Ford loves to make special trims that do special things, and the Tremor trim has been proliferating across the automaker’s showroom to represent off-road-capable models in its truck and SUV lineup for a few years now. For 2026, a Tremor version of the redesigned Explorer joins the lineup, arriving with a host of upgrades to make it genuinely off-road capable and replacing the discontinued Explorer Timberline. But what does a Tremorified Explorer look like, and what equipment does it have to keep you moving through the bush?
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The Beefier Bits
Unlike many automakers’ off-road trims that are little more than a wheel-and-tire package, the Explorer Tremor makes some meaningful changes under the skin to allow for safely venturing into the wilderness and making it back in one piece. This includes a 1-inch lift, off-road-tuned suspension, unique springs and sway bars, two underbody skid plates, and modified front and rear bumpers that improve the approach and departure angles. The wheels are black 18-inch painted units with 31-inch all-terrain tires. A Torsen limited-slip differential is fitted for improved off-road traction, as well.
Power comes from either a standard 300-horsepower, turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine or an optional 400-hp, turbo 3.0-liter V-6 out of the high-performance Explorer ST. Lighting the way are standard high-intensity LED off-road lights, and helping get you out of bad decisions are some visible recovery tow hooks painted in the signature Tremor “electric spice.”
Special Looks, Plenty of Tech
The 2026 Explorer Tremor gets a unique interior with embroidered Tremor logo seats, faux-suede upholstery, rubber floormats and unique gold stitching throughout, just like in other Tremors in the Ford showroom. It’s also packed with tech that Ford introduced for the 2025 Explorer, such as BlueCruise 1.5, the latest version of Ford’s hands-free highway cruise control with automatic lane change functions. It also features the latest Ford Digital Experience multimedia system, which uses a Google-based operating software that integrates a number of Google functions into the vehicle itself. Other standard features include Copilot 360 Assist 2.0, which includes a 360-degree camera system, useful for trail driving or reversing in a crowded shopping mall parking lot, while available options include massaging front seats and an upgraded 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system.
Release Date and Pricing
The new 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor is on sale now, with deliveries expected in late 2025. Pricing is not yet available at the time of writing, but presumably it will be up on the Ford website when ordering opens. If you’re looking for a replacement for the also-capable Explorer Timberline, the new Tremor looks to fit that bill precisely. And with its genuine upgrades, it should allow for increased capability (and more importantly, survivability) when out driving two-tracks and scrubland with a family, tent and proper overlanding gear.
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