Towing Confidence and Connected Cabin Tech for Newark, NJ Families — 2026 Ford Explorer Guide

Dec 23, 2025

Quality Auto Mall – Towing Confidence and Connected Cabin Tech for Newark, NJ Families — 2026 Ford Explorer Guide

When a three-row SUV makes life simpler at every turn, families notice. That’s why the 2026 Ford Explorer continues to be a favorite for Newark, NJ drivers who want confident towing, a calm cabin, and intuitive technology that just works. With its standard Class III Towing package and smart stability features, it handles weekend gear with composure, while the Ford Digital Experience turns the big 13.2-inch touchscreen into a practical, familiar hub for navigation, media, and daily tasks. This guide highlights two areas shoppers ask about most: towing assurance for family adventures and cabin connectivity that keeps everyone engaged on the go.

Start with the tech. The Ford Digital Experience builds in Google Assistant and Google Maps and supports Google Play, while also offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Parked at a practice field and waiting? You can stream videos from YouTube or browse apps from the screen, helping time pass more productively. Available 5G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot service can support multiple devices, and charging is plentiful thanks to up to eight USB ports, including available ports for the third row. Those shared road-trip playlists sound even better with the available 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, and the full-width display layout is simple to read without digging through menus. When your tech stays out of the way and responds quickly, the whole family feels it.

Now, about towing. Every Explorer includes the Class III Towing package, a meaningful advantage if your weekends involve trailered cargo. The hitch, wiring harness, and Trailer Sway Control come factory-ready, so you can hook up and head out without aftermarket guesswork. And because the vehicle is built on a rear-wheel-drive foundation with available all-wheel drive, stability under load feels natural and confidence-inspiring. For longer highway stretches, available BlueCruise™ hands-free driving on compatible roads can help reduce fatigue by handling steering and speed with your attention on the road, while Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane Centering provides additional driver-assist cushioning in traffic.

We recommend a quick towing setup routine before every trip. It takes only a few minutes, and it pays off in smoother miles and easier braking and cornering feel. Here’s a simple sequence:

Inspect and connect: Verify hitch engagement, safety chains, wiring, and trailer lighting.
Distribute weight: Load heavier items low and near the trailer axle, and confirm tongue weight is appropriately balanced.
Enable assists: Confirm Trailer Sway Control is active and select Tow/Haul in the Drive Modes menu.
Mirror the view: Adjust mirrors to frame trailer edges and enable the 360-Degree Camera if equipped for precise maneuvering.

For many shoppers, the difference comes down to day-to-day ease. The Explorer’s liftgate access, flat load floor, and abundant storage cubbies make it a practical home base between school, work, and hobbies. Available heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seating, and multi-zone climate add comfort that matters as the miles add up. And if winter traction is on your mind, available all-wheel drive pairs well with Selectable Drive Modes so you can tailor responses to Slippery or Deep Snow/Sand—useful when weather patterns change quickly across neighborhoods and highways.

Newark-area drivers often ask which trims fit their needs. The ST-Line brings a sportier look and 20-inch wheels, the Platinum focuses on premium touches, the ST unleashes the twin-turbo V6, and the Tremor adds lifted, trail-leaning hardware for families who frequent gravel lots, campgrounds, or fire roads. Each starts with a strong baseline of advanced safety and tech, so it comes down to aesthetics and how you plan to use the vehicle most. Quality Auto Mall is proud to support shoppers across the region, serving Bloomfield, Passaic, and Newark with transparent guidance that aligns features to real-world needs.

Below are a few highlights Newark families love most about the 2026 Explorer:

Hands-free help: Available BlueCruise™ supports hands-free driving on compatible highways to reduce fatigue.
Built-in towing: Standard Class III Towing package simplifies weekend gear hauling.
Cabin connectivity: Ford Digital Experience brings Google built in and app support, plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Family comfort: Available heated and ventilated front seats, heated second row, and a quiet, refined ride.
Versatile space: Three-row flexibility with generous cargo capacity and simple fold-flat operation.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Does the 2026 Explorer offer hands-free driving?

Yes, BlueCruise™ is available for hands-free driving on compatible, prequalified highway sections and works alongside the vehicle’s driver-monitoring and lane-centering capabilities.

How much can the 2026 Explorer tow?

With the standard Class III Towing package, the Explorer is rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, covering small campers, boats, and utility trailers.

Is all-wheel drive worth it for Newark winters?

Available all-wheel drive pairs with Selectable Drive Modes to enhance traction and confidence on slushy streets, bridges, and parking ramps when conditions are less than ideal.

What tech stands out for family use?

The Ford Digital Experience with its 13.2-inch touchscreen, Google built in, and support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto makes daily tasks simple, while available 5G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot service and multiple USB ports keep devices powered and connected.