Ford Explorer Tremor Aces Tow Test, But Not Without a Glitch

Ford Explorer Tremor Navigates Grueling Ike Gauntlet with Impressive, Yet Flawed, Performance

The Ford Explorer Tremor, a name synonymous with off-road prowess, set out to prove its mettle in the ultimate towing challenge: the Ike Gauntlet. This rigorous test, designed to push towing vehicles to their limits on steep mountain grades, saw the Explorer Tremor tackle a challenging 4,500-pound trailer combination. While the SUV delivered a remarkably strong performance on the descent, a peculiar electronic glitch during the ascent tempered an otherwise stellar showing.

Tackling the Descent: A Masterclass in Control

The initial phase of the Ike Gauntlet involved a daunting 8-mile, 7% grade descent through the Eisenhower Johnson Tunnels at over 11,000 feet. With the Explorer Tremor’s V6 twin-turbo engine engaged in tow-haul mode, the SUV was tasked with maintaining control without excessive brake application. The results were nothing short of impressive. The transmission’s sophisticated shifting algorithm anticipated the need for deceleration, downshifting proactively even before brake pedal application. The reviewer noted only a single brake application during the entire descent, a feat that speaks volumes about the powertrain’s capability and the vehicle’s stability. Holding steady at just under 60 mph, the Explorer Tremor exhibited confidence and composure, feeling remarkably similar to driving without a trailer, despite being near its 5,000 lb towing capacity.

The trailer itself was a substantial Aluma widebody, loaded with a hefty Kawasaki Ridge Crew side-by-side, bringing the total weight to approximately 4,500 lbs. The trailer’s aerodynamic profile, exacerbated by its width and the tall stature of the UTV, presented a significant challenge. A WaySafe adjustable hitch, providing a consistent tongue weight of around 500 lbs (just over 10%), ensured optimal stability without the need for a weight-distribution hitch, which is often not recommended for unibody SUVs like the Explorer.

Under the Hood: Power to Pull

The heart of the Explorer Tremor’s towing capability lies in its potent 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 engine. This powerplant churns out an impressive 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, a figure that positions it as one of the most powerful options in the three-row SUV segment. For context, even the plug-in hybrid Toyota Grand Highlander offers 362 horsepower. This robust engine, combined with the 10-speed automatic transmission, proved more than capable of handling the demanding ascent, operating at a relaxed 2,300 RPM even on steeper inclines.

Ford’s decision to equip the Tremor variant with more durable components, similar to those found in their police pursuit vehicles, further underscores its intended toughness. This marks the first time the Tremor moniker has graced the Explorer, consolidating Ford’s off-road branding across its lineup, from the Ranger to the Super Duty trucks.

The Ascent: A Mysterious Glitch

The return journey up the mountain presented an unexpected hurdle. As the reviewer attempted to accelerate from a standstill after a brief stop, a “Service Vehicle Soon” message illuminated the dashboard, accompanied by a noticeable pause in power delivery. This anomaly prompted a quick restart of the vehicle, which miraculously cleared the warning and allowed the test to continue. While the underlying cause remains unclear, this electronic hiccup is a significant concern, especially given the vehicle’s otherwise flawless performance.

Despite the scare, the Explorer Tremor continued its climb without further incident. Temperatures remained stable, and the engine’s power delivery felt ample. The reviewer did note the vehicle’s off-road suspension, which provides a slight lift, resulted in about 1.75 inches of squat under load. Furthermore, the 1,000 lb payload capacity, while decent, leaves only about 500 lbs for passengers and cargo once the tongue weight is accounted for, limiting the possibility of carrying a full complement of passengers on a long trip.

Fuel Economy and Value Proposition

During the arduous climb, the Explorer Tremor achieved a respectable 5.6 MPG, a commendable figure for a vehicle of its size and weight tackling such a steep grade. This falls within the better end of tested results for heavy towing scenarios. The base Ford Explorer Tremor, equipped with the 2.3-liter turbo-four engine (300 hp), starts at approximately $51,000. The more powerful 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 model, as tested, represents a higher trim level, often referred to as the “Ultimate package,” which includes luxury features like a panoramic sunroof and premium seating, though it notably lacks a wireless phone charger.

Verdict: A Capable Tow Rig with Caveats

The 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor proved itself a highly capable tow vehicle, particularly on the downhill stretch of the Ike Gauntlet, where its single brake application performance was exceptional. The powerful V6 engine provides ample grunt for ascending steep grades. However, the unexplained “Service Vehicle Soon” glitch during the climb is a significant concern that warrants further investigation. Additionally, the need to manually re-engage tow-haul mode after each restart and the absence of an integrated trailer brake controller are minor but notable drawbacks for a vehicle marketed with off-road and towing capabilities.

The target buyer for the Explorer Tremor is likely an adventurous individual or family who prioritizes off-road capability and occasional robust towing. While it performs admirably, potential buyers should weigh the convenience of its luxurious interior and powerful engine against the minor inconveniences and the concerning electronic anomaly. The Nissan Pathfinder and Jeep Grand Cherokee offer slightly higher tow ratings, but the Explorer Tremor’s blend of power and off-road intent makes it a compelling, albeit imperfect, option in its class.

Source: The 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor Runs an Almost Perfect Ike Gauntlet…Except for This Strange Glitch! (YouTube)