Families shopping from Brooksville down through Dade City, Zephyrhills, Wesley Chapel, Land O Lakes, and New Tampa often need the same thing from an SUV: enough room for people, enough flexibility for cargo, and enough comfort to handle a lot of miles without moving into a full size vehicle. This 2026 Ford Explorer Active in Carbonized Gray Metallic is built in that sweet spot, with three row seating, rear wheel drive, a 2.3L EcoBoost engine, and the Active Comfort Package.

One of the smartest details is the second row split bench with E-Z Entry. It gives you more passenger capacity than a two seat captain chair layout while still making the third row easier to reach. Behind it, the 50/50 fold flat third row lets you trade passenger room for cargo space when the day changes from school pickup to groceries, luggage, sports gear, or a weekend trip.

The Active Comfort Package adds remote start, a heated steering wheel, LED signature lighting, LED fog lamps, and an 8 way power front passenger seat. Heated front seats, a power driver seat, tri zone electronic climate control, USB-C ports in all rows, and a 12.3 inch digital cluster round out a cabin that works well for long drives between New Tampa and Brooksville or shorter runs around Wesley Chapel and Land O Lakes.

Every new vehicle at Parks Ford of Wesley Chapel includes our Lifetime Powertrain Warranty, adding long term ownership value from the day you take it home.

The 2.3L EcoBoost works with a 10 speed automatic and rear wheel drive. The EPA label rates this Explorer at 24 MPG combined, 20 city, and 29 highway. That highway number matters when your normal week includes I-75, State Road 54, trips through Zephyrhills or Dade City, and the longer drives that connect our Tampa Bay market.

Technology is handled through a 13.2 inch touchscreen with Ford Digital Experience, including Google Maps and Google Play Store integration. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 5G modem, Wi-Fi hotspot capability, SiriusXM with 360L, and the included one year Ford Connectivity trial keep navigation, entertainment, and supported connected features within easy reach. Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist Plus and the rear view camera add useful driver support when traffic gets heavier around New Tampa and Wesley Chapel.

There is also more utility here than many three row crossover shoppers expect. A Class III Trailer Tow Package and Trailer Sway Control are standard equipment, so a small recreational trailer, bikes, or weekend gear can come along without starting from scratch. The power liftgate makes loading easier, while black roof rails add another place to carry gear when the cabin is full.

Parks Plus ownership benefits can include paint and fabric protection, rain repellent, headlight protection, nitrogen tire service, Stolen Vehicle Assistance, and roadside assistance. On a Carbonized Gray SUV that may spend years outside in Florida heat, summer rain, and highway traffic, those protections fit the way the vehicle is actually used.

Carbonized Gray Metallic, 18 inch silver painted wheels, rear privacy glass, LED lighting, and a body color rear spoiler keep the exterior clean and understated. It looks at home in New Tampa and Wesley Chapel, but the real value is how well the whole package works for families coming from Land O Lakes, Zephyrhills, Dade City, and Brooksville who need one SUV to cover commuting, family duty, towing, and weekend travel.

This Explorer does not win by being excessive. It wins by making the everyday parts of ownership easier. 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.