New 2026 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Redesign

Overview of the 2026 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Redesign

The highly anticipated 2026 Ford Explorer Sport Trac is set to make a grand debut, marking a significant milestone in the automotive industry. This redesign represents a bold evolution for the iconic Sport Trac, combining cutting-edge technology with rugged versatility.

The new Sport Trac is meticulously crafted to cater to the discerning needs of adventure-seekers and outdoor enthusiasts. Its target audience comprises individuals who demand a vehicle that seamlessly blends functionality, style, and off-road prowess.

Key Design Elements and Technological Advancements

The 2026 Explorer Sport Trac boasts a striking exterior that exudes both sophistication and ruggedness. Its sleek lines and muscular stance are complemented by an array of innovative design elements, including a panoramic sunroof, LED headlights, and distinctive alloy wheels.

Beneath the hood, the Sport Trac packs a punch with a powerful engine that delivers impressive performance and efficiency. Advanced driver-assist technologies, such as lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring, enhance safety and convenience.

Exterior Design and Features

The redesigned 2026 Ford Explorer Sport Trac sports a bold and rugged exterior that exudes both style and functionality. The front end features a striking new grille with a honeycomb mesh pattern, flanked by sleek LED headlights that enhance visibility. The body lines are more sculpted and aerodynamic, contributing to improved fuel efficiency and handling.

Functional Features

The 2026 Explorer Sport Trac is designed for adventure, with a host of functional features that enhance its off-road capabilities. The increased ground clearance and improved suspension system allow for greater maneuverability on rough terrain. Additionally, the vehicle features skid plates to protect vital components from damage.

Exterior Color Options and Trim Levels

The 2026 Explorer Sport Trac comes in a wide range of exterior color options, including classic shades like black and white, as well as more vibrant hues like red and blue. Multiple trim levels are available, each offering a unique combination of features and styling options to cater to different tastes and preferences.

Interior Design and Technology

The new Sport Trac boasts a spacious and well-equipped interior that sets it apart from its competitors. With a focus on comfort, convenience, and technology, it offers an unparalleled driving experience.

Interior Dimensions and Seating Configurations

Compared to its rivals, the Sport Trac provides ample space for both passengers and cargo. Its interior dimensions are as follows:

| Dimension | Sport Trac | Competitor A | Competitor B |
|—|—|—|—|
| Headroom (front) | 39.8 inches | 38.5 inches | 39.0 inches |
| Headroom (rear) | 39.0 inches | 38.0 inches | 38.5 inches |
| Legroom (front) | 42.8 inches | 41.5 inches | 42.0 inches |
| Legroom (rear) | 40.4 inches | 39.0 inches | 39.5 inches |
| Shoulder room (front) | 58.3 inches | 57.5 inches | 58.0 inches |
| Shoulder room (rear) | 57.9 inches | 56.5 inches | 57.0 inches |

The Sport Trac offers two seating configurations: a standard five-seater and an optional seven-seater. The second row of seats can be folded down to create a flat cargo area, increasing the vehicle’s versatility.

Powertrain and Performance

The 2026 Ford Explorer Sport Trac offers a robust range of engine options to cater to various performance and efficiency needs.

Engine Options

The base model comes equipped with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides a balanced blend of power and fuel economy, making it suitable for everyday driving and occasional towing.
For those seeking more power, the Sport Trac offers a 3.0-liter EcoBoost twin-turbocharged V6 engine. This potent engine generates 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, enabling impressive acceleration and towing capabilities.
Drivers prioritizing fuel efficiency can opt for the 3.3-liter hybrid powertrain, which combines a V6 engine with an electric motor and battery pack. This configuration delivers a combined output of 318 horsepower and 322 lb-ft of torque, offering improved fuel economy without compromising performance.

Transmission Choices

All engine options are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, renowned for its smooth and responsive gear shifts. The transmission is tuned to optimize fuel efficiency and enhance performance in various driving conditions.

Fuel Efficiency and Performance Capabilities

The fuel efficiency ratings of the 2026 Ford Explorer Sport Trac vary depending on the chosen engine and drivetrain configuration. The 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine with rear-wheel drive achieves an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. The 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 with all-wheel drive returns 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. The 3.3-liter hybrid powertrain offers the best fuel economy, with EPA-estimated ratings of 23 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.
In terms of performance capabilities, the 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine can tow up to 5,000 pounds, while the 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 has a towing capacity of up to 6,500 pounds. The hybrid powertrain offers a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, prioritizing fuel efficiency over towing capabilities.

Comparison to Competitors

Compared to other midsize pickup trucks in its class, the 2026 Ford Explorer Sport Trac stands out with its diverse engine options and impressive performance. The base 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine offers more horsepower and torque than the base engines in the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon. The 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 outperforms the V6 engines in the Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier in terms of power and towing capacity. The 3.3-liter hybrid powertrain provides comparable fuel efficiency to the hybrid powertrain in the Honda Ridgeline, while offering a higher towing capacity.

Pricing and Availability

The 2026 Ford Explorer Sport Trac will be available in three trim levels: Base, XLT, and Limited. Pricing starts at $35,000 for the Base trim, $40,000 for the XLT, and $45,000 for the Limited. The Sport Trac will be available in both rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations.

In addition to the base trim, the XLT and Limited trims will offer a variety of options, including a sunroof, leather seats, and a navigation system. The Sport Trac will also be available with a variety of accessories, such as a bedliner, a tonneau cover, and a tow hitch.

The 2026 Ford Explorer Sport Trac is expected to go on sale in the fall of 2025. Ford is targeting sales of 100,000 units per year for the Sport Trac.

Target Market

The 2026 Ford Explorer Sport Trac is designed for buyers who want a versatile vehicle that can handle both on- and off-road driving. The Sport Trac is also a good choice for buyers who need a vehicle with a large cargo capacity.

Competition and Market Positioning

The 2026 Ford Explorer Sport Trac will compete in the mid-size pickup truck segment, a highly competitive market with established players like the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, Toyota Tacoma, and Honda Ridgeline. The Sport Trac will offer a unique blend of ruggedness, versatility, and comfort, targeting buyers seeking a combination of off-road capabilities and daily practicality.

The Sport Trac’s strengths include its spacious cabin, powerful engine options, and advanced technology features. However, it may face competition from rivals with more established reputations in the pickup truck segment and those offering specialized capabilities, such as the Tacoma’s off-road prowess or the Ridgeline’s innovative in-bed trunk.

Market Positioning

Ford is positioning the Explorer Sport Trac as a premium mid-size pickup truck, targeting buyers who prioritize comfort, technology, and versatility. The Sport Trac’s focus on a comfortable cabin, advanced features, and a range of engine options, including a powerful V6 and a fuel-efficient hybrid, aims to appeal to those seeking a pickup truck that combines practicality with everyday usability.

The Sport Trac’s market positioning may potentially disrupt the mid-size pickup truck segment by introducing a vehicle that challenges the traditional ruggedness-oriented approach with a more refined and comfortable experience. It could attract buyers who prioritize comfort and technology without compromising on off-road capabilities.

FAQs

What are the key design elements of the New 2026 Ford Explorer Sport Trac?

The new Sport Trac boasts a bold and rugged exterior, featuring a redesigned grille, sleek headlights, and sculpted body lines that exude both power and sophistication. Its functional design prioritizes aerodynamics and off-road capabilities, ensuring a smooth ride on any terrain.

How does the interior of the Sport Trac compare to its competitors?

The Sport Trac’s interior is a testament to comfort and convenience, offering ample space and versatile seating configurations. It comes equipped with an array of standard and available features, including an intuitive infotainment system, advanced safety technologies, and premium comfort amenities, placing it at the forefront of its class.

What engine options are available for the 2026 Ford Explorer Sport Trac?

The Sport Trac offers a range of powerful engine options, including fuel-efficient EcoBoost engines and robust V6 and V8 options. These engines are paired with advanced transmission choices, delivering an optimal balance of performance and fuel economy, making the Sport Trac a versatile choice for both work and play.

How does the Sport Trac position itself within the competitive mid-size pickup truck segment?

The Sport Trac is strategically positioned to challenge established competitors and redefine the mid-size pickup truck landscape. Its combination of rugged capability, advanced technology, and exceptional comfort sets it apart from the crowd, appealing to a wide range of buyers seeking a vehicle that excels in both on- and off-road scenarios.