2026 Ford Explorer Active SUV

  • New
$44,000$50,015 MSRP1
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Pilson Ford
Call 217-294-6910
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    The overview

    Exterior Color
    Star White Metallic Tri-Coat
    Interior Color
    Dark Space Gray
    Fuel Economy
    20/27 MPG City/Hwy
    Transmission
    10-SPEED AUTOMATIC
    Drivetrain
    Four Wheel Drive
    Engine
    4 Cylinder Engine
    Fuel Type
    Gasoline Fuel
    VIN
    1FMUK8DH9TGA12505
    Stock Number
    F26029

      Notes from the dealer

      2026 Ford Explorer Active w/200A Pkg: Your Gateway to Adventure

      Imagine loading up the family in your spacious and stylish 2026 Ford Explorer, ready for a weekend getaway to Lake Shelbyville. Picture yourself effortlessly navigating the backroads, the kids entertained, and the promise of lakeside fun just around the corner. This Explorer isn't just an SUV; it's the key to unlocking memorable experiences.

      Performance & Capability

      The 2026 Ford Explorer Active is engineered to handle everything life throws your way. At its heart lies the EcoBoost 2.3L I-4 engine, delivering a robust 300 horsepower, ensuring confident acceleration and ample power for merging onto I-57. The 10-speed automatic transmission provides smooth and efficient gear changes, maximizing fuel economy while maintaining responsiveness. With Intelligent 4WD automatic full-time four-wheel drive, you'll experience enhanced traction and stability, making winter driving around Champaign, IL, a breeze. The driver-selectable drivetrain mode allows you to tailor the vehicle's performance to the conditions, whether it's navigating a snow-covered road or cruising on the highway. The Explorer also boasts trailer sway control, making it a capable tow vehicle for hauling your boat or camper. The aluminum engine block contributes to weight reduction, enhancing both fuel efficiency and handling. The Start-stop engine feature further optimizes fuel consumption in city driving.

      Technology & Connectivity

      Stay connected and entertained on every journey with the advanced technology features of the 2026 Ford Explorer Active. The centerpiece is the Ford Digital Experience with 13.2-inch Touchscreen, providing intuitive access to navigation, entertainment, and vehicle settings. Seamlessly integrate your smartphone with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to access your favorite apps, music, and contacts. The integrated navigation system with voice activation ensures you'll always find the best route, whether you're exploring new neighborhoods in Decatur, IL, or heading out of town. The 12.30-inch gauge cluster display size provides clear and customizable vehicle information. Keep the kids entertained on long road trips with the available WIFI Hotspot. The Bluetooth Wireless Phone Connectivity keeps you connected while keeping your hands safely on the wheel. The steering wheel mounted audio controls allow you to adjust the volume and change tracks without taking your eyes off the road.

      Comfort & Interior

      The 2026 Ford Explorer Active offers a comfortable and versatile interior designed to accommodate your family's needs. The ActiveX leatherette front seat upholstery provides a premium feel while being durable and easy to clean. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel keep you warm and cozy on chilly mornings. The tri-zone electronic automatic temperature control ensures everyone stays comfortable, no matter where they're seated. The power liftgate makes loading and unloading cargo a breeze, whether you're packing groceries or sports equipment. With ample cargo space and a third-row bench seat, the Explorer is ready for family adventures. The power door locks with 2 stage unlocking provide added security and convenience. The driver seat with 8-way directional controls and front passenger seat with 6-way directional controls ensure optimal comfort for both driver and passenger.

      Safety & Driver Assistance

      Your safety is paramount, and the 2026 Ford Explorer Active is equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety and driver-assistance features. Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go maintains a safe following distance and can even bring the vehicle to a complete stop in traffic. Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) alerts you to vehicles in your blind spots, making lane changes safer. Lane-Keeping System helps you stay centered in your lane, reducing the risk of unintentional lane departures. Automatic Emergency Braking can automatically apply the brakes if a collision is imminent. The rear camera with washer provides a clear view of what's behind you when backing up. Hill Descent Control assists with controlled descents on steep grades. With seven airbags strategically placed throughout the cabin, the Explorer provides comprehensive occupant protection.

      Exterior & Design

      The 2026 Ford Explorer Active makes a statement with its bold and modern design. The Star White Metallic Tri-Coat paint finish exudes sophistication. The 20-inch Luster Nickel-Painted Aluminum Wheels add a touch of sporty elegance. The Black Grille with Chrome Accents and Body-Color Front and Rear Fascias create a cohesive and stylish look. The LED low and high beam headlights provide excellent visibility at night. The rear lip spoiler adds a touch of aerodynamic flair. The roof rails provide additional cargo-carrying capability. The automatic high-beam headlights automatically switch between high and low beams based on oncoming traffic.

      Key Highlights

      Here are some of the standout features of the 2026 Ford Explorer Active:

      • EcoBoost 2.3L I-4 Engine - Powerful and efficient performance.
      • Intelligent 4WD - Enhanced traction and stability in all conditions.
      • 10-Speed Automatic Transmission - Smooth and responsive gear changes.
      • Ford Digital Experience with 13.2-inch Touchscreen - Intuitive access to navigation and entertainment.
      • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Compatibility - Seamless smartphone integration.
      • Heated Front Seats - Added comfort on cold days.
      • Adaptive Cruise Control - Reduced driver fatigue on long trips.
      • Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) - Enhanced safety during lane changes.
      • Lane-Keeping System - Helps prevent unintentional lane departures.
      • Rear Camera with Washer - Clear visibility when backing up.
      • Third-Row Seating - Versatile passenger and cargo configurations.
      • Power Liftgate - Convenient cargo loading and unloading.
      • Star White Metallic Tri-Coat Paint - Stylish and eye-catching exterior finish.
      • 20-inch Luster Nickel-Painted Aluminum Wheels - Sporty and elegant appearance.

      Visit Us

      Pilson Ford is conveniently located at 2000 Lake Land Blvd, Mattoon, IL 61938, and easily accessible from Decatur, IL, and surrounding areas. Call us at (888) 474-5766 to schedule a test drive today! Our friendly and knowledgeable staff is ready to help you find the perfect vehicle to fit your needs and budget. You can also Appy for Financing or get a trade-in value online. We look forward to seeing you at Get Directions to Pilson Ford!

      Build Codes: 68A| 2HVAC| HEATW| S| FASCIA| RMSTRT| 200A| 44T| 99H| STDGV| STDRD| SH| 76U| AZ| 64Y| 153| 91M| K8D

      Tax, title, license and DOC fees extra. New/unused vehicles include applicable rebates and incentives. Prices subject to change without notice. See dealer for details.
      • 3YR/36,000 BUMPER / BUMPER
      • 5YR/60,000 POWERTRAIN
      • 5YR/60,000 ROADSIDE ASSIST
      • CLASS III TRAILER TOW PKG
      • EASY FUEL CAPLESS FILLER
      • FULLY AUTOMATIC HEADLIGHTS
      • MIRRORS-MAN-FOLD DUAL PWR HEATED WITH APPROACH LAMPS
      • POWER LIFTGATE
      • PRIVACY GLASS - REAR DOORS
      • REAR SPOILER, BODY COLOR
      • ROOF-RACK SIDE RAILS-BLACK
      • TAILLAMPS-LED
      • TRAILER SWAY CONTROL
      • VARIABLE INTERVAL WIPERS
      • 13.2" LCD TOUCHSCREEN
      • 4-DR INTELL ACCESS LOCK/ UNLOCK W/PUSH-BUTTON START
      • 5G MODEM
      • AM/FM STEREO W/6 SPEAKERS
      • FORD CO-PILOT360 ASSIST+
      • FORD DIGITAL EXPERIENCE W/GOOGLE MAPS & PLAY STORE
      • REAR VIEW CAMERA
      • SELECTABLE DRIVE MODES
      • SIRIUSXM W/360L- NA AK&HI
      • WI-FI HOTSPOT
      • WIRELESS APPLE CARPLAY AND ANDROID AUTO
      • 12.3" LCD DIGITAL CLUSTER
      • 1TOUCH UP/DOWN DR/PASS WIN
      • 3RD ROW - 50/50 FOLD FLAT
      • DUAL ILLUM VIS VANITY MIRR
      • FRONT ROW HEATED SEATS
      • POWER DRIVER'S SEAT
      • POWERPOINTS - 12V
      • ROTARY GEAR SHIFT DIAL
      • TILT/TELESCOPING STEERING W/WHEEL MOUNTED CONTROLS
      • USB-C - ALL ROWS
      • ADVANCETRAC WITH RSC
      • AIRBAG - DRIVER KNEE
      • AIRBAGS - DUAL STAGE FRONT
      • AIRBAGS - FRONT SEAT MOUNTED SIDE IMPACT
      • AIRBAGS - SAFETY CANOPY
      • EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION SYSTEM
      • INDIV TIRE PRESS MONIT SYS
      • LATCH CHILD SAFETY SYSTEM
      • PERIMETER ALARM
      • PERSONAL SAFETY SYSTEM
      • Drive: 4WD
      • Engine: 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 Engine with Auto Start-Stop Technology
      • ExteriorColor: Star White Metallic Tri-Coat
      • InteriorColor: Dark Space Gray
      • RapidSpec: Active (200A)
      • SeatType: ActiveX® Seating Material
      • SpecialPackage: Active Comfort Package
      • SpecialPackage: Class III Trailer Tow Package
      • SpecialPackage: Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist+
      • SpecialPackage: Ford Connectivity Package (1-year Included)
      • Transmission: 10-Speed Automatic Transmission
      • WheelMaterial: 20” Carbonized Gray-painted Aluminum Wheels
      • WheelSize: 20” Carbonized Gray-painted Aluminum Wheels

      Pilson@Home, We Empower You

      • Video walkaround

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      • Home delivery

        We’ll deliver the vehicle you want to your home and help you complete the paperwork.

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      The highlights

      • EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION SYSTEM
      • FULLY AUTOMATIC HEADLIGHTS

      Peace of mind

      A name you can trust

      Pilson Ford is dedicated to your satisfaction before, during, and after your purchase. We'll go the extra mile to take care of you.
      More about us

      A closer look at what’s included

      Included Options
      • Engine: 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 -inc: auto start-stop technology
      • GVWR: 5,940 lbs
      • Transmission w/Driver Selectable Mode
      • Automatic Full-Time Four-Wheel Drive
      • 3.58 axle ratio
      • Battery w/Run Down Protection
      • Regenerative Alternator
      • Class III Towing Equipment -inc: Hitch and Trailer Sway Control
      • Trailer Wiring Harness
      • Gas-Pressurized Shock Absorbers
      • Front And Rear Anti-Roll Bars
      • Electric Power-Assist Speed-Sensing Steering
      • 17.9 Gal. Fuel Tank
      • Quasi-Dual Stainless Steel Exhaust
      • Auto Locking Hubs
      • Strut Front Suspension w/Coil Springs
      • Multi-Link Rear Suspension w/Coil Springs
      • 4-Wheel Disc Brakes w/4-Wheel ABS, Front And Rear Vented Discs, Brake Assist, Hill Descent Control, Hill Hold Control and Electric Parking Brake
      • Tires: P255/65R18 AS BSW
      • Tire mobility kit
      • Body-Colored Rear Bumper w/Black Rub Strip/Fascia Accent
      • Black Bodyside Insert, Black Bodyside Cladding and Black Wheel Well Trim
      • Body-Colored Front Bumper w/Metal-Look Bumper Insert
      • Black Side Windows Trim, Black Front Windshield Trim and Black Rear Window Trim
      • Body-Colored Door Handles
      • Chrome Bodyside Insert, Black Bodyside Cladding and Black Wheel Well Trim
      • Black Power Heated Side Mirrors w/Manual Folding
      • Fixed Rear Window w/Wiper, Heated Wiper Park and Defroster
      • Deep Tinted Glass
      • Speed Sensitive Variable Intermittent Wipers
      • Galvanized Steel/Aluminum Panels
      • Lip Spoiler
      • Black Grille w/Chrome Accents
      • Liftgate Rear Cargo Access
      • Power Liftgate Rear Cargo Access
      • Perimeter/Approach Lights
      • LED Brakelights
      • Headlights-Automatic Highbeams
      • Radio w/Seek-Scan, Clock, Steering Wheel Controls, External Memory Control and Internal Memory
      • Streaming Audio
      • Integrated Roof Antenna
      • 6 Speakers
      • Bluetooth Wireless Phone Connectivity
      • 2 LCD Monitors In The Front
      • Real-Time Traffic Display
      • Driver Seat
      • Passenger Seat
      • Front Center Armrest and Rear Seat Mounted Armrest Outboard Only
      • Manual Tilt/Telescoping Steering Column
      • FordPass Connect 5G Mobile Hotspot Internet Access
      • Ford Connect 5G Mobile Hotspot Internet Access
      • Leatherette Steering Wheel
      • Front Cupholder
      • Rear Cupholder
      • Compass
      • Remote Releases -Inc: Power Cargo Access
      • Cruise Control w/Steering Wheel Controls
      • Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go
      • HVAC -inc: Underseat Ducts and Headliner/Pillar Ducts
      • Locking glove box
      • Driver foot rest
      • Full Cloth Headliner
      • Interior Trim -inc: Piano Black/Metal-Look Instrument Panel Insert, Piano Black/Metal-Look Door Panel Insert, Piano Black Console Insert and Chrome/Metal-Look Interior Accents
      • Cloth Door Trim Insert
      • Day-Night Rearview Mirror
      • Driver And Passenger Visor Vanity Mirrors w/Driver And Passenger Illumination, Driver And Passenger Auxiliary Mirror
      • Full Floor Console w/Covered Storage, Mini Overhead Console w/Storage and 3 12V DC Power Outlets
      • Front And Rear Map Lights
      • Fade-To-Off Interior Lighting
      • Carpet Floor Trim
      • Trunk/Hatch Auto-Latch
      • Cargo Area Concealed Storage
      • Cargo Features -inc: Tire Mobility Kit
      • Cargo Space Lights
      • Integrated Navigation System w/Voice Activation
      • Driver / Passenger And Rear Door Bins
      • Delayed Accessory Power
      • Driver Information Center
      • Redundant Digital Speedometer
      • Outside Temp Gauge
      • Digital/Analog Appearance
      • 2 Seatback Storage Pockets
      • Manual Adjustable Front Head Restraints and Manual Adjustable Rear Head Restraints
      • Perimeter Alarm
      • Securilock Anti-Theft Ignition (pats) Immobilizer
      • 3 12V DC Power Outlets
      • Air Filtration
      • Lane Centering
      • Side Impact Beams
      • Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Seat-Mounted Side Airbags
      • BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) Blind Spot
      • PCA with AEB and Intersection Assist
      • Rear Cross-Traffic Braking
      • Collision Mitigation-Front
      • Driver Monitoring-Alert
      • Evasion Assist
      • Reverse Sensing System Rear Parking Sensors
      • Tire Specific Low Tire Pressure Warning
      • Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Front Airbags
      • Safety Canopy System Curtain 1st, 2nd And 3rd Row Airbags
      • Airbag Occupancy Sensor
      • Driver knee airbag
      • Mykey System -inc: Top Speed Limiter, Audio Volume Limiter, Early Low Fuel Warning, Programmable Sound Chimes and Beltminder w/Audio Mute
      • Rear child safety locks
      • Outboard Front Lap And Shoulder Safety Belts -inc: Height Adjusters and Pretensioners
      • Back-Up Camera w/Washer

      KBB.com Consumer Reviews

      Kelley Blue Book Logo3.6out of 5 overall
      • 4.0

        Served our family well!

        by Beth on 2/19/2026 11:46:55 PM

        Trading my car in next week, I am gonna miss my Explorer. It’s been a good family car. Draw backs: the screen is glitchy at times. Some electronics malfunctioned and I won’t lie, they can be costly to fix. Comfortable, spacious. I never had any mechanical problems with the car, but I did take very good care of it at well. I maintained all recommended services and any replacements were all genuine Ford parts. I hope whoever buys our car, loves it as much as we did.
      • 5.0

        2025 Ford Explorer Active, RWD

        by Matt on 1/14/2026 12:13:01 PM

        Hello everyone! I had this car for about 3 months and I absolutely love it! I love how reliable it is and how quick it can get when it’s needed. The 3rd row is tight, it is a mid-size SUV after all. If you have a bigger family, I would suggest getting a full size SUV. Unfortunately, there are a few issues that I’ve noticed. 1. Sometimes, the car stalls/jerks a little bit when accelerating. It doesn’t happen much. 2. On the infotainment screen, I can’t download or update any apps. It says pending and it keeps spinning over and over again. (it is a computer after all) I have an appointment soon to get these issues fixed but other than that, it’s been amazing. I am so very grateful for this car. It is my first real car I’ve ever had and I’m so lucky to have a choice for once for something I actually want.
      • 4.0

        Clear

        by Low mileage on 11/22/2025 11:18:58 PM

        Excellent low miles like new one owner, passed away needs to be sold. Son wants to sell does not need car just wants to sell it. Excellent condition.
      Although every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on this site, absolute accuracy cannot be guaranteed. This site, and all information and materials appearing on it, are presented to the user "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied. All vehicles are subject to prior sale. Price does not include applicable tax, title, and license charges. ‡Vehicles shown at different locations are not currently in our inventory (Not in Stock) but can be made available to you at our location within a reasonable date from the time of your request, not to exceed one week. All estimated monthly payments are with approved credit from lending institution.
      Tax, title, license, dealer fees, and optional equipment extra. New and unused models include all applicable factory rebates. Must qualify for some rebates. All prices, specifications, and availability subject to change without notice. Despite our efforts to provide the most current, accurate information, errors may appear from time to time. Please contact us for the most current information. Best Price Guarantee Policy: Pilson's Best Price Guarantee Price policy is available on new in-stock vehicles only. Customer must present to Pilson a Purchase Order from another local, non-Pilson, franchise dealer and located no more than 150 miles from Pilson's location, selling the same make, model, trim and MSRP as Pilson. Competition Purchase Order must be signed by both the Guest and competing dealer management for an identical vehicle to the one in Pilson's inventory. Competitor's Purchase Order MUST include VIN number. Price is inclusive of all applicable OEM rebates and OEM incentives; and those OEM offers must be currently available and not expired. These types vehicles are excluded from qualifying; current or former demonstrator, loaner, damaged (hail, etc), special event or limited edition models. Customer must pay for non-factory installed equipment. If Pilson cannot beat the competitions written offer, Pilson will provide the customer with a FREE 7 night resort stay (one week getaway package) provided by Odenza Marketing Group.