MotorTrend: 2026 Explorer Tremor Delivers The Right Amount Of Toughness 

The initial SUV boom in the late 80s and early 90s was built on off-road imagery and capability, and no model rode this wave higher than the original Ford Explorer, which quickly became the best-selling SUV on the market. After a decade or so, consumer preference shifted away from outright off-road chops towards the car-like civility and drivability of a crossover.  

Now that crossovers are everywhere and fully domesticated as family transportation, manufacturers are providing special trim levels that bring back some of that off-road imagery – and perhaps a bit of actual off-road ability, too. Ford’s Explorer Tremor model is a perfect example, and MotorTrend recently reviewed it to see if it’s the real deal. Stivers Ford of South Fayetteville tells you what editors had to say. 

The Explorer already had a leg up on its crossover competition because the current iteration has a rear-wheel drive architecture, where the engine is positioned longitudinally in the chassis. This arrangement allows Explorer to have a minimal front overhang – important when considering approach angles when traversing over rugged terrain.

The Tremor name has also already been established by Ford as the second most off-road capable trim for its trucks, behind Raptor. On Explorer, the Tremor treatment includes a one-inch increase in ground clearance to 8.7 inches, revised front and rear bumpers to increase approach and departure angles skid plates protecting the front end, engine, and fuel tank, a rear Torsen limited-slip diferential, Bridgestone Dueler AT all-terrain tires, some aesthetic detailing, and, of course, standard all-wheel drive.   

The Tremor is available with both the 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged inline-4, though MotorTrend tested the model with the optional 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6, which produces 385 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque.  

MotorTrend found that while “the Explorer Tremor isn’t going to follow a Bronco too deep into the woods,” it can still take you down a rough dirt road and bring you back, even if it rained heavily in between. The redesigned bumper and skid plates give you confidence when the trail is littered with stones and branches.  

On paved roads, the all-terrain tires make the biggest difference compared with other Explorers. The chunky treads can’t help but make more noise on the highway, and both lateral grip and braking are slightly down compared with non-Tremor Explorers, though MotorTrend did appreciate the brake pedal feel. Still, editors note that “…the Explorer handles nicely for a moderately large SUV thanks to good tuning and a nearly ideal 52/48 percent front/rear weight balance, and the Tremor package does almost nothing to alter the Explorer’s baseline pavement personality.” 

The Tremor has a starting MSRP of $51,455. In order to opt for the V-6, though, buyers must also add the $11,850 Tremor Ultimate Package.  It is a big jump but is mitigated by the fact that the package includes some desirable things such as the 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, panoramic sunroof, power-folding for the 3rd row seats, massaging for the front seats, and the BlueCruise 1.5 highway hands-free driving system, among other conveniences.  All very nice, but going with the 300-horsepower 2.3-liter EcoBoost will keep the price in the 50s, while some of the above-mentioned features can be found as individual options.  

If you haven’t made off-roading your full-time lifestyle, but have some places far off the pavement you would like to go, the Explorer Tremor is likely to have all the capability. You need.  Visit  Stivers Ford of South Fayetteville where you can find plenty of Explorer Tremors in our impressively large inventory.