2026 Ford Explorer Platinum Drops 3.0L V6 EcoBoost

[peterk9]

What's next on the chopping block?

https://fordauthority.com/2025/06/2026-ford-explorer-platinum-drops-3-0l-v6-ecoboost/

Peter

 

[TBill]

That really sucks, guess I won't be buying a 2026 Platinum. I wonder what mental giant decided to make that change!

Unhappy.

TBill

 

[2020FordRaptor]

Why make the change? Makes no sense. Stupid decision.

 

[themishmosh]

Maybe they want to up the disappointing Aviator sales?

 

[Rick]

The only reasonable excuse would be if they were going to offer a higher performance engine.

 

[FordFlintrock]

I would bet a Hybrid version is in the works.

https://fordauthority.com/2024/08/heres-why-theres-no-2025-ford-explorer-hybrid/

 

[peterk9]

This is the only reasoning I could find;

why is ford dropping the 3.0 in the 2026 explorer Platinum - Bing

Intelligent search from Bing makes it easier to quickly find what you’re looking for and rewards you.

www.bing.com

Peter

 

[TBill]

Still doesn't make any sense, that engine has been in the Platinum lineup since the 6th generation launch in 2020.

Turns me off from buying a 2026 Platinum.
TBill

 

[peterk9]

Still doesn't make any sense, that engine has been in the Platinum lineup since the 6th generation launch in 2020.

Turns me off from buying a 2026 Platinum.
TBill

I agree. It didn't make much sense to me either. The 3.0L is also still available in the Aviator.

Peter

 

[edjunior78]

"sharpen the Explorer's market identity"? What does that even mean?

 

[chazglenn3]

That made me pull the trigger on a 2025. At the rate they are de-platinuming the Platinum, it will be an XLT soon...

 

[BrettS.]

"sharpen the Explorer's market identity"? What does that even mean?

That is corporate speak for we are not telling! Maybe they are working on a redesign. Maybe they don't have inventory/manufacturing levels prioritized to meet demand. Maybe they thought they were not getting enough profit with the 3.0TT. Maybe its a low volume option. Or they are attempting to meet CAFE standards. Who knows!

 

[Rick]

"sharpen the Explorer's market identity"? What does that even mean?

Sharpening their pencils to figure out how to pull more profit from the same vehicle? Pull the more expensive engine option, but leave the price close to the same it was?

 

[Dhavi4226]

Glad we snapped ours up last month.

 

[TBill]

Let's see since my 2020 Platinum was purchased, they have dropped 3.0 engine, paddle shifters, rear window shades, telescoping steering wheel, keyless entry. I think I'm going to hang onto my 2020 since it only has 43K miles on it.

TBill

 

[GigaHz]

I miss the green and red leds on the fob when starting.