Ford Explorer Active: what does this trim add for Pensacola drivers?

Ford lists the 2026 Explorer Active at $40,585, and that starting price is where any Pensacola quote begins.

Group 1 Ford of Pensacola, the only Ford franchise in Pensacola, is where to see it, finance it, trade into it and service it without leaving Escambia County. We hold a 4.4-star rating across 7,795 Google reviews.

Keep reading below, then schedule a test drive in Pensacola. Bringing your own numbers to the lot settles this faster than any spec sheet.

Is the Explorer Active the right Ford SUV trim for Pensacola drivers?

Yes, for a Pensacola driver who wants a three-row Explorer at a starting price under $41,000. The Active carries the 2.3L EcoBoost engine, and it is the Explorer you can get with a three-row layout for less than the ST-Line’s starting price.

We sell new Ford across the lineup, including the Explorer, Expedition and Escape, so you can settle the Explorer question in one store. The seating choice on this trim is one option, and the next section and FAQ show exactly how it works.

What features and equipment does the 2026 Ford Explorer Active include?

Ford’s Explorer Active trim card lists the 2.3L EcoBoost engine and Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ with Adaptive Cruise Control. Ford marks extra-cost items with the word “Available,” so the items listed without that word come with the trim itself.

Ford’s 2026 EPA certification record pairs the 2.3-liter four-cylinder with a 10-speed automatic on the Explorer’s AWD and RWD versions. Ford’s published 2026 Explorer figures give the Active 43 inches of first-row legroom, 37.5 inches in row two and 31.8 inches in row three. Max cargo is 85.8 cubic feet.

How much does a new Ford Explorer Active cost in Pensacola?

Ford’s published starting price for the 2026 Explorer Active is $40,585. The Active 100A starts lower, at $38,465, so check the trim name on any quote before you compare prices.

Florida sets no dollar cap on the dealer documentary fee, according to Florida Statutes s. 501.976 (2026). Compare that fee on any quote before you compare the sticker price. Florida’s 6% state sales tax is joined in Escambia County by a 1.5% discretionary surtax, and the Florida Department of Revenue charges that surtax based on the buyer’s county of residence (DR-15DSS, 2025).

A buyer can ask us about a specific vehicle. A vehicle shown at another location can be brought to our store within a week of the request.

What does the Explorer Active offer a Pensacola family that the next trim up does not?

The Active gives a Pensacola family a three-row Explorer for less than the ST-Line’s $45,155 starting price. Price is the clearest difference in the lineup.

Ford’s starting prices run $40,585 for the Active, $45,155 for the ST-Line, $48,965 for the Tremor, $50,965 for the Platinum and $54,905 for the ST. The Tremor seats six because its second-row bench is not offered. The ST-Line seats seven with its bench standard. A family that wants the seven-seat bench built in, rather than optional, should look at the ST-Line. The Active has 85.8 cubic feet of max cargo, slightly more than the Platinum’s 85.3.

Does Group 1 Ford of Pensacola have the Explorer Active in stock?

Yes, we list new Explorer Active inventory on our site. We are at 6397 Pensacola Blvd, Pensacola, FL 32505, and test drives can be scheduled online.

Among the Ford dealers in our market, we have the most Google reviews.

78 in 100 of our Google reviews are five-star (Google, 2026).

Can you buy a certified pre-owned Ford Explorer in Pensacola?

Yes, we sell certified pre-owned Ford vehicles. Each one carries Ford-backed coverage: 12-month/12,000-mile comprehensive limited coverage and 7-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited coverage. Ford CPO vehicles also carry Ford-backed powertrain and bumper-to-bumper limited warranties.

Financing or trading into an Explorer Active at Group 1 Ford of Pensacola

You can apply for pre-approval online before you visit. We offer an online credit application for a loan or a lease, plus Ford leases and new and pre-owned financing.

Our Apply for Financing link goes to Ford Credit’s online application on ford.com, which names us as the authorized dealer. A buyer can schedule delivery, either to the dealership or directly to the buyer’s address.

Our appraisal offers depend on inspection, vehicle condition and current market value. In a June 2026 Google review, Tony H. wrote:

“World Ford Pensacola was a great experience.They had the exact car I was looking for I had a young sales person ,Luke Perry who was very knowledgeable and was able to answer all my inquiries. I have shopped all over the south and I received the best price and best trade in for my car. Would recommend World Ford to anyone looking for there next vehicle.”

That is one June visit. Your trade is still valued on inspection, condition and market value.

Frequently asked questions

Does the Ford Explorer Active have a third row?

Yes. The Explorer Active seats seven with the available second-row bench seat, and six with the standard captain’s chairs. Ford’s published 2026 specifications give the seating for each setup.

How much can the Ford Explorer Active tow?

Ford rates the Explorer Active to tow 5,000 lbs, according to Ford’s published 2026 Explorer specifications. The Class III Tow Package is standard on all models, so you do not have to add it to reach that rating.

Can I book Explorer service online, and when are you open?

Yes. Service appointments can be booked online through an Xtime scheduler. Our service and parts hours are Monday to Saturday we open at 7:00 AM, closing at 6:00 PM on weekdays and 5:00 PM on Saturday, and we are closed Sunday.

How Group 1 Ford of Pensacola lets you apply for financing and book service online

Group 1 Ford of Pensacola sells new Ford, from the Maverick and Ranger through the F-150 and Super Duty, plus the Bronco, Explorer, Expedition and Transit. We also sell certified pre-owned Fords, and our service and parts departments sit at the same address. Our parent company, Group 1 Automotive, stands behind the store.

We were known as World Ford, so you may find us under that name. In a May 2026 Google review, Sara N. wrote:

“Wow! The whole process of buying a new vehicle was extremely pleasant. And it didn’t take the entire day to get everything done. Very pleased with this dealership and staff.”

To start, visit us at 6397 Pensacola Blvd, Pensacola, FL 32505, and ask to see the Explorer Active trim you are considering.

Group 1 Ford of Pensacola is where the Explorer Active question gets answered in Escambia County, from the price and the trim to the financing and the service after the sale. Start with the trim you want, and we will show you the seating, the price and the next step in one visit.

Group 1 Ford of Pensacola answers this question against the specific vehicle in front of you rather than the model in general. Value your trade and get pre-approved online, then see us at our Pensacola showroom, or call 850-266-2181.

Disclaimer: Vehicle features, specifications, pricing, options, and availability may vary based on production timelines and dealership inventory; images are for illustrative purposes only. Starting MSRP figures are national and exclude destination freight charges, tax, title, license, and dealer fees. Standard and available equipment varies by trim, configuration, and model year; confirm the specification of the individual vehicle before purchase. Maximum towing and payload ratings depend on cab, bed, drivetrain, and equipment configuration; see the vehicle’s Owner’s Manual and trailering guide for limits. Electric range and charging times vary with battery, configuration, temperature, terrain, load, and driving habits. Safety or driver assistance features are no substitute for the driver’s responsibility to operate the vehicle in a safe manner. Financing and pre-approval are subject to credit approval. Contact Group 1 Ford of Pensacola for complete details regarding current vehicle inventory, pricing, and equipment.