George Kell — Ford, Chevrolet and GMC

George Kell Ford · Newport, Arkansas

2026 Ford Explorer in Newport, Arkansas

The new Explorer is sold at George Kell Ford, 3710 South Van Dyke Road. Use this page to compare Active, ST-Line, Tremor, Platinum and ST, then confirm the exact SUV on the Ford lot. Horsepower figures are Ford's published numbers. A sticker in the fall of 2026 may already be a 2027. Read the model year on the VIN.

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2026 Explorer trims we help you compare

Active and ST-Line

Ford lists both with a standard 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 at 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft, a 10-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive, and available Intelligent 4WD. Active is the family starting point, with a power liftgate and heated front seats. ST-Line adds the darker exterior, red stitching and the B&O sound system Ford lists for that trim. Seating is six with the standard second-row captain's chairs, or seven if the bench is on the order. Confirm drivetrain and seats on the sticker.

Tremor

Tremor is the off-road Explorer. Ford lists Intelligent 4WD as standard, an off-road-tuned suspension, underbody protection, and a Torsen limited-slip rear axle. The 2.3L is standard. The 3.0L EcoBoost V6 is available. Ford's seating chart lists captain's chairs here and does not offer the second-row bench that turns other trims into a seven-passenger. Ask for the engine before you drive from Jonesboro or Searcy.

Platinum

Platinum is the comfort trim. Ford lists the 2.3L as standard and the 3.0L V6 as available, including in the Platinum Ultimate package with quilted leather and a distinct wheel. Heated, ventilated, massaging front seats and BlueCruise equipment are on Ford's Platinum description. Rear-wheel drive is standard on the 2.3L. Intelligent 4WD is available. None of the packages are automatic on a Newport Explorer.

ST

ST is the performance trim. Ford lists a standard 3.0L twin-turbo EcoBoost V6, a 10-speed automatic with paddle shifters, sport-tuned suspension and performance brakes. The 2026 ST page rates that engine at 385 horsepower and 415 lb-ft. Ford's later ST page says the same engine can be rated 400 horsepower depending on the state. Intelligent 4WD is available, not assumed. Call 870-523-5559 and ask for the horsepower line on the window sticker.

Engines, towing and seats

Ford lists two Explorer engines. The 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 is 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft, standard on every trim except ST. The 3.0L EcoBoost V6 is standard on ST and available on Tremor and Platinum, at 415 lb-ft, with horsepower listed as 385 on the 2026 ST page and as high as 400 on a later sticker. Every Explorer Ford describes uses a 10-speed automatic. There is no manual.

Ford lists a maximum tow rating of 5,000 pounds when the SUV is properly equipped. Class III hardware is described as standard, and that rating still depends on engine, axle and options. Cargo is listed at 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row, and up to 85.8 cubic feet on Active and ST-Line or 85.3 on Tremor, Platinum and ST with the seats folded. Those are Ford's published maximums, not a promise about one stock number.

2026 on the lot, 2027 on Ford's site

People searching this month are still asking for the 2026 Explorer. Ford's own model pages have started presenting the 2027, including Avalanche Gray, Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat, and an ST Sinister appearance package. If the Newport unit is a 2027, the sticker says so. We will not describe a 2027 package as standard 2026 equipment.

Explorer is not an Expedition

The Expedition is a different, larger SUV. This page is the unibody three-row Explorer. If you searched Explorer and meant Expedition, say so. We will not substitute one for the other.

If you want a pickup instead, the 2026 F-150 page is the truck. The 2026 Bronco page is the body-on-frame off-roader. The 2026 Mustang page is the car, and the one that still lists a manual.

Service after you buy

George Kell Ford services the Explorer you buy here, including factory warranty and recall work, at 3710 South Van Dyke Road. Tires start at our tire shop. Quick Lane, for oil changes, is a separate off-site location. Call 870-523-6400 for Quick Lane directions.

Northeast Arkansas Explorer shoppers

We regularly work with buyers from Newport, Jonesboro, Searcy, Batesville, Bald Knob, Augusta, Tuckerman, Walnut Ridge and the rest of Jackson, Independence, White and Craighead counties. Call before you leave town so we can hold an SUV, send the window sticker, or tell you it already sold.

Talk to George Kell Ford

Prices, incentives and availability change. Confirm the VIN, window sticker and current Ford offers before you travel.

Common Explorer questions

Where do I buy a new Ford Explorer in Newport?

New Explorers are at George Kell Ford, 3710 South Van Dyke Road, Newport, AR 72112. Chevrolet and GMC are next door at 3808 and do not sell new Fords. Call 870-523-5559.

What engines are in the 2026 Explorer?

Ford lists a 2.3L EcoBoost at 300 horsepower on Active, ST-Line, Tremor and Platinum, and a 3.0L EcoBoost V6 that is standard on ST and available on Tremor and Platinum. The 2026 ST page lists 385 horsepower. Confirm the rating on the sticker.

Is there a manual Explorer?

No. Ford lists a 10-speed automatic. If you want a manual, look at the Mustang page instead.

How many people does it seat?

Ford lists six with second-row captain's chairs, which are standard, and seven when a second-row bench is available. That bench is not listed on Tremor. Confirm the seat layout on the VIN.

Is this the Expedition?

No. The Expedition is a different SUV. This page is the three-row Explorer, with a listed maximum tow of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.