2026 Ford Explorer ST

SUV · 3.0L V6 EcoBoost · AWD

81/100

AutoVault's overall score, weighted for what a suv is actually for — performance, technology, comfort, reliability, safety and value.

Specifications

Engine	3.0L V6 EcoBoost
Horsepower	400 hp
Torque	415 lb-ft
0–60 mph	5.2 sec
Top speed	143 mph
Drivetrain	AWD
Seats	7
Combined MPG	19 mpg (16 city / 22 hwy)
Range	357 miles
MSRP	$55,000
Body style	SUV

The verdict

What's good

Tuned for spirited, sharper driving
Strong midrange pull for passing
Sport seats and unique styling cues
Sounds throatier than lesser Explorers

What's not

Worse mileage than tamer trims
Stiffer ride over potholes
Still heavy and tall for a sports SUV
Gets expensive when fully loaded

The engine

EcoBoost (Nano)

Twin-Turbo V6

A torque-rich twin-turbo six that delivers a flat, muscular surge well-suited to hauling and the high-output Raptor and ST applications, trading any natural soundtrack for relentless boost.

Engineered by Ford as part of the EcoBoost program and derived from the smaller 2.7L 'Nano' V6, it debuted in the 2017 Lincoln Continental before spreading into Ford performance models.

It traces its design lineage to the 2.7L Nano, with a larger bore and longer stroke, but swaps that engine's iron block for cast aluminum.
Though it later became a Ford performance staple, it first launched as a Lincoln-exclusive luxury engine.
The broader EcoBoost concept was previewed by the 2007 Lincoln MKR concept under the 'TwinForce' name before reaching production.

See the rest in AutoVault

The six sub-scores behind the 81 — performance, tech, comfort, reliability, safety and value
Market value today and year-by-year value history
Studio photography — exterior, rear and interior
Side-by-side comparison with up to four cars

Open in AutoVault