Wesley Chapel to New Tampa is an easy commute. Add school pickup in Land O Lakes, a weekend in Zephyrhills, family in Dade City, or a run up toward Brooksville and suddenly space, fuel economy, and flexibility matter a lot more. This 2026 Ford Explorer Active is built for that kind of Tampa Bay life, with three row versatility, a 2.3L EcoBoost engine, rear wheel drive, and an EPA rated 29 MPG on the highway.

Space White Metallic gives the Explorer a bright, clean look. The 18 inch silver painted aluminum wheels, LED headlamps and taillamps, black roof rails, rear privacy glass, body color rear spoiler, and heated power mirrors with approach lamps keep the Active modern and practical. A power liftgate is especially useful when groceries, sports bags, or luggage have both hands occupied.

Parks Plus ownership benefits can include paint and fabric protection, rain repellent, headlight protection, nitrogen tire service, Stolen Vehicle Assistance, and roadside assistance. Those protections make sense on a family SUV that may live outside through Florida sun and afternoon storms while covering miles from New Tampa to Brooksville.

The 2.3L EcoBoost works with a 10 speed automatic transmission, and the EPA label rates this rear wheel drive Explorer at 24 MPG combined, 20 city, and 29 highway. For families spending plenty of time on I 75, State Road 54, and the roads connecting Pasco, Hillsborough, and Hernando counties, that highway rating is a useful part of the ownership story.

Inside, Dark Space Gray cloth seating, heated front seats, a power driver seat, tri zone electronic temperature control, USB C ports in all rows, a 12.3 inch digital cluster, and 12 volt power points make the everyday routine easier. The 50/50 fold flat third row lets you trade passenger room for cargo space quickly when the trip changes from family duty to groceries, luggage, or weekend gear.

There is also more utility here than many buyers expect from an Explorer Active. The Class III Trailer Tow Package and Trailer Sway Control are standard equipment, giving you factory towing capability for recreational gear or a small trailer. Selectable drive modes help tailor vehicle response as conditions change, while front and rear independent suspension keep the Explorer comfortable for the pavement heavy driving most owners do around Tampa Bay.

Every new vehicle at Parks Ford of Wesley Chapel includes our Lifetime Powertrain Warranty, adding long term ownership value beyond Ford factory coverage.

A 13.2 inch touchscreen runs Ford Digital Experience with Google Maps and Google Play Store integration. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM with 360L, a Wi Fi hotspot, 5G modem, and the included one year Ford Connectivity trial keep navigation, entertainment, and supported connected services close at hand. Ford Co Pilot360 Assist Plus, a rear view camera, AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control, tire pressure monitoring, and perimeter alarm support the daily drive.

For buyers searching Wesley Chapel, New Tampa, Land O Lakes, Zephyrhills, Dade City, or Brooksville for a three row SUV without full size dimensions, this Explorer Active lands in a useful spot. It is roomy enough for family life, efficient enough for long highway days, connected for modern commuting, and already equipped with the tow package and everyday comfort features that make ownership easier.

The appeal is not excess. It is having the right SUV for the way Tampa Bay families actually drive. Not all customers may qualify for all rebates. Price includes: $1000 - SSE Down Payment Assistance. Exp. 08/31/2026 $3000 - Retail Customer Cash. Exp. 09/30/2026 $500 - Final Days Mega Bonus Cash. Exp. 08/31/2026 Price includes $1,395 dealer added accessories.