Ford Explorer ST-Line or ST: which trim fits Southwest Houston drivers?
Choose the Explorer ST-Line for the sport-styled Explorer at the lower price, and the Explorer ST for the higher-output engine and performance equipment. You can start with a test drive at Group 1 Ford of Southwest Houston, 6445 Southwest Fwy, in store or at home.
Keep reading below, then schedule a test drive in Houston. Bringing your own numbers to the lot settles this faster than any spec sheet.
How much more does the Explorer ST cost than the ST-Line?
The Explorer ST starts at $54,905, and the Explorer ST-Line starts at $45,155. On Ford’s published 2026 starting prices, that puts the ST $9,750 higher.
The gap is the sticker price rather than the check you write. Texas adds its motor vehicle sales tax at 6.25% of the sales price, minus any trade-in allowance (Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, 2026). A trade-in comes off the taxable price, so a buyer with a trade pays tax on less. Because the tax is a percentage, the higher price of the ST carries a higher tax with it.
Before you decide, take your trade-in amount and both starting prices to the test drive.
What does the Explorer ST add inside and out over the ST-Line?
The clearest difference is the second row. The ST-Line comes standard with seven seats and a second-row bench seat. The ST seats six with its standard captain’s chairs, and the bench seat is available on the ST, which brings it to seven.
That choice decides who fits. A bench gives a family or a carpool three seats across the second row. Captain’s chairs give each second-row passenger a seat of their own, but they cut the seat count to six. If you carry three passengers in the second row most weeks, the ST-Line’s standard bench is the seating you already have.
Sit in row two of each trim on your test drive. Check the seats against the people who will ride in them, and check the seat count against the car seats, sports gear or other passengers you carry most often.
Which Explorer trim gives you more power, towing and cargo, and at what price?
Ford rates the ST-Line to tow 5,000 pounds, with the Class III tow package standard on all models, and its max cargo is 85.8 cubic feet.
If performance decides it, the ST is the trim built for it, at the higher starting price. If you need to haul, the ST-Line’s towing and cargo figures are the ones to plan a trip around.
Row one of the ST-Line has 42.9 inches of legroom, row two has 37 inches, and row three has 31.8 inches. Use those numbers to test whether the third row works for the passengers you carry.
Before you choose, add up the trailer’s loaded weight and the people and gear you carry. Then check both totals against these figures.
When is the Explorer ST-Line or ST the wrong pick for towing?
A trailer loaded past 5,000 pounds is past the rating Ford publishes for the ST-Line, so the ST-Line is the wrong trim for that job. The rating is the number to plan against, with the trailer loaded for the trip, not empty.
Say, hypothetically, a boat trailer loaded for a weekend reaches 6,000 pounds. Check the loaded weight against the rating for the trim you are considering before you sign.
For a heavier load, the F-150 and Expedition are on our new-model list. Row three in the ST-Line gives 31.8 inches of legroom, so plan that row for shorter trips.
FAQ
Can I take a home test drive in an Explorer from Group 1 Ford of Southwest Houston?
Yes. We offer home test drives and deliveries, so you can try the Explorer where you will drive it most. Ask for the home test drive when you call to set up your visit.
What financing and lease options does Group 1 Ford of Southwest Houston offer for a new Explorer?
We offer Ford leases along with new and pre-owned financing. Financing is available for all credit types, so you can compare a lease and a loan for the Explorer you choose.
Can I get a trade-in offer online before I choose an Explorer trim?
Yes. A trade offer can be received online in minutes, so you can know what your current vehicle is worth before you choose between the ST-Line and the ST.
What does Texas charge in tax and fees when I buy a new Explorer?
Texas adds a title fee and a registration fee on top of the sales tax. A buyer whose residence is in Harris County pays a $33 title fee, which the state’s title manual places in its $33 group (Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, 2026). Registration starts at $50.75 for a passenger vehicle of 6,000 pounds or less, and Harris County adds $11.50 on top (Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, 2026).
What warranty comes with a new Explorer ST-Line or ST?
The 2026 Explorer carries a basic warranty of 3 years or 36,000 miles, a powertrain warranty of 5 years or 60,000 miles, and a corrosion warranty with unlimited miles for the same period. The coverage applies to the Explorer line, so it covers the ST-Line and the ST alike.
When can I see the Explorer in person at Group 1 Ford of Southwest Houston?
You can see the Explorer in person Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 8 PM and on Saturday from 9 AM to 7 PM. Sales is closed Sunday. We are at 6445 Southwest Fwy, Houston, TX 77074.
Can I have a new Explorer delivered to my home?
Yes. We offer home deliveries along with home test drives, so the Explorer you choose can come to your home.
Can I book Explorer service online at Group 1 Ford of Southwest Houston?
Yes. You can schedule Explorer service online through the Schedule Service (Xtime) link. Service hours are Monday to Friday, 7 AM to 6 PM, and Saturday, 7 AM to 5 PM, and service is closed Sunday. In a July 2026 Google review, Patrick Z. wrote: “David was friendly and helpful. He helped me in getting my vehicle fixed in a timely manner. I would definitely recommend him to all your service needs.”
Drive both Explorer trims at Group 1 Ford of Southwest Houston
Group 1 Ford of Southwest Houston is at 6445 Southwest Fwy, Houston, TX 77074. Our sales hours run Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 8 PM, and Saturday, 9 AM to 7 PM. Our Google record, as of November 2026: 4.3 stars across 4,790 reviews; 77 in 100 of them are five-star.
In a March 2026 5-star Google review, Sindy C. wrote: “Working with Brian & Lalo was an amazing experience from start to finish. They were knowledgeable, patient, and never made me feel pressured. They took the time to understand exactly what I was looking for and helped me find the perfect vehicle within my budget. If you’re looking for a trustworthy and professional car salesperson, I highly recommend Brian and Lalo. Thank you!” That is one customer’s visit, and it is the kind of buying experience worth checking for yourself.
The price gap, the seating choice and the towing rating all bear on this decision, and a test drive lets you check each one against your own trailer and passengers. Start with the Explorer on our new-vehicle page, then ask Group 1 Ford of Southwest Houston for a test drive at the store or at home.
Group 1 Ford of Southwest Houston answers this question against the specific vehicle in front of you rather than the model in general. Value your trade and get pre-approved online, then see us at our Houston showroom, or call 281-588-5000.
Disclaimer: Vehicle features, specifications, pricing, options, and availability may vary based on production timelines and dealership inventory; images are for illustrative purposes only. Starting MSRP figures are national and exclude destination freight charges, tax, title, license, and dealer fees. Standard and available equipment varies by trim, configuration, and model year; confirm the specification of the individual vehicle before purchase. Maximum towing and payload ratings depend on cab, bed, drivetrain, and equipment configuration; see the vehicle’s Owner’s Manual and trailering guide for limits. Electric range and charging times vary with battery, configuration, temperature, terrain, load, and driving habits. Safety or driver assistance features are no substitute for the driver’s responsibility to operate the vehicle in a safe manner. Financing and pre-approval are subject to credit approval. Contact Group 1 Ford of Southwest Houston for complete details regarding current vehicle inventory, pricing, and equipment.
