2027 Ford Explorer Review

2027 Ford Explorer ST with the Sinister appearance package at Santee Ford in Manning, SC

2027 Ford Explorer Review

The Ford Explorer has been a perfect companion on family road trips, back-to-school shopping adventures, and grocery store hauls since the '90s, and it shows no signs of slowing down.

Whether you want a family hauler, a trail-ready adventurer, or a twin-turbo V6 with attitude, there's an Explorer trim built for you!

Here's everything you need to know about the 2027 Ford Explorer, from what's new to the colors, trims, and tech, before you head to Santee Ford in Manning, SC, to see it in person.

2027 Explorer Snapshot

Starting MSRP $38,680
Seating 6-7 seats
Powertrain Gas, Hybrid
Drivetrain Rear-wheel; All-Wheel
Max Horsepower 400 hp
Transmission 10-speed automatic
Basic Warranty 3 years/ 36,000 miles

2027 Ford Explorer Updates

Most features carry over unchanged from the 2026 Ford Explorer, but one upgrade dares to walk on the dark side: the newly available Sinister appearance package for the Explorer ST.

The headline for the 2027 Ford Explorer ST Sinister Package is simple: the ST goes dark.

The package adds 21-inch Gloss-Black Painted aluminum wheels, all-season tires, amber LED daytime running lamps, and black-outlined ST badging. It's an enthusiast-inspired look for drivers who want their Explorer to own the night.

Performance & Capability

The 2027 Ford Explorer offers a powertrain for every personality.

The 2.3-liter EcoBoost is standard on every trim (except for the ST model, but we'll get there)! The I-4 engine delivers 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, plenty of power for daily driving and those tricky highway merges.

If you want a little more pep in your step, step up to the twin-turbo 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6. Standard on the ST trim and available on the Tremor and Platinum models, it delivers up to 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque.

Each model offers six drive modes, letting you master whatever terrain comes into your path. Drive modes include normal, eco, sport, tow/haul, slippery, and either Trail or Off-Road, depending on the trim.

When it comes to performance, the 2027 Ford Explorer ST and Tremor trims take power to the next level. The ST rides on a sport-tuned suspension, complete with performance brakes and 21-inch wheels, while the Tremor offers an off-road-tuned suspension, a Torsen limited-slip rear axle, steel deflector plates, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance.

Every trim can tow up to 5,000 pounds, and Side-Wind Stabilization and Trailer Sway Control help you stay in command when conditions get gusty.

Exterior Design

The 2027 Explorer looks as good parked as it does on the road. All-LED headlamps lead the way, and LED taillamps with a light bar applique stretch from the corners to the liftgate, giving the exterior a refined look. Each trim gets its own grille design, so you can pick the face that matches your style.

Wheels run from 18 to 21 inches depending on the trim, from Sparkle Silver on the Active to Gloss Black on the ST. A power liftgate is available, and the ST and Platinum models add Open On Approach convenience for when your hands are full of groceries.

The new Explorer was designed to turn heads, starting with its paint options.

The 2027 Ford Explorer colors include everything from the subdued to the daring:
  • Agate Black Metallic
  • Avalanche Gray
  • Carbonized Gray Metallic
  • Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat
  • Star White Metallic Tri-coat
  • Vapor Blue Metallic
  • Marsh Gray

Interior Styling & Design

Inside, the Explorer is built for the people. Seating for up to seven is available, with surfaces ranging from cloth to Miko Suede, durable ActiveX, and soft leather. Cargo space tops out at 85.8 cubic feet, with 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row.

PowerFold third-row seats are standard on ST and Platinum trims, so folding them down takes on button press instead of a wrestling match.

Want to feel a little spoiled? Available upgrades include heated and ventilated seats, multicontour massaging front seats, multicolor ambient lighting, and a panoramic Vista Roof with power shade.

Enhance your listening experience behind the wheel with the available B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen, available in a 10-speaker version or a 980-watt, 14-speaker package, both with a subwoofer. First- and second-row passengers never have to worry about a dead iPhone or Android, thanks to strategically placed power points that help keep your devices charged.

Technology Features

The 13.2-inch center display runs the Ford Digital Experience and supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a 5G modem and built-in Google features like Google Maps and Google Assistant. Customize your journey with driver profiles that remember seat, steering wheel, and mirror positions, then link your keys and phone so your Explorer always recognizes who's behind the wheel.

The available Ford Connectivity Package, included for one year, adds unlimited Wi-Fi for up to 10 devices, streaming apps, karaoke, and video and games while parked. While this may feel like a bit too much, you never know the joys of connection and entertainment until it's gone, and trust us–it'll be hard to go back after the year is up!

Driver Assistance & Safety Technology

Ford Co-Pilot360 is a suite of driver-assist features designed to help you feel more confident behind the wheel. It includes:
  • BLIS Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert and Trailer Coverage
  • Lane-Keeping System
  • Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking
  • Adaptive Cruise Control
  • Reverse Brake Assist

Higher trims offer more security and safety, including a 360-degree camera that lets you see everything around your vehicle.

Available Ford BlueCruise takes it further with hands-free highway driving, and its newer automatic lane-change feature can change lanes without you touching the turn signal. While BlueCruise lets you sit back and relax, you still need to stay alert and keep your eyes on the road at all times.

2027 Ford Explorer Trim Levels

Half the fun when it comes to car shopping is choosing the trim that fits your personality. The new Ford Explorer offers five unique trims at different price points, so you can find what works for you and your budget.

2027 Ford Explorer Active

Starting at $38,680
  • 2.3L EcoBoost engine
  • Ford Co-Pilot360 driver-assist features
  • Heated front-row seats
  • Ford Security Package

2027 Ford Explorer ST-Line

Starting at $44,415
  • 2.3L EcoBoost engine
  • 360-degree camera
  • Unique cloth-trimmed front- and second-row seats with red stitching
  • B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen with 10 speakers and subwoofer

2027 Ford Explorer Tremor

Starting at $49,415
  • Torsen limited-slip rear axle
  • Off-road-tuned suspension with increased ride height
  • Underbody protection–front and rear deflector plates

2027 Ford Explorer Platinum

Starting at $50,875
  • Heated, ventilated, massaging front-row seats with leather inserts
  • BlueCruise hands-free highway driving equipped
  • Available panoramic Vista Roof with power shade

2027 Ford Explorer ST

Starting at $53,875
  • 3.0L EcoBoost engine
  • Sport-tuned suspension
  • Performance brakes with red-painted calipers
  • BlueCruise hands-free highway driving equipped

Test Drive the New Ford Explorer for 2027 at Santee Ford!

Specs only tell part of the story. The best way to find the 2027 Ford Explorer that fits your life is to get behind the wheel!

Santee Ford serves drivers in Manning, SC, and surrounding areas with a full selection of new Ford vehicles, flexible financing, and a team that's happy to walk you through every trim. Explore our selection of new Ford Explorer models, then visit us for a test drive today!

FAQs

The big headline is the new ST Sinister Package, which includes black exterior detailing, black wheels, and amber-colored running lights, features perfect for anyone who wants to own the night.

The 2027 Ford Explorer is available now at Santee Ford! Visit us for a test drive to get behind the wheel.

Choices include Agate Black Metallic, Avalanche Gray, Carbonized Gray Metallic, Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat, Star White Metallic Tri-coat, and Vapor Blue Metallic, with Marsh Gray on select trims.

Six or seven, depending on trim and options. Second-row captain’s chairs come standard on every model, and a second-row bench that adds a seventh seat is available on all trims except the Tremor.

Every 2027 Explorer can tow up to 5,000 pounds thanks to the standard Class III Trailer Tow Package.

The 2.3L EcoBoost makes 300 hp. The available 3.0L twin-turbo V6 makes up to 400 hp.