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2026 Ford Explorer Tremor: A Soft-Roader That Delivers

### How Does It Drive? The 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor is an off-road capable soft-roader that excels on both pavement and in the wilderness. The twin-turbo V-6 engine delivers a thrilling 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, making it a joy to drive on the highway. The 10-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly, and the all-wheel-drive system provides confident traction on various road surfaces. However, the ride can become sloppy on rough terrain, and the suspension setup prioritizes trail viability over all-conquering off-road ability. ### What's It Like to Live With? Inside, the Tremor boasts a premium interior with grippy Miko Suede seats, a 14-speaker B&O audio system, and a panoramic roof. The optional hands-free Blue Cruise system adds a touch of luxury, and the 11.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system controls all vital climate controls, including seat heating and ventilation. While the Tremor makes you look more like a cop than ...

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### How Does It Drive?
The 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor is an off-road capable soft-roader that excels on both pavement and in the wilderness. The twin-turbo V-6 engine delivers a thrilling 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, making it a joy to drive on the highway. The 10-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly, and the all-wheel-drive system provides confident traction on various road surfaces. However, the ride can become sloppy on rough terrain, and the suspension setup prioritizes trail viability over all-conquering off-road ability.

### What’s It Like to Live With?
Inside, the Tremor boasts a premium interior with grippy Miko Suede seats, a 14-speaker B&O audio system, and a panoramic roof. The optional hands-free Blue Cruise system adds a touch of luxury, and the 11.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system controls all vital climate controls, including seat heating and ventilation. While the Tremor makes you look more like a cop than other Explorer trims, its rugged appearance is offset by a more refined on-road demeanor.

### Should I Buy One?
The 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor is a unique offering in the three-row soft-roader market, with its potent engine and off-road capabilities setting it apart from rivals like the Honda Pilot TrailSport and Kia Telluride X-Pro. However, the V-6 engine comes at a cost, with a significant fuel-economy hit over the regular Explorer. If you plan to take the Tremor off-road frequently, stepping up to a Bronco Four-Door or Expedition Tremor might be a better option.

### Highlights and Lowlights
We love the twin-turbo V-6, which makes the Tremor feel like a muscle soft-roader. Ford lets you enjoy all the luxuries of the Platinum trim if you’re willing to spend for it. On-road refinement is a strength, not an afterthought. However, the Tremor is more expensive than every other three-row in its niche, and the V-6’s fuel economy is a drag. We’d prefer just a few more physical buttons for climate controls. The Blue Cruise system is a highlight, providing smooth and seamless lane changes.

### Making an off-road car behave nicely on the road is no easy task, with plenty of examples that prove the rule. But the reverse is also true, the kit helping an SUV or truck deliver when crawling rocks or bashing over rough terrain tends to result in a nosy, harsh ride in everyday driving. Striking the right balance between adventure and comfort is key for soft-roaders, and that’s exactly what Ford is trying to do with its 2026 Explorer Tremor.

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