Getting through your mid-life crisis can be difficult, especially when automobiles are involved. As many of us approach our 5-0, we want to have some fun, exercise some horsepower, but maybe still cart kids. Whatever mechanical toy we buy must be practical. That’s where the 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor rolls in.
Like a lot of trail-focused crossovers, the Tremor distinguishes itself with gold accents, black badging and trim, all-terrain tires and 18” black wheels. Front tow hooks and dark lamps lend an air of seriousness. This is no Bronco, so if you want to bang its skidplates on boulders look on, but there’s added protection for a stray log.
Step up and slide in. Clear flatscreen gauges and a 13.2-inch touchscreen connect devices wirelessly via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but I’d like a tuning knob to go with volume. There’s attention to detail with gold seat stitching, upholstered dash panels and deep sueded seats. Add heat and ventilation up front, heat in the middle row and more heat for the thick flat-bottom steering wheel. A panoramic glass roof and 14-speaker B&O audio system add joy.
Safety is enhanced by automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning, lane keep assist and reverse auto brake.
Middle-row passengers enjoy twin heated captain’s chairs and their own climate controls. It’s a little tight getting into the rearmost seat, but there’s room for kids or adults on the way to dinner. Space is limited between the power hatch and power-deployed seats, so pack light if you’re taking all your peeps.
Base Tremors come with a 2.3-liter turbo-four engine dishing 300 horsepower, but we stepped up to the Mustang-challenging 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 whomping 400 horsepower and 415 lb.-ft. of torque through a 10-speed automatic transmission. That erases 0-60 mph in under 5.5 seconds and tows 5,000 lbs. Expect 17/22-MPG city/highway (unloaded).
This Explorer also has the chassis to match its peppy powertrain. While this one is all-wheel-drive to handle slick roads, the Explorer employs rear-drive architecture for European handling. It’s pretty engaging to drive along a fun road. Off-road capability aside, fat tires and amped suspension travel enhance comfort over potholed city streets.
If none of that impresses you, this Explorer came with hands-off Blue Cruise that virtually drives itself over approved roads. There’s a sensor on the steering column making sure drivers pay attention, but you can sit back and sip a cold soda or steamin’ coffee without overburdening your weary arms.
Ford put together a practical crossover that feels and drives like something special for your mid-life crisis. Base Explorers start under $39,000 while Tremors rise from $49,460 to our test vehicle’s $62,215. Competitors include the Chevy Traverse Z71, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Honda Pilot TrailSport, Kia Telluride X-Line, Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek and Volkswagen Atlas Peak Edition.
2026 Ford Expedition Tremor Offers More of Everything
Imagine all of the Ford Explorer Tremor’s life-enhancing, all-capable attributes with more of everything: Let’s move up a mountain to the Expedition Tremor.
It’s a big bus, jacked up on off-road suspension with 10.6-inches of ground clearance dignified with requisite gold accents and fixed step bar. A big black grille, 18-inch dark gray wheels and deeply treaded tires enhance the Tremor vibe.
Pile in eight passengers in relative comfort, but six ride first class with heated/ventilated thrones up front and heated outboard seats in the middle. A switch makes the third row disappear. Three-zone automatic climate control and heated steering wheel add comforts – as do the panoramic sunroof and 10-speaker B&O audio system.
The Expedition’s 24-inch display and 13.2-inch center touchscreen balances technological advancement with practicality. Connect phones easily through wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto while safety is enhanced by automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist and rear auto braking. The 360-degree camera makes maneuvering this beast into tight parking spaces super cinch.
Getting this big bus down the Interstate was no problem given the high-output 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 stomping 440 horsepower and 510 lb.-ft of torque. Underbody skid plates and locking differential fortify its capability – as does one-pedal off-road control. Tow up to 9,300 lbs. Fuel economy rates 15/22-MPG city/highway.
Over the Labor Day weekend, my family drove the Expedition from Indianapolis to Clifty Falls State Park on the Ohio River and back. It’s big, but absorbs open Interstates with all that power and fat tires, but carving through twisty backroads required attention. Those fat tires are not made for clawing asphalt. Parking downtown required all cameras. One thing for sure: We spent no time worrying about luggage space!
All of this big balling comes at a price. Base Expeditions start at $63,600, but our Tremor came to a cavern-crossing $86,400. Competitors include the Chevy Suburban Z71, GMC Yukon AT4 and Jeep Grand Wagoneer.
Storm Forward!
Send comments to Casey at AutoCasey@aol.com; follow him on YouTube @AutoCasey.