How to Shop for a Ford Explorer in Southwest Houston
Pick the Explorer trim and seating you need, get the full out-the-door price in writing, then test drive and compare. Group 1 Ford of Southwest Houston, at 6445 Southwest Fwy inside Beltway 8, sells the new Explorer and lets you browse inventory online, get an online trade offer, test drive at home and finance or lease, with walk-ins welcome.
Three things set what you pay: the trim you pick, the Texas tax and fees, and what your trade is worth. Get each one settled before you sign anything.
Keep reading below, then schedule a test drive in Houston. Bringing your own numbers to the lot settles this faster than any spec sheet.
Compare Ford Explorer trims by starting price, power and seating
Ford’s published 2026 prices run from $38,465 for the Active 100A to $54,905 for the ST, and every trim tows 5,000 pounds with the Class III Tow Package standard.
| Trim | Starting MSRP | Seating |
|---|---|---|
| Active 100A | $38,465 | 7 with bench, 6 with captain’s chairs |
| Active | $40,585 | 7 with bench, 6 with captain’s chairs |
| ST-Line | $45,155 | 7, bench standard |
| Tremor | $48,965 | 6, no bench offered |
| Platinum | $50,965 | 7 with bench, 6 with captain’s chairs |
| ST | $54,905 | 7 with bench, 6 with captain’s chairs |
The Active carries the 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder, and Ford’s EPA record also lists a 3.0-liter V6 for the 2026 Explorer. If you need three rows, skip the Tremor, because it seats six.
What sets the out-the-door price of a Ford Explorer in Texas?
The out-the-door price is the Explorer’s starting price from Ford plus Texas motor vehicle sales tax and the dealer’s documentation fee. Texas sales tax is 6.25% of the sales price, minus any trade-in allowance (Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, 2026).
A documentary fee of $225 or less is presumed reasonable, and a fee above $225 requires the seller to give the state a notification and a cost analysis first (Texas Administrative Code, 2024). Registration starts with a $50.75 state fee for a passenger vehicle of 6,000 pounds or less, and Harris County adds $11.50 (Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, 2026). The title application fee in Harris County is $33 (Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, 2026).
Say, hypothetically, a buyer picks the ST-Line at $45,155 and trades in nothing. Every figure in this example is hypothetical: 6.25% of $45,155 is about $2,822 in sales tax, before a $225 documentary fee and the registration and title charges.
How do you find a new or certified Ford Explorer near Southwest Houston?
Our online inventory lists new Ford vehicles, including the Explorer, and we are at 6445 Southwest Fwy, Houston, TX 77074. Our Ford Certified Pre-Owned vehicles each get a 172-point inspection by our factory-trained technicians, and each comes with a free vehicle history report.
Each Ford Certified Pre-Owned Explorer comes with two Ford-backed limited warranties, one for the extended powertrain and one bumper-to-bumper. Our used inventory includes makes other than Ford. Sales hours are Monday to Friday 9 AM to 8 PM and Saturday 9 AM to 7 PM, with Sunday closed. Walk-ins are welcome with or without an appointment.
Can you get a trade-in offer online at Group 1 Ford of Southwest Houston?
Yes. Enter your license plate and the state it is registered in, or enter your VIN, then click Get My Price for an instant offer. Without a plate or VIN, search your year, make, model and trim, and add the condition for a general estimate. Our payment calculator takes a trade-in offer amount, so the offer goes straight into the payment math.
In an April 2026 Google review, Kvng. J. wrote: “Had a quick and easy experience purchased a car last week Friday and Lalo was quick and attentive to any questions I had , no extra stuff straight to the point . Made sure I was satisfied before purchasing, and got me more value for my trade in purchased a 2024 gmc sierra 1500”
Can you test drive a Ford Explorer at home in Southwest Houston?
Yes. We offer home test drives and home delivery, and we ship out of state. To request one, pick the Ford you want to drive and tell your salesperson where to bring it, then ask them to set the date and time.
Bring the second and third rows along on the drive. Ford’s specifications give the Active 43 inches of first-row legroom and 37.5 inches in row two, while the ST-Line, Tremor, Platinum and ST give 42.9 and 37 inches. Third-row legroom is 31.8 inches on every trim.
In an August 2026 Google review, Stephen C. wrote: “My sales guy Mo was fantastic made the deal very easy and was very transparent. Amanda was also amazing as usual and was able to get everything done over the phone which was convenient for me. Jhan in the office had all the paperwork done and ready and was in and out in 5 minutes Zach in service was outstanding as usual getting the upgrades add to our new truck. Thanks to everyone! If the boss reads this, you need to give this group another raise”
Can you finance or lease a Ford Explorer at Group 1 Ford of Southwest Houston?
Yes. For an Explorer you can lease, or finance new or pre-owned, and financing is available for all credit types. Apply online through our finance application, and use our payment calculator to test a monthly payment before you visit.
In a December 2025 Google review, Becky C. wrote: “If you need to buy a vehicle go see Cory he will do everything he can to find you what you want and he is one of the Nicest salesmen we have ever dealt with. Jesse in finance is a truly wonderful person and made our experience a positive one”
Can you get your Explorer delivered and serviced at Group 1 Ford of Southwest Houston?
Yes, Group 1 Ford of Southwest Houston offers home delivery, and service can be scheduled online through our Schedule Service (Xtime) link. Our technicians are ASE-certified, and service comes with a shuttle service and loaners when needed.
Parts can be requested through an online order form. We then confirm by contact, and there is no checkout. Service and parts hours are Monday to Friday 7 AM to 6 PM and Saturday 7 AM to 5 PM, with Sunday closed.
In a September 2026 Google review, Randy P. wrote: “I had a great experience with the service department at Group 1 Ford of Southwest Houston. The staff was professional, friendly, and very knowledgeable. They explained everything clearly, kept me updated throughout the process, and completed the work in a timely manner. My vehicle was returned clean and running perfectly. I truly appreciate the excellent customer service and attention to detail. I highly recommend Group 1 Ford of Southwest Houston to anyone looking for honest and reliable vehicle service.”
How Group 1 Ford of Southwest Houston compares with the other Houston Ford stores
Group 1 Ford of Southwest Houston has more Google reviews than four of the six other Ford stores listed here, at 4,732 reviews and a 4.3 rating.
| Dealer and address | Google rating (September 2026) | Google reviews (September 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Group 1 Ford of Southwest Houston, 6445 Southwest Fwy | 4.3 | 4,732 |
| Doggett Ford South Loop, 3440 S Loop W | 4.4 | 3,655 |
| Mac Haik Ford of Houston, 10333 Katy Fwy | 4.4 | 5,585 |
| Helfman Ford, 12220 Southwest Fwy, Stafford | 4.6 | 3,758 |
| Mike Calvert Ford of Houston, 1201 N Shepherd Dr | 4.4 | 2,840 |
| Joe Myers Ford, 16634 Northwest Fwy | 4.4 | 8,705 |
| Chastang Ford, 6200 N Loop E Fwy Ste b | 4.8 | 2,288 |
Frequently asked questions
How much can a Ford Explorer tow?
Every 2026 Explorer trim is rated to tow 5,000 pounds, and the Class III Tow Package is standard on all models, according to Ford’s published 2026 specifications. Check your trailer’s loaded weight against that rating before you buy.
How many miles per gallon does a Ford Explorer get?
The 2.3-liter all-wheel-drive model is EPA certified at 20 city, 27 highway and 23 combined, and the 3.0-liter V6 all-wheel-drive is 18, 25 and 20. The Tremor all-wheel-drive is 19, 23 and 21 with the 2.3-liter and 17, 22 and 19 with the V6, and these are the figures on the window sticker.
What safety features come standard on the Ford Explorer?
The 2026 Explorer has a 5 out of 5 stars NHTSA overall rating (Edmunds, 2026). Blind spot detection, lane departure warning and prevention, and rear automatic braking are standard (IIHS, 2026). The Active 100A also includes Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ with Adaptive Cruise Control as part of the trim.
How much cargo space does the Ford Explorer have?
The Active and ST-Line have 85.8 cubic feet of maximum cargo room, and the Tremor, Platinum and ST have 85.3 cubic feet, according to Ford’s published 2026 specifications. Settle on seating first, because the Tremor seats six.
What should an Explorer price quote list before you sign?
Ask for the Ford starting price first, then the Texas sales tax, the documentary fee, and the title and registration charges as separate lines. Texas requires any documentary fee to be separately disclosed, either in the itemization or elsewhere on the contract (Texas Administrative Code, 2017). Check the contract against the quote before you sign, since the contract can itemize inspection, taxes, title and license charges.
How Group 1 Ford of Southwest Houston brings the Explorer to your driveway
Home test drives and home delivery let you decide on an Explorer in your own driveway, before you sign for it. Start with the trim and seating you need, then get the out-the-door price in writing.
Group 1 Ford of Southwest Houston is at 6445 Southwest Fwy, Houston, TX 77074, and we are part of Group 1 Automotive. We sell new Ford vehicles, including the Explorer, and we have 4.3 stars across 4,732 Google reviews, with 77 in 100 of them five-star.
In an August 2026 Google review, Christopher S. wrote: “We had a very positive experience buying a used Explorer at Group 1. Sales representative and GM were knowledgeable and professional. There was no pressure to buy and the price negotiated was fair and competitive. Finance guy was also nice and professional and didn’t try to pressure sell add ons.”
Group 1 Ford of Southwest Houston puts the trim, the Texas price and the test drive on one path, from the online trade offer to home delivery. Walk-ins are welcome with or without an appointment, and sales are open Monday to Saturday.
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.
