2026 Ford Explorer ST: Lakeland Buyers Guide

The V6, standard, no bundling required

Everywhere else in the 2026 Explorer lineup, the 400-horsepower twin-turbo V6 is either unavailable (Platinum, for 2026) or locked behind a package (Tremor's Ultimate bundle). On the ST, it's simply what the trim ships with: 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft standard, paired with a 10-speed automatic that adds select-shift capability on this trim specifically. Ford's own figures put 0-60 mph at roughly 5.1 seconds, genuinely quick for a seven-seat family SUV, and it's the kind of number that matters merging onto I-4 with a full load rather than as a bragging-rights spec.

The chassis backs up the engine: sport-tuned suspension, 21-inch Magnetite-painted wheels, and performance brakes with red-painted calipers replace the standard setup, while a quad-tipped exhaust makes the visual and audible case that this isn't just a badge-and-wheels package. Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 with the 360-degree camera and PowerFold third-row seats come standard, along with BlueCruise hands-free highway driving equipped, the same standard-not-optional treatment Platinum gets.

Still a three-row, still 5,000 pounds

The performance upgrades don't cost the ST any practicality. It seats seven like every other Explorer trim, and it tows the same 5,000-pound maximum, the ST's extra horsepower doesn't translate into a higher tow rating on this platform, worth knowing if the assumption was that more power automatically means more capacity. Inside, heated and ventilated front seats come standard along with red accent stitching and Ambient Lighting, and the 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen system carries over from ST-Line and Tremor.

What repeat Explorer buyers say

"This is my 7th Explorer! Carlton Gregory once again found us what we wanted. I love my new explorer especially the color. Such a great deal also! I was treated great!!" wrote Darlene C. Carlton Gregory works Pre-Owned Sales at Lakeland Automall, and a seventh Explorer from the same buyer says something the spec sheet can't: this is a family that's cross-shopped the lineup from base trims up over the years and keeps coming back for the next one. That kind of repeat business tends to cluster around the trims people grow into once they know exactly what they want, which is usually where ST buyers land.

Frequently asked questions

How much faster is the ST than a standard Explorer?

Ford's figures put the ST's 0-60 mph time at roughly 5.1 seconds versus the 2.3-liter four-cylinder trims, which don't publish an official 0-60 figure but are noticeably less quick given the V6's 100-horsepower advantage (400 hp versus 300 hp).

Does the ST tow more than other Explorer trims?

No. Every 2026 Explorer trim and engine combination maxes out at 5,000 pounds. The ST's extra power improves merging and passing performance, not towing capacity.

Is the ST worth the roughly $4,000 jump over Platinum?

If the standard V6, sport suspension, and performance brakes matter to you, yes, that's real hardware, not badge-only upgrades. If comfort features like massaging seats and the larger 14-speaker system are the priority instead, Platinum makes more sense at a lower price.

What fuel does the ST require?

Regular gasoline, the same as every other 2026 Explorer trim and engine, despite the V6's performance numbers. There's no premium-fuel requirement or recommendation.

Test the V6 before deciding

Horsepower numbers on paper don't convey what 415 lb-ft of torque feels like merging onto I-4 with a full third row. Current ST inventory is posted live, and a back-to-back drive against Platinum at the West Memorial Boulevard showroom is the fastest way to settle whether the performance trim is worth it for your driving.