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

 

[Timeless]

@Timeless :

__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

Thanks for the reply! Just so you know I have had at least three recalls on the Toyota as well that were all done during normal maintenance.

Keep in mind mine is the Hybrid Max not just the normal Hybrid.

 

[Nascarbilly]

Thanks for the reply! Just so you know I have had at least three recalls on the Toyota as well that were all done during normal maintenance.

Keep in mind mine is the Hybrid Max not just the normal Hybrid.

@Timeless :
I understand. NO car brand is immune.

Not sure if you are familiar with the workings of Consumer Union and their publication Consumer Reports. Yes, they employ a wide variety of engineers, chemists, all kinds of technical types, etc but they also rely upon every day people like me who are actual members of Consumer Union. Every year since the 1970's, I receive a large package of questionnaires to complete concerning any significant purchases (washer, dryer, AC unit, new car/truck, mower, etc) I have made in the last 12 months. I try to be as detailed as I can on my "member survey" to answer or explain my specific problem(s) with whatever item they are in the process of reviewing/rating.

Their comment, not mine:

• 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.

That is a real statement, based upon facts. Next year's April 2027 Edition of Consumer Reports will be based upon mine and countless other member reviews.

Personally, I know the quandary you are in. I really wanted this ST but should I get one especially since they are rated so poorly?! That is specifically why I said I "threw all caution to the wind" to get my ST.

I wish you the best in your decision making process, only time will tell if I made the right choice with my ST.

 

[Mustang5L5]

Thanks for the reply! Just so you know I have had at least three recalls on the Toyota as well that were all done during normal maintenance.
.

Seems like all car brands are having issues. My wife drives a '24 CRV and her vehicle has had more recalls and warranty fixes than my ST if you can believe that.


ANyway, ST ride firmness is definitely a concern. It just all depends on your tolerance. I live up in MA and the roads are horrible, but I grew up driving Mustangs with stiff suspensions. To me the ride quality of the ST is acceptable, but I can only imagine the tremor will ride much nicer. I rode in a coworkers active and it was like riding on a cloud compared to my ST.

Where the ST shines is when you go into a corner in Sport mode, roll on the gas and the vehicle just plants and holds that corner. It's been an absolute blast doing that sort of driving. I also appreciate the larger brakes.

I usually tell folks that if they never intend to do that sort of driving, but really want the 3.0 engine, look at the Platinum or Tremor.

 

[Chairborne Ranger]

Before I purchased my 2025 ST I was planning on buying a Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max. I started looking in October of '24. This was just after Toyota had some kind of problem followed by a big recall of these vehicles that shut down the production line. The result was there were none to be had, not even to sit in on the lot. My local dealer didn't even have regular Highlanders. They kept telling me that in a month they'd have new inventory but that never happened and I gave up and ended up getting the ST. Like @Nascarbilly mentioned above, my big concern is reliability and Consumer Reports wasn't giving me much reassurance. I lurked on this forum before taking the plunge and decided to gamble on the Explorer. I've owned my Build 1, 19 months so far and other than the aforementioned recalls for software stuff I have experienced no problems. The car is quirky and you never know what's going to change every time they push a software update. For example; I always turn off the audio when I shut down the car and every vehicle I've owned since 1974 the audio stays off, but the ST has a mind of its own and sometimes it is off on start up and sometimes it is on. The rear warning chime when you close the hatch rarely sounds in the back of the vehicle and only sporadically works up front (where it doesn't do any good). You mentioned the phone charger, Ford nixed the phone charger in the ST after 2025 for some reason (among other small things like power steering column adjustment and 2d row passenger sun shades). Overall though I'm enjoying the ST and even though I'm pushing 70 the ride doesn't bother me and I live in a rural area. Good luck on making a tough call.

 

[2020FordRaptor]

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!

The main thing the ride quality issue comes down to is the low profile tires. If you drop down to 18s like the Tremor, there wouldn’t really be a difference in ride quality.