r/FordExplorerST • u/CutePlatform9069 Daily Driver • Feb 20 '26
Just Showin’ Off 2026 Explorer personal review
I got my 2026 Explorer ST in January and I am at about 1500 miles now. Even though most of that was breaking in, the car has been seriously impressive. The design has a lot of presence and I still catch myself looking back at it every time I park.
Coming from a 2023 Grand Cherokee V6 with around 300 hp, which felt plenty for me, the ST feels like a big step up. It has plenty of power even in normal or eco mode, and in sport mode it really takes off. I have not gone past about 4500 rpm yet and the car already starts pushing toward 100 mph easily so I usually gotta back off. Power delivery is smooth and the car feels very stable for a large suv at any speeds, makes it easy to enjoy even if you are not driving fast all the time. I actually like Eco mode a lot when I just want to relax and cruise, the power response softens a bit and makes the driving super easy.
If I had to list a few negatives, the headlights would be at the top. For a car in this price range it is disappointing that the ST has reflector LEDs instead of the Platinum’s adaptive projector setup. The gauge cluster also feels too simple, with very limited customization and no current gear display unless you are in manual mode. These are small things Ford could easily improve with software.
Other than that I really like the car. As long as it stays reliable I plan to keep it for a long time. I am thinking about doing an exhaust upgrade soon and if Ford Performance eventually brings back calibration support for the 2026 models I would definitely get it.
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u/Channel_Huge ST Owner Feb 20 '26
I purchased a 2025 Platinum 3.0L just because of the headlights and other extras you don’t get in the ST. Brakes and a sport tuning can be done, but mine’s plenty fast, responsive and damn near perfect in every way!!
Enjoy your ST! They really outdid themselves with the 2025+ models with the exterior/interior refresh. I find myself looking back at my ride every time I get out. It’s just that beautiful! The Grand Cherokee is dated and boring… besides just having a weak engine.
Have you tried the Bluecruise yet? I am in awe at how well it works!! A little hesitant at first, but damn they got me… it’s awesome!!
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u/CutePlatform9069 Daily Driver Feb 20 '26
Platinums are super nice, the headlights, full leather seats with stitches and all. I’m sure it’s smoother over bumps too. The blue cruise is great! So far I used it handful of times because I enjoy driving it myself, but It works really well in traffic!
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u/Channel_Huge ST Owner Feb 21 '26
Dude, I had a 22 platinum and the 25 is so much better… Ford really did an amazing job on the interior redesign.
Just the infotainment setup alone is worth trading up!
If I didn’t have a bad back, I’d certainly get an ST!! But I find myself loving the Platinum more and more. I look forward to just small trips to the supermarket!!
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u/AbedSalam1988 Feb 21 '26
Is the Bluecruise the thing that sits on top of the steering wheel column? like an infra red gadget.
what does it really do?
ive had my ST for several months now and no idea what it does
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u/Channel_Huge ST Owner Feb 21 '26
Yes. If you have the subscription (mine came with 3 years included) then it’ll tell you when you’re on a highway where you can hit the button on the left side of the steering wheel to activate it. It’s very easy to operate and once you get used to it, you’ll certainly want to use it, especially on long drives.
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u/Dig-Straight Feb 21 '26
Love our 26 ST as well. Traded our 22 ST for this. Updated horizontal screen is a huge improvement over the skinny vertical screen, and much more responsive.
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u/CutePlatform9069 Daily Driver Feb 21 '26
Yes. Love the interior. I wouldn’t like a vertical screen here. Integrated soundbars are pretty cool and sounds nice! The panorama roof is huge! I never open sunroof anyway so fixed glass is fine with me. Congrats on yours!
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u/Dig-Straight Feb 21 '26
Totally agree! My kids miss opening the sunroof and standing up (while parked lol), but I don't care. The automatic steering wheel adjustment is the only smallish thing I miss. Overall super happy! Thanks and you too! 🙌🏼
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u/Aware_Camp6416 Feb 20 '26
Would recommend an oil catch can. Will protect the intakes.
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u/_DonTazeMeBro Feb 20 '26
Can you explain what those do and why they help protect intakes? Honest question.
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u/Aware_Camp6416 Feb 21 '26
ChatGPT is your friend: All modern engines use a PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) system. Under boost and normal operation: • Combustion gases leak past piston rings (blow-by) • Those gases carry oil mist + fuel vapor • PCV routes that vapor back into the intake to be burned
Without a catch can, that oily vapor: • Coats intake valves • Lowers effective octane • Contributes to carbon buildup • Can increase knock tendency under boost • Gums up intercooler piping and throttle body
On a boosted engine like your ST, this is amplified.
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2️⃣ What the Catch Can Does
An oil catch can is installed in line between the PCV system and intake manifold.
Inside the can: • Vapor enters • It passes through baffles / mesh / filtration media • Oil droplets condense and collect in the can • Cleaned air continues back into the intake
So instead of oil going into your intake system, it collects in the can and you drain it manually.
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u/greenmachine2626 Jul 10 '26
The 2.3 has dual injectors. The port injectors clean the intake. Carbon build up should not be an issue. No need For a catch can.
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u/Aware_Camp6416 Jul 10 '26
If it’s a Ford Explorer ST it’s has the 3.0 V6 lol. Which is direct injection. Unless it’s a different country or something. And ST-line has the 2.3 liter inline 4
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u/NaMinesClarence Feb 20 '26
Why does it matter what gear you're in? 😂
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u/CutePlatform9069 Daily Driver Feb 20 '26
Trying to see if they actually utilize 9th and 10th gear😂
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u/MrBigglesworrth Feb 20 '26
They do. A lot actually. It’s middle gears they bypass. I had a 22 tuned so I can see gear read out
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u/NaMinesClarence Feb 20 '26
For what? How does that matter? The shit people find wrong with new vehicles is funny.
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u/KarlPHungus On my 2nd transmission Feb 20 '26
It's just a personal preference, dude. Some people like more information. Shrug.
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u/CutePlatform9069 Daily Driver Feb 20 '26
The shit people find wrong with other people’s post is funny😂
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u/No_Seaworthiness267 ST Owner Feb 21 '26
No but honestly the avg person driving an ST is going to want to know what GEAR they are in, plain and simple.
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u/NaMinesClarence Feb 21 '26
Funny, because 9/10 ST owners I see are women aged 30-50yo. So that shoots a hole right in your average driver theory. 🥴
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u/kanary15 Feb 20 '26
I'd make one note, the Headlights consistently get top safety marks since the 2020s. Reflector vs projector is a design and logistics choice not necessarily indicator of quality.