Ames Great Selection of 2026 Ford Explorers
Looking for a three-row SUV that can handle school runs, work commutes, and weekend plans without feeling like a chore? The 2026 Ford Explorer keeps showing up on short lists for a reason. It’s built for real routines, with the kind of comfort and flexibility most families actually use.
Ames Ford Lincoln makes it easy to shop a great selection of 2026 Ford Explorers in one place, so you can compare trims, colors, and features without bouncing all over town. In this guide, you’ll get a clear view of what makes the 2026 Explorer a smart pick, how to compare trims without overpaying, and simple tips to choose the right fit for your family or your daily drive. Then you can put your top choices to the test with an easy, no-pressure test drive.
Why the 2026 Ford Explorer still fits real life so well
A midsize SUV has a tough job. It has to feel easy in a parking lot, calm on the highway, and roomy enough for people and gear. It also can’t beat you up on long drives. The 2026 Ford Explorer SUV hits that sweet spot for many drivers because it’s designed to do a bit of everything without feeling awkward.
For families, the Explorer makes sense as a three-row SUV that doesn’t force you into a huge, hard-to-park vehicle. For commuters, it’s comfortable and confident, with a comfortable ride that can make daily miles feel less tiring. If you live in a place where weather changes fast, that steady SUV feel matters, too. Rain, wind, slush, and icy mornings can turn a simple drive into a tense one, and people tend to shop for the vehicle that helps them relax.
Just as important, the Explorer is easy to live with. You don’t buy a family SUV for one perfect day. You buy it for the messy days, the busy days, and the days when you need to switch plans quickly. The Explorer’s mix of space, useful tech, and everyday comfort is what keeps it in the conversation year after year.
Space, comfort, and everyday flexibility
The Explorer is a great match for families, carpools, and anyone who travels with friends or relatives. Three-row seating gives you options, even if that third row isn’t used every day. When you do need it, it’s there for extra passengers, kids’ friends, or that last-minute ride request.
Cargo room is where a family SUV proves itself. Think of the real stuff: sports bags, a stroller, grocery runs, a big Costco trip, or muddy outdoor gear after a weekend away. The Explorer’s layout is built for that kind of variety, and the cabin usually has smart storage spots for the smaller things that love to disappear (snacks, chargers, sunglasses, and toys).
It also helps when getting in and out feels simple. Wide doors, reasonable seat height, and a cabin that doesn’t feel cramped can turn daily loading and unloading into a quick job instead of a workout.
Tech and safety features people actually use
Most drivers don’t want “fancy” tech. They want tech that lowers stress. Helpful alerts can add confidence when traffic gets tight. Camera views can make parking less annoying. Phone pairing can keep calls and music simple, so you’re not fighting menus when you should be watching the road.
Many shoppers also like available navigation and available hands-free style tools (when equipped) for long drives, especially when you’re juggling directions, kids, and a packed schedule. The key is to match the features to your routine. A commuter may care most about traffic help and phone connection. A parent may care most about cameras, parking support, and helpful alerts around town.
Since features can vary by trim and options, confirm the exact equipment on the Explorer you’re considering while you shop.
Ames Ford Lincoln’s great selection of 2026 Ford Explorers, and how to shop it fast
Shopping is easier when you can compare choices side by side. A strong selection matters because small differences can change your day-to-day experience. One Explorer might have the comfort touches you’ll notice every morning. Another might be the color and interior combo that stays looking sharp through Iowa winters.
Start by browsing the 2026 Ford Explorer inventory at Ames Ford. When you see several Explorers in one spot, you can compare price, trim level, and key options without guessing.
A quick way to shop:
Pick your must-haves (the things you won’t compromise on).
Compare trims that meet those needs.
Narrow by color and interior, because you’ll live with it every day.
Schedule a test drive for your top two or three.
If you’re unsure what matters most, the team at Ames Ford Lincoln can help you line up the right comparisons. Sometimes a 10-minute walkaround answers more questions than an hour online.
Quick trim comparison checklist, so you don’t overpay
Before you visit, choose three must-haves and three nice-to-haves. That keeps you focused when you’re excited (and when every option starts to look tempting).
Use this checklist to compare 2026 Ford Explorer trims:
Seats you truly need: Do you need three rows often, or just sometimes?
Drivetrain preference: Front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, based on your roads and comfort level.
Cold-weather wants: Features that make winter mornings easier.
Towing plans: If you pull a small trailer, boat, or gear, ask what’s required.
Kid-friendly ease: Rear-seat air, easy-clean surfaces, and simple access to the third row.
Audio and screens: Great sound and a clear display can make daily driving nicer.
Wheels and ride feel: Some wheel setups feel different on rough roads.
Roof rails and cargo options: Helpful for bikes, boxes, and road trips.
The goal isn’t to “get everything.” It’s to get what you’ll use, and skip what you won’t.
Color, interior, and option choices that change how the Explorer feels
Two Explorers can drive similarly but feel totally different inside. Interior color affects cabin mood right away. Lighter interiors can feel bright and open, while darker colors often hide wear and scuffs better, which matters with kids, pets, or work gear.
Seat materials also change the experience. Some feel softer, some feel grippier, and some are easier to wipe down after spills. Wheels and appearance options can shift the look from simple and classic to bold and sporty, even if you don’t change anything else.
If you can, sit in more than one. Touch the seats, look at the storage, and check sight lines. In-person impressions are fast, and they’re hard to replace with photos.
Test drive tips and buying steps that make the choice easy
A test drive is your chance to see if the Explorer matches your life, not just your wishlist. Drive your usual routes if you can, including a stretch of rough pavement and a few tight turns.
Bring the things you use most and try them in the vehicle:
Install your car seat (or at least test how it fits).
Step into the third row and check access.
Load your stroller, sports bag, or weekly grocery haul in back.
Try parking and backing up in a tighter spot.
Pair your phone and test calls, music, and charging.
Listen for road noise at city and highway speeds.
What to bring for a smoother visit:
Driver’s license
Trade-in info (or your current vehicle details)
Insurance card
After you narrow it down to one or two favorites, the rest gets much simpler. You’re no longer shopping “an SUV.” You’re choosing your SUV.
Conclusion
The 2026 Ford Explorer remains a strong all-around choice for drivers who need space, comfort, and a family-ready layout in a midsize package. When you can compare several Explorers in one place, the decision gets clearer fast. Ames Ford Lincoln’s selection helps you line up trims, colors, and features in a way that fits your real routine.
Focus on what you do every day, compare a few trims, then drive your top picks back to back. Next step: browse the 2026 Explorer selection, pick your favorites, and come in for a test drive that answers the only question that matters, does it feel right for you?