The 2026 Ford Explorer ST pairs family-friendly versatility with genuine performance credentials. Its specially tuned 3.0 L EcoBoost V6 engine produces 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, while standard four-wheel drive handles Ontario's diverse road conditions year-round. Seating for seven, advanced Ford Digital Experience with 13.2-inch touchscreen, and available BlueCruise hands-free highway driving make this the choice for families in Kentville who refuse to compromise between capability and excitement.
Performance SUVs typically force buyers to choose between power and practicality. The Explorer ST eliminates that trade-off. It accelerates confidently for highway merging and passing, handles twisty cottage roads with composure, and still fits three rows of passengers with cargo space for weekend gear.
Explorer ST: Performance Engineered by Ford Performance
The Explorer ST receives specialized engineering from Ford Performance. The tuned 3.0 L EcoBoost V6 delivers 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque through a 10-speed automatic transmission with SelectShift capability and paddle shifters. Four-wheel drive comes standard—this isn't an optional extra. The system manages power distribution automatically but allows manual control when conditions demand it.
Key Performance Features
The ST configuration includes performance-focused equipment that separates it from standard Explorer models:
- Performance Brakes: Larger front and rear brakes with ST-branded calipers handle repeated hard stops without fade.
- Sport-Tuned Suspension: Retuned dampers and springs reduce body roll during cornering while maintaining ride comfort.
- 21-Inch Magnetite-Painted Aluminum Wheels: Standard wheels fill the wheel wells and pair with performance tires rated for spirited driving.
- Exhaust Note: Twin exhausts deliver a distinct sound during acceleration—enough to be noticed without overwhelming conversation.
Interior Design and Technology
Black Onyx ActiveX seats with Miko suede inserts and red accent stitching signal the ST's performance focus. The front seats provide bolstering for cornering support. Red stitching extends across the instrument panel, door panels, and console. Sport pedals and a unique steering wheel with ST badging complete the driver-focused cabin.
The 13.2-inch touchscreen runs Ford Digital Experience, integrating Google Maps navigation displayed across both the touchscreen and the 12.3-inch digital cluster. Google Assistant and Alexa Built-In handle voice commands for climate control, navigation, and connected home devices. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto maintain smartphone connectivity without cables.
Eight USB ports distribute power across all three rows—two specifically located for third-row passengers. Three 12-volt power points add charging options for equipment.
Family-Friendly Versatility Meets Performance
Seating and Passenger Space
The ST configuration seats six passengers across three rows using a second-row captain's chairs setup. First-row passengers get 1,034 mm of headroom and 1,090 mm of legroom. Second-row passengers receive 1,029 mm of headroom and 972 mm of legroom. Third-row space measures 988 mm of headroom and 818 mm of legroom—adequate for children and teens or adults on shorter trips.
Heated front seats come standard. The 10-way power driver's seat and 4-way power passenger seat adjust to fit different body types. Second-row heated seats are available for Ontario winters.
Cargo Management
Cargo capacity reaches 461 L behind the third row—enough for groceries, sports equipment, or weekend bags. Folding the third row increases capacity to 1,301 L. Dropping both rear rows opens 2,411 L of flat loading space for furniture, camping gear, or building materials.
The power liftgate opens hands-free with a kicking motion under the rear bumper—practical when carrying armloads of gear. Inside, the flat load floor simplifies loading and unloading.
Comparing Explorer ST to Standard Explorer Trims
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Feature
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Explorer Active
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Explorer ST
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Engine
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2.3 L EcoBoost I-4 (300 hp)
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3.0 L EcoBoost V6 (400 hp)
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Torque
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310 lb-ft
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415 lb-ft
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Drivetrain
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RWD (AWD available)
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Standard AWD
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Transmission
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10-speed automatic
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10-speed with paddle shifters
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Wheels
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18-inch
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21-inch performance
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Seating
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7 passengers
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6 passengers
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Performance Brakes
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Standard brakes
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ST-branded performance brakes
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Exhaust
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Single outlet
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Dual outlets
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The ST adds 100 horsepower and 105 lb-ft of torque over the base Active trim. Standard four-wheel drive and performance-tuned suspension separate the ST from trims where AWD is optional.
Advanced Driver-Assist Technology
Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ comes standard, including:
- Adaptive Cruise Control: Maintains set speed and following distance on highways, adjusting automatically for traffic ahead.
- BLIS with Cross-Traffic Alert and Trailer Coverage: Monitors blind spots and alerts to approaching vehicles during lane changes or when backing out of parking spaces.
- Lane-Keeping System: Provides steering assistance to keep the vehicle centered in its lane.
- Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking: Detects vehicles and pedestrians ahead and applies brakes if the driver doesn't respond to warnings.
- Evasive Steering Assist: Provides additional steering support during emergency maneuvers to avoid collisions.
Available BlueCruise allows hands-free driving on pre-mapped highways across Ontario. The system uses cameras and sensors to monitor the driver's attention and road conditions. A 90-day trial comes standard, with annual or monthly subscriptions available after the trial period.
Handling Ontario's Driving Conditions
Winter Capability
Standard four-wheel drive manages snow-covered roads and icy conditions. The system monitors wheel slip and redirects power to wheels with traction. Winter tires improve braking and cornering on ice and packed snow—the performance tires included with the ST perform best in dry and wet conditions above freezing.
Hill Start Assist prevents rollback when starting on inclines. Electronic Stability Control and Traction Control help maintain control during slippery conditions.
Highway and Cottage Road Performance
The 400-horsepower V6 provides strong acceleration for highway passing. The 10-speed automatic transmission keeps engine RPM in the power band. On winding cottage roads, the sport-tuned suspension reduces body lean during cornering. The steering weight and response suit spirited driving without feeling twitchy in normal conditions.
Ride quality balances performance tuning with daily comfort. The suspension absorbs rough pavement and potholes without harshness. Road noise remains controlled at highway speeds.
Towing and Payload Capacity
Maximum towing capacity reaches 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs) when properly equipped. This handles boat trailers, utility trailers, and lightweight campers. The Class III Trailer Tow Package comes standard, including a hitch receiver and trailer brake controller.
Pro Trailer Backup Assist makes reversing with a trailer more manageable. Turn the control knob to indicate trailer direction, and the system handles steering while you control speed and braking. Pro Trailer Hitch Assist uses the rear camera to align the hitch ball with the trailer coupler, controlling throttle, braking, and steering automatically.
Your New Explorer ST is Waiting
The Explorer ST delivers 400 horsepower, standard four-wheel drive, and seating for six passengers. It handles Ontario winters, highway trips, and weekend adventures without requiring families to choose between performance and practicality. Contact our sales team at Valley Ford in Kentville to secure yours today.
