When Ford launched an all-new version of the Explorer last year it sharply reduced the number of trim packages available, among other things, culling the rugged Timberline edition. The good number for off-roaders is that there’s a new Explorer Tremor coming to replace it for the 2026 model year. Headlight.News takes a closer look.
The Ford Explorer family gets a new member for 2026, the Tremor.
When it comes to trucks, Ford has long had a knack for parsing the market, coming up with an assortment of distinctive trim packages for seemingly every need. But it came as a surprise, when the Blue Oval launched an all-new version of the long-popular Explorer for 2025 that it culled fully half of the eight packages previously offered.
That included the off-road-ready Timberline package, leaving Explorer fans wondering what options they had should they want to head out on the trails. The good news for them is that they won’t have to wait long for a new –and, Ford will tell you – improved alternative.
We’ve already seen the automaker roll out an assortment of Tremor packages for the F-150, Ranger and, earlier this year, the big Expedition. For 2026, it will add an Expedition Tremor, as well.
What’s new
Tremor delivers a number of features for off-roaders, including an extra inch of ground clearance.
The 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor is designed for “adventure-seeking families that need a rugged, three row midsize SUV.” According to the Blue Oval brand.
“Our goal was to create an Explorer that could confidently tackle challenging terrain while maintaining the comfort and on-road manners that our customers expect,” Brian Naspinsky, Explorer Vehicle Engineering Manager.
Among other things, the package gets an upgraded suspension, improved ground clearance and tweaks to the front and rear ends yielding improved approach and departure angles. There are all-terrain tires and a number of other upgrades you’d expect for an off-road package.
Trail-ready
The Explorer Tremor package adds a number of useful features, including new skidplates.
Even before COVID struck, automakers began noticing a sharp increasing in demand for off-road capable vehicles. The pandemic took that to a new level, many folks turning to nature to get away during early lockdowns.
“Today, people are prioritizing experiences, especially those that involve spending time outdoors.” said Matthew Duffield, Explorer Brand Manager. “Our goal was to deliver a vehicle that best matched their lifestyle.”
Today, virtually every automaker has a few ruggedized products, marques like Honda and Subaru even launching off-road focused sub-brands. That’s what Timberline was supposed to be. It didn’t quite connect, and Ford has switched to using Tremor.
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New 18-inch all-terrain tires.
Raptor-light
Think of it as “Raptor-light,” not quite as extreme – or expensive — as the Raptor and Raptor-R packages on Ford models like the F-150. It still has plenty of features to help attack all but the toughest off-road situations.
There’s that 1-inch higher ground clearance, for one thing, and new skid plates, new 18-inch all-terrain tires, new high-intensity LED off-road lights, tow hooks and other desirable features when out on a trail. And Tremor buyers will have a choice of two EcoBoost engines delivering as much as 400 horsepower.
To complete the package, Explorer Tremor picks up on the “electric spice” accents used on other Tremor models.
Tremor offers buyers a choice of two powertrain options.
Powertrain
The 2026 Explorer Tremor will be offered with two powertrain options:
- Standard fare is a 2.3-liter turbo-four EcoBoost engine making 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque;
- The upgrade is a twin-turbo EcoBoost V-6 producing 400 hp and 415 lb-ft. This is the same engine found in the Bronco Raptor and Ranger Raptor.
Both engines are paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission and send power to all four wheels. A rear Torsen differential can divert up to 75% of torque to either the left or right wheel.
While not quite a match for the top-line Platinum package, Tremor is a well-equipped version of the Explorer.
Technology
The 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor brings in an extensive array of comfort and technology features, even though it’s not the top-trim Platinum package.
That includes front heated, ventilated and massaging seats.
There’s a 14-speaker B&O audio package, a WiFi hotspot and Google built-in, which includes both a voice assistant and actively updated Google Maps.
Tremor gets the Ford CoPilot 360 and BlueCruise 1.5 driving assistance systems, along with a number of collision avoidance technologies.
Pricing and availability
Ford will release pricing later, though it did begin taking advance orders on June 24.
The 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor “will begin to arrive” in U.S. dealer showrooms in late 2025, the automaker said in a news release.
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