Vapor Blue gives this 2026 Ford Explorer ST-Line a look that is easy to spot in a row of SUVs, but the better reason to pay attention is how much useful equipment sits behind the styling. The black mesh grille, unique ST-Line badging, 20-inch machined aluminum wheels with painted pockets, LED lighting, black roof rails, and red stitch accents give it a sportier personality without giving up the comfort families around Wesley Chapel, New Tampa, and Land O Lakes use every day.

This one is powered by Ford's 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 and 10-speed automatic with rear-wheel drive. The EPA label rates it at 24 MPG combined, 20 city, and 29 highway, which matters when the weekly routine covers I-75, State Road 54, school runs in Wesley Chapel, work in New Tampa, or longer drives north through Zephyrhills and Dade City. Selectable drive modes let the driver tailor the response as conditions change while keeping the Explorer focused on the pavement-heavy use most Tampa Bay families see.

The Premium Package changes the cabin more than the option list suggests. Ambient lighting, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a 110V/150W AC outlet join heated front seats, heated second-row seats, power seating up front, a heated premium leather-wrapped steering wheel, USB-C ports in all rows, and a 12.3-inch digital cluster. Onyx seating with unique cloth inserts and red stitching keeps the ST-Line theme going inside without making the cabin feel overdone.

Ford Digital Experience runs through a 13.2-inch touchscreen with Google Maps and Google Play Store integration. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 5G modem, Wi-Fi hotspot capability, SiriusXM with 360L, remote start, and the included one-year Ford Connectivity trial make this Explorer easy to live with when the day moves between New Tampa, Wesley Chapel, and Brooksville. The 10-speaker B&O sound system upgrades the audio, while the 360-degree camera is especially useful in a tight garage, crowded parking space, or busy school pickup line.

The practical side of the ST-Line is just as important. A Class III Trailer Tow Package and Trailer Sway Control give you factory towing capability for smaller recreational trailers or weekend gear. The power liftgate makes loading easier, and the 18-inch spare wheel and jack kit are already included.

Every new vehicle at Parks Ford of Wesley Chapel includes our Lifetime Powertrain Warranty, adding long-term ownership value beyond Ford factory coverage. Paint and fabric protection from Parks Plus can help preserve the Vapor Blue exterior and Onyx cabin, while rain repellent, headlight protection, Stolen Vehicle Assistance, and cabin care address the kind of Florida weather and family use this Explorer is likely to see.

A buyer in Zephyrhills or Dade City may care most about the tow package and easy cargo access. Someone commuting from New Tampa or Land O Lakes may notice the 29 MPG highway rating, heated seating, 360-degree camera, and connected tech every day. A family coming from Brooksville may simply appreciate that the Explorer can cover a long stretch of road without feeling oversized once it reaches Wesley Chapel.

That is the strength of this ST-Line. It looks sportier than a conventional family SUV, but the real payoff is the way the equipment works after the first week: heated seating in both front and second rows, useful towing capability, strong connected technology, and an efficient EcoBoost powertrain. 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.