Ford Explorer for Sale in Sarasota, FL
Families across Southwest Florida have trusted the Ford Explorer to haul kids, gear, and everything in between for three decades, and Sarasota Ford carries one of the region's deepest 2026 Explorer selections to prove it. From the value-minded Active to the twin-turbo V6 ST, our 2026 Ford Explorer specs and trim guide lays out every configuration so you can narrow the field before you ever step foot on the lot.
Every Explorer we sell is a genuine Ford, built on a platform the nameplate has refined since 1991, and backed by full factory warranty coverage rather than a stripped-down substitute. If a new build isn't the right fit for your budget today, our pre-owned Explorer inventory gives you the same three-row versatility for considerably less.
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Why Choose a Ford Explorer for Sale in Sarasota?
The Explorer helped invent the modern three-row SUV, and the 2026 lineup keeps that formula relevant with a genuinely efficient turbo four-cylinder, an available 400-horsepower V6, and a trim ladder that runs from a value-focused Active to an off-road-ready Tremor and a performance-tuned ST. Sarasota Ford stocks that full range, so you're comparing real Explorers side by side instead of settling for whichever configuration happens to be on the lot.
Starting MSRP
$40,260
2026 Explorer Active
A well-equipped three-row SUV at an accessible price
Max Towing
5,600
lbs., properly equipped
Room to tow a boat or small trailer
Seating
7
passengers across three rows
6-passenger captain's chair layout available
A Three-Row SUV Built Around Real Family Life
Few vehicles have to do as much as a family SUV, and the 2026 Explorer is built around that reality. A flexible three-row cabin seats up to seven with a bench second row or six with available captain's chairs, the third row offers legroom that actually fits teenagers rather than just toddlers, and cargo space expands from 18.2 cubic feet behind the third row to 87.8 cubic feet with both rear rows folded flat.
An Engine for Every Kind of Driver
The standard 2.3L EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder produces 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, giving the Active, ST-Line, Tremor, and standard Platinum genuinely responsive power without the fuel penalty of a larger engine. Buyers who want more can step up to the available 3.0L EcoBoost V6 on Platinum, or get it standard on the performance-focused ST, where it makes 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque.
For a full breakdown of real-world fuel economy by engine and drivetrain, our Explorer MPG and fuel efficiency guide covers every combination in the 2026 lineup.
Built for Florida Family Life
Sarasota families ask a lot of a family SUV: hauling three rows of passengers and beach gear to Siesta Key on a Saturday, running the kids to Orlando for a theme park weekend, and having enough cargo room and towing capacity to pull a small boat or jet ski trailer down to the Gulf without a second vehicle. The Explorer's available all-wheel drive also adds real traction during Florida's sudden summer downpours, when a wet intersection can catch an unprepared driver off guard.
For families who think about hurricane season, the Explorer's cargo capacity and towing capability make it a genuinely useful evacuation vehicle, with enough room for passengers, pets, and the essentials in a single trip.
Ford Explorer for Sale in Sarasota — Our Current Inventory
Sarasota Ford keeps one of the region's best-stocked Explorer lineups on the ground, with new builds available across every trim and a rotating selection of pre-owned and certified pre-owned options behind them. Whatever budget or configuration you're shopping for, we aim to have a real match on the lot or in transit rather than a single showroom example.
Our new Explorer inventory spans the full 2026 trim ladder: the value-focused Active, the sportier-styled ST-Line, the off-road-capable Tremor, the upscale Platinum, and the performance-tuned ST. Buyers who want the available V6 will find it standard on the ST and optional on Platinum, while every other trim delivers strong everyday performance from the standard turbocharged four-cylinder.
Our pre-owned Explorer inventory gives budget-conscious families a way into this SUV without new-vehicle pricing. Every used Explorer we sell goes through a multi-point inspection covering the engine, transmission, suspension, and brakes before it's listed, and our used SUV inventory includes certified pre-owned options with extended powertrain coverage for extra peace of mind.
Ready to see what's currently on the lot? Browse our inventory online anytime, or call 941-296-6907 to speak with a member of our sales team about what's available today.
2026 Ford Explorer Performance & Capability
Towing & Hauling
Properly equipped, the Explorer tows up to 5,600 lbs., giving Sarasota-area boat owners and weekend haulers real margin for a small boat, personal watercraft trailer, or camper.
Class III Trailer Hitch
Up to 87.8 Cu. Ft. Cargo
Available Trailer Tow Package
Off-Road Capability
The Tremor trim brings standard all-wheel drive, a 1-inch raised suspension, 18-inch all-terrain tires, and a limited-slip rear differential to the Explorer lineup, opening up soft sand and unpaved access roads a standard SUV would rather avoid.
Standard AWD
Raised Suspension
Steel Skid Plates
Efficient, Adaptable Power
The standard 2.3L EcoBoost turbo four delivers up to 29 mpg highway, while the available 3.0L EcoBoost V6 adds real muscle for towing and passing without giving up everyday drivability.
2.3L EcoBoost Standard
400-HP V6 Available
Selectable Drive Modes
2026 Explorer Engine Lineup — By the Numbers
| Engine | Horsepower / Torque | Available On | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 | 300 hp / 310 lb-ft | Standard on Active, ST-Line, Tremor, Platinum | Efficient daily driving with real turbo response |
| 3.0L EcoBoost V6 | 400 hp / 415 lb-ft | Available on Platinum; standard on ST | Stronger towing and passing power |
Ford Explorer for Sale Sarasota: Understanding Your Trim Options
Five trims and two engines mean there's rarely a single "right" Explorer — the right build depends on how much towing, off-road capability, and technology you actually need. Here's how the 2026 lineup breaks down.
Active vs. Tremor vs. ST — Which Trim Fits You?
| Trim | Starting MSRP* | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Active | $40,260 | Value-focused families who want a well-equipped base SUV |
| ST-Line | $46,950 | Sportier styling and technology without stepping up to the V6 |
| Tremor | $50,760 | Standard AWD and off-road hardware for sand and unpaved roads |
| Platinum | $52,760 | Premium materials and features, with the V6 available |
| ST | $56,700 | Performance-tuned handling and standard 400-hp V6 power |
Not sure which trim lines up with your budget and how your family uses the vehicle? Our sales team walks every buyer through the full lineup in person, or you can apply for financing online to see what payment fits before you visit. Call 941-296-6907 with any questions.
Wheel & Technology Packages
Standard & Street Packages
Active and ST-Line trims ride on 18- to 20-inch wheels with road-tuned suspension for a comfortable, quiet daily commute across Sarasota's paved roads.
Off-Road & Performance Packages
Tremor steps up to 18-inch all-terrain tires and a raised, off-road-tuned suspension, while the ST wears 21-inch wheels with a sport-tuned suspension and upgraded brakes for sharper on-road handling.
Tremor Off-Road Package
DrivetrainStandard all-wheel drive
DifferentialLimited-slip rear
Suspension1-inch raised, off-road-tuned
ST Performance Package
Engine3.0L EcoBoost V6
SuspensionSport-tuned
PositioningThe lineup's most performance-focused build
*Starting MSRP excludes destination fee, taxes, and options and is subject to change; confirm current pricing and available offers with our sales team.
Explorer Interior, Comfort & Technology
A three-row family SUV has to work as hard inside as it looks capable outside, and the 2026 Explorer pairs a genuinely spacious cabin with technology built to keep everyone connected on a long drive to Orlando or a quick run across town.
13.2-Inch SYNC 4 Touchscreen
A large, portrait-oriented touchscreen runs Ford's SYNC 4 system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard across every trim.
12.3-Inch Digital Instrument Cluster
A fully digital gauge cluster keeps trip data, navigation prompts, and driver-assistance alerts directly in view.
FordPass Connect Wi-Fi Hotspot
Built-in 4G LTE Wi-Fi covers up to 10 devices, keeping every row of passengers connected on longer family trips.
Factory Warranty Coverage
Every new Explorer carries Ford's 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty, 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain coverage, and 5-year/unlimited-mileage corrosion protection.
Three Rows That Actually Work for Real Families
The Explorer's second row is available with either a bench seat for seven passengers or captain's chairs for six, and the third row offers 32.2 inches of legroom and 37.9 inches of headroom, enough for teenagers rather than just car seats. Power-folding third-row seats and a hands-free liftgate make loading beach gear or luggage a one-person job.
For a closer look at seating configurations, materials, and cargo layouts across every trim, our complete Explorer interior guide covers the cabin in more depth.
Technology That Keeps Every Row Connected
Eight USB-C ports spread across all three rows keep everyone's devices charged, while an available Bang & Olufsen sound system with up to 14 speakers turns a road trip playlist into a genuine listening experience. Every Explorer also comes with Ford Co-Pilot360, a suite of driver-assistance features that includes pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, a lane-keeping system, and a rearview camera.
We verify every one of these systems before an Explorer leaves our lot, so the technology you saw in the brochure is exactly what you'll drive off with.
Why Buy Your Ford Explorer from Sarasota Ford?
Buying a family SUV is a bigger decision than picking a trim off a build sheet. Here's what sets Sarasota Ford apart as the place to buy your next Explorer.
Rigorous Quality Standards & Inspections
Every new Explorer we sell is inspected before delivery to confirm every system, from the third-row power folding seats to the driver-assistance technology, is functioning exactly as it should. Pre-owned and certified pre-owned Explorers go through an even deeper multi-point inspection covering the engine, suspension, brakes, and prior service history.
We provide documentation for every inspection, so you know exactly what you're buying before you sign anything.
Local Expertise & Ongoing Support
Our sales team lives with the same Sarasota traffic, beach trips, and hurricane-season concerns you do, and that shapes how we match buyers to trims, whether that means steering a growing family toward the Active's value or pointing a boat owner toward the Explorer's available towing package.
That relationship continues after you buy. Sarasota Ford's service department is staffed with factory-trained technicians using genuine Ford parts, keeping your Explorer running right for the life of your ownership.
Multi-Point Inspection
Every Explorer is checked and documented before it reaches our lot
Full transparency, no surprises
Factory-Trained Service
Genuine Ford parts and technicians trained specifically on Explorer platforms
Keeps your Explorer running right
Flexible Financing
Competitive rates and terms across a range of credit profiles
A payment that fits your budget
From manufacturer incentives to fair trade-in offers, our Finance Department works to make Explorer ownership accessible. When you're ready to see what your current vehicle is worth, our trade-in value tool gives you a fast starting estimate before you ever set foot on the lot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about buying a Ford Explorer in Sarasota? Here are answers to the ones we hear most often.
What Ford Explorer trims does Sarasota Ford currently have for sale?+
Our new Explorer inventory typically spans the full 2026 lineup, from the value-focused Active and sportier ST-Line through the off-road-capable Tremor, the upscale Platinum, and the performance-tuned ST. We also carry pre-owned and certified pre-owned Explorers across a range of budgets. Call 941-296-6907 to hear what's currently in stock.
How much does a new Ford Explorer cost in 2026?+
The 2026 Explorer starts at $40,260 for the Active trim and runs up to $56,700 for the performance-tuned ST, before destination fee, taxes, and options. The ST-Line ($46,950), Tremor ($50,760), and Platinum ($52,760) fall in between. Manufacturer incentives and current offers can affect your final price, so confirm up-to-date pricing with our sales team.
How much can the 2026 Ford Explorer tow?+
Properly equipped, the 2026 Explorer can tow up to 5,600 lbs., enough for a small boat, personal watercraft trailer, or light camper. Exact towing figures vary by trim, engine, and equipment package, so always check the tow rating on the specific vehicle's window sticker or build sheet.
Is the Ford Explorer available with all-wheel drive?+
Yes. All-wheel drive is available across the Active, ST-Line, Platinum, and ST trims, and it comes standard on the off-road-focused Tremor, which adds a raised suspension, all-terrain tires, and a limited-slip rear differential on top of that traction.
Does Sarasota Ford offer financing or trade-in options on an Explorer purchase?+
Yes. Our Finance Department works with a network of lenders to offer competitive rates across a range of credit profiles, and we accept trade-ins that can meaningfully reduce your financing need. You can apply for financing online before you visit, and our team can walk you through current manufacturer incentives when you arrive.
Find Your Ford Explorer at Sarasota Ford Today
Sarasota Ford is Southwest Florida's destination for families who want a three-row SUV built to handle everyday errands, road trips to Orlando, and everything in between. Whether you're outfitting a growing family, upgrading your daily driver, or finally getting the ST you've had your eye on, our Explorer lineup and team are ready to help.
Browse our current Explorer selection online to see photos, specs, and pricing on every trim. Our team can pre-select vehicles for you remotely, answer questions by phone or email, and have your Explorer ready for a test drive the moment you arrive.
Ready to see the difference for yourself? Contact our sales team online or call us directly. We offer flexible appointment times, including evenings and weekends, with honest guidance and no pressure.
Call 941-296-6907 or visit us at 707 South Washington Boulevard, Sarasota, FL 34236. Your next Explorer is waiting on our lot.
