2026 Ford Explorer Active: Lakeland Buyers Guide

A base trim that doesn't feel like one

Some automakers hollow out their entry trim to hit an advertised number; Ford didn't do that with the mainstream Active. Heated front seats, a power liftgate, active noise cancellation, and a heated steering wheel come standard, alongside a 10-way power driver's seat and Ford's rotary gear shift dial, which frees up console space for whatever a Central Florida family actually hauls: pool bags, a stroller, a cooler for the drive to Bonnet Springs Park. The 13.2-inch touchscreen runs Ford's Digital Experience software with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard, so there's no cable-fumbling in the school drop-off line.

Under the hood, the Active runs the 2.3-liter turbocharged EcoBoost four on regular gasoline, 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft. Rear-wheel drive is standard and returns an EPA-estimated 20 city / 29 highway / 24 combined; Intelligent 4WD is available for buyers who want extra traction on a wet on-ramp during a summer downpour, and it trims the highway figure to 27. Every Active tows up to 5,000 pounds with the standard Class III Trailer Tow Package, the same ceiling as every other 2026 Explorer regardless of trim or engine.

Standard safety, not an upsell

Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ ships standard on the Active, including adaptive cruise control and the broader lane-keeping and collision-mitigation suite, no options box to check. Paired with the Explorer's 2026 IIHS Top Safety Pick award and 5-star NHTSA overall rating, it's a strong safety case for a trim starting under $41,000. Stepping up to ST-Line adds Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 with a 360-degree camera, worth a look for anyone who parks in tight downtown Lakeland spots regularly.

What Active buyers say

"Frank Uria is the MOST OUTSTANDING, TALENTED and KNOWLEDGEABLE in his field. He assisted us in obtaining the vehicle of our dreams! I love, love, love my new 2026 Ford Explorer Active!" wrote Santina G., naming the exact trim. Frank Uria is a current Ford Sales Specialist at Lakeland Automall. "Thank you as well to the ENTIRE STAFF at LAKELAND AUTOMALL," she added, a detail worth noting for a multi-brand store where the person who greets you at the door and the person who signs the paperwork aren't always the same specialist.

Frequently asked questions

What comes standard on the Explorer Active?

Heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, active noise cancellation, a power liftgate, the 300-horsepower 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, a 13.2-inch touchscreen with wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, and the full Co-Pilot360 Assist+ suite. It's a well-equipped starting point rather than a stripped-down one.

Is the Active the same trim as the Active 100A?

No, and this is the most common source of pricing confusion on the Explorer. The Active 100A is a lower-cost fleet-leaning order code that swaps in a vinyl-wrapped steering wheel with no heat, a 6-way manual-assist driver's seat instead of the 10-way power seat, and drops the roof rack rails and active noise cancellation. The regular Active this guide covers, sometimes labeled 200A, is what Lakeland Automall stocks and what most retail buyers actually order.

Do I need all-wheel drive on the Active in Central Florida?

Most buyers here don't need it; the region rarely sees traction conditions where AWD is essential. It earns its roughly $2,000 upcharge for drivers who regularly head to wetter or hillier terrain outside the immediate area, or simply want the margin during a heavy summer storm on I-4.

How much can the Active tow?

Up to 5,000 pounds with the standard Class III Trailer Tow Package, identical to every other 2026 Explorer trim. That covers most boats, small campers, and utility trailers.

Start with the value leader

The Active makes the case that you don't have to spend into ST-Line or Platinum money to get a fully-equipped Explorer. Current Active inventory is posted live, and the West Memorial Boulevard showroom is a quick stop for anyone weighing the Active against the sportier ST-Line one lot over.