Vapor Blue does a lot for this 2026 Ford Explorer ST-Line before you ever get inside. It gives the SUV a brighter, more distinctive look against the black mesh grille, 20-inch machined aluminum wheels with painted pockets, black roof rails and ST-Line badging. Parks Plus paint protection, rain-repellent treatment and headlight protection are a smart match for a finish that will spend its life in Florida sun, highway spray and sudden Tampa Bay storms.

The cabin is where this one starts separating itself from a basic three-row Explorer. Onyx seating with red stitch accents gives it a sportier feel, both front seats are power adjustable, and the first two rows are heated. The heated premium leather-wrapped steering wheel is another small touch that makes the ST-Line feel more finished. USB-C ports are available in every row, and the 110V/150W AC outlet gives passengers another way to keep devices or compatible gear powered on longer days.

Need the third row? Use it. Need cargo room instead? The Explorer is built to change jobs quickly, and the power liftgate keeps loading from becoming a wrestling match when groceries, sports equipment or luggage are already in your hands. A universal garage door opener, rear privacy glass and the spare wheel and jack kit are not glamorous options, but they are exactly the kind of equipment that makes ownership easier after the first week.

Around Wesley Chapel and New Tampa, the 360-degree camera may become one of the most-used features in the vehicle. It gives you a better view when parking, backing out of a tight driveway or squeezing into a crowded lot. Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 adds driver-assistance support once you are moving, while Intelligent Access with push-button start and remote start cut down on the little daily hassles.

Then there is the part passengers will notice. The 10-speaker B&O sound system gives music, podcasts and road-trip playlists a better place to live, while the 13.2-inch touchscreen runs Ford Digital Experience with Google Maps and the Google Play Store. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are there when you want your phone's familiar interface. SiriusXM with 360L, Wi-Fi hotspot capability and the 5G modem round out the connected side, and this Explorer includes a one-year Ford Connectivity trial.

The 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 and 10-speed automatic keep the ST-Line well suited to the pavement-heavy driving most Tampa Bay families do. Rear-wheel drive gives it a straightforward setup for commuting through Land O Lakes or Tampa, while selectable drive modes let you adjust the vehicle's response when conditions change. A Class III Trailer Tow Package with Trailer Sway Control also gives the weekend more options when a small boat, utility trailer or recreational gear needs to follow you toward Zephyrhills, Dade City or Brooksville.

This new Explorer includes the Parks Ford Lifetime Powertrain Warranty from Parks Ford of Wesley Chapel.

What this ST-Line does best is make the normal week feel a little less ordinary. It has the color and styling to stand out, the cabin comfort to handle family duty, the camera coverage to make a three-row SUV easier to maneuver, and the towing and connected technology to keep up when the schedule changes. 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.