The 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor is rolling into showrooms as Ford’s latest off-road-ready SUV, replacing the outgoing Timberline with a fresh take on rugged adventure. Designed for folks who want to tackle trails without sacrificing comfort, this new trim brings a mix of bold style, upgraded hardware, and serious power. With its launch set for late 2025, here’s everything you need to know about the Explorer Tremor’s off-road features, specs, and what it might cost.
Ford has been doubling down on its Tremor badge, slapping it on models like the Maverick, F-150, Expedition, and Super Duty. The Explorer Tremor follows suit, delivering a beefier vibe than the standard Explorer while keeping the family-friendly features that make this SUV a staple. It’s not a full-blown Raptor, but it’s got enough grit to handle fire roads, gravel paths, and the occasional muddy trail.
Image credit: Ford
Rugged Looks and Off-Road Style
The Tremor stands out with its signature “electric spice” orange accents—a nod to the rest of Ford’s Tremor lineup. These pops of color show up on the grille, tow hooks, and interior stitching, giving it a rugged yet stylish look. A silver skid plate sits under the front bumper, paired with another at the rear, to protect the underbody from rocks and debris. High-intensity LED off-road lights are tucked into an orange bar across the grille, though you’ll need to dig through the touchscreen menus to turn them on. The exterior gets a slight tweak with a reshaped lower grille, but the color options stay the same as other Explorers.
Power Under the Hood
Image credit: Ford
Under the hood, the Tremor offers two engine choices. The base powertrain is a 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder, pumping out 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. It’s a solid performer, found in other Ford models, and gets the job done for most adventures. But for those craving more muscle, the optional 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6—borrowed from the Explorer ST—delivers a whopping 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and a four-wheel-drive system, ensuring power gets to the ground no matter the terrain.
Built for the Trails
Image credit: Ford
What makes the Tremor a step up from the Timberline is its off-road hardware. It boasts a Torsen limited-slip rear differential, which improves traction in slippery conditions like mud or loose gravel. The suspension is lifted by an inch, giving the Tremor 8.7 inches of ground clearance—0.8 inches more than the standard Explorer. This extra height, combined with unique springs and sway bars, helps it clear obstacles with ease. The 18-inch wheels come wrapped in 265/65 Bridgestone Dueler all-terrain tires, offering better grip on dirt and rocks. Ford also tweaked the chassis for improved approach, departure, and breakover angles—each about a degree better than the standard model—making it easier to climb steep hills or navigate uneven terrain.
Comfort Meets Adventure Inside
Image credit: Ford
Inside, the Tremor keeps things practical but adds some flair. The black leather seats feature suede inserts, orange stitching, and “Tremor” embroidered on the seatbacks. The orange theme continues on the dashboard, door panels, and center console, tying the interior to the rugged exterior. Rubber floor mats are standard, perfect for cleaning up after a muddy day on the trails. Ford’s CoPilot 360 Assist 2.0 suite comes standard, including a 360-degree camera that’s a lifesaver when maneuvering tight off-road paths. For extra comfort, you can opt for massaging front seats and a 14-speaker B&O sound system—ideal for blasting your favorite tunes on a long drive. BlueCruise 1.5, Ford’s hands-free driving assist, is also available, complete with automatic lane changes for stress-free highway cruising.
Image credit: Ford
Ready to Haul
Image credit: Ford
The Tremor isn’t just for off-roading—it’s built to haul, too. With a max tow capacity of 5,000 pounds, it can pull a couple of dirt bikes, a small camper, or a lightweight trailer without breaking a sweat. Whether you’re heading to a motocross track or a weekend campsite, this SUV has you covered.
Price and Availability
Pricing hasn’t been announced yet, but based on where the Timberline sat in the lineup, expect the Tremor to start around $50,000. Fully loaded with the V6 and premium options, it could creep close to $60,000, similar to the Explorer ST. While that’s a hefty price tag, it’s in line with other off-road-focused SUVs like Jeep’s Trailhawk or Toyota’s TRD Pro trims. Order books are open now, but you’ll have to wait until late 2025 to see these SUVs hit dealerships.
Is It the Right SUV for You?
Image credit: Ford
The 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor isn’t trying to be a hardcore rock-crawler like a Bronco Raptor, but it’s a solid choice for guys who want a versatile SUV that can handle weekend adventures and daily commutes. Its mix of power, off-road upgrades, and premium features makes it a compelling option in a crowded market. Whether you’re drawn to the 400-hp V6 or the rugged styling, the Tremor is ready to take on trails and turn heads.
