Ford Explorer Active Shines on Grand Canyon Road Trip

Rental SUV handles mountain driving with power and comfort

Apr. 16, 2026 at 7:23am

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An abstract, motion-blurred image of a 2026 Ford Explorer Active SUV, with vibrant streaks of color conveying a sense of speed and energy.The 2026 Ford Explorer Active's power and agility shine through in a dynamic, abstract road test illustration.Grand Canyon Village Today

Steve and Johnnie took a 2026 Ford Explorer Active on a 750-mile road trip from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon and back, putting the large SUV through its paces on winding mountain roads. Despite not being the Suburban they had originally reserved, the Explorer proved to be a comfortable and capable companion for the family vacation.

Why it matters

The Ford Explorer is one of the best-selling SUVs in America, and the new Active trim level aims to balance rugged capability with everyday drivability. This real-world road test provides valuable insights into how the Explorer performs in challenging mountain driving conditions when fully loaded with passengers and cargo.

The details

The 2.3-liter turbocharged EcoBoost engine and 10-speed automatic transmission handled the steep climbs with ease, never feeling strained. The cabin was impressively quiet, with minimal wind and road noise. The front seats were praised for their comfort, though the third-row bench was deemed less than ideal for adults. Fuel economy ranged from 20-24 mpg in the mountains to 28 mpg on the highway.

  • The 750-mile road trip took place over 5 days in April 2026.
  • The 2026 Ford Explorer Active had only 200 miles on the odometer when Steve and Johnnie picked it up as a rental.

The players

Steve King

A longtime member of the Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA) who has provided radio and video road test reviews with his wife Johnnie for many years.

Johnnie Putman

Steve's wife and co-host, who has been part of the MAMA road test duo since the early 1990s.

Dr. Patrick Crispen

Steve and Johnnie's son-in-law, who joined them on the Grand Canyon road trip with his wife and their son.

Dr. Christine Crispen

Steve and Johnnie's daughter, who accompanied them on the Grand Canyon vacation with her husband and their son.

Joseph

Steve and Johnnie's grandson, who was part of the family group that took the Grand Canyon road trip in the 2026 Ford Explorer Active.

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What they’re saying

“We couldn't buy a squeak and, with no wind noise and little road noise, it was obvious this was some VERY solid construction, with excellent fits and finishes.”

— Steve King, Road Tester

“While we realize that seat comfort is a very subjective thing, we were surprised to see/feel that, to us, these seats were much more comfortable than the 30-way adjustable seats on the Lincoln Aviator.”

— Johnnie Putman, Road Tester

What’s next

The 2026 Ford Explorer Active is currently available at dealerships nationwide, with pricing starting around $40,585 before destination fees. Consumers interested in the model can test drive it at their local Ford dealer.

The takeaway

The 2026 Ford Explorer Active proved to be a capable and comfortable companion for a family road trip through the mountains, delivering a smooth, quiet ride and ample power to handle the steep climbs. While the third-row seating was less than ideal, the spacious cabin, supportive front seats, and impressive fuel economy make the Explorer Active a well-rounded choice for those seeking a versatile large SUV.