2026 Explorer ST

400 horsepower, seven seats, no compromise

The ST is the trim that answers the question every three-row buyer eventually asks: does it have to feel slow to be practical? The 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 makes 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft standard, no options list required, and it's paired with a sport-tuned suspension and genuinely upgraded stopping power, 21-inch Magnetite-painted wheels wrapped around performance brakes with red-painted calipers. A quad-tipped exhaust and Explorer hood badging mark it visually, while inside, red accent stitching and Ambient Lighting carry the theme through without tipping into gimmick territory. Heated AND ventilated front seats come standard, a comfort feature the performance trim doesn't skip even with the sportier focus.

Ford didn't sacrifice the family-hauler basics to get there, either: PowerFold third-row seats and BlueCruise hands-free highway driving both come equipped standard on ST, same as Platinum, and the Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 suite with its 360-degree camera carries over from the ST-Line and Tremor. Even with the power bump, EPA estimates hold at 18 city / 25 highway with rear-wheel drive, and every drop is regular gasoline, not premium, a real advantage over performance-oriented competitors that demand the pricier fill-up.

Where the ST fits for a Lakeland buyer

Merging onto I-4 from a dead stop, or passing a slow-moving convoy on the Polk Parkway during snowbird season, is where the ST's extra 100 horsepower over the four-cylinder trims actually shows up day to day, not just on a spec sheet. The 5,000-pound tow rating matches every other Explorer trim, so the ST isn't a stronger tow vehicle than the Active, the extra power goes toward acceleration and highway passing rather than trailer capacity. Buyers deciding between the ST and the Tremor's V6-equipped Ultimate package should note the difference in mission: ST is tuned for pavement performance with its sport suspension and street tires, while the Tremor keeps its off-road hardware even with the V6 added.

What buyers say about the dealership

A purchase at ST money deserves a sales process that matches the price, and Lakeland Ford's reviews consistently back that up. "Everyone I met at this dealership was very friendly and helpful... I'm very satisfied with the new Explorer that I've purchased," wrote Yana Y. after a recent buy. Another 2026 buyer, Denisse De Jesus, credited Ford Sales Specialist Natalie Uria by name for "Excellent Service and Amazing Service." The dealership's Ford President's Award for customer satisfaction, six years running through 2025, is exactly the kind of independent recognition worth weighing against a purchase in the mid-$50,000s.

Frequently asked questions

How much faster is the ST than the base Explorer?

The ST's 3.0-liter V6 makes 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft, a substantial jump over the 300-hp/310 lb-ft 2.3-liter four in Active, ST-Line, and Platinum. Most published figures put the ST's 0-60 sprint in the low-5-second range, meaningfully quicker than the four-cylinder trims.

Does the ST tow more than other Explorer trims?

No. Every 2026 Explorer trim, including the ST, maxes out at 5,000 pounds. The V6's extra power goes to acceleration and passing power, not additional trailer capacity.

Is the ST's fuel economy much worse than the four-cylinder trims?

It drops to an EPA-estimated 18 city / 25 highway with rear-wheel drive versus 20/29 for the 2.3-liter trims, a real but not drastic difference given the power gained. Both run on regular gasoline.

Is the ST worth it over the Platinum?

It depends on priorities: ST trades Platinum's massaging ventilated seats and slightly higher passenger comfort focus for a sportier suspension, bigger brakes, and the same standard V6. Both share PowerFold third-row seats and standard BlueCruise; the real decision is comfort-tuning versus performance-tuning.

Feel the difference in person

Numbers on a page don't convey what 400 horsepower feels like merging onto I-4; a test drive does. Current ST inventory is posted on the Lakeland Ford site, and the West Memorial Boulevard team can set up a back-to-back drive against the ST-Line or Platinum to feel the gap directly.