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The three-row SUV has become something of a family multitool, expected to carry passengers, tow trailers, and deliver comfort without feeling cumbersome. The 2026 Ford Explorer® approaches these demands with two turbocharged engines, a versatile interior, and sophisticated techn ology. For drivers in Macomb, IL, the introduction of Tremor® adds another dimension to an already capable lineup. Six Trims with Distinct Priorities Th e Explorer® lineup inc ludes Active 100A, Active, ST-Line, Tremor®, Platinum, and ST. Active 100A establishes the essentials, while Active adds heated front seats and a power liftgate. ST-Line introduces 20-inch wheels and a 10-speaker B&O® Sound System. Tremor® brings standard 4WD and specialized off-road equipment. Platinum emphasizes premium appointments, while ST concentrates on performance with its standard twin-turbocharged V6. EcoBoost® Engines and Towing Capability The standard 2.3L EcoBoost® 4-cylinder produces 300 hp and 310 lbs. ft. of torque, providing ample performance for everyday travel. The ST's 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 develops 400 hp and 415 lbs. ft. of torque and is also available on Tremor®. Both engines use a 10-speed automatic transmission. RWD is standard on most trims, with Intelligent 4WD available. A standard Class III Trailer Tow Package supports towing up to 5,000 lbs. when properly equipped. Platinum: Comfort Without Excess The Explorer® Platinum co mbines leather-trimmed seating, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row seats with distinctive exterior detailing. Standard 20-inch Luster Nickel-painted wheels complement its appearance. A 14-speaker B&O® Sound System provides premium audio, while available multicontour front seats with Active Motion® enhance long-distance comfort. An available panoramic fixed glass roof brightens the cabin. For 2026, Platinum exclusively uses the 2.3L EcoBoost® engine. Three Rows and Flexible Cargo Space Depending on configuration, the Explorer® accommodates 6 or 7 passengers. Second-row captain's chairs improve third-row access, while an available bench increases seating capacity. Cargo volume measures 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 46 cubic feet behind the second, and 85.8 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. Available PowerFold ® third-row seating simplifies reconfiguration, and standard tri-zone climate control serves passengers throughout the cabin. Ford Digital Experience A standard 13.2-inch touchscreen works alongside a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Ford Digital Experience integrates Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play, with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility. The Ford Connectivity Package includes a 1-year connected-services plan offering Wi-Fi hotspot functionality and entertainment features, subject to activation and service terms. The FordPass ® app supports compatible remote vehicle functions. Driver Assistance and BlueCruise Standard Ford Co-Pilot360™ Assist+ includes Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane Centering, BLIS® with Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane-Keeping System, and Pre-Collision Assist® with Automatic Emergency Braking. Enhanced camera and parking technologies are available on select trims. Available Ford BlueCruise enables hands-free driving on compatible highways, although driver attention remains essential and service requirements apply. Explore the 2026 Explorer® in Macomb, IL The Explorer® balances family practicality with substanti al performance and a broad selection of equipment. Visit Woodrum Auto in Macomb, IL, to compare available 2026 Active, Tremor®, Platinum, and ST configurations. Contact the dealership to review features and schedule a test drive online now before they’re gone.

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.