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Mustang-inspired CGI turns the Explorer into a muscly SUV
The latest buzz around the Ford Explorer isn't coming from Dearborn — it's coming from a social media render. A recent CGI by @kelsonik reimagines the 2026 Ford Explorer as a far more aggressive, Mustang-influenced SUV, borrowing cues from RTR's muscle-car treatments and the pony car's sculpted hood.
Not an official model, but plenty to talk about
Ford's sixth-generation Explorer has been on sale since 2019 and received a mid-cycle refresh for 2025. China also got its own facelift earlier this month, featuring a slim light strip linking the headlights, a redesigned bumper with vertical intakes and a wide lower grille, plus revised rear bumper work with hidden exhaust outlets. That update is largely cosmetic and market-specific — the CGI you see takes those changes a step further and imagines a full-on performance look.
The render swaps the Explorer's family-friendly face for a Mustang-esque front fascia, adds extra side lights around the grille, prominent air curtains, a wide central intake, and a deep chin spoiler. The hood, wheel arches and lower-door trim all read more aggressive; the artist finished the concept with a bi-tone paint scheme, oversized six-spoke black alloys, low-profile tires and red brake calipers for a genuine performance appearance.
Key highlights of the render
- Mustang-inspired front end and hood design
- Extra grille-side lighting influenced by RTR styling
- Large center intake, air curtains, and chin spoiler
- Bi-tone paint, bigger black alloys and red calipers
Under the hood: what the China-spec Explorer offers
While the muscled render is unofficial, Ford's Explorer sold in China is set to receive tangible updates — including a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder likely producing around 286 hp. That power figure is expected to give the Explorer a top speed near 124 mph (200 kph) and will probably be paired with Ford's 10-speed automatic transmission. The refreshed China-spec model should reach showrooms in the first quarter of 2026.
How this compares to U.S. offerings
Ford's domestic Explorer lineup remains broad, catering to family buyers and performance fans alike, with trims such as Active 100A, Active, ST-Line, Tremor, Platinum and the full-fat ST. Base MSRPs in the current U.S. range start at roughly:
- Active 100A: $38,465
- Active: $40,585
- ST-Line: $45,155
- Tremor: $48,465
- Platinum: $50,965
- ST: $54,905
(Prices exclude destination and vary by market and options.) The CGI concept would slot visually above these trims — more showpiece than production-ready package.
Why the render matters
Design exercises like this serve several purposes: they spark conversation, reveal how much visual crossover there is between Ford's SUV and sports-car DNA, and show how tuners could push the Explorer toward a more performance-oriented look. For many enthusiasts, the render improves the Explorer's street presence without altering its family-focused utility.
If Ford ever wanted a halo Explorer that leaned into pony-car drama, it would likely need suspension, brakes and cooling upgrades in addition to the cosmetic changes. For now, though, this remains a striking virtual proposal — one that many fans say makes the family hauler look legitimately sporty.
Bottom line
The 2026 Explorer render is a compelling design exercise: it blends Mustang cues with SUV practicality to create a muscular aesthetic. It's not coming from Ford as a production model, but it does underline how flexible the Explorer's platform and styling can be when creativity takes the wheel.
Source: autoevolution
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