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What to Know About the 2026 Ford Explorer Interior

2026 Ford Explorer in interior view

When shoppers start researching their next three-row SUV, the inside of the vehicle often is just as important as what's under the hood. That's especially true when you hear about the 2026 Ford Explorer interior. It delivers a well-rounded cabin that balances comfort, technology, and practical storage—all in a package that works for families and commuters alike. Here's a detailed breakdown of what you can expect when you get inside. 

Interior Materials and Build Quality 

The 2026 Explorer's interior uses a mix of soft-touch surfaces and durable materials depending on the trim level you choose. Lower trims feature comfortable upholstery and durable surfaces in secondary touch points, while upper trims like the ST-Line, ST, and Platinum step up to leather-trimmed seating, accent stitching, and luxury finishes. The overall feel is solid and well-fitted, with a sleek dashboard layout that keeps the driver's needs front and center. 

Ambient lighting is available on higher trims, adding to the cabin's feel at night. 

Infotainment and Technology Features 

The 2026 Ford Explorer comes equipped with an intuitive infotainment system featuring a standard 13.2-in touchscreen, giving drivers access to navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay®, wireless Android Autoâ„¢, and voice recognition. The interface makes it easy to control music, maps, and phone functions without digging through complicated menus. 

Available Ford Co-Pilot360® technology brings together advanced driver-assist features designed to help you stay aware on the road. A wireless charging pad and multiple USB ports make it easier than ever to keep devices powered on longer trips. 

Seating Capacity and Comfort 

The 2026 Explorer's interior seats up to 7 passengers across three rows, with available second-row captain's chairs for a 6-passenger setup. The front seats offer solid support and good adjustability, while available power-adjustable seats on upper trims make finding your ideal position effortless. Second-row seats offer strong legroom for adults, while the third row remains versatile for younger passengers or occasional extra guests. 

Heated front seats and available heated second-row seats are a welcome addition during cooler Michigan months.  

Storage and Cargo Space 

Practical storage is one of the Ford Explorer interior's strongest suits. The center console offers a deep bin with USB charging, while front door pockets handle water bottles and everyday items easily. The second row includes seatback pockets, and the third row folds flat to open up 85.3 cu ft of cargo space when you need to haul gear. 

Explore The 2026 Ford Explorer 

The 2026 Ford Explorer's interior brings together quality materials, a capable infotainment system, flexible seating, and smart storage in a package that suits real-world family needs. From the available leather seating to the standard 13.2-in touchscreen and adaptable cargo layout, it's designed to work hard and keep everyone comfortable. Stop by Midland Ford to see the 2026 Explorer in person and find the right trim for your lifestyle.

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2026 Ford Mustang Mach-E® Trims: Four Different Takes on an EV

Choosing an electric car used to revolve around one question: how far will it go? The 2026 Ford Mustang Mach-E® makes things rather more interesting. For drivers around Midland and Bay City, Michigan, the useful bit is that there’s a Mustang Mach-E® for several different kinds of EV buyer. Select is the sensible starting point, Premium goes furthest, GT goes fastest, and Rally is happiest when the surface becomes less predictable. Select Trim Is Far from Basic Select starts with a 73-kWh standard-range battery and RWD, producing 264 hp and 387 lbs. ft. of torque with an EPA-estimated 260 miles of range. Choose standard-range eAWD and output rises to 325 hp and 500 lbs. ft. of torque, with an EPA-estimated 240 miles of range. There’s also an available 88-kWh extended-range battery with eAWD, producing 370 hp and providing an EPA-estimated 300 miles. Select includes 19-inch wheels, 1-Pedal Drive, and Whisper, Engage, and Unbridle drive modes. So while it sits at the beginning of the lineup, there’s nothing particularly bare-bones about the experience. Premium Trim Is the One for Going Further If range is sitting near the top of your requirements, Premium deserves attention. With the extended-range battery and RWD, it produces 272 hp and 387 lbs. ft. of torque while delivering an EPA-estimated 320 miles of range— the longest figure in the 2026 Mustang Mach-E® lineup. Extended-range eAWD raises output to 370 hp and 500 lbs. ft. of torque while providing an EPA-estimated 300 miles. Premium also adds the sort of equipment you’ll appreciate on those longer journeys, including heated and ventilated front seats, available panoramic glass, and a 10-speaker B&O® Sound System. It’s the Mustang Mach-E® for buyers who want range and comfort without chasing the quickest acceleration time. GT Trim Turns Up the Performance GT steps away from the pack. Its 91-kWh extended-range battery and dual-motor eAWD system produce 480 hp and 600 lbs. ft. of torque. EPA-estimated range is 280 miles, and Ford quotes a 3.8-second 0-60 mph time. The available Performance Upgrade keeps output at 480 hp but increases torque to 700 lbs. ft., dropping the 0 -60 mph time to approximately 3.3 seconds. Brembo™ front brakes and 20-inch wheels accompany the extra performance, while available MagneRide ® damping adds more sophisticated suspension control. GT isn’t simply the Premium with extra power. It’s the road-performance member of the family. Rally Trim Is Ready for Rougher Ground The Mustang Mach-E® Rally shares the GT’s 480 hp but produces 700 lbs. ft. of torque as standard. It uses a 91-kWh extended-range battery with eAWD and carries an EPA-estimated range of 255 miles. The interesting difference is beneath it. A rallycross-tuned MagneRide ® Damping System shifts the focus toward rougher surfaces. Brembo™ front brake calipers and unique Ford Performance seating are also included, while its 64.9-inch overall height gives Rally a slightly taller stance than other trims. It’s designed for on- and off-pavement driving, making Rally considerably more than a GT wearing different trim. Four Trims, Four Clear Personalities There’s a pleasing logic to the 2026 Mustang Mach-E® range. Drivers around Midland and Bay City can browse the new Mustang Mach-E® inventory at Midland Ford, compare Select, Premium, GT, and Rally configurations, and explore available EV financing options. Once you’ve found the one that suits the way you drive, schedule your Ford Mustang Mach-E® test drive online and experience the differences for yourself.

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Ford Pickup and Delivery Makes Servicing Your Vehicle Easier Than Ever

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How Heat Affects Electric Car Range: A Summer Guide for EV Drivers

If you've noticed your electric vehicle's range dropping on hot days on your drives through Midland, Michigan you're not imagining it. Summer heat does affect EV range, and u nderstanding how can help you plan smarter trips and avoid unexpected stops. High temperatures put extra demand on your battery system, and knowing what's happening under the hood — or actually, under the floor — makes a big difference. How High Temperatures Impact Your Car Battery When temperatures climb, your battery management system works harder to keep the battery pack within a safe operating temperature. That process draws energy that would otherwise go toward moving the vehicle forward —and that directly reduces how far you can travel on a single charge. Lithium-ion batteries, which power most modern EVs, are sensitive to thermal extremes. Sustained exposure to high heat can also affect long-term battery health over time, making summer management habits worth developing early. Cabin Cooling and Its Effect on EV Range You’ll probably consider it a well- worth-it trade-off. Running your air conditioning is one of the most significant contributors to range loss in summer. You might have guessed it—c limate control systems pull power directly from the battery pack. O n a hot day in Midland, when that AC is cranking, the energy your battery is losing can be substantial. Pre-conditioning your cabin while still plugged in is one of the most effective Ford EV summer driving tips available — it cools the interior before you leave, so your battery isn't doing all the work once you're on the road. Parking in shade or a garage whenever possible also helps reduce how much cooling work your EV needs to do from the moment you get in. How Speed Affects Summer Electric Vehicle Range Speed always plays a role in EV efficiency, but it matters even more in summer. Higher speeds increase aerodynamic drag, which forces the motor to work harder. Combined with the energy already being consumed by climate control, highway driving on hot days can reduce your available range noticeably compared to cooler months. Keeping a steady, moderate pace on the highway and using regenerative braking in stop-and-go traffic are practical ways to stretch your charge further. Ford EV summer driving tips consistently point to smooth, consistent driving as one of the best tools for preserving range when temperatures rise. Planning Ahead for Summer EV Trips Knowing how heat affects electric car range means you can adjust your trip planning accordingly. Build in slightly more buffer when estimating range during peak summer heat. Charge your vehicle to a moderate level rather than 100% when daily driving doesn't require a full charge, as this can support long-term battery health. Take advantage of available tools like Ford's connected navigation features, which can help you locate charging stations along your route so you're never caught short on a long summer drive. Visit Midland Ford for Ford EV Guidance Understanding how heat affects electric car range is the first step toward smarter summer driving. Whether you have questions about maximizing efficiency or you're ready to explore Ford's lineup of electric and hybrid vehicles, the team at Midland Ford in Midland, Michigan is here to help. Stop by or visit midlandford.com to learn more about making the most of your EV this summer.