2026 Ford Explorer Active Review: A Real Dad’s Honest Test Drive Before Buying His Next Family SUV
TL;DR: Shopping for a family SUV isn’t about horsepower alone—it’s about finding something that keeps everyone comfortable. In Episode 4 of Honest Rides, Amit, a father of a young daughter and first-time Canadian Ford shopper, takes the 2026 Ford Explorer Active for an unscripted test drive. Looking for more room than his Audi and Hyundai […]
TL;DR: Shopping for a family SUV isn’t about horsepower alone—it’s about finding something that keeps everyone comfortable. In Episode 4 of Honest Rides, Amit, a father of a young daughter and first-time Canadian Ford shopper, takes the 2026 Ford Explorer Active for an unscripted test drive. Looking for more room than his Audi and Hyundai offer, he shares what impressed him most about the Explorer’s smooth ride, spacious interior, seven-passenger seating and surprisingly sporty performance.
Check out our full inventory of the Ford Explorer today: https://msaford.com/new-inventory/model/explorer/
Watch Honest Rides Episode 4
What Does a Growing Family Really Need in Their Next SUV?
Buying your first family SUV usually starts with one simple realization.
The baby gear keeps getting bigger.
That was exactly where Amit found himself.
After welcoming his daughter and watching her grow, he realized his current vehicles no longer fit his family’s lifestyle.
More cargo.
More passenger room.
More comfort.
Those became the priorities.
When he stopped by MSA Ford, he wasn’t looking for the fastest SUV.
He was looking for the right one.
Meet Amit
Amit has been living in Canada for nearly five years.
Originally from India, he already had positive experiences owning Ford vehicles before moving to British Columbia.
Today he balances:
- A growing family
- A full-time accounting career
- His own business
- CPA studies
- Life as a busy dad
His current garage includes an Audi and a Hyundai, but with a toddler now riding along on every adventure, he knew it was time to consider something larger.
The Explorer quickly caught his attention.
Honest Rides: Real People, Real Opinions
Every Honest Rides episode follows the same philosophy.
No scripts.
No pressure.
No rehearsed answers.
We simply invite real people from the Fraser Valley to experience a Ford vehicle and tell us exactly what they think.
Participants receive a gift card for their time, MSA Ford donates to the Abbotsford Food Bank, and viewers get something far more valuable than a traditional vehicle review:
An authentic first impression.
First Impressions of the Explorer Active
Within moments of driving away, Amit noticed something many buyers mention first.
The ride quality.
His immediate reaction was simple:
“It’s amazing.”
He described the Explorer as:
- Smooth
- Comfortable
- Quiet
- Refined
Even before exploring its features, the driving experience itself stood out.
For someone planning long family trips with a young child, that matters far more than flashy specifications.
Built for Family Life
Throughout the drive, one topic kept coming up.
His daughter.
Like many parents, Amit explained that when his child is comfortable, everyone is happier.
That’s why he wanted:
- More passenger space
- More room for strollers and luggage
- Easier family road trips
- A smoother ride
The Explorer’s three-row seating immediately checked several boxes.
With seating for up to seven passengers, it offers flexibility as families grow or when grandparents, friends or relatives join the trip.
Explorer Active vs. ST: What’s the Difference?
One of the most useful parts of the conversation focused on choosing the right Explorer.
Many shoppers naturally ask:
Should I buy the Active or the ST?
The answer depends on what matters most.
Explorer Active
- Approximately 300 horsepower
- 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine
- Comfort-focused driving
- Excellent everyday family SUV
- Smooth ride quality
Explorer ST
- Higher-performance engine
- Approximately 400 horsepower
- Sport-oriented tuning
- Designed for drivers wanting maximum performance
For Amit, comfort won.
While he appreciated performance, he admitted that the Explorer Active already delivered more than enough power for everyday driving.
Sometimes the best family SUV isn’t the fastest one.
It’s the one everyone enjoys riding in.
Sport Mode Changes the Personality
During the drive, the Explorer’s drive modes became another highlight.
Switching into Sport Mode immediately changed the vehicle’s character.
Amit smiled as the engine note became more aggressive.
His response?
“I love that.”
It gave him the confidence that the Explorer could still feel engaging behind the wheel while remaining comfortable enough for everyday family life.
It’s a nice reminder that practical doesn’t have to mean boring.
Performance That Feels Effortless
The Explorer Active combines everyday usability with confident performance.
Highlights discussed during the drive included:
- 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine
- Approximately 300 horsepower
- 10-speed automatic transmission
- 0–100 km/h in roughly six seconds
For a three-row SUV designed primarily for families, that’s more than enough power for highway merging, passing slower traffic and weekend road trips throughout British Columbia.
The Features Families Notice
Rather than focusing only on specifications, Amit paid attention to how the Explorer would fit into daily life.
He appreciated:
- Smooth braking
- Comfortable seating position
- Panoramic moonroof
- Spacious interior
- Flexible seating layout
- Seven-passenger capacity
Those are the features families interact with every single day—not just on the first test drive.
More Than Just Another SUV
One comment stood out during the conversation.
After experiencing the Explorer, Amit joked that he finally understood why police departments have relied on the Explorer platform for so many years.
His impression?
The vehicle felt:
- Strong
- Comfortable
- Well-built
It inspired confidence behind the wheel.
For a father transporting his young family, that’s exactly what he wanted to feel.
Sometimes the Best Review Isn’t About the Vehicle
Near the end of the drive, the conversation shifted away from horsepower.
Instead, it became about family.
Amit explained that weekends belong to his wife and daughter.
No matter how comfortable a vehicle is, the most important part is spending time together.
That perspective perfectly captures what Honest Rides is really about.
Cars matter.
People matter more.
Should You Test Drive the 2026 Ford Explorer Active?
If your family is starting to outgrow your current vehicle, the Explorer Active deserves a place on your shortlist.
It delivers:
- Three rows of seating
- Everyday comfort
- Confident performance
- Flexible family space
- A refined driving experience
As Amit discovered, sometimes all it takes is one drive to know whether a vehicle feels right.
Experience the 2026 Ford Explorer Active at MSA Ford
Looking for a family SUV that balances comfort, capability and performance?
Visit MSA Ford in the Fraser Valley Automall in Abbotsford and experience the 2026 Ford Explorer Active for yourself.
Bring the family.
Load the stroller.
Take it for a real test drive.
Because the best vehicle for your family isn’t chosen on paper—it’s the one that feels right when everyone climbs inside.
