2026 Ford Explorer at Story Ford in Story City IA
Central Iowa families ask for the same few things from their SUV: space, safety, and value that makes sense. The 2026 Ford Explorer is built for that kind of life, and it fits Story City like it was designed for our streets and seasons.
From school runs to Roland-Story, commuting to Ames, or weekend drives down I-35 to Des Moines, the Explorer feels at home. It has three rows for people, smart tech for busy days, and the power to handle Iowa winters and summer lake trips.
You can see the 2026 Ford Explorer in person at Story Ford in Story City, your local Ford store with a friendly, small-town feel. Stop in, walk around it, sit in all three rows, and take one out on the same roads you drive every day.
Key reasons shoppers in Story City look at the 2026 Explorer include: comfort, safety, modern tech, towing strength, and fuel savings. The rest of this guide walks through how it fits Iowa life, what features stand out, trims and pricing, and why shopping local at Story Ford matters.
Why the 2026 Ford Explorer Fits Life in Story City, Iowa
The 2026 Ford Explorer matches how people in Story City actually live. It is not just a big SUV that looks nice in the driveway. It is built to work hard every day.
You get three rows for kids, guests, and grandparents. You have strong available all-wheel drive for snow and gravel. You get a cabin that keeps everyone comfortable on long, flat stretches of highway across central Iowa.
Picture a Wednesday: kids in the second row with backpacks, a cooler in the cargo area for practice night, and a quick jump onto I-35 for work. The Explorer handles all of that without feeling cramped or stressed.
Room for Family, Friends, and Everyday Gear
The 2026 Ford Explorer offers seating for up to seven, with two seats in front, a middle bench or captain’s chairs, and a third row in back. The doors open wide, and the second row can slide to give easier access to the third row, even when a child seat is installed on one side.
Families in Story City use that space in a lot of ways:
Sports gear for soccer or baseball at the local fields
Groceries for the week from the store in town or Ames
Strollers, diaper bags, and a pack-and-play for visits to grandparents
Dogs and kennels for vet trips or state park weekends
Fold-flat rear seats make it simple to switch from people-hauler to cargo-hauler. Load in a new grill, bags of mulch, or college gear for a student heading to Iowa State, and the Explorer handles it without drama.
Confidence in Iowa Snow, Rain, and Gravel Roads
Iowa weather keeps drivers guessing. One week is clear and warm, the next is icy and windy. The 2026 Ford Explorer, with available all-wheel drive and selectable drive modes, is ready for that mix.
All-wheel drive helps send power to the wheels with the best grip when roads get slick. Add in stability control and traction control, and you get a steady, calm feel in snow and slush.
On I-35 between Story City and Ames, or down rural routes near farms, that confidence matters. Higher ground clearance helps when snow starts to pile. Drive modes can adjust how the Explorer responds in deep snow, on gravel, or in the rain, which makes winter driving feel more controlled.
Power, Towing, and Fuel Economy for Real-Life Use
Recent Explorer models use turbocharged engines that give strong power without feeling heavy or slow. You can expect the 2026 Ford Explorer at Story Ford to keep that blend of strength and smoothness.
Need to pull a small camper to a nearby lake, a fishing boat, or a utility trailer with yard equipment? When equipped with the right tow package, the Explorer is built to handle that kind of load with confidence.
At the same time, its engine options are tuned to help save fuel on daily Story City commutes. Short trips to school, back and forth to Ames, or weekend drives to Des Moines stay easier on your wallet than you might expect from a three-row SUV.
Key Features of the 2026 Ford Explorer That Shoppers Love
The 2026 Ford Explorer is more than size and power. Shoppers in Story City look at it because it adds safety, tech, and comfort that make each trip easier.
Advanced Safety and Driver-Assist Tech for Iowa Roads
Ford’s safety and driver-assist systems, such as Ford Co-Pilot360 on recent Explorer models, are designed to help you watch what is around you and respond quicker.
Common features include:
Blind-spot monitoring, to warn you when a vehicle is hiding in the next lane
Lane-keeping assist, to nudge you back if you start to drift
Automatic emergency braking, to help slow or stop if a collision risk is detected
Adaptive cruise control, to keep a set distance in changing I-35 traffic
Rearview camera, to make backing out of tight spots in Story City easier
Available 360-degree camera, to give a bird’s-eye view when parking or pulling a trailer
These tools prove their worth near school zones, in busy parking lots, and on dark winter drives home from Ames or Des Moines.
Comfortable, Quiet Interior for Long Drives
Inside, the 2026 Ford Explorer feels like a rolling living room, not a noisy box on wheels. Seats are shaped for support on long stretches. Available heated and ventilated front seats keep you comfortable in January cold or August heat.
Tri-zone climate control lets the driver, front passenger, and rear riders set their own comfort level. Soft-touch materials and good sound insulation keep wind and road noise down, which helps kids nap and parents relax.
If you have ever waited 20 minutes in the pickup line at school, you know how important a quiet, cozy cabin can be.
The Explorer’s touchscreen and infotainment system are built to feel natural. Menus are clear, and key buttons are easy to reach. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto let you mirror your smartphone, so your maps, calls, and music show right on the screen.
Helpful tech features may include:
Wireless smartphone charging pad
Multiple USB ports for every row
Available Wi-Fi hotspot to keep kids online on longer drives
For Story City families, that means streaming music on the way to Ames, using real-time maps for trips across Iowa, and keeping kids entertained with shows or games.
Bold Exterior Style With Practical Details
The 2026 Ford Explorer looks strong and modern. A wide front grille, sharp LED headlights, and confident body lines give it presence in Story City neighborhoods.
Practical touches make daily life easier:
Roof rails for bikes, kayaks, or a cargo box
Available hands-free or power liftgate for easy loading with full hands
Wheel options that balance style and ride comfort
It looks sharp in the driveway, yet it is ready for weekends at the lake or road trips across the state.
2026 Ford Explorer Trims and Options Available at Story Ford
At Story Ford in Story City, you will find several 2026 Ford Explorer trims and packages. Each one fits a different kind of driver and budget.
Popular 2026 Ford Explorer Trims for Story City Drivers
While final 2026 trim details may adjust, the Explorer lineup often includes choices like:
Base: Smart pick for budget-minded buyers who want space and safety at a lower price.
XLT: Great for young families who want more comfort and popular features.
Limited: A strong fit for drivers who like leather, more tech, and extra convenience.
ST-Line: Sporty look and feel for drivers who want bold style without full performance pricing.
ST: Performance-focused for those who enjoy stronger power and sharper handling.
Platinum: Top-end comfort and features for buyers who want a near-luxury experience.
A quick visit to Story Ford lets you sit in each trim and feel the difference.
Pick the Right Package: All-Wheel Drive, Tow Package, and More
Packages help you tune the 2026 Ford Explorer to your life in Story City.
All-wheel drive: Smart for winter and gravel roads on the way to farms or rural homes.
Tow package: Handy for pulling a boat to Saylorville Lake or a camper on summer trips.
Upgraded audio: Nice for music fans who spend lots of time on I-35.
Appearance packages: Add stylish wheels, trim, and accents for a sharper look in the driveway.
When you talk with the team at Story Ford, describe your daily routine. They can suggest only what you actually need, instead of features that look nice but go unused.
Estimated Pricing and Value for the 2026 Ford Explorer
Pricing for the 2026 Ford Explorer will vary by trim, engine, and options. Entry models usually land in a competitive range for three-row SUVs, with mid-level and higher trims adding cost as they add comfort and tech.
What makes the Explorer a strong value is the total package: safety features, roomy interior, towing ability, Ford warranty coverage, and the long record of Explorer SUVs on Iowa roads.
Why Buy Your 2026 Ford Explorer From Story Ford in Story City
The SUV matters, but so does where you buy it. Story Ford in Story City combines the strength of the Ford brand with the feel of a local, neighborly dealership.
Local, Friendly Team That Knows Story City Drivers
The staff at Story Ford live in central Iowa, drive the same roads, and send their kids to the same schools. They understand winter driving, farm visits, and small-town budgets.
You get low-pressure help, clear answers, and time to think. The team wants a long-term relationship, not just a fast sale, so they listen first, then suggest the right 2026 Ford Explorer for your needs.
Financing, Trade-Ins, and Payment Options That Fit Your Budget
Buying a new SUV is a big decision. Story Ford can help with:
Financing through many lenders
Competitive rates and clear terms
Trade-in options for your current vehicle
Bring your car, truck, or SUV in for an appraisal. Ask about pre-approval so you know your budget before you test drive. The goal is a monthly payment that feels comfortable.
Service, Parts, and Long-Term Support After You Drive Home
Once you drive your 2026 Ford Explorer home to Story City, the relationship continues. The Story Ford service department has factory-trained techs who know Ford SUVs inside and out.
They handle oil changes, brakes, tires, batteries, and warranty work, using genuine Ford parts. Regular maintenance with a trusted local team keeps your Explorer ready for snow, heat, and everything in between.
Ready to See the 2026 Ford Explorer in Story City?
The 2026 Ford Explorer offers the space, safety, comfort, and value that central Iowa drivers want, wrapped in a sharp-looking three-row SUV. For families and commuters in Story City, it fits school days, work trips, and weekend adventures without feeling like a compromise.
Story Ford in Story City, Iowa is the best place to see it up close, test drive the different trim options, and talk through pricing with people you can trust. Visit the showroom, schedule a test drive, or reach out online or by phone. Bring your family, your gear, and your questions, and see how well the 2026 Ford Explorer fits your real life in Iowa.