With a third row in every model, towing hardware from the factory and two turbocharged engines to pick from, the Ford Explorer suits busy households across the Coachella Valley. Fiesta Ford, the local Ford dealer at 78990 Varner Road in Indio, makes it easy to compare the whole Explorer lineup, from the value-minded Active to the performance-focused ST, so you can land on the right SUV for school drop-offs, tee times at PGA West and road trips along I-10.
Look over the Explorer inventory listed above, then use the comparisons below to weigh trims, engines, seating and capability against one another.
Each Explorer comes with three rows and seats six or seven, depending on how it is configured. Ford lists 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and up to 85.8 cubic feet with the rear seats down, plenty for suitcases, strollers and golf clubs.
Every Explorer includes a standard Class III Trailer Tow Package and is rated to pull up to 5,000 lbs when properly equipped. That handles plenty of small boats, personal watercraft trailers and utility trailers bound for the Salton Sea or Lake Cahuilla.
Navigation, audio and vehicle settings live on a 13.2-inch center touchscreen. On equipped models, available BlueCruise hands-free highway driving with Automatic Lane Change can make long I-10 stretches feel easier.
Many trims start with rear-wheel drive, Intelligent 4WD is available, and Tremor includes it as standard. The Terrain Management System offers up to six selectable drive modes for pavement, sand and slick surfaces.
Every Explorer trim has a clear purpose, whether that is everyday value, off-road flair, luxury or performance. The table shows how they line up, and our team can park equipped SUVs side by side for you.
| Trim | Standard Engine | Key Highlights | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active | 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 | 13.2-inch touchscreen, standard Class III Trailer Tow Package, power liftgate, heated front seats and steering wheel (Active 100A offers a simpler equipment level) | Households after space and value |
| ST-Line | 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 | Sporty styling, 20-inch Ebony wheels, 360-degree camera, B&O® 10-speaker sound, available BlueCruise | Drivers who want sporty style and extra tech |
| Tremor® | 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 or available 3.0L EcoBoost V6 | Standard Intelligent 4WD, Torsen® limited-slip rear axle, raised off-road suspension, underbody deflector plates, auxiliary lights, tow hooks | Dirt roads, trailheads and adventure travel |
| Platinum | 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 | Heated, ventilated and massaging front seats, B&O 14-speaker sound, PowerFold® third row, BlueCruise included with a 1-year plus 90-day plan | Shoppers who want an upscale, refined cabin |
| ST | 3.0L EcoBoost V6 | Twin-turbo V6, sport-tuned suspension, performance brakes, quad-tip exhaust, 21-inch wheels, BlueCruise equipped | Families who enjoy performance |
A 10-speed automatic transmission and auto start-stop come with both Explorer engines. Pick the one that gives you the power you want for passing, climbing grades and fully loaded trips.
| Engine | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | Max Towing* | Seating | Why Choose It |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 | 300 | 310 | 5,000 lbs | 6 or 7 | Capable, efficient power for everyday family use |
| 3.0L Twin-Turbo EcoBoost V6 | 385 | 415 | 5,000 lbs | 6 or 7 | Faster acceleration on ST, also available on Tremor |
Fiesta Ford is a local Ford dealership close to I-10 and Jefferson St, and our team sees how Explorer owners across the Coachella Valley rely on their SUVs, from school carpools in La Quinta to evenings on El Paseo and visits to the Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival with the grandkids. We will help you match the trim, engine and seating layout to your family, go over your Explorer financing and lease choices, and give you a quick, straightforward figure for your current vehicle with the Kelley Blue Book® Instant Cash Offer.
After you drive home, our Ford-certified technicians help keep your Explorer’s cooling system, battery and A/C prepared for desert summers. You can book Explorer service online, pick up genuine parts from our Ford parts department, or browse the latest Ford service specials. Prefer an SUV that is already broken in? Take a look at our Ford Blue Advantage certified pre-owned inventory.
Fiesta Ford is located at 78990 Varner Road in Indio, CA 92203, near I-10 and Jefferson St and a short drive from Coachella, La Quinta and Palm Desert. Browse our Explorer inventory online, then call sales at 760-483-3924 to check availability or arrange a test drive.
Active is where value-focused shoppers usually begin, and ST-Line layers on sporty design and more technology. Tremor brings standard Intelligent 4WD and off-road equipment, Platinum leans into comfort and luxury, and ST delivers twin-turbo V6 performance. We can set equipped models next to each other so you can compare.
The Explorer seats six with second-row captain’s chairs or seven with a second-row bench, depending on configuration. A third row is included on every Explorer, and Platinum and ST add a PowerFold third row that makes loading cargo easier.
Each Explorer comes with a standard Class III Trailer Tow Package and is rated to tow up to 5,000 lbs when properly equipped. Ask us to double-check the setup on the specific Explorer you like.
Tremor is the off-road-inspired member of the Explorer family. It includes standard Intelligent 4WD, a Torsen limited-slip rear axle, a raised off-road suspension, underbody deflector plates, auxiliary lights and tow hooks, and you can add the available 3.0L EcoBoost V6.
It can on equipped models. BlueCruise hands-free highway driving comes on Platinum and ST and is available on ST-Line and Tremor, with Automatic Lane Change included. Our team can point out which Explorers in stock have it.
Families here often choose the Explorer for its three rows, standard towing hardware and available features such as heated, ventilated and massaging front seats on Platinum. Keeping the cooling system, battery and A/C serviced on schedule matters in desert summers, and our service team can help you stay on track.
Yes. The Kelley Blue Book Instant Cash Offer tool gives you a value for your current vehicle in a few minutes, and you can begin your finance application and estimate payments with our payment calculator before visiting Fiesta Ford.
As a hometown dealer, Fiesta Ford proudly serves Explorer shoppers from Indio, Coachella, La Quinta, Indian Wells, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage and communities across the Coachella Valley.
Stop by 78990 Varner Road in Indio to compare Explorer trims, engines and seating layouts with our team.
78990 Varner Road
Indio, CA 92203
Sales: 760-483-3924
Service: 760-483-3977
Parts: 760-483-3983
Main: 760-772-8000
