2026 Explorer Active
Quick Answer: The 2026 Explorer Active
The Active is the mainstream entry point to the 2026 Explorer lineup, MSRP $40,585 with rear-wheel drive or $42,585 with Ford's Intelligent 4WD, before the $1,695 destination charge. It carries the 300-horsepower 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder, heated front seats, a power liftgate, active noise cancellation, and the full Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ suite with adaptive cruise control, all standard. Fuel economy tops out at 20 city / 29 highway with rear-wheel drive. This is not the same vehicle as the cheaper "Active 100A" spec some national ads reference, that's a stripped fleet-leaning build without heated seats; this guide covers the regular Active most Lakeland buyers actually drive home.
The full Explorer, minus the garnish
Ford didn't strip the Active down to hit a price point the way some rivals do with their base trims. Heated front-row seats, a power liftgate, active noise cancellation, and a heated steering wheel all come standard, along with a 10-way power driver's seat, three-zone electronic climate control, and Ford's rotary gear shift dial that frees up console space for the kind of gear a Lakeland family actually carries: beach bags, cooler, a stroller. The 13.2-inch center touchscreen runs Ford's Digital Experience software with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so there's no fumbling with a cable at drop-off outside Lakeland Christian or Bartow schools.
Underneath, the Active runs the 2.3-liter turbocharged EcoBoost four, 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft, on regular gasoline. Rear-wheel drive is standard and returns an EPA-estimated 20 city / 29 highway / 24 combined; Ford's Intelligent 4WD is available for buyers who want extra grip on a wet I-4 on-ramp during a summer downpour, dropping the highway number to 27. Every Active tows up to 5,000 pounds with the standard Class III Trailer Tow Package, plenty for a bass boat down to Lake Parker on a Saturday morning.
Safety that doesn't wait for the options list
Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ is standard on the Active, not an upsell, and it includes adaptive cruise control along with the broader Co-Pilot360 suite of lane-keeping and collision-mitigation features. Paired with the Explorer's 2026 IIHS Top Safety Pick award and 5-star NHTSA overall rating, it's a strong safety case for a trim that starts well under $41,000. The step up to ST-Line brings Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 with a 360-degree camera, worth a look if a full-surround parking view matters more than a few thousand dollars.
What Explorer buyers say about buying here
Lakeland Ford's sales team shows up by name in its reviews, and Explorer buyers are no exception. "Very thankful for Richard Berndt for his care and excellent service!" wrote a recent buyer identified as K M N. Laura Alderman, who drove home in a 2025 Explorer, gave "a big shoutout to Richard and Clayton for all the help... it was a dream car of mine and they made it happen. I would highly recommend Richard and Clayton for a smooth process." Richard Berndt is a current Ford Sales Specialist on the Lakeland Ford team. The dealership has also earned Ford's President's Award for customer satisfaction six years running, most recently in 2025, the kind of recognition that tracks the whole ownership experience, not just the day you sign.
Frequently asked questions
What comes standard on the 2026 Explorer Active?
Heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, active noise cancellation, a power liftgate, the 2.3-liter 300-hp EcoBoost engine, a 13.2-inch touchscreen with wireless CarPlay/Android Auto, and the full Co-Pilot360 Assist+ driver-assist suite. It's a well-equipped starting point, not a stripped one.
Is the Explorer Active the same as the Active 100A?
No. The Active 100A is a lower-cost order code some national pricing charts lead with; it swaps in a vinyl-wrapped steering wheel with no heat, a 6-way manual-assist driver's seat instead of 10-way power, and drops the roof rack rails and active noise cancellation. The regular Active covered here, sometimes labeled 200A, is the trim most retail buyers configure and the one Lakeland Ford stocks.
Should I get all-wheel drive on the Active?
For most Lakeland driving, rear-wheel drive is plenty, Central Florida rarely sees the traction conditions that make AWD essential. It's worth the $2,000 step up if you're regularly driving to wetter or hillier terrain outside the region, or simply want the extra margin during a heavy summer storm.
How much can the Explorer Active tow?
Up to 5,000 pounds with the standard Class III Trailer Tow Package, the same maximum as every other 2026 Explorer trim regardless of engine. That covers most boats, small campers, and utility trailers common around Polk County's lakes.
Start with the value leader
The Active proves you don't have to spend into ST-Line or Platinum territory to get a genuinely well-equipped Explorer. Current Active inventory is posted live, and the West Memorial Boulevard showroom is a short trip off I-4 for anyone weighing the Active against the sportier ST-Line.
MSRP figures exclude the $1,695 destination charge, taxes, title, registration, and options; the dealer sets the actual selling price. Fuel-economy figures are EPA estimates; real-world mileage varies. Equipment and availability can change with configuration and production timing; confirm current specs with Lakeland Ford. Customer quotes are excerpts from public Google reviews of Lakeland Ford.
