Ford Explorer 2026: The Ford Explorer makes a dramatic return to the UK market in 2026 as a fully electric powerhouse, built on Volkswagen’s MEB platform and tailored for European tastes with superior range, comfort, and tech. Priced from around £50,000, this adventure-ready SUV challenges the Audi Q8 e-tron and Tesla Model Y with bold styling, 378-mile WLTP range on the single-motor version, and up to 489 bhp in the dual-motor flagship. Ford’s EV gamble pays off, blending American heritage with pragmatic Euro engineering for families craving zero-emission thrills.
Forget the petrol-guzzling Yank tank of old—this Explorer is sleek, silent, and seriously capable, as spotted in UK reviews praising its motorway poise and charging speeds.
Ford Explorer 2026: UK-Specific Updates and Pricing
Ford positions the 2026 Explorer as its premium EV SUV for Britain, launching mid-year with RWD standard and AWD Performance trim. Single-motor offers 286 bhp, 677 Nm torque; dual pumps 489 bhp for 5.0-second 0-60 mph. Battery packs 77kWh net (82 usable), supporting 10-80% in 26 minutes at 150kW DC. UK incentives like salary sacrifice slash effective costs to £35k for company car users.
Trims: Explore (base), Design, Premium, Performance—top spec adds matrix LED, panoramic roof, 20-speaker B&O. Boot swallows 1,700 litres seats folded; seven seats optional. OTR prices: £49,950 Explore to £64,995 Performance.
- Frunk 200 litres for cables; V2L powers barbecues.
- FordPass app schedules public chargers.
- Five-year warranty, eight on battery.
Aggressive Yet Elegant StylingAggressive Yet Elegant Styling
Longer nose, coupe-SUV roofline measures 4,505mm long, 1,987mm wide; 21-22in alloys fill arches. Illuminated grille signature LEDs, flush handles aerodynamics (Cd 0.26). Colours: Agate Black, Star White, Electric Lime exclusive UK.
Tinted glass, active grille shutters boost range; light bars front/rear dramatic. Tow hook 1,500kg braked; roof load 100kg bikes.
Styling Points
- Adaptive pixels dazzle oncoming without glare.
- Clamshell bonnet hides frunk.
- Bronze accents Performance trim.
Spacious, Luxe Cabin Crafted for Brits
Soft-touch dash, recycled fabrics sustainable; 14.6in central touchscreen portrait SYNC4 wireless Apple CarPlay. 12.3in digital clocks, HUD projects nav; seats heat/vent/massage Premium up. Seven seats fold flat 1,700L; second row slides 180mm legroom galore.
Tri-zone climate ioniser; B&O 20-speaker premium. Build silences wind, doubles insulation EVs.
Cabin Delights
Infotainment and Driver Aids Mastery
SYNC4 flies Google Maps, OTA updates; voice “Hey Ford” natural. BlueCruise hands-free A-roads/M1 mapped 2,500 miles UK. 360 cam washer, park assist 2.0 auto bay fills.
Rear screens 8in stream YouTube; 5G hotspot family.
Tech Essentials
Electric Powertrains Tuned for UK Drives
RWD single: 286 bhp, 373 miles WLTP, 135kW charge; AWD dual: 489 bhp, 340 miles, 5.0s sprint. Heat pump efficiency winter; regen paddles one-pedal M25 crawls. Real-world 300 miles motorway.
Bidirectional charge home battery; CCS2 standard.
| Variant | Power/Tq | Range WLTP | 0-62 mph |
|---|---|---|---|
| RWD Single | 286 bhp/677Nm | 373 mi | 6.1s |
| AWD Performance | 489 bhp/866Nm | 340 mi | 5.0s |
Refined Ride and Handling
VW underpinnings crisp steering; air suspension Performance smooths A-roads. Torque vector AWD corners flat; 0.95g grip summer tyres. Quiet cabin, no drone silence bliss.
Motorway stable 130mph; urban nimble despite size.
5-star Euro NCAP likely: AEB pedestrians/night, lane keep, drowsy alert. 360 surround, blind-spot cars/bikes, reverse brake. Post-collision auto park.
Safety and Security Arsenal
UK Rival Showdown
| EV SUV | Price £ | Range mi | Power bhp | Explorer UK Win |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explorer | 50k | 373 | 489 | Space, value |
| Q8 e-tron | 70k | 360 | 402 | Badge prestige |
| Model Y | 45k | 331 | 456 | Supercharge net |
| iX | 65k | 381 | 523 | Ult luxe |
UK Driver Feedback
“373 miles real joy, M4 cruiser supreme,” motorway mums cheer; “Performance AWD grips wet lanes,” enthusiasts buzz. Niggles: Third row kids-only, charge map gaps rural. Ownership £0.10/mi home charged.
Ford Explorer 2026 Conclusion
Ford Explorer 2026 redefines EV SUVs for UK drivers, marrying vast range, blistering pace, and cavernous practicality in one electrified icon. Amid charging deserts and tax perks, it conquers commutes to Cotswold escapes flawlessly. Britain’s roads gain a true explorer—silent, swift, unstoppable.