2026 Ford Explorer vs. 2025: Family SUV Comparison

The Family SUV That Does It All: The 2026 Ford Explorer Arrives at Jenkintown Ford For nearly 30 years, the Ford Explorer has been one of the most trusted names in family SUVs — and the 2026 model continues that tradition while adding meaningful upgrades in technology, comfort, and efficiency. If you've been searching for a 2026 Ford Explorer for sale near Jenkintown, PA, or comparing three-row SUVs for daily commutes along Old York Road, school runs, and weekend trips out to the Poconos or down the shore, the Explorer deserves a close look. At Jenkintown Ford, we see firsthand why so many Montgomery County families keep coming back to this SUV generation after generation. In this guide, we'll walk through what makes the 2026 Explorer stand out: its engine lineup, interior and cargo flexibility, technology and safety features, towing capability, trim options, how it compares to rivals like the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot, and why buying from a local Jenkintown Ford dealership makes the process easier from test drive to trade-in. A Family SUV With Staying Power Since its debut in the early 1990s, the Explorer has evolved from one of the vehicles that popularized the modern SUV into a refined, three-row family hauler that balances comfort, capability, and value. Ford has continually updated the platform to keep pace with changing family needs — more cargo flexibility, better fuel economy, and increasingly sophisticated safety technology — while keeping the core appeal that made it a bestseller in the first place: a comfortable ride, confident handling, and enough room for the whole family plus their gear. The 2026 model year builds on that foundation. For Jenkintown-area families cross-shopping three-row SUVs, that long track record translates into practical benefits: strong resale value, a wide network of technicians who know the platform well, and a nameplate with decades of real-world reliability data behind it. Engine Options for Every Kind of Driver The 2026 Explorer lineup offers several powertrain choices, so buyers can pick the right balance of efficiency, performance, and capability: 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 — The standard engine delivers confident everyday performance and solid fuel economy, making it a smart choice for buyers whose Explorer will mostly handle commuting and errands around Jenkintown and the surrounding suburbs. 2.4L EcoBoost V6 — Stepping up in power, this engine is available on higher trims and provides noticeably stronger acceleration for merging onto the Pennsylvania Turnpike or passing on Route 611. 3.0L EcoBoost V6 (ST) — The performance-oriented engine found in the Explorer ST delivers significantly more horsepower for buyers who want SUV practicality with genuinely sporty performance. Hybrid powertrain — Available on select trims, the hybrid option pairs a turbocharged engine with electric assistance for improved fuel economy without sacrificing the Explorer's towing and hauling capability — a strong choice for families who want to reduce fuel costs on daily commutes without stepping down to a smaller vehicle. Rear-wheel drive comes standard on most trims, with available all-wheel drive across the lineup — a worthwhile upgrade for Jenkintown winters when Pennsylvania roads turn icy or snow-covered. Towing and Cargo Capability One of the Explorer's biggest advantages over many crossover-based three-row SUVs is its rear-wheel-drive-based platform, which contributes to a maximum towing capacity of up to roughly 5,600 pounds when properly equipped — enough for a small camper, boat, or trailer full of equipment. For families who split their time between daily errands and weekend recreation, that towing margin can make the difference between needing a second vehicle and having one SUV that handles both roles. Cargo space is equally practical, with a configurable third row that folds flat to expand cargo capacity significantly, along with clever storage solutions like a hidden underfloor compartment behind the third row — ideal for stashing valuables or gear out of sight. Interior Comfort and Family-Friendly Features The Explorer's cabin is built around real family use, not just headline specs. Depending on trim, buyers can expect: Three rows of seating with genuinely usable third-row space, unlike many competitors where the third row is only suitable for small children Available heated and ventilated front seats, plus heated second-row seats on higher trims A large portrait-oriented touchscreen with SYNC 4 for intuitive navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto Available panoramic sunroof for a brighter, more open cabin feel Multiple USB ports and available wireless charging spread throughout all three rows, keeping devices charged on long trips Available premium audio system for road trips down to the Jersey Shore or up to New England For Jenkintown parents shuttling kids between school, sports practices, and activities, these details add up to a vehicle that's genuinely easier to live with day to day, not just on paper. Technology and Safety Features The 2026 Explorer comes equipped with a strong suite of standard and available safety technology, including: Ford Co-Pilot360 driver-assist technology, standard across the lineup, including automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assistance Available adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go — especially useful for stop-and-go traffic on the Schuylkill Expressway or Roosevelt Boulevard Available 360-degree camera system for easier parking in tight spaces around Jenkintown Reverse brake assist, which can automatically apply the brakes to help avoid low-speed collisions while backing up Over-the-air software updates, allowing certain technology features to improve over time without a dealership visit These features are especially valuable for family buyers, where safety technology often ranks as a top purchase priority alongside interior space and reliability. Trim Levels for Every Budget and Priority The 2026 Explorer lineup includes several trims, each tuned for different priorities: Base — A well-equipped starting point with core safety technology and comfort features included standard. XLT — The most popular trim among Explorer buyers, adding additional convenience and technology upgrades at a reasonable price point. ST-Line — Adds sportier styling and handling-focused touches without stepping up to the full ST performance trim. Limited — A more luxurious trim with upgraded interior materials, additional comfort features, and a more refined overall experience. Platinum — Sitting near the top of the lineup, Platinum trim combines the powerful V6 engine with premium interior appointments. ST — The performance-focused trim, built for buyers who want genuinely sporty acceleration and handling in a three-row package. King Ranch — A Western-inspired premium trim with distinctive leather upholstery and unique styling details for buyers who want the most upscale Explorer experience. With this range, there's an Explorer built for budget-conscious first-time SUV buyers as well as families who want a fully loaded, premium three-row experience — and our team at Jenkintown Ford can help match the right trim to your actual needs rather than upselling features you won't use. How the Explorer Compares to Other Three-Row SUVs Families shopping the 2026 Explorer are often cross-shopping it against the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot — two of the other most popular three-row SUVs on the market. Explorer vs. Toyota Highlander — The Highlander is well known for reliability and resale value, but the Explorer generally offers stronger towing capability, a roomier third row, and a wider range of powertrain choices, including the high-performance ST trim. Explorer vs. Honda Pilot — The Pilot offers a comfortable ride and strong reliability reputation, but the Explorer's rear-wheel-drive-based platform gives it a towing and performance edge, along with more trim-level variety for buyers who want either more luxury or more performance. For families trying to decide between these options, a side-by-side test drive is the best way to compare third-row space, ride quality, and technology firsthand — something our team at Jenkintown Ford is glad to help arrange. Fuel Economy Considerations For families weighing daily commuting costs against occasional towing needs, the Explorer's range of powertrains offers real flexibility. The standard EcoBoost I-4 delivers solid everyday fuel economy for buyers whose Explorer will mostly handle commuting and errands, while the available hybrid powertrain offers a meaningful efficiency boost for families who want to reduce fuel costs without sacrificing cargo space or towing capability. Our sales team at Jenkintown Ford can walk through current EPA estimates for each configuration to help you find the right balance for your driving habits. Why Buy Local at Jenkintown Ford Shopping for a family SUV deserves more than scrolling through spec sheets online. The best way to know if the Explorer truly fits your family's needs is to sit in all three rows, load in a stroller or sports equipment, and talk through your specific priorities — towing, third-row space, fuel economy, or some combination — with a team that knows the vehicle well. Our team at Jenkintown Ford can walk you through trim packages, compare configurations side by side, and explain current incentives and rebates that can meaningfully lower your total cost. We'll also help you explore financing or leasing options tailored to your family's budget, whether you're buying your first three-row SUV or upgrading from a smaller vehicle as your family grows. Beyond the sale, buying local means ongoing support — a service department that knows Ford SUVs intimately, genuine OEM parts, and a team that's part of the same Montgomery County community you live in. When it's time for routine maintenance or warranty work, you're working with people just down the road in Jenkintown, not an unfamiliar dealer across the state. Frequently Asked Questions About the 2026 Ford Explorer How many people can the 2026 Explorer seat? The Explorer seats up to seven passengers across three rows, with a genuinely usable third row that comfortably fits adults on shorter trips, not just small children. Can the Explorer tow a boat or camper? Yes. When properly equipped, the Explorer can tow up to roughly 5,600 pounds, making it capable of handling small to mid-size boats, campers, and utility trailers. Is the hybrid Explorer worth the upgrade? For families who do significant daily commuting, the hybrid powertrain can meaningfully reduce fuel costs over time while retaining strong towing and cargo capability, making it a worthwhile consideration for high-mileage drivers. What's the difference between XLT and Limited trims? XLT offers strong value with core comfort and technology features, while Limited adds more premium interior materials, additional comfort features, and a more refined overall experience for buyers willing to spend more. Ready to Experience the 2026 Explorer? Whether you're upgrading from a smaller SUV as your family grows, replacing an aging three-row vehicle, or simply exploring your options, there's no substitute for a test drive. Stop by our Jenkintown showroom or schedule a test drive online today, and let our team help you find the Explorer configuration that fits your family, your budget, and everywhere life takes you. Jenkintown Ford — Serving Jenkintown, Montgomery County, and the greater Philadelphia area.

2026 Ford F-150 vs. Chevy Silverado 1500: The Complete Full-Size Truck Comparison When it comes to full-size pickups, the Ford F-150 and Chevy Silverado 1500 are two of the most cross-shopped trucks in America. Both are built to handle serious work and long weekend hauls, and both bring real strengths to the table. But when you dig into towing, payload, engine variety, and technology, real differences emerge. Here's a detailed, side-by-side breakdown from the team at John Kennedy Ford of Jenkintown to help you decide which full-size truck is the right fit. Quick Comparison: 2026 F-150 vs. 2026 Silverado 1500 Starting MSRP — F-150: $40,085 | Silverado 1500: $36,900 Trim Levels — F-150: 8 trims (XL, STX, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, Tremor, Raptor) | Silverado 1500: 9 trims (WT, Custom, RST Select, RST, LT, LT Trail Boss, LTZ, High Country, ZR2) Engine Lineup — F-150: 6 engine choices | Silverado 1500: 4 engine choices Max Horsepower — F-150 Raptor R: 720 hp | Silverado 1500 6.2L V8: 420 hp Max Towing — F-150: up to 13,500 lbs | Silverado 1500: up to 13,300 lbs Max Payload — F-150: up to 2,440 lbs | Silverado 1500: up to 2,260 lbs Hybrid Option — F-150 PowerBoost: 430 hp / 578 lb-ft | Silverado 1500: no hybrid available (diesel offered instead) Hands-Free Driving — F-150: BlueCruise (available on several trims) | Silverado 1500: Super Cruise (available on High Country, works while towing) Towing, Payload, and Power: Where the F-150 Pulls Ahead Both of these trucks are genuinely strong haulers, and the numbers are close — but they favor the F-150. A properly equipped 2026 F-150 with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 can tow up to a class-leading 13,500 lbs and carry a maximum payload of 2,440 lbs. The Silverado 1500 comes close, topping out at 13,300 lbs of towing with its 6.2L V8 or Duramax diesel and 2,260 lbs of maximum payload with its 2.7L TurboMax engine. At the top of the performance ladder, the gap widens considerably: the F-150 Raptor R's 720-hp twin-turbo V8 dwarfs even the Silverado's most powerful gas engine, the 6.2L V8, which tops out at 420 hp. Engine Lineup: More Choices with the F-150 The F-150 offers one of the widest engine lineups in the segment: a 2.7L EcoBoost V6 (325 hp / 400 lb-ft), a 5.0L V8 (400 hp / 410 lb-ft), a 3.5L EcoBoost V6 (400 hp / 500 lb-ft), the PowerBoost full hybrid V6 (430 hp / 578 lb-ft), and the high-performance Raptor and Raptor R engines, topping out at 720 horsepower. That's six total powertrain options, giving F-150 shoppers real flexibility to match a truck to their exact needs — including a genuine hybrid option the Silverado simply doesn't offer. The Silverado counters with four solid choices: the standard 2.7L TurboMax four-cylinder (310 hp / 430 lb-ft, strong low-end torque), a 5.3L V8 (355 hp / 383 lb-ft), a 6.2L V8 (420 hp / 460 lb-ft), and a 3.0L Duramax turbo-diesel (305 hp / 495 lb-ft) that delivers a best-in-class EPA-estimated 28 mpg highway. It's a well-rounded lineup built around efficiency and towing, but it doesn't match the sheer breadth of what Ford offers, and there's no hybrid alternative for buyers who want electrified power without stepping down to a four-cylinder. Technology and On-the-Job Features Every F-150 comes standard with Pro Power Onboard, a built-in generator delivering up to 2 kW of exportable power standard, with the Platinum Plus offering a boosted 7.2 kW — enough to run job site tools or power a campsite without a separate generator. Ford's hands-free BlueCruise driver-assist technology is also available across several trims, and the F-150 has earned the KBB Best Buy Award in the full-size truck segment for 11 consecutive years running. The Silverado brings its own strong technology story, led by Super Cruise, GM's hands-free driving system available on the High Country trim, which notably continues to work even while towing a trailer — a genuine advantage for long highway hauls. The 2026 Silverado also offers screens up to 13.4 inches on upper trims, and the ZR2's available Multi-Flex Midgate and Technology Package add real off-road-focused convenience. To Be Fair: Where the Silverado 1500 Holds Its Own The Silverado isn't just riding on Chevy badge appeal. Its starting price undercuts the F-150's by more than $3,000, and its available Duramax turbo-diesel delivers the best highway fuel economy in this comparison at up to 28 mpg. Super Cruise's ability to operate hands-free while towing is a genuinely useful feature for drivers who haul trailers on long highway trips, and the ZR2's off-road hardware and Multi-Flex Midgate give it real appeal for adventure-focused buyers. If a lower price of entry and diesel efficiency are your top priorities, the Silverado 1500 makes a strong case. The Verdict Both of these full-size trucks are excellent choices, and you won't go wrong with either one. But for buyers who want best-in-class towing and payload, the widest range of engine and trim choices, a genuine hybrid option, and proven job-site technology like Pro Power Onboard, the 2026 Ford F-150 comes out slightly ahead. The Silverado 1500 remains a strong pick for buyers who prioritize a lower starting price or diesel efficiency, but if raw capability and configuration variety are what matter most, the F-150 is hard to beat. Test Drive the 2026 Ford F-150 Today Visit John Kennedy Ford of Jenkintown to see the F-150 lineup in person and find the trim and powertrain that's right for you. View F-150 Inventory Schedule a Test Drive Proudly Serving Jenkintown and the Surrounding Communities John Kennedy Ford of Jenkintown is a convenient destination for F-150 shoppers throughout Montgomery County and the greater Philadelphia area. We're proud to serve drivers from: Jenkintown, PA Abington, PA Glenside, PA Willow Grove, PA Elkins Park, PA Rydal, PA Wyncote, PA Cheltenham, PA Huntingdon Valley, PA Rockledge, PA Fort Washington, PA Flourtown, PA Philadelphia, PA No matter which of these communities you call home, our Jenkintown showroom is just a short drive away. Browse our full new Ford inventory or visit our homepage to learn more about financing, trade-ins, and current offers. Pricing, specifications, and third-party data referenced above are current as of publication and sourced from Ford.com, Chevrolet.com, Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book, Autoblog, and TrueCar. Specs and pricing are subject to change by each manufacturer and may not include destination fees, taxes, title, or dealer charges. See John Kennedy Ford of Jenkintown for current pricing, incentives, and availability.

2026 Ford Mustang vs. Chevy Camaro: Why the Mustang Stands Alone For decades, the Ford Mustang and Chevy Camaro waged one of the greatest rivalries in automotive history. But if you're searching for a "2026 Mustang vs. Camaro" comparison right now, here's the honest answer: there is no 2026 Chevy Camaro to compare it to. Chevrolet ended Camaro production after the 2024 model year, and while there's real buzz about a comeback, the earliest a new one could arrive is the 2028 model year. That leaves the Mustang as the last true American muscle car you can actually walk into a showroom and drive home today. Here's the full story, from the team at John Kennedy Ford of Jenkintown. What Actually Happened to the Camaro? Chevrolet confirmed in March 2023 that the 2024 model year would be the last for the sixth-generation Camaro, with production winding down at the Lansing Grand River plant in early 2024. At the time, Chevrolet's global vice president said the brand wasn't announcing an immediate successor but hinted the nameplate's story wasn't over. Since then, Chevy has kept the nameplate alive only in NASCAR, racing an updated Camaro ZL1 body style in the Cup Series despite having no road-going version to sell alongside it. As for what comes next, reporting from Automotive News and GM Authority indicates General Motors has approved a Camaro successor built on the rear-wheel-drive Alpha 2 platform, with production targeted for late 2027 at the earliest, meaning a realistic 2028 model year debut. Multiple sources also suggest the next Camaro could shift to a four-door sedan body style rather than the classic two-door coupe, similar in spirit to how Dodge reimagined the Charger. None of this has been officially confirmed by GM, and until it is, Camaro shoppers are left waiting. The Mustang: America's Last Muscle Car Standing While Chevy figures out its next move, Ford has kept building. The 2026 Mustang lineup spans six trims and a wide range of power, starting with the turbocharged 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder (315 hp / 350 lb-ft) and climbing to the 5.0L V8-powered GT (480 hp / 415 lb-ft) and the track-focused Dark Horse (500 hp / 418 lb-ft). At the very top of the lineup, the Dark Horse SC pushes output to a staggering 795 horsepower. Every Mustang is rear-wheel-drive, and buyers can still choose between a 10-speed automatic or a genuine 6-speed manual transmission on GT and Dark Horse models — something increasingly rare in this segment. Pricing starts at $34,635, putting a real V8 muscle car within reach for a wide range of buyers. Independent reviewers have taken notice of the Mustang's newly uncontested position. In its 2026 review, Edmunds noted that with no other true American muscle car currently in production, the Mustang effectively has the segment to itself right now. With sales climbing through 2025 and into 2026, the Mustang isn't just surviving as the segment's last entrant — it's thriving. If You're Cross-Shopping a Used Camaro Plenty of shoppers searching "Mustang vs. Camaro" are actually cross-shopping a new Mustang against the used or CPO Camaro market, since that's the only way to get a Camaro today. It's a reasonable approach — the sixth-generation Camaro, especially in SS and ZL1 trim, remains a genuinely quick, well-regarded car. But it comes with real tradeoffs: you're buying a car with no active production support, no ability to order the exact configuration you want, and a nameplate whose future direction is still unclear. A new 2026 Mustang, by contrast, comes with a full factory warranty, the latest safety and infotainment technology, and the confidence that Ford is actively investing in the nameplate's future. The Verdict There's no getting around it: right now, this isn't really a close comparison. The 2026 Ford Mustang offers more trims, more engine choices, and more transmission options than any Camaro ever did, all backed by a manufacturer that's fully committed to the muscle car formula today — not in 2028, and not as a four-door maybe. If you want the genuine American muscle car experience without waiting to see what Chevrolet eventually builds, the Mustang is the clear, and currently only, choice. Test Drive the 2026 Ford Mustang Today Visit John Kennedy Ford of Jenkintown to see the Mustang lineup in person and find the trim that fits your style. View Mustang Inventory Schedule a Test Drive Proudly Serving Jenkintown and the Surrounding Communities John Kennedy Ford of Jenkintown is a convenient destination for Mustang shoppers throughout Montgomery County and the greater Philadelphia area. We're proud to serve drivers from: Jenkintown, PA Abington, PA Glenside, PA Willow Grove, PA Elkins Park, PA Rydal, PA Wyncote, PA Cheltenham, PA Huntingdon Valley, PA Meadowbrook, PA Fort Washington, PA Flourtown, PA Philadelphia, PA No matter which of these communities you call home, our Jenkintown showroom is just a short drive away. Browse our full new Ford inventory or visit our homepage to learn more about financing, trade-ins, and current offers. Pricing, specifications, and third-party data referenced above are current as of publication and sourced from Ford.com, Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book, GM Authority, and Automotive News reporting on the Camaro's status. Specs and pricing are subject to change by the manufacturer and may not include destination fees, taxes, title, or dealer charges. See John Kennedy Ford of Jenkintown for current pricing, incentives, and availability.