Ford Explorer Safety Technology: What's Standard and What's Available

The 2026 Ford Explorer continues to set the standard for family SUVs with advanced technology and comprehensive safety systems. Every trim level comes equipped with intelligent driver-assist features, modern connectivity, and thoughtful safety innovations designed to protect what matters most. Whether you're considering the rugged new Tremor, the performance-focused ST, or the luxurious Platinum, understanding how technology and safety features differ across the lineup helps you choose the right Explorer for your needs.

Ford has simplified the 2026 Explorer lineup while expanding capabilities. The all-new Tremor joins the proven Active, ST-Line, ST, and Platinum models, each offering distinct technology packages tailored to different driving priorities. Higher trims add convenience features and advanced driver-assist technologies that make every journey more confident and connected.

Standard Safety Technology Across All Trims

Every 2026 Explorer includes Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ as standard equipment. This comprehensive suite delivers multiple layers of protection without requiring expensive option packages. The system includes Adaptive Cruise Control that maintains your set speed and following distance, automatically adjusting to traffic flow on highways and city streets.

BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) monitors adjacent lanes and alerts you to vehicles in your blind spots. The system extends coverage to trailers when towing, ensuring you have complete awareness of your surroundings. Cross-Traffic Alert warns of approaching vehicles when reversing from parking spaces, while Exit Warning prevents occupants from opening doors into the path of oncoming traffic or cyclists.

The Lane-Keeping System actively helps you stay centred in your lane through gentle steering corrections. If the system detects unintentional lane drift, it provides both visual and tactile warnings. Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking monitors the road ahead, detecting vehicles and pedestrians. If a collision appears imminent and you don't respond in time, the system applies the brakes automatically.

Additional standard safety features include Post-Collision Braking, which applies braking force after an initial impact to help prevent secondary collisions. Evasive Steering Assist provides additional steering support if emergency manoeuvring becomes necessary to avoid a collision. Intersection Assist 2.0 monitors cross-traffic at intersections, while Rear Cross-Traffic Braking can automatically apply brakes when reversing if cross-traffic is detected. Hill Start Assist prevents rollback when starting on inclines, and Reverse Parking Assist helps guide you into tight parking spaces.

Ford Digital Experience and Connectivity

The 2026 Explorer features Ford Digital Experience across all trims, centred on a 13.2-inch touchscreen that serves as your command centre. The system integrates with your digital life through wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, allowing you to access navigation, music, messaging, and calls without cables.

Alexa built-in enables voice control for smart home devices, shopping lists, and information queries while driving. Google built-in provides access to Google Maps navigation, Google Assistant voice commands, and compatible apps through the vehicle's native interface. The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster displays critical driving information with customizable layouts that adapt to your preferences.

Connectivity extends throughout the cabin with eight USB ports, including dedicated charging points for third-row passengers. Three 12-volt powerpoints provide additional charging options. FordPass Connect embedded modem enables remote features through the FordPass smartphone app, including remote start, lock/unlock, vehicle status checks, and vehicle locator functions.

Advanced Safety: Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0

ST-Line, ST, and Platinum trims offer Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 as available equipment. This enhanced safety package builds on the standard Assist+ features with additional sensors and capabilities. The 360-degree camera system provides a bird's-eye view of your surroundings, making parking and low-speed manoeuvring easier in tight spaces.

Front parking sensors complement the standard rear sensors, providing complete perimeter awareness. Intersection Assist 2.2 offers upgraded detection and response capabilities at complex intersections compared to the standard system. These additions prove particularly valuable in urban environments and crowded parking areas where visibility challenges increase collision risk.

BlueCruise Hands-Free Highway Driving

ST-Line, ST, and Platinum models come equipped with BlueCruise 1.5 hardware, enabling hands-free highway driving on over 200,000 kilometres of pre-mapped divided highways across Canada and the United States. The system uses camera and GPS technology to monitor your attention and road conditions, allowing you to drive hands-free while maintaining full responsibility for the vehicle.

BlueCruise includes Lane Change Assist, which enables hands-free lane changes with a simple tap of the turn signal when the system confirms the adjacent lane is clear. In-Lane Repositioning subtly shifts the vehicle's position within the lane to provide more space when large vehicles pass in adjacent lanes. The system handles acceleration, braking, and steering, reducing fatigue during long highway journeys or stop-and-go traffic situations.

New Explorer customers with BlueCruise-equipped vehicles receive a complimentary 90-day trial. After the trial period, you can activate the service annually or monthly based on your driving patterns and needs.

Technology Features by Trim

Active:

The Active trim focuses on outdoor capability with standard four-wheel drive and practical technology. You get the full Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ suite, Ford Digital Experience with 13.2-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone connectivity, and FordPass Connect. The Active Comfort Package adds a heated steering wheel, LED fog lamps with signature lighting, and ActiveX seating material that resists water and stains.

ST-Line:

ST-Line adds sport-oriented styling to the technology foundation. The ST-Line Premium Package enhances convenience with power-folding side mirrors, heated second-row seats, PowerFold third-row seats, ambient lighting, rain-sensing front wipers, and a wireless charging pad. Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 becomes available, adding the 360-degree camera and front parking sensors.

ST:

The high-performance ST includes BlueCruise hardware as standard equipment, enabling hands-free highway driving capability. The ST receives the same advanced connectivity and safety features as ST-Line, with Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 available. The focus remains on driving dynamics, but technology integration ensures you stay connected and protected at any speed.

Platinum:

Platinum serves as the technology flagship, offering the most comprehensive feature set. BlueCruise comes standard, as does Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 with 360-degree camera and front parking sensors. The Premium Audio Package adds a 14-speaker B&O audio system for superior sound quality. Massaging front seats become available, providing comfort during extended drives.

Tremor:

The all-new Tremor off-road model includes full Ford Digital Experience and Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 as standard equipment. BlueCruise 1.5 is available, making the Tremor equally capable on highways and trails. The 360-degree camera proves particularly valuable when navigating challenging off-road terrain, while the standard safety suite provides confidence on remote roads.

Additional Safety and Convenience Features

Rain-sensing wipers activate automatically when moisture is detected on the windshield, available on higher trims. Hill Descent Control, standard on all-wheel-drive models, maintains controlled speeds when descending steep grades without constant brake pedal input. Auto headlamps with auto high beams adjust lighting automatically based on ambient conditions and oncoming traffic.

The power liftgate on all models provides hands-free access when your hands are full. LED headlamps and taillamps deliver superior visibility while consuming less energy than traditional lighting. The Class III Trailer Tow Package comes standard across the lineup, with integrated trailer brake controller and tow/haul mode for confident towing up to the Explorer's maximum capacity.

Key Technology & Safety Features

Standard on All Trims:

• Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ with Adaptive Cruise Control, BLIS, Lane-Keeping System, Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking
• 13.2-inch touchscreen with Ford Digital Experience
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
• Eight USB ports throughout cabin

Available on ST-Line, ST, Platinum, Tremor:

• Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 with 360-degree camera and front parking sensors
• BlueCruise 1.5 hands-free highway driving (90-day trial included)
• Rain-sensing front wipers
• Wireless charging pad
• Premium B&O audio system (Platinum)

Experience the 2026 Explorer at Trillium Ford

The 2026 Ford Explorer delivers intelligent technology and comprehensive safety features across every trim level. From the standard Co-Pilot360 Assist+ suite that protects every journey to the available BlueCruise hands-free driving system that transforms highway travel, Explorer brings advanced capability and thoughtful innovation together. Visit our team at Trillium Ford to explore the complete 2026 Explorer lineup and find which technology package best fits your driving needs.