Explorer ST SUV Experience

[ptcomputergeek]

I have seen related threads, but I feel like this deserves it's own thread. I recently ordered and purchased a 2026 Ford Explorer ST. I was very surprised to discover I do not qualify for the Explorer ST SUV Experience because it is for owners of 2024 and 2025 Explorer STs only! Does anyone know if there are plans to open it up to owners of the 2026 Explorer or maybe Ford is phasing out the ST experience?

 

[Gadgtfreek]

I got mine and am on the waiting list for this year, so maybe you will come later? Did you get a card in the mail yet? Mine came a few weeks later.

 

[Dale5403]

Have you tried contacting Ford directly?

 

[ptcomputergeek]

I got mine and am on the waiting list for this year, so maybe you will come later? Did you get a card in the mail yet? Mine came a few weeks later.

Interesting, I purchased my 2026 Ford Explorer ST about a month ago, no card yet. Did you say you got a card from Ford 2 weeks after buying your 2026 Ford Explorer ST? I did sign up for the waiting list a few weeks ago, but I doubt that will help unless they open up registration for 2026 owners. Registration is open and I tried registering but my registration was cancelled.

 

[ptcomputergeek]

Have you tried contacting Ford directly?

Yes, I sent an email yesterday.

 

[2020FordRaptor]

It’s unclear right now. Let us know what they say. I thought they were postponing 2026 owners until they finished 2025 owners backlogs, but they took off the ST experience symbol on the sticker for 2026 which isn’t a great sign.

 

[Gadgtfreek]

I can book in March right now in NC, two different windows. And yes, I got a card about 3 weeks after buying mine, and then went to the site. After checking, it swiftly told me I had to wait until slots opened up. So I bought mine in Sept, and can go in March. Id assume 2026's will be late this year.

 

[Nascarbilly]

I have seen related threads, but I feel like this deserves it's own thread. I recently ordered and purchased a 2026 Ford Explorer ST. I was very surprised to discover I do not qualify for the Explorer ST SUV Experience because it is for owners of 2024 and 2025 Explorer STs only! Does anyone know if there are plans to open it up to owners of the 2026 Explorer or maybe Ford is phasing out the ST experience?

Please keep us posted. I only hope it is backlogged and NOT another FORD $$$ cutback.

 

[Gadgtfreek]

I won't be able to make one this year, I feel like, so maybe one of you will get my spot!

 

[Nascarbilly]

I won't be able to make one this year, I feel like, so maybe one of you will get my spot!

@Gadgtfreek :
As of early March 2025, we were concerned about the one being open in Utah (over 200 plus inches of show on the Olympic Training Center Parking Lot). I was told by Ford Performance in Utah that I had 12 months from the date of vehicle purchase to attend either the Utah or NC location before my opportunity expired. I would think you should be able to get an extension by contacting them and explaining your situation. Personally, I would suggest you make an effort to get it in your schedule as it was well worth our travel to Utah.

 

[ptcomputergeek]

FYI, I tried calling Ford Performance (Ford Racing) at (800)367-3788, they were not sure and the person I talked to "suspected" it may not be available for 2026 model year, and said to call the Driving School at (435)277-7333, the driving school said to call Ford at (800)367-3788, so I am stuck. I am trying to send another e-mail to the person they recommended. Nothing for certain, but it does not look good.

 

[Nascarbilly]

FYI, I tried calling Ford Performance (Ford Racing) at (800)367-3788, they were not sure and the person I talked to "suspected" it may not be available for 2026 model year, and said to call the Driving School at (435)277-7333, the driving school said to call Ford at (800)367-3788, so I am stuck. I am trying to send another e-mail to the person they recommended. Nothing for certain, but it does not look good.

@ptcomputergeek :
@Gadgtfreek :

GM Gents,
The ST SUV Driving Experience Final Details email came from Ford Performance School for my 9 June to 10 June, 2025 ST SUV class. It came from:

[email protected]

(385) 228-8245

Based upon the way the address is listed, it appears the Raptor and ST schools in Utah are separate under the "west ops" banner vs the Dark Horse (Charlotte) and ST School in NC. Surely someone at this email address or phone # could answer everyone's questions about scheduling specific schools, etc. Hope this helps.

 

[ptcomputergeek]

@ptcomputergeek :
@Gadgtfreek :

GM Gents,
The ST SUV Driving Experience Final Details email came from Ford Performance School for my 9 June to 10 June, 2025 ST SUV class. It came from:

[email protected]

(385) 228-8245

Based upon the way the address is listed, it appears the Raptor and ST schools in Utah are separate under the "west ops" banner vs the Dark Horse (Charlotte) and ST School in NC. Surely someone at this email address or phone # could answer everyone's questions about scheduling specific schools, etc. Hope this helps.

Thanks for the info, but I did contact the Ford Performance School and they could only comment on what was currently available. Currently, the Explorer ST SUV Experience is NOT available for owners of the 2026 Ford Explorer ST, that is clear. The part that is not clear is if there are plans to offer the Explorer ST SUV Experience to owners of the 2026 Ford Explorer ST.

 

[ptcomputergeek]

Here is the last word from Ford: "At this time, the 2026 Explorer ST is not eligible for the ST SUV program. More information is anticipated in the near future and will be communicated to eligible customers"

 

[gjw269]

I just got off the phone with them and they told me the product is too powerful to allow such a class... I think they need to remove the cl from that. They said it couldnt tolerate the driving conditions. Looks like they are trying to become the record holder for recalls for another year in a row.

I am now never buying another ford, I have owned 10 in the past...

Mercedes, porsche, Landrover... here I come

Good by Forg RIP

 

[Nascarbilly]

"I just got off the phone with them and they told me the product is too powerful to allow such a class... I think they need to remove the cl from that. They said it couldnt tolerate the driving conditions."
@gjw269 :

Welcome Aboard!!
The June 2025 ST SUV Driving Experience my Wife and I attended in Utah was taught by experienced instructors. A couple had lower level NASCAR and one had INDY style open-wheel driving experience. The Instructors showed us what they expected us to do and then directly gave us easy to follow, sound technical advise on how to complete each exercise. We were each given (3) three separate tries due to time constraints for each exercise.

At no point was there any conversation about the ST's being too powerful to be allowed in the classes. These classes have been going on since sometime after the 2020 rear wheel/all wheel drive models were introduced. This is not a New Driver Corvette School where the Owner/Drivers are taught actual road course racing techniques. I think the real answer is Ford has some money flow issues and is cutting back where ever it can.

 

[gjw269]

Well then never do it without dotifibg dealears as I called my sales person and he said they had been selling this feature as a perk to buy the car. Ford F*cke UP
Major...
Will never buy another for4d in my life

 

[RFC1992]

Fine Print: Apparently, I needed to attend the class in the first year of ownership. Not schedule it; complete the class. I looked for spots that fit my schedule last summer and did not find any. I found out this year, when trying to register, that they cancelled the registration. I was over one year past purchase.

I will call Ford to see if I can get an exception but do not hold much hope.

 

[Nascarbilly]

Fine Print: Apparently, I needed to attend the class in the first year of ownership. Not schedule it; complete the class. I looked for spots that fit my schedule last summer and did not find any. I found out this year, when trying to register, that they cancelled the registration. I was over one year past purchase.

I will call Ford to see if I can get an exception but do not hold much hope.

@RFC1992 : If you can get in, it is well worth your efforts. They make it very personalized, they want you to know how to get the best out of your ST.

 

[Gadgtfreek]

Well, I was on the wait list, never got an email, and now they are open. Just poor decisions, like taking away the keypad in 2025.