Looking for a three-row SUV that delivers both power and comfort? The 2026 Ford Explorer ST and Platinum trims take two very different approaches. The ST packs a punch with its sport-tuned suspension and bold styling, while the Platinum goes all in on comfort with plush materials and refined touches. Picking the right trim can make your daily drives a whole lot better for years to come. Our team at John Kennedy Ford Pottstown will go over the differences between the Ford Explorer ST and Ford Explorer Platinum to help you make an informed decision.
2026 Ford Explorer ST vs. Platinum at a Glance: Key Differences Defined
The 2026 Explorer comes in five trims: the Active, ST-Line, Tremor, ST, and Platinum. The ST and Platinum sit at the top of the range but serve different drivers. At $54,905 MSRP, the ST packs a powerful twin-turbo engine, a sport suspension, upgraded front brakes, and heated second-row captain’s chairs. It’s perfect for Pennsylvania drivers who want excitement on curvy country roads.
The Ford Explorer Platinum costs $50,965 and focuses on luxury with adaptive headlights, leather seats, a twin-panel sunroof, and a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system.
Performance Showdown: Power, Handling, and Driving Dynamics
The ST comes standard with Ford’s beefy twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6, pumping out 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. It’s actually a bigger version of the trusty 2.7-liter engine in the F-150 pickups, so it’s got a proven track record. The Platinum comes with a smaller 2.3-liter turbo four-cylinder making 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque.
The ST’s suspension is tuned for cornering, so it’s noticeably firmer. The Platinum rides softer and soaks up bumps better during your daily commute. Both can tow 5,000 pounds and use the same 10-speed automatic transmission. The V-6 gets 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway, while the four-cylinder is more efficient at 20 mpg city and 29 mpg highway.
Exterior Styling: Sporty Aggression vs. Refined Elegance
The ST’s sporty looks are ingrained in its 21-inch dark Magnetite wheels, robust-looking quad chrome exhaust tips, and red brake calipers peeking through the wheels. Ford gave it a unique grille, sportier bumpers, and aerodynamic enhancements.
The Ford Explorer Platinum emphasizes luxury with chrome touches and cleaner lines. Both trims come in colors such as Carbonized Gray, Agate Black, Star White Tri-Coat, and Rapid Red.
Interior Design and Comfort: Where Luxury Takes Center Stage
Inside the ST, you’ll find sporty seats covered in ActiveX material with Miko inserts. Red stitching and ST badges remind you this isn’t your average family hauler. The third-row seats fold at the touch of a button, and ambient lighting sets the mood. You get six seats standard with second-row captain’s chairs.
The Platinum focuses on comfort. It comes with eight-way power front seats with heating, cooling, and massage functions, which are very welcome during those long Pennsylvania winter drives. Both models offer similar cargo space at 85.3 cubic feet with all seats folded, but passenger room differs slightly. The ST provides 151.8 cubic feet, compared with 146 cubic feet in the Platinum, which isn’t a huge difference, but it’s worth noting if you regularly travel with passengers.
Technology and Infotainment Comparison
Both Explorers pack Ford’s Digital Experience system, which includes a 13.2-inch touch screen, replacing SYNC 3. Google Assistant, Maps, and Play Store come built-in. You get a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, 5G internet with Wi-Fi hot spot, and adaptive cruise control with lane centering and stop-and-go capability. Over-the-air updates keep your Explorer up to date without dealer visits.
The Platinum wins on sound with its 980-watt, 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen system versus the ST’s 12-speaker setup. Both offer eight USB ports (including two for third-row passengers) and three 12-volt outlets. BlueCruise hands-free driving is available on both trims.
Safety Features and Driver-Assistance Technology
The Explorer earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick+ award for six consecutive years, including the 2025-2026 models. Both trims come with the Co-Pilot360 safety suite, which includes a rearview camera, parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, cross-traffic alert, collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane warnings, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and LED headlights with automatic high beams. Self-parking assist is available. With a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, both models offer solid family protection.
Making the Right Choice: ST Performance vs. Platinum Luxury
Choose the ST if you love that thrill when hitting the gas or taking corners with zip. However, the Platinum is a better fit if comfort matters more to you, as the softer suspension makes Pennsylvania’s rough roads bearable.
You can test-drive both models at John Kennedy Ford Pottstown. Contact us today to learn more about these trims or to schedule back-to-back drives. Our team knows these Explorers inside and out, and we’ll help you find the right fit for your family and Pennsylvania driving needs.
Images from ford.com
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