A week of Tampa Bay driving can pile on miles quickly. This 2026 Ford Explorer Active RWD is EPA-estimated at 29 MPG highway, 20 MPG city and 24 MPG combined, a useful advantage when the routine stretches from Wesley Chapel through New Tampa and Land O Lakes, then back onto I-75 again. Ford pairs the 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 with a 10-speed automatic, giving this three-row SUV a straightforward powertrain for the pavement-heavy driving most families actually do.

The Class III Trailer Tow Package changes what happens when the workweek ends. Trailer Sway Control is already aboard, so a compatible small boat, utility trailer or recreational gear can follow when Saturday points toward Zephyrhills, Dade City or Brooksville. Six selectable drive modes let you adjust the Explorer's response as road and weather conditions change.

Vapor Blue gives this Active some personality without trying to make it look like an ST-Line. Silver-painted 18-inch aluminum wheels, black roof rails, rear privacy glass, LED lighting and the body-color rear spoiler keep the exterior clean and balanced. The power liftgate is far more important once groceries, luggage or sports equipment are involved, and heated power mirrors with approach lamps are useful when an early start happens before the Florida humidity clears. Parks Plus paint protection, rain-repellent treatment and headlight protection help defend the exterior against the sun, storms and highway exposure that come with year-round Tampa Bay driving.

Passenger count changes. Cargo needs change. This Explorer is ready for both.

The second row uses a split bench with E-Z Entry instead of captain's chairs, giving you more flexibility when another passenger needs a seat while still helping with third-row access. The third row folds 50/50, allowing part of the back to stay available for passengers while the other side handles cargo. Heated front seats, tri-zone electronic climate control and a power driver's seat cover the comfort side, while USB-C ports in every row and 12-volt powerpoints help keep everyone charged.

The dashboard handles technology without making the cabin feel like a computer lab. Ford Digital Experience runs through a 13.2-inch touchscreen with Google Maps and the Google Play Store, complemented by a 12.3-inch digital cluster. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available when you want to stay with your phone's familiar interface. A 5G modem supports Ford app capability and Wi-Fi hotspot functionality, and the one-year Ford Connectivity trial is included. SiriusXM with 360L gives you another option when the drive gets longer.

Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ is there for the less interesting parts of the trip: traffic building around New Tampa, sudden slowdowns on State Road 54 or the constant lane changes that come with a Tampa commute. The rear-view camera helps when backing into a tighter Wesley Chapel driveway or parking space, and Intelligent Access with push-button start keeps entry simple when your hands are already occupied.

This new Explorer also includes the Parks Ford Lifetime Powertrain Warranty from Parks Ford of Wesley Chapel.

Use all three rows tonight. Fold the third row tomorrow. Hook up the weekend gear on Saturday. Then settle back into a 29-MPG-highway Explorer for Monday morning. That ability to keep changing jobs is exactly where this Vapor Blue Active earns its place. Not all customers may qualify for all rebates. Price includes: $1000 - Retail Bonus Cash. Exp. 09/30/2026 $3000 - Retail Customer Cash. Exp. 09/30/2026 Price includes $1,395 dealer added accessories.