2026 Ford Explorer®: Performance, Trims, and Technology

A Ford F-150® pulling a trailer and a Maverick® navigating downtown Macomb have different jobs. But when the driver presses the brake pedal, both depend on the same process: turning motion into heat through friction. It's an enormous amount of energy to manage, particularly when a vehicle is carrying additional weight. Routine brake service keeps that process predictable by identifying wear before it begins affecting how the vehicle responds. Your Brakes Work Harder Than You Think Braking seems simple from the driver's seat. Press the pedal, slow down. Mechanically, there's considerably more happening. Hydraulic pressure moves through the brake lines, calipers press pads against rotating discs, and friction converts kinetic energy into heat. Pads gradually wear, rotors experience repeated heating and cooling, and brake fluid absorbs moisture over time. Calipers also require attention because their moving components must operate freely. Ford engineers its braking systems for demanding conditions, but even robust hardware needs regular inspection. A Proper Inspection Goes Beyond the Pads Brake service begins with evaluating the entire system. A technician measures pad thickness, examines rotor condition, checks calipers for sticking or leaks, and inspects brake lines. Brake fluid level and quality are also important because contaminated fluid can compromise hydraulic performance. Depending on the findings, service may involve replacement pads, rotor work, or fresh brake fluid. Woodrum Auto also offers Ford Mobile Service for qualifying brake work, oil changes, battery checks, and tire rotations at your home or workplace. Warning Signs Worth Listening To A squeal during braking can indicate worn pads. Grinding suggests a potentially more serious problem, especially if friction material has deteriorated enough to damage the rotors. Vibration may indicate rotor trouble, while a soft pedal can point toward a hydraulic issue. Increased stopping distances and illuminated brake warning lights also demand attention. Ford Co-Pilot360 driver-assistance technology can help with certain driving hazards, but its electronic systems cannot compensate for neglected mechanical brakes. If braking performance changes significantly, arrange an inspection promptly. Driving Conditions Determine Brake Wear There's no universal replacement interval for Ford brakes. An Explorer® carrying passengers through stop-and-go traffic faces different demands from an F-150® regularly towing equipment. Frequent stops, added weight, and hilly roads increase the energy the brakes must absorb. An annual brake inspection provides a reasonable starting point, although unusual noises, pedal changes, or warning lights justify an earlier visit. The goal is to evaluate component condition instead of replacing parts according to mileage alone. Small Problems Can Become Expensive Repairs A worn pad doesn't operate independently. Allowing its friction material to deteriorate can damage the rotor, turning a relatively straightforward replacement into a more involved repair. Moisture-contaminated brake fluid can also contribute to corrosion within the hydraulic system. Catching these issues early helps preserve stopping performance and limits avoidable repair costs. Ford owners may also earn points on eligible maintenance, parts, and accessories through Ford Rewards. Schedule Ford Brake Service at Woodrum Auto Drivers around Macomb can visit Woodrum Auto for brake inspections, pad replacement, rotor service, and related maintenance. Schedule a service appointment to have your Ford's braking system evaluated, or ask about Ford Mobile Service av ailability for added convenience. Good brakes should make stopping feel completely uneventful, which is precisely the point.

Some vehicles spend decades chasing relevance. The Ford Explorer® has spent decades defining it. Family road trips, boat launches before sunrise, weekday school runs, and long interstate drives all seem to fit naturally into its résumé. The 2026 model continues that tradition, refining an SUV that already knows exactly what it's meant to be. For drivers searching for a capable 3-row SUV near Macomb, the latest Explorer® offers impressive power, confident capability, and a thoughtfully designed interior that feels ready for whatever comes next. A Lineup Designed Around Different Drivers One of the Explorer's greatest strengths is the breadth of its lineup. Rather than asking every buyer to fit the same mold, Ford offers six distinct trims: Active 100A, Active, ST-Line, Tremor®, Platinum®, and ST. Each trim carries the same unmistakable Explorer® silhouette but brings its own personality to the road. The Active models emphasize versatility for everyday driving, while the ST-Line introduces a more athletic appearance. Tremor® is engineered for drivers who like exploring beyond paved roads, and the ST delivers performance that feels remarkably composed for a full-size family SUV. Then there's the Platinum®. It approaches luxury with confidence, surrounding passengers with premium materials, elevated comfort, and technology that enhances every journey without overwhelming it. If you're comparing Ford SUVs near Macomb, the Explorer® continues to be one of the brand's most versatile choices. Power That Matches the Explorer® Name Every 2026 Explorer® begins with a 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 engine producing 300 hp and 310 lbs. ft. of torque. It's an engine that feels eager in everyday driving while remaining composed during longer highway journeys. Drivers wanting additional performance can step into the Tremor® or ST, where the available 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 raises output to 385 hp and 415 lbs. ft. of torque. Capability remains one of the Explorer's defining strengths. Every model comes equipped with a standard Class III Trailer Tow Package, allowing properly equipped models to tow up to 5,000 lbs. For many owners, that means bringing along a camper, fishing boat, or utility trailer without giving it a second thought. Available Intelligent 4WD on the Explorer® Active also provides added confidence when changing weather or road conditions become part of the journey. Technology That Feels Intuitive The most effective technology often fades into the background until it's needed. Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist+ brings together Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane Centering, BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane-Keeping System, and Pre-Collision Assist® with Automatic Emergency Braking to support drivers throughout daily travel. The available Ford Connectivity Package expands the experience even further through the Ford Digital Experience, offering connected navigation, voice assistance, a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot, and connected services that help keep everyone informed and entertained during longer drives. Discover the 2026 Ford Explorer® at Woodrum Auto Group The 2026 Ford Explorer® continues to demonstrate why it remains one of Ford's most enduring SUVs. With six distinctive trims, capable EcoBoost® powertrains, impressive towing capability, and technology that supports every journey, it offers a solution for families, adventurers, and daily commuters alike. Visit Woodrum Auto Group to explore available Explorer® models, compare trim levels, learn about current lease and finance opportunities, and schedule a test drive online to experience everything the 2026 Ford Explorer® has to offer.

If you've been waiting for the right moment to get behind the wheel of an American icon, this is it. Drivers looking at the 2026 Ford Mustang in Macomb, IL can see it offers more personality, more performance, and more ways to make it your own than ever before. No matter if you're drawn to the throaty rumble of a V8 or the turbocharged efficiency of the EcoBoost® engine, this lineup has something for every kind of driver. From daily commuters to weekend track runs, the 2026 Mustang is built to deliver. A Quick Look at the 2026 Ford Mustang Trim Levels Understanding the Mustang’s trim levels is the best place to start when you're shopping. Ford offers 10 configurations across fastback and convertible body styles, giving you plenty of room to match the car to your lifestyle. The entry point is the Mustang EcoBoost® Fastback, powered by a 2.3L EcoBoost® engine that produces 315 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. It comes standard with a 12.4-in LCD digital cluster, a 13.2-inch capacitive touchscreen, selectable drive modes, and LED headlamps with sequential turn signals. Step up to the EcoBoost® Premium Fastback or Convertible and you gain access to heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, ambient lighting with MyColor, and an available magnesium-framed panoramic curved display. V8 fans will want to look at the Mustang GT Fastback, which packs a 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 engine rated at 480 hp and a standard 6-speed manual transmission with rev matching. The GT Premium adds the available GT Performance Package with an optional MagneRide® Damping System, RECARO seats, and the new Mustang FX Package for GT Premium models. The Dark Horse and Dark Horse Premium models deliver a modified 5.0L Coyote™ V8 with 500 hp, an available TREMEC® 6-speed manual, MagneRide® Damping System, and a class-first drift brake. At the very top of the range sits the Dark Horse SC, which features a supercharged 5.2L cross-plane crank V8 engine producing 795 hp and 660 lb-ft of torque, paired with a TREMEC® 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. New Features and Colors for 2026 The 2026 Ford Mustang arrives in Macomb, IL with several notable updates that make it feel fresh without losing what makes it iconic. For the first time, buyers can choose from three new exterior colors: Adriatic Blue Metallic, Orange Fury Metallic Tri-coat, and Avalanche Gray. Combined with classics like Race Red, Shadow Black, and Oxford White, that's 10 available colors in total. Inside, Ford added new seatbelt color options on most 2026 Mustang models. Joining Race Red, you can now choose Black with Red Stripe, International Orange, and Prime Blue — a small detail that adds a lot of personality from the moment you buckle in. The new Mustang FX Package is exclusively available on GT Premium models and features Oxford White-painted cast aluminum wheels, Oxford White badging, unique white taillamps, and a wedge decklid spoiler on fastback models. The available Ford Connectivity Package keeps you connected with an unlimited Wi-Fi hotspot for up to 10 devices, connected navigation with real-time traffic, and wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility through SYNC 4. Special Edition Packages Worth Knowing About Two new collaborative packages make the 2026 Mustang even more exciting for shoppers near Macomb, IL looking for something a step above the standard lineup. The Mustang RTR® Package, available exclusively on the EcoBoost® fastback, was created in partnership with Vaughn Gittin Jr.'s RTR Vehicles. It draws on Ford-patented anti-lag turbocharger technology, Mustang Dark Horse suspension components, standard Brembo brakes, and wide 19-in-by-9.5-in wheels. A class-first electronic drift brake rounds out the package for a driving experience that's hard to match. The Mustang TLD™ Signature Edition, created in collaboration with action-sports designer Troy Lee, is limited to just 550 units. Each one features a laser-etched Troy Lee dash badge, custom hood and bodyside accent stripe graphics, Sinister Bronze-painted wheels, and Mustang GT components. If exclusivity matters to you, this one is worth tracking down. Performance That Lives Up to the Name No matter which of the 2026 Ford Mustang trim levels you choose, performance is at the center of the experience. The MagneRide Damping System — available on EcoBoost and GT models and standard on Dark Horse — responds 1,000 times per second to help deliver confident, road-hugging handling. The available Track Apps feature lets you monitor G-forces, acceleration, and lap times directly on the cluster display. The 10-speed automatic transmission is standard on EcoBoost trims and available on V8 models. On GT and Dark Horse models, the available 10-speed automatic includes SelectShift capability with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. An industry-first Remote Rev feature even lets you make the engine roar from the key fob with an available automatic transmission. Ford Co-Pilot360 technology comes standard across the lineup, including Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, BLIS with Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane-Keeping System, and Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go. Find Your 2026 Ford Mustang at Woodrum Auto Group If you're searching for the 2026 Ford Mustang in Macomb, IL, Woodrum Auto Group is ready to help you explore the full lineup. Whether you're comparing 2026 Ford Mustang trim levels or have your eye on a specific model, the team at Woodrum Auto Group can walk you through everything from features to available offers. Stop by or browse inventory online at woodrumauto.com to find the Mustang that fits your style and your drive.