and Driver

“This generation of Explorer is getting a bit long in the tooth, having been on sale since 2019, and I’m not a fan of the facelift it received last year. The Tremor doesn’t change much.” – Jalopnik

“… if you get car sick you may not like how it feels claustrophobic back here just like the regular Explorer model, so overall if you plan to use this to carry up to six or seven people, just keep in mind some competitors offer a little more space.” – Redline Reviews

“A knobby set of Bridgestone Dueler A/T tires wrap around 18-inch wheels which are specific to the Tremor and share the oddball-but-distinctive single orange (‘spice’, in marketing speak) spoke that appears on machines such as the Maverick Tremor. That spice-colored accent is sprinkled around the rig’s exterior ...” – The Truth About Cars