5 Reasons the 2026 Ford Explorer is Built for Nova Scotia Winter Highways

When winter weather rolls into the Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia drivers need confidence behind the wheel. The 2026 Ford Explorer delivers exactly that with intelligent all-wheel drive, a powerful engine lineup, and advanced technology that keeps you connected from Kentville to Halifax. Here's why the Explorer handles snowy Highway 101 stretches with ease.

Intelligent Four-Wheel Drive Grips Snowy Roads

The 2026 Explorer comes standard with Intelligent Four-Wheel Drive on Active, ST-Line, ST, and Platinum models. This system continuously monitors traction conditions and sends power to the wheels that need it most. When slush builds up on Highway 101 between Kentville and Windsor, the Explorer automatically adjusts torque distribution to maintain grip without any input from you.

The system works seamlessly with Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+, which includes features like Lane-Keeping System and Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking. Together, these technologies help you maintain control when fog rolls in off the Bay of Fundy or when black ice forms on coastal routes heading toward Digby.

Twin-Turbo V6 Power for Highway Passing

The available 3.0-litre EcoBoost V6 engine delivers 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, giving you confident acceleration for highway merges and passing slower traffic on two-lane Valley roads. This engine comes standard on the Explorer ST and is available on the Platinum trim.

The base 2.3-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder engine produces 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, providing solid performance for most Nova Scotia driving conditions. Both engines pair with a recalibrated 10-speed automatic transmission that adapts to road conditions, delivering smooth power delivery whether you're climbing Wentworth Valley hills or cruising the 101 toward Truro.

13.2-Inch Touchscreen Keeps You Connected

The 2026 Explorer features a standard 13.2-inch LCD touchscreen with Ford Digital Experience. This system integrates Google Maps navigation, which displays route information on both the touchscreen and the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. When winter storms close sections of Highway 101 or force detours through Cumberland County, real-time traffic updates help you find alternate routes.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility means you can access phone features, music, and podcasts without fumbling with cables in winter gloves. The system includes eight USB ports throughout the cabin, including two for third-row passengers, so everyone stays charged on long drives to Cape Breton or trips down the South Shore.

Voice control through Google Assistant or Alexa Built-In lets you adjust cabin temperature, change radio stations, or request directions while keeping both hands on the wheel during challenging winter conditions.

BlueCruise Makes Long Highway Drives Easier

Available on ST-Line, ST, and Platinum models, Ford BlueCruise hands-free highway driving helps reduce fatigue on long Trans-Canada Highway stretches. The system works on pre-mapped divided highways, handling steering, braking, and acceleration while you maintain attention on the road.

BlueCruise includes Lane Change Assist, which lets you switch lanes hands-free with a tap of the turn signal when the path is clear. In-Lane Repositioning subtly shifts the Explorer away from vehicles in adjacent lanes, providing extra space in crowded Halifax commuter traffic or when transport trucks pass on the 104.

New Explorer customers receive a complimentary 90-day trial on equipped models, with flexible activation options afterward. Over-the-air software updates keep the system current without requiring dealership visits, delivering improvements as Ford refines the technology.

Three-Row Seating with Cold-Weather Comfort

The Explorer seats up to seven passengers across three rows, with standard heated front seats and available heated second-row seats. The redesigned interior features soft-touch surfaces and premium materials that create a comfortable environment for winter road trips to Prince Edward Island or weekend ski trips to Wentworth.

Cargo space measures 85.3 cubic feet behind the first row, providing room for hockey gear, snowboarding equipment, or supplies for a Cape Breton weekend. The power liftgate opens with a button press, making loading easier when carrying packages in icy parking lots.

Standard features include:

• 10-way power, heated driver's seat
• Four-way power, heated front passenger seat
• Wireless phone charging pad
• Three 12-volt power points
• LED headlamps with auto high beams
• Power liftgate

Key Takeaways

Learn More at Valley Ford

The 2026 Ford Explorer brings intelligent all-wheel drive, powerful engine options, and advanced technology to Nova Scotia winter driving. Visit our team in Kentville to explore the Explorer lineup and see how these features work together for confident year-round performance in the Annapolis Valley.