Ford adds Tremor trim to its Explorer SUV

by Jim Bray
October 7, 2026

Fans of Ford's popular mid-sized SUV have a new choice to make when they're looking to purchase what the company says is America's number one-selling SUV.

It's the Tremor, which sits in about the middle of the Explorer line.

"We already knew the Explorer was capable and versatile," said Matthew Duffield, Ford's Explorer brand manager in an essay on Ford's media website. "It's always been a vehicle that can handle a family road trip or a weekend camping trip. However, we also know that there is a growing segment of customers who want more off-road adventure, more ruggedness, more of that 'go anywhere'. When we set out to develop an Explorer Tremor, we challenged ourselves to do something different. We wanted to build an off-road machine engineered to handle challenging terrain."

So, they created an Explorer they say can handle muddy trails, sandy beaches and the like – including mountain passes. To do that, they focused their tweaks on such stuff as suspension and drive train.

It shows, too. One thing you get is 18-inch wheels wearing all-terrain tires, auxiliary off-road lights and "electric spice-accented tow hooks" that look pretty cool. And who doesn't need sexy tow hooks?

Ford has also improved the Tremor's approach and departure angles so it can clear obstacles better. They've also beefed up the underbody protection at both ends of the Explorer to help prevent damaging its belly if your off-roading gets a little robust. 

Then there's power. Tremors can be had with a three litre EcoBoost six-cylinder engine that delivers "up to" 400 horsepower and 415 lb.-ft. of torque. It's the same engine available on the Explorer ST trim level (and other Ford/Lincolns) and it's a peach.

Ford Canada's sample came with the smaller engine, a 2.3-litre turbo. You can feel the difference between the six and the four right away, though I have to admit the four banger is still more than adequate, with its 300/310 horses/torque, and I never lacked for oomph. I just like the six better.

Both engines are saddled with a 10-speed automatic transmission that works fine, though I'd like to see eight speeds at the most, to cut down on endless shifting in an attempt to save gas. As usual, no one consulted me...

Four-wheel drive is standard on the Tremor, with a Torsen limited-slip differential and what Ford says is "a unique suspension system that includes specially tuned springs and sway bars" to raise its road (or, more accurately, off-road) clearance by an inch. That four wheel drive system is rear wheel biased – much if not most of the competitors are front biased – and I find that gives it a tad more of a sporty feel that appeals to my sensitivities (though I'm far from the target market here).

Inside, you get all the usual current technology, for better or for worse, most of which is operated from the central stack's LCD screen. I still like Ford's previous Sync system, which was much easier to use than the current system, but I've seen worse. And you can shut off, or at least minimize, the most annoying supposedly safety-related nannies

You can also get stuff such as massaging front seats, which I really love, and a lovely, 14-speaker premium B&O audio system that really rocks.   

Explorers can seat six or seven people, depending on the model and options you pick. All trim levels except for Platinum get second-row captain's chairs (the Platinum trim level gets a standard second-row bench seat that means you can seat up to eight instead of seven). The third row is reasonable and it's pretty easy for an old fat man to get in and out, though not without causing laughter from grandchildren.

You can also get PowerFold third-row seats on the Tremor; they're standard on the ST and Platinum trims.

It's an attractive and reasonably efficient interior, shackled to Google now, and you have to access the centre LCD screen for more stuff than it should. This isn't a Ford thing, alas; it's becoming nearly ubiquitous among the vehicles I get to review. And I hate it.

All Explorers come equipped with a Class III Trailer Tow Package, and regardless of which engine you choose it'll tow up to 2,267 kilos (which translates into 5,000 pounds). You also get a trailer tow package that includes a frame-mounted trailer hitch, seven wire harness and trailer connectors.

Explorers are pretty good at sipping - well, not gulping - gasoline, too. Ford claims the turbo four gets 11.9 city/8.7 highway and a combined 10.4 litres per 100 kilometres, while the six gets a not quite as good (not surprisingly) 13 city/9;3 highway and 11.3 combined mileage - er, "kilometreage".

Explorers are priced competitively. The entry level model begins at $54,995 according to Ford's Canadian website. The Tremor starts at $62,695 and the top-line Platinum starts at $65,595.

For comparison, the entry level Toyota Grand Highlander, starts at $59,285 according to that company's Canadian website, while Hyndai's three row Palisade starts at $59,285. I daresay neither of those competitors have the Tremor's off-road focus; I put them here merely for price comparison.

I've always liked the Ford Explorer, especially since they went rear drive-biased. The Tremor trim level is a tad lost on this "never off-roader", but I can see why "off-roaders" would find it attractive.

Copyright 2026 Jim Bray
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