2026 Ford Explorer 1 / 1
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Ford Explorer Active 2.3L turbocharged inline‑4 EcoBoost · SUVs

More About the Explorer Active

The Active trim sits at the heart of the 2026 Explorer lineup, balancing everyday comfort with genuine capability. It’s ideal for families, small businesses, and outdoor enthusiasts who want three‑row flexibility without stepping into the sport‑tuned ST or luxury‑focused Platinum.

With its 2.3L EcoBoost® engine, available intelligent 4WD, and up to 5,000 lbs of towing capacity, the Explorer Active handles school runs, weekend adventures, and light work duties with equal ease. Inside, you’ll find a spacious cabin, modern tech, and thoughtful storage solutions designed for real life.

$39 438
⭐ 4.9 · 142 reviews · Good Price
Find the best deal near you
Mileage1,247 mi
Horsepower300 HP
TransmissionAutomatic

2026 Ford Explorer Active – Overview

The 2026 Ford Explorer Active is a mid‑size, three‑row SUV built for families and small businesses that need space, comfort, and capability without unnecessary complexity. Powered by a 300‑horsepower 2.3L EcoBoost engine and paired with a 10‑speed automatic transmission, it delivers confident acceleration and smooth shifting in daily driving and on longer trips.

Standard rear‑wheel drive keeps fuel costs reasonable, while available intelligent 4WD adds traction for rain, snow, and light off‑road use. With seating for six (or seven with the optional bench), generous cargo room, and a strong suite of safety and technology features, the Explorer Active is designed to be your one vehicle for work, family, and adventure.

Why This Ford Explorer

Why this Ford is special

The customer now understands why it costs six figures.

Why Buy the 2026 Ford Explorer Active?

  • Versatile 6/7‑Passenger Seating: Standard second‑row captain’s chairs for comfort, or an available bench to seat up to seven.
  • Strong, Efficient Powertrain: 300‑hp 2.3L EcoBoost with a smooth 10‑speed automatic and available AWD.
  • Real Utility: Up to ~85 cu ft of cargo space and 5,000‑lb towing when properly equipped.
  • Modern Tech: Large central touchscreen, digital instrument cluster, and Ford Co‑Pilot360™ safety features.
  • Everyday Capability: Confident in city traffic, on highways, and on unpaved roads with available 4WD and drive modes.

If you need a practical three‑row SUV that doesn’t feel like a compromise, the Explorer Active is one of the most balanced choices in its class.

The engine was built by renowned mechanic Jake Raby, the paint applied by Vintage Autohaus…

The Story

The story behind this Explorer

Every car has a soul. Here's the journey of this one.

2026 Ford Explorer

Originally sold in California in 2026, this Explorer spent its early years as a sunny-day cruiser. In 2015, it was purchased by a master builder who envisioned a concours-quality restomod.

Over seven years, the car was stripped to bare metal, the chassis reinforced, and every component either restored or upgraded. The engine was built by renowned mechanic Jake Raby, the paint applied by Vintage Autohaus, and the interior stitched by Classic Leather Works.

Featured in VW Trends Magazine (2023) and winner of Best Custom Beetle at the 2024 SoCal VW Classic.

Build Timeline

The journey of a masterpiece

Seven years of craftsmanship, documented every step of the way.

2026 Built 2026
2073 Purchased by builder
2074 Body removed
2075 Metal work completed
2076 Paint applied
2078 Engine built
2079 Dyno tuned
2080 Interior completed
2081 Completed
2082 For sale today
Cost Breakdown

What it cost to build

Full transparency on every dollar that went into this machine.

$18 500
Engine: FOUR_CYLINDER_TURBOCHARGED
$12 000
Paint: Guards Red · Ceramic
$5 000
Wheels: Custom Mags
$8 900
Interior: Porsche Recaro · VDO
$6 500
Suspension: Adjustable beam · Bilstein
$50 900
Estimated Build Cost
$39 438
Selling Price
−$11 462
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How it stacks against rivals

Spec 2026 Ford Explorer
Price$39 438,00
Horsepower300
Mileage0
Build Quality Score96/100
AI Expert

Ask The Ford Expert

Instant, expert answers powered by Vochi's knowledge base. 2341 vehicles indexed.

Vochi AI · Ford Specialist
Online · 2341 vehicles indexed
Hi! I know everything about this 2026 Ford Explorer. Ask me about the engine, maintenance, cost, or anything else.
How much horsepower does it make?
This 2.3L turbocharged inline‑4 EcoBoost stroker with FK89 cam and 48 IDA Webers produces 300 HP at the crank and 310 lb-ft of torque. It's dyno-tuned for pump gas and redlines at 7200 RPM.
🚗 Daily Driver? 💰 Maintenance Costs? ⚡ Horsepower? 🛡️ Insurance? ⛽ Pump Gas? 🔧 Reliable? ⚠️ Common Problems? 📊 Compare To Stock?
Runs on 91+ octane · 24,00 MPG combined
Oil change: 5W-30 · 3.5 qt · $85
Insurance estimate: $2 400/yr · Hagerty
Valve adjustment: every 3,000 mi · $280
Dyno sheet available · 300 HP / 310 lb-ft
Interactive Car

Click anything · AI explains it

Tap a part to learn more about what makes this Explorer special.

Click a hotspot →
🔧 2.3L turbocharged inline‑4 EcoBoost · Jake Raby
⛽ 48 IDA Webers
🛞 4-Wheel Disc
⚙️ Custom Mags
🔩 Bilstein · Adjustable
🔍 Selected Part
Engine
The 2.3L turbocharged inline‑4 EcoBoost stroker engine was built by Jake Raby with an FK89 cam, 48 IDA Webers, and MSD ignition. It produces 300 HP and 310 lb-ft of torque on pump gas.
AI Inspection

Condition score: 96 / 100

AI-powered inspection with detailed reasoning behind every score.

Body
99
Paint
98
Engine
95
Transmission
98
Suspension
95
Interior
97
Electrical
94
Undercarriage
96
96/100
Overall Condition · Excellent
No major issues · Well maintained
Body: No rust, perfect gaps✅
Engine: 180 PSI compression all cylinders✅
Trans: Smooth shifts, no grinding✅
Paint: Ceramic coated · No swirls✅
Documentation

Trust, documented

This is where trust explodes. Every receipt, every test, every detail.

Dyno Sheet
Compression Test
Leak Down Test
Paint Invoice
Restoration Receipts
Engine Build Sheet
Wiring Diagram
Original Window Sticker
VIN Report
Ownership

Annual costs & maintenance

What it really costs to own this Explorer.

Annual Costs

Fuel$2 200
Insurance$2 400
Registration$340
Storage$1,200
Five Year Cost$25 500

Maintenance

Valve Adjustment$280
Oil Changes$85
Brake Service$450
Tire Rotation$60
AI Maintenance Planner
🔧 Valve adj · 3k mi 🛢️ Oil change · 3k mi 🛞 Brake flush · 2yr ⚙️ Tune-up · 5k mi
Community

Latest questions

Real questions from owners, mechanics, and enthusiasts.

Can I run E85?
How long do Webers last?
Best oil for a 2332cc?
Valve adjustment tutorial
Should You Buy This Car?

Should you buy this Explorer?

Honest, transparent advice. No hype.

Buy this car if…

  • ✓ You want a show-quality Ford you can actually drive.
  • ✓ You appreciate documented craftsmanship.
  • ✓ You value reliability over chasing maximum horsepower.
  • ✓ You want a car that turns heads and starts conversations.

This may not be the right car if…

  • ✗ You're looking for a stock, numbers-matching restoration.
  • ✗ You want modern safety features (airbags, ABS, etc.).
  • ✗ You prefer an automatic transmission.
  • ✗ You want a low-maintenance daily driver with no quirks.

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