2026 ST vs 2026 Tremor

[Timeless]

Hello.

I currently have a 2024 Grand Highlander Hybrid Max and really love it. However I have always had a soft spot for the Explorer ST. Tried ordering ones before the Toyota and there were issues with delivery, parts, recalls, etc.

So fast forward to the present, I have gotten the itch again.

I test drove an ST but the dealer did not have a Tremor in stock. They are supposed to dealer trade for a few soon so hopefully I can test drive one of those as well.

My likes over the Toyota are basically massaging seats, more power stock (will also do the Ford Performance Tune), better premium audio, no hybrid battery to worry about, and I think better looks.

My dislikes/worries are that the ST definitely rides rougher. Roads here are not the best so you can definitely feel them more in the ST. Toyota soaks them up much better. Also worry about reliability compared to Toyota but have a great relationship with dealership.

So the Tremor from what I understand will have a more compliant ride. Wondering what others have in regards to advice or experience concerning this?

Thanks!

 

[Lone Ranger]

I own a 2026 Tremor 3.0 and the ride is pretty compliant due to off road springs and shocks and 1” higher ride height. Wider sidewalls also help the ride on the all terrain tires with 18 “ wheels. Handling is very good but not as good as ST probably.

 

[Timeless]

I own a 2026 Tremor 3.0 and the ride is pretty compliant due to off road springs and shocks and 1” higher ride height. Wider sidewalls also help the ride on the all terrain tires with 18 “ wheels. Handling is very good but not as good as ST probably.

If I were in my 20s then the stiff ride of the ST would probably be great...but now in my 50s with some lower back issues not sure I would want that.

I did love the sharp handling though.

 

[Nascarbilly]

Hello.

I currently have a 2024 Grand Highlander Hybrid Max and really love it. However I have always had a soft spot for the Explorer ST. Tried ordering ones before the Toyota and there were issues with delivery, parts, recalls, etc.

So fast forward to the present, I have gotten the itch again.

I test drove an ST but the dealer did not have a Tremor in stock. They are supposed to dealer trade for a few soon so hopefully I can test drive one of those as well.

My likes over the Toyota are basically massaging seats, more power stock (will also do the Ford Performance Tune), better premium audio, no hybrid battery to worry about, and I think better looks.

My dislikes/worries are that the ST definitely rides rougher. Roads here are not the best so you can definitely feel them more in the ST. Toyota soaks them up much better. Also worry about reliability compared to Toyota but have a great relationship with dealership.

So the Tremor from what I understand will have a more compliant ride. Wondering what others have in regards to advice or experience concerning this?

Thanks!

@Timeless :

First of all, Welcome Aboard!!

Interesting question(s) you pose. Just so you know where I come from on this, I bought my Wife a 2025 Highlander Platinum Hybrid to upgrade from her 2015 Avalon Limited Hybrid (got toooo hard to get in/out of the much lower car). That is now her 4th Toyota Hybrid dating back to 2005 and we NEVER had to replace ANY hybrid batteries (starting battery, yes).
So this comparison will be easy since her Highlander sits 2 feet away from my 2025 ST in the garage; age wise they are within a month of each other:

HIGHLANDER PLATINUM HYBRID:
__Finesse and luxury on 4 wheels, period!!
__GREAT gas mileage for an SUV
__Her "SPORT" mode gives it all the pep she wants or needs
__Ownership costs: previous 2008 Camry Limited Hybrid and the 2015 Avalon cost us less than $2,800 EACH during the seven years we owned the Camry and 10 years for the Avalon(excluding tires on both)
__During 20 year ownership period of all (4) four Toyotas, a grand total of (3) three recalls combined

EXPLORER ST:
__My Wife thinks the ST actually is easier to get in/out of the 3rd row seat and loves the placement of the entry grab bars
__ST has a better phone charger in the dash
__Raw performance on demand, very nasty, cat quick for a vehicle it's size (ST replaced my 2017 SHELBY GTE I4 Premium Coupe because the car was toooooo low to get in/out)
__Frequency of Repairs!?! God only knows!! Per Consumer Reports, the 2023 to 2026 Ford Explorers:

• Predicted Reliability: Scores a low 1 out of 5 across multiple model years (2023, 2024, 2025, and predicted for 2026) based on member survey data covering problem areas like transmissions, driveshafts, and electronics.

• Owner Satisfaction: Low owner satisfaction scores (typically 2 out of 5), driven by frequent unscheduled shop visits and dealership time

__Tuesday I went back to my selling dealership for yet another Recall, that was my 4th Recall in 19 months of ownership
__ When I first came into this ST Blog Group, I said up front that I "threw all caution to the wind" and bought the ST because I wanted a similar performance experience as my previous SHELBY's as my primary reason for ownership. I just hope I did not make a tremendous mistake, only time will tell.

Bottom line, if you can afford it, have BOTH. That way you have the best of both worlds. If you plan to have only ONE vehicle, my one word answer is "Toyota". Best wishes in your thought process