The first thing that separates this 2026 Ford Explorer ST-Line from a typical three-row SUV is the way it blends a sportier look with an easy-to-live-with powertrain. Star White Metallic Tri-Coat, a black mesh grille, unique ST-Line badging, 20-inch machined aluminum wheels with painted pockets, LED lighting, black roof rails, and red interior stitching give it presence without turning the vehicle into something impractical for daily use. Parks Plus paint and fabric protection, rain repellent, and headlight protection fit this one naturally, while cabin sanitizer and antimicrobial treatment add value for an SUV that will see plenty of Florida sun, storms, school lines, and family traffic.

This is also an Explorer that fits the mileage many Tampa Bay families actually drive. The 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 and 10-speed automatic send power to the rear wheels, and the EPA label rates the combination at 24 MPG combined, 20 city, and 29 highway. That highway rating is meaningful when the week includes I-75 between Wesley Chapel and New Tampa, trips through Land O Lakes, or longer family drives north toward Zephyrhills, Dade City, and Brooksville.

The ST-Line cabin has a different personality from the Active trim. Onyx seating with unique cloth inserts and red stitch accents gives it a more tailored look, while heated front seats, heated second-row seats, power front seating, a heated premium leather-wrapped steering wheel, ambient lighting, USB-C ports in all rows, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror make the cabin comfortable for both short errands and longer trips. The Premium Package also adds a 110V/150W AC power outlet, handy for charging or powering smaller devices on the road.

Instead of making technology a separate experience from the rest of the vehicle, Ford builds it into the daily routine. A 13.2-inch touchscreen runs Ford Digital Experience with Google Maps and Google Play Store integration, while wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto give you another familiar way to connect. A 12.3-inch digital cluster, 5G modem, Wi-Fi hotspot, SiriusXM with 360L, remote start, and the included one-year Ford Connectivity trial round out the connected side. Around busy New Tampa intersections or crowded Wesley Chapel shopping areas, the 360-degree camera is one of the features you may appreciate most because it gives a much better view around the vehicle when space gets tight.

Family flexibility is still at the center of the Explorer. The third row folds when cargo needs to take priority, the power liftgate makes loading easier, and black roof rails give you another option when the inside is full. A Class III Trailer Tow Package with Trailer Sway Control adds factory utility for a small trailer or recreational gear, making weekend use around Land O Lakes, Zephyrhills, or farther north less of a compromise.

Every new vehicle at Parks Ford of Wesley Chapel includes our Lifetime Powertrain Warranty, adding long-term ownership value beyond Ford factory coverage. The 18-inch spare wheel and jack kit are already included too, a practical detail that matters more when a road trip is hours from home than it does while the vehicle is sitting on the lot.

The reason this ST-Line works is that it does not ask a family to choose between style and practicality. It looks noticeably different from a conventional family SUV, yet still delivers three-row flexibility, heated seating in both front and second rows, useful towing capability, a 360-degree camera, strong connected technology, and a 29 MPG highway rating. Not all customers may qualify for all rebates. Price includes: $1000 - SSE Down Payment Assistance. Exp. 08/31/2026 $3000 - Retail Customer Cash. Exp. 09/30/2026 $500 - Final Days Mega Bonus Cash. Exp. 08/31/2026 Price includes $1,395 dealer added accessories.