Exclusive: One of Ford’s Most Popular SUVs Could Get Its V8 Back – UPDATED

Although it’s not currently on the table, circumstances favor its revival for the Explorer.

Rear view of a blue Ford Explorer ST with illuminated taillights and license plate TVS 916.

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Published January 23, 2026

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Updated January 26, 2026

If you’ve been missing the optional V8 for the Ford Explorer, so have we, here at the GP Motoring desk. But after recently chatting with a Ford executive over some BBQ during the Tremor’s media drive, there may be some potential for its return.

Update, a Ford representative sent us the following statement: As we’ve said, we don’t comment on speculation about future products. Explorer’s current 2.3-liter and 3.0-liter EcoBoost engines provide customers with powerful and efficient options to meet their needs.
– Ford Spokesperson

It’s been almost two decades since the Explorer had an optional V8. Ford dropped the option when it morphed from a rugged body-on-frame SUV into a car-based crossover 16 years ago.

Two Ford Explorer SUVs, one white and one blue, parked on a dirt area near a lake with forested hills in the background. — The current Explorer reverted to a rear-drive platform after the previous model’s front-drive bones.

It ditched its powerful eight-cylinder in favor of a turbocharged EcoBoost V6 as the model’s top-spec engine. The change was driven by demand for more efficient powertrains.

But more importantly, it was also to meet stricter fuel economy and emissions compliance. However, given some recent changes to regulations — among other contributing factors — the chance to be ambitious with powertrains has never been greater.

Relaxed regulations means less weight on automakers’ shoulders

Maroon and beige Ford SUV driving through water splashing on a dirt path with trees in the background. — The fourth-gen Explorer was the last with optional V8 power.

As our drive event for the Explorer Tremor commenced, I got reacquainted with the top-spec 400-horsepower EcoBoost V6. It reminded me how much I missed Ford’s old 4.6-liter Modular V8 in the model.

So, when we reached the halfway point of the event to indulge on some quality smoked meats, I sat with the Explorer’s lead Brand Manager, Matt Duffield, to have a chat about my pondering thoughts.

2026 ford explorer tremor hero — The Explorer Tremor could be had with either a base turbo-four or the ST’s turbocharged V6.

When jokingly asked about the prospect of stuffing a V8 into the current Explorer — given the Trump Administration’s recent decision to roll back fuel economy and emissions regulations — Duffield initiated his response with the usual manufacturer jargon. But with a bit of a twist.

“Well, let me start by saying that we do not like to comment on future products,” he said with a big, friendly grin.

2026 ford explorer tremor edition macro — The Tremor is another attempt at catering to family-oriented enthusiasts.

When further pressed about the circumstances of the EPA compliance rollbacks, Duffield acknowledged that the team’s very aware of the situation.

Blue Ford Explorer ST SUV parked on rocky riverbank with forest and mountains in the background. — The Explorer’s current top-spec engine choice is a 400-horsepower 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6.

“We are aware of those changes, and they’re certainly important factors,” Duffield continued.

But while relaxed compliance regulations are a major factor to such decisions, there are other considerable circumstances at play.

Other companies reviving their V8s has Ford on notice

White Ford SUV with chrome grille and alloy wheels parked on a mountain road with foggy peaks in the background. — Ford ditched V8 power for the Explorer with the fifth-gen model.

The current Explorer is the first model to utilize a rear-wheel-drive-based platform since the fourth-gen model. The fifth-gen deviated from its original truck-based chassis in favor of Ford’s car-based front-wheel drive D4 platform.

The original Flex, Lincoln MKT and even the late Taurus also shared the same D4 bones.

To deliver a more engaging driving experience, Ford engineers reverted to a rear-drive-based platform called the CD6. The Lincoln Aviator, the Explorer’s fancier cousin, also utilizes the CD6.

Dark green Ford sheriff patrol SUV with red and blue roof lights parked on rocky terrain with a uniformed officer using a radio. — Ford didn’t introduce an optional V8 until the second-gen Explorer in 1996.

When I first experienced the CD6 platform, testing the Police Interceptor variant in 2019, I learned in casual conversations with Ford engineers that it was derived from the Mustang’s D2C platform.

There also have been rumors that future versions of the gas-powered Mustang could use the new CD6 platform. Meaning, if the platform could support a V8 for the Mustang, that leaves the potential for the Explorer. Especially since they are related.

Gray Ford Mustang GT with 60 Years badge driving on a road with blurred green trees in the background. — The Mustang and the F-150 are the only ways to get Ford V8 power, but that could change soon.

I also noted the hype surrounding Stellantis’ revival of the HEMI V8. To which Duffield also nodded and smiled.

“Those are all very valid points,” Duffield concluded, as he chomped down on a smoked rib that I shared. “We’re always constantly monitoring the market so we can deliver on our customers’ demands.”

About the Author: Chris Chin is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, trucks and anything else with four wheels. He has over a decade of experience writing news and reviews but considers himself an enthusiast first, with a passion for classics and European cars. His daily driver is a 1987 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL with nearly 250,000 miles (87,000 are his).

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