New 2026 Ford Explorer for Sale in Baton Rouge, LA: Which Trim Is Right for You?

Choosing between six trim levels on the same SUV is harder than it sounds. The 2026 Ford Explorer runs from a well-equipped entry point to a 400-horsepower performance machine, and the differences in between are real enough to matter.

This guide breaks down all six new Ford Explorer trim levels so shoppers across Baton Rouge, Prairieville, and Gonzales know exactly what they’re comparing before their test drive.

The 2026 Ford Explorer comes in six trim levels: Active 100A (starting around $38,465 MSRP), Active (~$40,585), ST-Line (~$45,155), Tremor (~$48,465), Platinum (~$50,965), and ST (~$54,905). All share three-row seating for up to seven, a 13.2-inch touchscreen, and a turbocharged 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder engine standard.

At Hollingsworth Richards Ford, we’ve spent nearly 60 years helping Baton Rouge drivers find the right vehicle for their family, their commute, and their lifestyle. We’re the first dealership in Louisiana to earn Ford’s Blue Oval certification, and we carry the full 2026 Explorer lineup so you can compare every trim in person.

New Ford Explorer Inventory | New Ford Explorer Research

Key Points: New Ford Explorer Trim Levels

• All six trims share a strong common foundation. Every 2026 Explorer comes with a 300-horsepower 2.3L EcoBoost engine, a 13.2-inch Ford Digital Experience touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Ford’s Co-Pilot360 safety suite.

• The Tremor is brand-new for 2026. Ford added the Explorer Tremor this year with a one-inch suspension lift, all-terrain tires, underbody skid plates, and a Torsen limited-slip rear axle. It’s the first factory off-road Explorer ever offered.
• The ST makes 400 horsepower in a three-row SUV. The 3.0L twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 powers the Explorer ST, paired with performance-tuned suspension and 21-inch wheels.

2026 Ford Explorer Trim Levels at a Glance: Baton Rouge Shoppers’ Guide

Picking the right Explorer starts with seeing all six options side by side. Here’s the full lineup at a glance before we go deeper on each one.

All prices are manufacturer’s suggested retail and exclude taxes, title, fees, and dealer charges. Contact Hollingsworth Richards Ford for current availability and pricing.

A few things stand out. Every Explorer seats up to seven regardless of trim, so three-row capability isn’t gated behind a higher price. The 3.0L V6 is only available on the Tremor and ST, and only standard on the ST. The spread between Active 100A and ST is just over $16,000, and every step in that range is buying something real, which the sections below spell out.

Active 100A and Active: The Explorer’s Starting Point

The 2026 Ford Explorer Active 100A is the entry point for the lineup, and it’s more capable than the price tag suggests. Standard features include the 300-horsepower 2.3L EcoBoost engine, a 13.2-inch Ford Digital Experience touchscreen with Google and Amazon built in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, tri-zone automatic climate control, and the Co-Pilot360 safety suite with adaptive cruise control.

The Active trim adds available Intelligent 4WD, Ford’s Terrain Management System for selectable drive modes, a power liftgate, and upgraded interior materials. For families who want a fully featured three-row SUV without crossing into mid-tier pricing, both Active trims deliver everything that matters daily without compromise.

ST-Line: Sport Style Without the ST Price Tag

The 2026 Ford Explorer ST-Line is for drivers who want the look and feel of performance without paying ST money. Sport-tuned suspension sharpens the ride, 20-inch alloy wheels make a visible statement, and a flat-bottom ST-style steering wheel sets the tone inside. The B&O audio system and heated second-row seats round out a cabin that punches above its price.

BlueCruise is available on the ST-Line. BlueCruise is a hands-free highway driving system that manages speed and lane position on pre-mapped North American roads. For commuters who spend real time on I-10 and I-12, that’s a meaningful upgrade. Estimated fuel economy reaches 20 mpg city and 29 mpg highway in RWD trim.

Explorer Tremor: Built for Louisiana’s Back Roads and Beyond

The 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor is entirely new this model year. This is Ford’s purpose-built off-road Explorer, fitted from the factory with a one-inch suspension lift, all-terrain tires, underbody skid plates, a Torsen limited-slip rear axle, and auxiliary off-road lighting. Intelligent 4WD comes standard on every Tremor.

For South Louisiana drivers, that spec sheet hits home. Boat ramps, hunting camp access roads, and the back routes through Gonzales or Prairieville that flood after a heavy rain. The Tremor is built for exactly that kind of use. When properly equipped, it tows up to an estimated 5,000 lbs, covering most boat and trailer combinations. The available 3.0L twin-turbo V6 pushes output to 400 horsepower for drivers who want serious off-road capability paired with real performance. Starting MSRP is around $48,465.

Platinum: When the Journey Is Part of the Experience

The 2026 Ford Explorer Platinum is the comfort-first choice for drivers who spend real time behind the wheel. Premium leather-trimmed seating, available massaging front seats, and a 14-speaker B&O sound system set a level of refinement that holds up against vehicles costing considerably more.

BlueCruise comes standard on the Platinum, not just available as an option, which pairs naturally with the cabin’s emphasis on relaxed, long-haul comfort. Adaptive headlamps and ambient interior lighting fill out the package. One note: the Platinum is offered exclusively with the 2.3L EcoBoost for the 2026 model year, so performance-focused buyers will want to look at the ST.

Explorer ST: 400 Horsepower for Three-Row Shoppers

The 2026 Ford Explorer ST starts where other Explorers top out. The 3.0L twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 comes standard, delivering 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, figures that make the ST one of the quickest three-row SUVs on the market. Performance-tuned suspension, sport brakes, and 21-inch wheels back up the power with a driving experience that feels completely different from the rest of the lineup.

The ST doesn’t ask you to trade family space for speed. Three-row seating for up to seven and the full Ford Digital Experience tech suite are still part of the deal. Starting around $54,905 MSRP.

Which 2026 Ford Explorer Trim Is Right for You?

A few straightforward ways to think about the decision:

• Value-focused family shoppers: Active 100A or Active. Both trim levels cover the tech and safety essentials. Step up to Active if i4WD and a power liftgate matter to you.
• Commuters who want more personality: ST-Line. Sport suspension, 20-inch wheels, B&O audio, and available BlueCruise, without crossing into $50K territory.
• Outdoor and adventure drivers: Tremor. If boat launches, camp roads, or flooded back roads through Gonzales or Prairieville are part of your routine, Ford built this one for you.
• Comfort-first buyers: Platinum. Massaging seats, standard BlueCruise, and the best audio in the lineup make this the choice for drivers who spend serious time on the road.
• Performance-first buyers: ST. Four hundred horsepower, performance suspension, and 21-inch wheels in a vehicle that still seats seven.

Shop the 2026 Ford Explorer at Hollingsworth Richards Ford

All six 2026 Explorer trim levels are available at Hollingsworth Richards Ford, located at 7787 Florida Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70806. We’ve served drivers across Baton Rouge, Prairieville, and Gonzales for nearly 60 years, and we’re ready to walk you through every trim in person so you can feel the differences rather than just read about them.

Browse our new Ford Explorer inventory to check current availability, or contact our team to schedule a test drive. The best way to find your match is behind the wheel.

Prices are manufacturer’s suggested retail and exclude taxes, title, fees, and dealer charges. Fuel economy figures are EPA estimates. Towing capacity requires proper equipment. Contact Hollingsworth Richards Ford for current availability and pricing.