
Shop the New 2026 Ford Explorer in Ellijay, GA
At Ronnie Thompson Ford, we're excited to showcase the impressive, all-new Ford Explorer. This mid-size Ford SUV delivers a perfect blend of capability, comfort and advanced features that make it stand out from the competition in North Georgia.
Performance
Under the hood, the 2026 Ford Explorer offers robust engine options to suit your driving needs. The available 2.3-liter, EcoBoost inline four-cylinder engine, equipped with auto start-stop technology, generates an impressive 300 horsepower. For even more power, step up to the 3.0-liter, EcoBoost V6, unleashing 400 horsepower. Both engines are paired with a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission for optimized performance and efficiency.
Rear-wheel drive (RWD) comes standard, while the Intelligent 4WD (four-wheel drive) system is available for enhanced traction and confidence across various road conditions. Living in the Blue Ridge area, you'll appreciate the capability to navigate mountain roads with ease.
Technology
Inside the spacious cabin, Chatsworth families will find an array of advanced technology features. The available 13.2-inch color LCD touchscreen with the Ford marque's latest SYNC infotainment system puts control at your fingertips. Enjoy seamless integration with your smartphone via wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
Optional B&O sound system by Bang & Olufsen surrounds you with immersive audio, perfect for your daily commute from North Georgia cities like Jasper or Canton. With the 2026 Ford Explorer, staying connected and entertained on the road has never been easier.
Interior
The Ford Explorer interior is designed with your comfort in mind. Available heated and ventilated front seats, along with optional multi-contour seats with Active Motion, provide supreme support and relaxation on long drives. Second-row captain's chairs or a bench seat offer flexibility for passengers, while the spacious third row accommodates additional riders with ease.
Premium materials like available perforated leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped, heated steering wheel add a touch of luxury to your driving experience. Whether you're carpooling around Ellijay or embarking on a weekend getaway from Dawsonville, the all-new Ford Explorer ensures everyone travels in comfort.
Exterior
The Ford Explorer exterior commands attention with its dynamic design. LED headlamps and a distinctive grille create a bold front fascia, while available 21-inch aluminum wheels make a striking statement.
Hands-free, foot-activated liftgate provides convenient access to the expansive cargo area, perfect for loading up gear for your next adventure near Chatsworth. With its sculpted lines and confident stance, the 2026 Ford Explorer is ready to turn heads wherever your journeys take you in the South.
Safety
Your safety is paramount, and the new Ford Explorer is equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver-assist technologies. From the Lane-Keeping System to Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go, these features work together to enhance your awareness and confidence behind the wheel.
The Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) alerts you to vehicles in your blind spot, while Rear Cross-Traffic Braking helps prevent collisions when backing up. As you navigate the roads around Dawsonville, you can trust that the Ford Explorer has your back.
Trims
The 2026 Ford Explorer is available in five distinct trims, each offering a unique blend of features and capabilities:
- Active: Equipped with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, 18-inch aluminum wheels, and unique cloth seating.
- Tremor: Boasts off-road-ready features like a Terrain Management System and 18-inch high-gloss black aluminum wheels.
- Platinum: Offers luxury amenities such as adaptive LED headlamps, a twin-panel moonroof, and premium leather seating.
- ST-Line: Delivers a sporty appearance with 20-inch machined aluminum wheels, a unique grille, and red interior stitching.
- ST: The performance-oriented trim, featuring a powerful 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6, sport-tuned suspension, and distinctive styling.
Experience the 2026 Ford Explorer in Ellijay, GA Today
Ready to explore the great outdoors near Blue Ridge in the 2026 Ford Explorer? Visit Ronnie Thompson Ford in Ellijay to experience this impressive SUV firsthand. Stop by Ronnie Thompson Ford today and let us help you find your ultimate exploration companion in the 2026 Ford Explorer. We look forward to serving you.
FAQs
North Georgia car buyers can shop the new Ford Explorer lineup at Ronnie Thompson Ford in Ellijay without the congestion of metro Atlanta. Choose from six trim levels—Active 100A, Active, ST-Line, Tremor, Platinum, and ST—with purchase and lease options available on new models. We're conveniently located for Dawsonville-area car buyers who prefer to stay closer to home rather than heading south toward the suburbs.
- A 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder producing 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive (RWD) or optional four-wheel drive (4WD).
- A 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 engine delivering 385 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque.
- The 2.3-liter EcoBoost: 20 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined.
- The 3.0-liter EcoBoost: 18 mpg city, 25 highway, and 21 combined.
Jasper-area drivers who commute south on GA-5 will find these figures hold up reasonably well on the two-lane mountain routes that define everyday driving in this region.
When properly equipped, the maximum towing capacity is 5,000 pounds. That's enough to haul a loaded utility trailer, a boat, or a small camper bound for Lake Blue Ridge or a campground along the Chattahoochee National Forest corridor north of Chatsworth.
The Ford Explorer has three rows and seats up to seven passengers with the standard second-row bench seat, or up to six with optional second-row captain's chairs. That's plenty of room for families with gear heading to Amicalola Falls State Park for the weekend.
With the second and third-row seats folded flat, the maximum cargo capacity climbs to 85.8 cubic feet from 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row. For drivers from Dawsonville to Canton who need a flexible SUV for everyday driving, this much flexibility makes it easier to haul all your gear without needing a second vehicle or making additional trips.
Standard safety technologies include:
- Automatic emergency braking
- Lane-keeping assist
- Lane departure warning
- Automatic high beams
- A rearview camera system
Available features include adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. For drivers maneuvering the narrow two-lane roads near Chatsworth, the forward collision system provides a meaningful layer of attention support.
The Tremor is the trim built for unpaved terrain. It comes with all-terrain tires, underbody skid plates, and a raised suspension, with a ground clearance of 9.0 inches. Blue Ridge-area shoppers who spend time on Forest Service roads and gravel two-tracks will find that the Tremor variant tackles terrain without requiring a truck platform.
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Ronnie Thompson Ford
130 Coosawattee Dr
Ellijay, GA 30539
- Sales: (706) 515-3673