2026 Explorer Tremor First Drive Reviews: What They're Saying

Nearly 40 members of the automotive media and other content creators recently experienced the evolution of Ford’s iconic Explorer SUV, driving the new Explorer Tremor through the natural terrain of the Southern California desert, as well as the roads and highways that lead there.  

The drive experience showcased Explorer Tremor’s versatility, as participants utilized BlueCruise 1.5 along the highway, journeying from Las Vegas to Death Valley, California, before sampling the SUV’s off-road prowess along the trails and routes of Death Valley National Park. 

The reviews are in, and they’re saying Explorer Tremor is a versatile, high-performance SUV that bridges the gap between family hauler and adventure vehicle. We have a sample of their feedback below:

Raves 

“The Explorer Tremor takes all the best bits from the sporty ST and puts them to use with its off-road hardware and software to make it a go-almost-anywhere family adventure vehicle.” – Top Gear

“It makes the 4,457-pound SUV move out with gusto. Merging was a snap. Passing was a cinch. Power was always on tap.” – GearJunkie

“This is the real deal. A great adventure vehicle, and what's nice is it doesn't make you suffer when you're driving on road.” – MotorTrend Channel (YouTube)

“The Ford proved effective because, unlike most of its front-drive-based competition, it is a rear-based all-wheel-drive setup that can be especially advantageous when climbing uphill.” – Car and Driver

“... the Tremor strikes a good balance between off-road capability without seriously hampering families where it’ll likely spend most of its time…on the road.” – TFL Car

“I love BlueCruise during stop-and-go traffic, as I don’t have to worry about constantly moving my foot from the gas to the brake and making tiny adjustments to the steering wheel.” – Edmunds

“The Tremor tracked straight and unerring at the sort of high speeds the desert lends itself to. There wasn’t even the vague sense of squishiness that’s normal when all-terrains are swapped in for regular tires.” – Road & Track

“It exudes the feelings of a good driver’s car for long distances, especially with the latest BlueCruise 1.5 hands-free semi-autonomous driving system.” – Gear Patrol

“Its 'Tremorization' hasn’t impacted the Explorer’s primary mission, which is to transport seven people in comfort, and with the big engine it’s still good fun to drive.” – MotorTrend

Rants 

“The V-6 package also includes a lot of nice things … . Going with the less expensive BlueCruise option, that amounts to $62,505 for a 3.0-liter Tremor. We don’t know if we need the V-6 that much.” – Car and Driver

“To be clear, this model’s 8.7 inches of ground clearance is still something you’ll want to think about before going too far into the bush with your three-row family hauler.” – TFL Car

“The absence of a low range means drivers will have to make a few concessions when hitting the trails.” – Edmunds

“... the exhaust hangs so low it looks as if the right hit could rip it right out from under you.” – Road & Track

“... those off-road tires do add a little bit more road noise. They also make the turn-in a little squidgier.” – MotorTrend Channel (YouTube)