Watch The 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor Take On a Brutal TrailMotorBiscuitAlex HarringtonSat, September 19, 2026 at 12:58 PM UTCAdd us on GoogleWatch The 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor Take On a Brutal TrailThe 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor looks ready for a police fleet, but Driving Sports TV put Ford's new three-row off-road SUV somewhere much less forgiving: a mountain trail. The roughly 15-minute test asked whether the Tremor's equipment delivered real trail ability, or whether it merely made the Explorer look a little adventurous.It delivered the former, with one important limitation. The long body can scrape its underside where a smaller crossover might pass without any overlap, but the traction system repeatedly pulled the 4WD Explorer through ruts, steep climbs, and loose surfaces. It's certainly a very impressive motor.The Explorer Tremor Has Serious HardwareDriving Sports TV tested a 2026 Explorer Tremor equipped with a powerful V6 engine. The optional 3.0-liter EcoBoost engine generates 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Intelligent 4WD. The setup includes selectable drive modes, standard hill-descent control, a Torsen limited-slip rear axle, off-road-tuned suspension, auxiliary grille lights, recovery hooks, underbody protection, and P265/65R18 Bridgestone Dueler all-terrain tires on 18-inch wheels.AdvertisementAdvertisementThis model is built on a rear-wheel drive platform that can distribute power to the front wheels when it needs a bit of pull. The engine's longitudinal positioning places it further back relative to the front axle compared to the more typical transverse designs seen in similar vehicles, meaning the SUV offers a 24-degree approach angle. Ford rates the properly equipped V6 model to tow 5,000 pounds.Before leaving the pavement, the presenter had to find the auxiliary-light control inside the screen menu and switch on the high beams. He also activated the Tremor's seat massage function, which uses air bladders rather than the more aggressive mechanical systems. Luxury and mud: finally, a compromise everyone can understand.They began on its Rattler course, described as easy going in but a bit more complicated on the way out.The Explorer successfully navigated the initial drainage ditch without any front-end issues, although there was minor contact with the rear. It subsequently scraped its underside on another part of the trail. The reason was packaging, not the lack of a diff locker or something of that sort.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe Explorer's 119-inch wheelbase is nearly truck-like for a crossover. It also lacks rock rails, but does offer substantial underbody shielding.The Trail Exposed One WeaknessThe Tremor's ride was firmer than ideal with the tires at roughly 38 psi. The drivers found it harsher than comfortable, though still better than the regular Explorer, and the suspension is conventional rather than adaptive or variable-rate.Traction performance was stronger. In a medium-difficulty obstacle, the rear Torsen differential allowed some wheelspin before abruptly finding grip and moving the SUV ahead. Normal mode continued making progress through offset ruts, while Slippery mode applied power more aggressively. Off-Road mode permitted a bit more wheelspin and maintained forward movement pretty damn well.A standout feature was the hill-descent control system. On a slope ranging from 12 to 13 degrees, it maintained the vehicle's speed at 1 mph through four-wheel braking, allowing the driver to focus solely on steering. That is considerably slower than the roughly 3-mph pace of comparable Subaru and Hyundai systems. Throttle input could override the setting, however if necessary.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe Explorer then climbed loose terrain at roughly 18 to 19 degrees and tackled a steeper, rocky section at only 2 to 3 mph. Slippery mode reduced wheelspin for that controlled ascent, while the rear-drive-based layout helped push the SUV uphill rather than relying on the front tires to pull it forward."No problem. No drama," Ryan Douthit said. He added, "For a family three-row crossover, I am very impressed with this vehicle."The V6 Tremor starts just below $60,000 with destination, according to the test, while the Ford-supplied example exceeded $64,000 after options. A separate Ford sticker for a similarly equipped V6 Tremor listed a $62,590 total MSRP, including an $11,850 Ultimate Package, so the price is firmly within expensive-family-SUV territory.While the wheelbase is a bit of an issue, the 2026 Explorer Tremor's hardware makes it a damn strong off-roader with plenty of performance. It can handle trailheads, muddy soccer fields, workweek commuting, and rough greenlanes with more confidence than most owners will ever need.