Three-row capability in Elizabethtown
Ford Explorer for Sale in Elizabethtown, KY
Compare Explorer trims, towing equipment, technology, seating, and Kentucky-ready versatility before you choose your next SUV.
2026 Explorer snapshot
Built for passengers, cargo, and the plans in between.
Every current Explorer combines three-row seating with a 10-speed automatic transmission and a standard Class III Trailer Tow Package. Final equipment still depends on the exact vehicle.
At Bob Swope Ford
Start with the trims represented in current inventory.
Recent Bob Swope Ford inventory has included Active, ST, Platinum, and Tremor models. Availability, pricing, colors, drivetrains, and packages change, so use the live inventory page for today’s exact selection.
- A
ActiveA practical entry point with heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and available Intelligent 4WD.
- T
TremorTrail-focused hardware including all-terrain tires, increased ride height, underbody protection, and a Torsen limited-slip rear axle.
- P
PlatinumComfort-focused equipment including available premium seating, BlueCruise access, and a 14-speaker B&O sound system.
- ST
STThe performance choice with a 385-hp 3.0L EcoBoost V6, sport-tuned suspension, and performance brakes.
Move through the lineup
What changes from one Explorer trim to the next?
The lineup moves from everyday value to sport styling, trail hardware, premium comfort, and full performance. Equipment can overlap through packages, so verify the window sticker on the exact SUV.
Active 100A
Core three-row utility with the 2.3L EcoBoost engine and the technology families need most.
- 13.2-inch center display
- Ford Digital Experience
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Standard Class III Tow Package
Active
Adds daily comfort and convenience without moving away from the Explorer’s practical mission.
- Heated front seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Power liftgate
- Ten-way power driver seat
ST-Line
ST-inspired design with the efficient 2.3L EcoBoost powertrain and an upgraded technology package.
- 20-inch wheels and black accents
- 360-Degree Camera
- 10-speaker B&O audio
- Available BlueCruise
Tremor
The adventure-oriented Explorer for gravel roads, campsites, trailheads, and rough-weather confidence.
- Standard Intelligent 4WD
- All-terrain tires and tow hooks
- Off-road tuned suspension
- Available 3.0L EcoBoost V6
Platinum
Luxury-oriented comfort for long drives, client travel, and family road trips.
- Heated, ventilated, massaging front seats
- PowerFold third row
- 14-speaker B&O audio
- BlueCruise access included for a limited plan period
ST
The strongest performance expression in the Explorer family while retaining three-row usefulness.
- 385 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque
- Sport-tuned suspension
- Performance brakes
- Heated and ventilated front seats
Tow-ready from the factory
The package is standard. The setup still matters.
Ford rates both the 2.3L EcoBoost and 3.0L EcoBoost Explorer configurations for up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. Cargo, passengers, accessories, trailer design, and hitch weight can reduce what a particular SUV can safely handle.
Technology that scales with the trim
The cabin is built around connected travel.
Ford Digital Experience brings navigation, media, apps, and smartphone compatibility to the 13.2-inch center display. Higher trims layer in cameras, premium audio, BlueCruise, and more comfort.
Ford Digital Experience
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Google built-in services, multiple USB ports, and over-the-air capability support daily routines.
Co-Pilot360 technology
Available features include Adaptive Cruise Control, a 360-Degree Camera, lane-centering assistance, and parking support. Features assist the driver and do not replace attention.
Available BlueCruise
Compatible trims can offer hands-free highway driving on mapped Blue Zones, with driver monitoring and Automatic Lane Change capability.
B&O audio and premium seating
ST-Line, Tremor, ST, and Platinum add progressively richer audio and seating, including available ventilation, massage, second-row heat, and premium materials.
Space for school days, workdays, and weekends.
Explorer seats six or seven depending on trim and second-row configuration. The third row folds when cargo takes priority.
At home in Central Kentucky
One SUV for the week and the weekend.
Hardin County family duty
Three rows make room for school schedules, sports equipment, grocery runs, and the people who come with them.
Louisville and Lexington trips
Available BlueCruise, adaptive cruise technology, premium audio, and flexible cargo space can make frequent highway travel easier.
Bernheim, Mammoth Cave, and lake weekends
Intelligent 4WD, selectable drive modes, roof-rack capability, and the standard tow package support bikes, camping gear, small boats, and eligible campers.
Business and client travel
Explorer can carry people and presentation gear during the week, while Platinum and ST add the comfort and performance expected on longer drives.
Where Explorer makes its strongest case
Advantages worth comparing in person.
These are narrow, source-backed strengths rather than blanket claims that one SUV is best for every shopper.
More available horsepower than Grand Highlander
Explorer ST produces up to 385 hp. Toyota lists 362 hp for the 2026 Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX, giving the Ford a 23-hp advantage at the top of these lineups.
A true performance trim
Explorer ST combines its twin-turbo V6 with a sport-tuned suspension and performance brakes. Car and Driver recorded a 5.1-second 0-to-60-mph run in its testing.
Standard tow hardware across the lineup
Every current Explorer model includes the Class III Tow Package and can reach the same 5,000-pound maximum when properly equipped, so tow readiness is not reserved for one trim.
Rear-wheel-drive foundation
The 2.3L Explorer uses standard rear-wheel drive with available Intelligent 4WD, a distinctive layout in a segment where many three-row crossovers begin with front-wheel drive.
Hands-free highway option
Available BlueCruise provides true hands-free operation on compatible mapped highways with driver monitoring, not simply adaptive cruise and lane centering.
Trail hardware beyond appearance
Tremor adds a Torsen limited-slip rear axle, off-road suspension, increased ride height, underbody protection, all-terrain tires, and auxiliary lighting.
Competitive specifications change. Horsepower comparison uses Ford’s 2026 Explorer ST data and Toyota’s 2026 Grand Highlander data. The acceleration figure comes from Car and Driver testing and applies to the tested vehicle and conditions. Compare the exact vehicles, equipment, warranties, fuel economy, space, and pricing that matter to you.
Answers before your test drive
Ford Explorer questions from Kentucky shoppers.
These answers cover the towing, seating, cargo, performance, technology, and trim questions shoppers most often ask while comparing a three-row SUV.
How much can a 2026 Ford Explorer tow?
Up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The exact loaded-trailer limit depends on vehicle configuration, passengers, cargo, accessories, hitch weight, and trailer frontal area.
Is the Class III Trailer Tow Package standard on every 2026 Explorer?
Yes. Ford includes the Class III Trailer Tow Package across the 2026 Explorer lineup. It includes a hitch receiver, four- and seven-pin trailer connectors, Tow/Haul mode, and Trailer Sway Control.
Does the Ford Explorer include an integrated trailer brake controller?
No. Ford states that an Explorer towing a trailer equipped with electric brakes needs a compatible aftermarket electronic trailer brake controller. Confirm the controller, trailer, hitch, and legal requirements before towing.
Does every 2026 Ford Explorer have third-row seating?
Yes. Every current Explorer model has three rows. The third row can fold when you need more room for luggage, sports equipment, business supplies, or weekend gear.
Does the Ford Explorer seat six or seven people?
It can seat six with second-row captain’s chairs or seven with an available second-row bench on eligible trims. Seating varies by trim and equipment, so verify the exact window sticker.
How much cargo space does the 2026 Explorer have?
Ford lists 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row. Maximum cargo volume reaches up to 85.8 cubic feet on Active 100A, Active, and ST-Line configurations, with the rear seating folded.
What engines are available in the 2026 Ford Explorer?
A 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder powers Active 100A, Active, and ST-Line. A 3.0L EcoBoost V6 is standard on ST and available on Tremor. Check the window sticker because equipment and output depend on configuration.
Which Ford Explorer has the most power?
The 2026 Explorer ST uses a 3.0L EcoBoost V6 producing up to 385 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, along with a sport-tuned suspension and performance brakes.
Is four-wheel drive available on the Ford Explorer?
Yes. Intelligent 4WD is available with the 2.3L EcoBoost engine and standard on Tremor. Rear-wheel drive is standard on eligible 2.3L configurations.
Which Explorer trim is best for trails and rough roads?
Tremor is the trail-focused trim. It includes standard Intelligent 4WD, all-terrain tires, increased ride height, a Torsen limited-slip rear axle, off-road-tuned suspension, tow hooks, and underbody protection.
What is the difference between Explorer ST-Line and Explorer ST?
ST-Line provides sport-inspired appearance and technology with the 2.3L EcoBoost engine. ST adds the higher-output 3.0L EcoBoost V6, sport-tuned suspension, and performance brakes for shoppers prioritizing performance.
Does the 2026 Ford Explorer offer BlueCruise?
BlueCruise is available on compatible Explorer trims and can provide hands-free highway driving on mapped Blue Zones while monitoring driver attention. Availability and included plan periods vary by trim and vehicle.
Does the Explorer have wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes. The Ford Digital Experience supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, along with Google built-in services and over-the-air capability.
What size center display is in the 2026 Ford Explorer?
The Explorer uses a 13.2-inch center touchscreen for navigation, media, apps, vehicle functions, and compatible smartphone features.
Where is the Ford Explorer built?
The Explorer is assembled at Ford’s Chicago Assembly Plant. Ford also has a major Kentucky manufacturing presence through Louisville Assembly Plant and Kentucky Truck Plant, although Explorer itself is not assembled in Kentucky.
Where can I see current Explorer inventory in Elizabethtown?
Use Bob Swope Ford’s live Explorer inventory page to compare current model years, trims, colors, drivetrains, packages, pricing, and availability. Inventory changes frequently, so the live results provide the most current selection.
Find the Explorer that fits your Kentucky routine.
Shop current inventory, value your trade, or ask Bob Swope Ford to help compare trims and towing needs.