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2026 Ford Explorer at Bell Ford in Arlington, Wisconsin
TIME Dealer of the YearTIME Dealer of the Year

2026 Ford Explorer Arlington, Wisconsin

Three rows of capability, up to 385 horsepower, and available Intelligent 4WD—built for Wisconsin families who refuse to compromise. Explore the lineup at South-Central Wisconsin’s award-winning Ford dealer.

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Up to 385 HP
3.0L EcoBoost V6
3-Row
Seats Up to 7
5,000 lbs
Towing Capacity
6 Trims
Find Your Explorer
Find Your Perfect Fit

2026 Ford Explorer Trim Levels & Packages

The 2026 Explorer lineup offers six distinct configurations—from the value-packed Active 100A to the 385-horsepower ST. Whether you’re commuting from Madison, hauling gear to Devils Lake, or navigating Wisconsin winters, there’s an Explorer built for the way you drive.

2026 Ford Explorer Active 100A
Active 100A
2.3L EcoBoost • 300 HP • RWD / Avail. 4WD

The smart entry point into the Explorer lineup. You get Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+, a 13.2” touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay, and seating for seven—all at the most accessible price in the range. A solid choice for Wisconsin families who want capability without overextending.

  • Co-Pilot360 Assist+
  • 13.2” Touchscreen
  • 5,000 lb Towing
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Popular2026 Ford Explorer Active
Active
2.3L EcoBoost • 300 HP • RWD / Avail. 4WD

The sweet spot in the lineup. Everything from the 100A plus heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, power liftgate, and active noise cancellation. For Madison-area commuters and families who want everyday comfort without stepping into premium pricing, the Active delivers.

  • Heated Seats & Wheel
  • Power Liftgate
  • Noise Cancellation
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2026 Ford Explorer ST-Line
ST-Line
2.3L EcoBoost • 300 HP • RWD / Avail. 4WD

Sport-inspired design with the efficiency of the 2.3L turbo-four. You get 20” Ebony-painted wheels, black exterior accents, a 360-degree camera, and the B&O 10-speaker sound system with red-stitched cloth seats. The look and feel of performance without the V6 fuel bill—great for style-conscious drivers in South-Central Wisconsin.

  • 20” Sport Wheels
  • 360° Camera
  • B&O Sound System
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New for 20262026 Ford Explorer Tremor off-road SUV
Tremor
2.3L EcoBoost • Avail. 3.0L V6 • Standard 4WD

New for 2026 and built for the road less traveled. The Tremor comes standard with Intelligent 4WD, 8.7” ground clearance, all-terrain tires, a Torsen limited-slip rear diff, and underbody skid plates. Upgrade to the 3.0L V6 for 385 HP. Perfect for weekend trips to Devils Lake, Castle Rock, and beyond.

  • Standard 4WD
  • 8.7” Ground Clearance
  • Skid Plates & LSD
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Luxury2026 Ford Explorer Platinum luxury SUV
Platinum
2.3L EcoBoost • 300 HP • RWD / Avail. 4WD

The luxury flagship. Heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats with leather inserts, a 14-speaker B&O sound system, ambient lighting, and BlueCruise hands-free highway driving included. Available panoramic glass roof for those scenic Wisconsin drives. Refined comfort for every mile.

  • Massaging Seats
  • BlueCruise Included
  • 14-Speaker B&O
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Performance2026 Ford Explorer ST performance SUV
ST
3.0L Twin-Turbo V6 • 385 HP • RWD / Avail. 4WD

The fastest Explorer ever. The 3.0L twin-turbo V6 delivers 385 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque through a sport-tuned suspension with performance brakes and red calipers. 21” Magnetite wheels and quad exhaust round out the aggressive look. BlueCruise comes standard—performance and practicality in one three-row package.

  • 385 HP Twin-Turbo V6
  • Sport Suspension
  • 21” Magnetite Wheels
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All 2026 Explorer trims include 5,000 lb towing capacity, a 10-speed automatic transmission, and Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ as standard. Intelligent 4WD available on all models (standard on Tremor). Browse all Explorers in stock at Bell Ford →

Family-Owned Since 1931

Why Buy Your Explorer at Bell Ford

Buying a vehicle is a big decision. At Bell Ford in Arlington, Wisconsin, we’ve earned the trust of South-Central Wisconsin families for over 90 years—and we back that trust with award-winning service, expert technicians, and transparent pricing.

2026 TIME Dealer of the Year

Owner Nolan Campbell was named the 2026 Wisconsin TIME Dealer of the Year—one of the most prestigious recognitions in the automotive industry. This award reflects our commitment to customer experience, community involvement, and operational excellence. When you buy from Bell Ford, you’re buying from the best.

Trusted Since 1931

Bell Ford has been serving Arlington, Madison, Portage, Wisconsin Dells, and the surrounding communities for over nine decades. We’re not a corporate mega-dealer—we’re your neighbors. That family approach means we treat every customer with the care and respect they deserve, whether it’s your first Explorer or your fifth.

The Bell Ford Advantage
5 Ford Senior Master TechniciansTop 1% nationwide. Your Explorer is serviced by the most qualified hands in the business.
Expert Explorer KnowledgeOur team knows the Explorer lineup inside and out—trims, packages, and Wisconsin-specific configurations.
Transparent PricingNo hidden fees, no games. We believe in honest, upfront pricing you can trust.
Factory-Trained & Genuine PartsEvery service uses genuine Ford parts installed by factory-trained technicians. No shortcuts.
Easy Access from MadisonJust 25 minutes north of Madison off Hwy 51. Serving DeForest, Columbus, Beaver Dam, Portage & beyond.
Flexible Financing OptionsCompetitive rates, quick pre-approval, and trade-in assistance to fit your budget.
Local Family OwnershipThe Campbell family lives and works in this community. Your satisfaction is personal to us.

Ready to Find Your 2026 Explorer?

Our team is here to help you find the right trim, the right features, and the right price. No pressure—just honest guidance.

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Capability Meets Technology

2026 Ford Explorer Features & Specifications

The 2026 Explorer delivers the power, technology, and safety features that Wisconsin families need—from a 300-horsepower standard engine to available BlueCruise hands-free highway driving. Here’s what’s under the hood and inside the cabin.

Powertrain & Performance

2.3L EcoBoost I-4
300 HP / 310 lb-ft
Standard on most trims
3.0L Twin-Turbo V6
385 HP / 415 lb-ft
Standard on ST, avail. Tremor
10-Speed Automatic
Smooth, responsive shifting across all trims
Intelligent 4WD
Available on all trims, standard on Tremor
6 Selectable Drive Modes
Normal, Eco, Sport, Tow/Haul, Slippery, Trail/Off-Road
Up to 29 MPG Hwy
2.3L with RWD
EPA estimated

Towing & Capability

5,000 lbs Max Towing
Standard Class III Tow Package on all trims
Trailer Sway Control
Works with AdvanceTrac & Roll Stability Control
3-Row Seating for 7
Available PowerFold 3rd-row seats on select trims
85.8 cu ft Cargo
With 2nd and 3rd rows folded
Side-Wind Stabilization
Standard on all models for windy highway driving
BLIS with Trailer Coverage
Blind spot monitoring extends to your trailer

Technology & Connectivity

13.2” Center Touchscreen
Ford Digital Experience with Google Built-In
12.3” Digital Cluster
Customizable instrument display, standard on all trims
Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
Standard on every Explorer
BlueCruise Hands-Free Driving
Available on ST-Line+, standard on Platinum & ST
Ford Connectivity Package
Unlimited Wi-Fi, streaming, Google Maps, gaming
B&O Sound System
Up to 14 speakers with subwoofer (Platinum)

Safety & Driver Assistance

Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+
Standard on every 2026 Explorer
Adaptive Cruise Control
With Stop-and-Go & Lane Centering
Lane-Keeping System
Alerts and assists if you drift from your lane
BLIS & Cross-Traffic Alert
Monitors blind spots and traffic behind you
Pre-Collision Assist
With Automatic Emergency Braking & Pedestrian Detection
360-Degree Camera
Available on ST-Line and above

Built for Wisconsin Driving

From January snow squalls to summer boat launches on Castle Rock Lake, the 2026 Explorer is equipped for every season in South-Central Wisconsin.

Winter Ready

Available Intelligent 4WD, heated front seats and steering wheel, and selectable Slippery drive mode help you handle Wisconsin winters with confidence. The Tremor adds all-terrain tires and extra ground clearance.

Family Adventures

Three-row seating for up to seven, 85.8 cu ft of cargo space, and 5,000 lbs of towing. Load up the family, hitch the boat, and head to Devils Lake, Door County, or the Wisconsin Dells for the weekend.

Madison Commuter Friendly

Up to 29 MPG highway with the 2.3L EcoBoost makes the Explorer an efficient daily driver for the Madison commute. BlueCruise hands-free driving takes the stress out of I-90/94 highway stretches.

How the Explorer Compares

The 2026 Ford Explorer stands out against the competition. Compared to the Honda Pilot, the Explorer offers more powerful engine options—including the 385 HP twin-turbo V6 that no Pilot can match. Against the Toyota Highlander, the Explorer delivers superior towing capacity and Ford’s Google Built-In tech platform. And versus the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Explorer provides genuine three-row seating, more cargo space, and competitive pricing—all backed by Bell Ford’s 5 Senior Master Technicians and TIME Dealer of the Year service.

Make It Yours

Explorer Financing at Bell Ford

Getting behind the wheel of a 2026 Explorer should be exciting—not stressful. Our finance team works with multiple lenders to find the right rate and terms for your situation, whether you’re buying or leasing.

Competitive Rates

We work with a network of lenders to secure the most competitive financing rates available for your Explorer purchase.

Quick Pre-Approval

Get pre-approved online before you visit. Know your budget, shop with confidence, and speed up the buying process.

Trade-In Assistance

Get a fair, transparent value for your current vehicle. We make the trade-in process simple and put that equity toward your Explorer.

Flexible Terms

Buy or lease with terms that fit your lifestyle. Our finance manager Mike Adkins will walk you through every option.

Start Your Explorer Journey Today

Apply online in minutes or give us a call. Our finance team serves buyers from Madison, Portage, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin Dells, and throughout Columbia County—and we’ll work to get you the best deal possible.

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Your Questions Answered

2026 Ford Explorer — Frequently Asked Questions

Everything Wisconsin shoppers want to know about the 2026 Ford Explorer—from towing and trim levels to winter capability and how it compares to the competition.

Q How much can the 2026 Ford Explorer tow?
Every 2026 Explorer comes standard with a Class III Tow Package and a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs, regardless of trim level. That’s enough for a mid-size boat, camper, ATV trailer, or utility trailer—ideal for weekend trips to Castle Rock Lake, the Wisconsin River, or camping at Devils Lake State Park.
Q What trim levels are available on the 2026 Explorer?
The 2026 Explorer offers six trim levels: Active 100A, Active, ST-Line, Tremor, Platinum, and ST. They range from the value-focused Active 100A starting around $38,465 to the performance-oriented ST with its 385-horsepower twin-turbo V6. Bell Ford typically stocks multiple trims so you can compare in person.
Q How does the Explorer handle Wisconsin winter conditions?
Extremely well. Intelligent 4WD is available on every trim and standard on the Tremor. All Explorers include a Slippery drive mode designed for snow and ice, plus standard safety features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. Add heated front seats (standard on Active and above) and a heated steering wheel, and you’re set for even the toughest Wisconsin winters.
Q How does the Explorer compare to the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander?
The Explorer holds strong advantages in several areas. It offers more powerful engine options than both the Pilot and Highlander—especially the 385 HP twin-turbo V6, which neither competitor can match. The Explorer also provides superior towing capacity at 5,000 lbs (vs. the Pilot’s 5,000 and Highlander’s 5,000), Ford’s Google Built-In tech platform, and the new off-road-capable Tremor trim that neither rival offers.
Q What’s the difference between the Explorer ST and the Tremor?
They serve different purposes. The ST is the performance trim—385 HP standard, sport-tuned suspension, performance brakes with red calipers, and 21” wheels. It’s built for on-road thrills. The Tremor is the off-road trim—standard 4WD, 8.7” ground clearance, all-terrain tires, skid plates, and a Torsen limited-slip differential. It’s built for trails, gravel roads, and Wisconsin terrain. The Tremor can also be upgraded to the 3.0L V6.
Q Does Bell Ford offer Explorer test drives?
Absolutely. We encourage it. Bell Ford keeps multiple Explorer trims in stock at our Arlington, Wisconsin dealership so you can compare them side by side. Walk in anytime during business hours or schedule your test drive online to ensure the specific trim you want is ready when you arrive. We’re just 25 minutes north of Madison.
Q What technology features does the 2026 Explorer have?
Every 2026 Explorer includes a 13.2” center touchscreen with Ford’s Digital Experience powered by Google Built-In, a 12.3” digital instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the Ford Connectivity Package with unlimited Wi-Fi. Higher trims add BlueCruise hands-free highway driving and the B&O Sound System with up to 14 speakers.
Q What safety features come standard on the Explorer?
Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ is standard on every 2026 Explorer, which includes adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane-keeping system, pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, blind spot information system (BLIS) with cross-traffic alert, and emergency steering assist. Higher trims add a 360-degree camera and BlueCruise.
Q Can the Explorer handle Wisconsin boat launches and outdoor adventures?
It’s built for exactly that. With 5,000 lbs of towing, trailer sway control, and BLIS with trailer coverage, the Explorer can confidently tow your boat to the Wisconsin River, Castle Rock Lake, or Lake Wisconsin. The Tremor trim takes it further with all-terrain tires, extra ground clearance, and skid plates for rougher launch access roads.
Q Where is Bell Ford located and what areas do you serve?
Bell Ford is located at 220 S Main St in Arlington, Wisconsin—just 25 minutes north of Madison on Hwy 51. We serve customers throughout South-Central Wisconsin, including Madison, DeForest, Portage, Columbus, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin Dells, and all of Columbia County. Our 2026 TIME Dealer of the Year recognition makes the short drive well worth it.
Q What is the Explorer Tremor package?
The Tremor is a full trim level new for 2026—not just a package. It replaces the previous Timberline and is the most off-road-capable Explorer ever built. Standard features include Intelligent 4WD, 8.7” ground clearance (1 inch more than standard), 18” wheels with all-terrain tires, a Torsen limited-slip rear axle, underbody skid plates, off-road tuned suspension, and unique orange accent styling. The 3.0L V6 is available as an upgrade.
Q Does Bell Ford service Explorers after purchase?
Yes—and this is a major advantage of buying from Bell Ford. Our service department has 17 factory-trained technicians, including 5 Ford Senior Master Technicians (top 1% nationwide). We use genuine Ford parts, offer competitive service pricing, and provide the kind of personal attention a corporate mega-dealer simply can’t match. Your Explorer stays in expert hands for its entire life.
Q What financing options are available for the Explorer?
Bell Ford works with multiple lenders to offer competitive rates on both purchase and lease options. Our finance manager Mike Adkins specializes in finding the right terms for your budget. You can apply for pre-approval online, use our payment calculator, or visit us in person to discuss your options. We also offer trade-in assistance to maximize your equity.
Q How much cargo space does the 2026 Explorer have?
The 2026 Explorer offers up to 85.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the second and third rows folded. Behind the third row, you get 16.3 cu ft—enough for groceries and daily gear. Behind the second row, that expands to 46 cu ft. Select trims include PowerFold third-row seats for one-touch convenience. It’s spacious enough for family road trips to Door County or hauling sports equipment to weekend tournaments.
Q Can I order a custom Explorer through Bell Ford?
Yes. If you have a specific trim, color, and options combination in mind, Bell Ford can place a factory order directly with Ford to build your Explorer exactly the way you want it. This is a great option for customers who want a particular configuration that isn’t currently in stock. Talk to our sales team to get started—they’ll walk you through the process and provide a timeline.
Q What warranty coverage comes with a new 2026 Explorer?
Every new Explorer includes Ford’s 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Roadside assistance is included for 5 years/60,000 miles. Ford Protect extended service plans are also available through Bell Ford for additional coverage and peace of mind beyond the factory warranty period.
Q Is the Explorer available with captain’s chairs or a bench seat?
Most 2026 Explorer trims come standard with second-row captain’s chairs, which provide easier third-row access and a more premium feel. The ST trim now offers an available second-row bench seat that increases maximum seating to seven passengers. The Tremor seats six with captain’s chairs standard. All trims include a third-row seat.
Q What’s the fuel economy on the 2026 Explorer?
With the 2.3L EcoBoost and rear-wheel drive, the Explorer achieves an EPA-estimated 20 city / 29 highway / 24 combined MPG. With Intelligent 4WD, that adjusts to 20/27/23 MPG. The 3.0L twin-turbo V6 (ST and available on Tremor) returns 18/25/21 MPG with RWD. For Madison commuters, the 2.3L offers a strong balance of power and efficiency for daily driving on Hwy 51 and I-90/94.
Q What is BlueCruise and which Explorer trims have it?
BlueCruise is Ford’s hands-free highway driving system. It uses cameras and sensors to handle steering, braking, and acceleration on pre-qualified highway stretches called Blue Zones—so you can drive with your hands off the wheel while keeping your eyes on the road. For 2026, it now includes Automatic Lane Change capability. BlueCruise is standard on the Platinum and ST, and optional on the ST-Line and Tremor.
Q Why should I choose Bell Ford for my Explorer purchase?
Bell Ford isn’t just another dealership—we’re a family-owned Ford dealer that’s been serving Wisconsin since 1931. Owner Nolan Campbell was named the 2026 Wisconsin TIME Dealer of the Year. Our service department has 5 Ford Senior Master Technicians (top 1% nationwide). We offer transparent pricing, no-pressure sales, flexible financing, and the kind of personal attention you won’t find at a volume dealer. We’re 25 minutes from Madison and worth the drive.

Still have questions? Our team is happy to help. Give us a call or stop by the dealership—we’re always here to talk Explorer.

Contact Us Call (608) 635-4383
Your Next Step

Ready to Experience the 2026 Ford Explorer?

Bell Ford has served Wisconsin families since 1931. As the 2026 TIME Dealer of the Year, we’re committed to making your Explorer purchase easy, transparent, and enjoyable. Stop by, call, or start online—however works best for you.

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220 S Main St
Arlington, WI 53911

25 minutes north of Madison on Hwy 51

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Sales: (608) 635-4383

Service: (608) 635-4383

Parts: (608) 635-4383

Sales Hours

Mon – Fri: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Saturday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Sunday: Closed