New 2026 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Review, Specs, Redesign

New 2026 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Review, Specs, Redesign – The 2026 Ford Explorer Sport Trac makes its much-anticipated return, with an updated design that brings both style and functionality to the forefront. Ford has focused on revamping the bodywork, giving the Sport Trac a bold, muscular look that pays homage to its truck-SUV roots while incorporating modern touches.

A larger grille, featuring Ford’s signature mesh pattern, dominates the front, flanked by slim LED headlights that give the vehicle a sharp, aggressive appearance. The newly sculpted body lines and enhanced wheel arches emphasize its rugged nature while maintaining a sense of refinement. New 2026 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Review

New 2026 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Redesign and Update Plan

Exterior & Interior

On the outside, the 2026 Ford Explorer Sport Trac exhibits a perfect blend of SUV practicality and truck-like ruggedness. The bold front fascia, featuring the brand’s new lighting signature, is complemented by a redesigned rear, where larger taillights and an integrated tailgate spoiler give the Sport Trac a more cohesive and modern look. Its 20-inch alloy wheels add to its tough stance, while higher trims offer upgraded off-road wheels and tires for those who seek more adventure. Roof rails and a power-operated tailgate further enhance its practicality, making it a versatile choice for families and adventurers alike.

Inside, the 2026 Sport Trac impresses with a spacious and tech-focused cabin. Ford has refined the interior design to offer more premium materials such as leather seating, soft-touch surfaces, and ambient lighting. The dashboard is dominated by a large 14.1-inch touchscreen that controls Ford’s updated SYNC 4 infotainment system, providing intuitive access to navigation, entertainment, and smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The rear seats offer plenty of legroom, and the split-folding design increases cargo flexibility. This new iteration of the Sport Trac is ideal for both long family trips and rugged outdoor excursions, as it balances comfort and utility with ease.

One of the most significant updates for the 2026 Sport Trac is its extended wheelbase, designed to improve both passenger comfort and cargo space. Ford also redesigned the truck bed, increasing its utility with added tie-downs, integrated bed lighting, and a tailgate step for easier access. These updates make the Sport Trac more adaptable for daily use or outdoor adventures. Additionally, Ford has equipped the Sport Trac with a range of new tech, including an updated suspension system that enhances both on-road smoothness and off-road capabilities. New 2026 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Review

New 2026 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Specs

Engine & Performance

Under the hood, the 2026 Ford Explorer Sport Trac is powered by a variety of engine options, catering to different levels of performance and efficiency. The standard model comes equipped with a 2.3-liter turbocharged EcoBoost engine, delivering an impressive 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This engine is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth shifts and robust acceleration, making the Sport Trac ideal for both city driving and highway cruising. For those seeking more power, Ford offers a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine that pumps out 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, providing excellent towing capacity and off-road prowess.

The 2026 Sport Trac is available in both rear-wheel-drive (RWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) configurations. The AWD models come with an advanced off-road package, which includes features like a terrain management system, hill descent control, and skid plates for added protection. The adaptive suspension system ensures a smoother ride on rough terrains, while the electric power-assisted steering provides precise handling. With the right configuration, the Sport Trac boasts a towing capacity of up to 5,600 pounds, making it a versatile vehicle for both work and play. New 2026 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Review

New 2026 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Fuel Economy

Given its size and capabilities, the 2026 Ford Explorer Sport Trac achieves competitive fuel economy for a vehicle in this class. The 2.3-liter turbocharged engine delivers an estimated 24 miles per gallon (MPG) on the highway and 20 MPG in the city. The more powerful 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine sacrifices some efficiency for performance, offering an estimated 21 MPG on the highway and 18 MPG in the city. Both engines are equipped with auto start-stop technology, which helps conserve fuel by shutting off the engine during idle periods, such as at traffic lights.

New 2026 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Safety Features

Ford has equipped the 2026 Explorer Sport Trac with a comprehensive suite of safety features, ensuring peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike. The standard Ford Co-Pilot360 system comes with automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and forward collision warning to prevent potential accidents. Lane-keeping assist and blind-spot monitoring are also included to help drivers navigate in traffic with ease. The rearview camera, combined with reverse parking sensors, makes backing up in tight spots much simpler, further enhancing the practicality of the Sport Trac for city driving.

For added safety, buyers can opt for advanced features such as adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, which maintains a safe distance from the car ahead in heavy traffic. The 360-degree camera system gives drivers a bird’s-eye view of their surroundings, which is especially helpful during off-road adventures or when parking in tight spaces. Additionally, the new intersection assist feature can detect oncoming traffic at intersections, helping to reduce the chances of collisions. With these state-of-the-art safety enhancements, the 2026 Explorer Sport Trac is equipped to handle a wide variety of driving conditions safely and confidently.

New 2026 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Release Date & Price

As for pricing, the base model of the 2026 Explorer Sport Trac is expected to start around $42,000, making it an affordable option for those who want a versatile vehicle with both SUV and truck-like capabilities. The higher trims, which offer additional features like leather seating, advanced safety systems, and off-road enhancements, will likely push the price closer to $55,000. Ford plans to release the 2026 Explorer Sport Trac in the third quarter of 2025, with pre-orders expected to begin in early summer 2025. This places the Sport Trac as one of the most anticipated releases in its segment for the coming year.