Ford Explorer trim comparison
2026 Ford Explorer Tremor vs ST
The Explorer Tremor starts at $48,465 while the ST is $54,905. That $6,440 gap buys 7 meaningful differences.
This is a powertrain and drivetrain change. The ST gets the 3.0L V6 Turbo and RWD, so the $6,440 is buying a different driving experience, not just nicer trim.
This is a real hardware fork, not just a trim-label shuffle. The Tremor is enough if the 2.3L I4 Turbo with AWD already fits your routine; the ST only earns the jump when the 3.0L V6 Turbo and RWD setup is the point of the upgrade.
The cleanest way to feel this upgrade is through the payment: about $114/month more over 60 months, or roughly $6,840 extra all-in once interest is included. If that different powertrain is not part of your real use case, the cheaper trim keeps more money in your pocket without changing the core experience you need.
Lock one trim, change the other side, and move through exact pair pages without resetting back to the full lineup every time.
Who notices the difference
The higher trim starts to make more sense when you are specifically shopping for the stronger powertrain, not just more trim content.
When both feel the same
The Tremor and ST are mechanically identical where it counts: the same identical wheelbase and body dimensions.
The upgrade math
You are paying $6,440 for 6 measurable differences, which works out to about $1,073 per change.
Key Differences at a Glance
This is the fast read: price, power, efficiency, and the feature flips most likely to change the answer.
Every Difference, Side by Side
This is the full read behind the quick decision signals above: the complete hardware, comfort, and equipment story. 7 specification differences, 0 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2026. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | Tremor | ST |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $48,465 | $54,905 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.3L I4 Turbo | 3.0L V6 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 300 hp | 400 hp |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft | 415 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 10-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | RWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 20 | 18 |
| Highway MPG | 27 | 25 |
| Combined MPG | 23 | 21 |
| Fuel Tank | 17.9 gal | 20.2 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | No published data | $2,100/yr |
| Dimensions | ||
| Wheelbase | 119.1" | 119.1" |
| Length | 198.8" | 198.8" |
| Width | 78.9" | 78.9" |
| Height | 69.9" | 69.9" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars |
| IIHS Award | TSP+ | TSP+ |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 3yr/36k | 3yr/36k |
| Powertrain | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion | 5yr/unlimited | 5yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
Data sources: licensed third-party automotive data, EPA fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA, and official manufacturer materials. Values marked est. are estimated.
2026 Ford Explorer Tremor vs ST Questions Shoppers Ask
Use this page for the direct trim answer, then zoom back out to the Ford Explorer lineup, the Ford brand hub, the Midsize SUVs, the how to pick a trim guide, or our mid-trim value research when you need the bigger shopping path behind this one matchup.
How much more does the 2026 Explorer ST cost than the Tremor?
The ST starts at $54,905 compared to $48,465 for the Tremor. That is a $6,440 difference, or approximately $114/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor and ST have the same engine?
No. The Tremor uses a 2.3L I4 Turbo (300 hp, 310 lb-ft), while the ST has the 3.0L V6 Turbo (400 hp, 415 lb-ft). That is 100 more horsepower. Both pair with the same 10-speed automatic.
Does the 2026 Explorer Tremor come with RWD?
No. The Tremor comes standard with AWD while the ST has RWD. This affects traction, fuel economy, and curb weight.
Is the 2026 Explorer Tremor or ST safer?
Both share the same Ford Explorer platform with an overall 5-star NHTSA safety rating and an IIHS TSP+ designation. Safety ratings are model-level and identical across trims. The trim choice affects comfort and features, not crash protection.
What warranty does the 2026 Ford Explorer come with?
All 2026 Ford Explorer trims, including both the Tremor and ST, come with Ford's standard warranty: 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain coverage. Warranty does not vary by trim level.
Is the 2026 Ford Explorer ST worth $6,440 more than the Tremor?
The ST changes both the engine and drivetrain for $6,440 more. That is a hardware upgrade, not just a feature bump.
Which 2026 Ford Explorer trim gets better fuel economy, the Tremor or the ST?
The Tremor is the more efficient of the two at 23 combined MPG, versus 21 for the other trim. That matters most if you are balancing running costs against the extra power, drivetrain, or comfort equipment tied to the pricier trim.
The Full Story Behind This Price Gap
Use the direct answer above for this exact matchup, then use these guides to understand whether you are really looking at a feature step-up, a package shuffle, or the point where the lineup starts changing in a meaningful way.
Is the Explorer ST Worth $6,440 More?
Spending $6,440 more on the Explorer ST buys the 3.0L V6 Turbo engine (+100 hp) and RWD. These are the kind of differences you notice every time you drive.
The Differences You'll Notice Most
Engine changes between these trims: the Tremor has the 2.3L I4 Turbo, the ST the 3.0L V6 Turbo. That means 100 more horsepower and 105 more lb-ft of torque. You will notice it most when merging, passing, or climbing at speed. In return, expect about 2 fewer combined MPG. The ST drops to RWD from the Tremor's AWD. Less traction capability, but potentially better fuel economy.
Fuel Economy Comparison
The Explorer Tremor gets 2 more combined MPG. At $3.50/gallon and 12,000 miles/year, that saves roughly $174 per year or $870 over five years of ownership.
Bottom Line
The Explorer ST costs $6,440 more than the Tremor (about $114/month more on a 60-month loan). That buys 6 meaningful changes at $1,073 per change. Whether that trade-off is worth it depends on which features matter to your daily driving.
Trim-Matched Accessories
These add-ons are split by trim intent so the recommendations follow the actual use case, not just the same repeated product block.
Ford Explorer Tremor
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the Tremor best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
Ford Explorer ST
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the ST when you want the accessories to match the nicer cabin, broader utility, or more premium use case.
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Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material for the 2026 model year. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Ford or any dealership.
Page updated 2026-03-18. Verify equipment, pricing, and regional availability with the manufacturer or dealer.