Vehicle Research: 2027 Ford Explorer

The 2027 Ford Explorer is a three-row midsize SUV built for families who need room for people and gear without stepping up to a full-size SUV. It seats up to seven, offers real cargo room behind every row, and comes in five trims ranging from a value-focused Active to the off-road-ready Tremor and the performance-tuned ST.

2027 Explorer Trim Lineup

Five trims give shoppers a clear path from value to performance to off-road capability. All prices below are manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) before destination charge, taxes, title, and dealer fees.

Active: starting at $39,465

The entry point into the Explorer lineup, built for shoppers who want three-row space and modern tech without paying for extras they won't use.

Engine: 2.3L EcoBoost I-4, 300 hp, 310 lb-ft, 10-speed automatic

• 13.2-inch touchscreen with Google built-in (Google Maps, Assistant, Play Store)
• Ford Co-Pilot360 driver-assist suite standard (lane keeping, blind spot monitoring, automatic
emergency braking)
• Heated front seats and wireless Apple CarPlay / Android Auto
• Available all-wheel drive (AWD) for better traction in rain and snow

ST-Line: starting at $44,200

A sportier-looking Explorer for shoppers who want ST styling cues without the V6 price tag.

Engine: 2.3L EcoBoost I-4, 300 hp, 310 lb-ft, 10-speed automatic

• 20-inch wheels, unique grille, and red interior stitching
• 360-degree camera system for easier parking
• Available Bang & Olufsen premium sound system
• Heated steering wheel

Tremor (new for 2027): starting at $49,200

Ford's new off-road-focused Explorer, for families who want light trail capability along with weekday practicality.

Engine: 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 standard, 3.0L EcoBoost V6 available, 10-speed automatic, 4WD standard

• All-terrain tires, TORSEN limited-slip rear axle, and underbody skid plates
• Off-road auxiliary lighting and raised ride height
• Miko-Suede seating with heated and ventilated front seats, heated second row
• Power-folding third row for quick cargo access

Platinum: starting at $50,660

The luxury-leaning Explorer, for shoppers who want premium materials and comfort features in a three-row package.

Engine: 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 standard, 3.0L EcoBoost V6 newly available for 2027, 10-speed automatic, AWD

• Adaptive LED headlamps and available panoramic roof
• Multicontour front seats with massage function available
• Power-folding third row
• Available Universal Garage Door Opener

ST: starting at $53,660

The performance flagship, for shoppers who want three-row versatility with genuine V6 power and a sport-tuned chassis.

Engine: 3.0L EcoBoost V6 Twin-Turbo, 400 hp / 385 hp (emissions-state dependent), 415 lb-ft, 10-speed automatic, AWD

• Sport-tuned suspension and performance brakes
• Quad exhaust outlets and ST-exclusive styling
• Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 and 360-degree camera standard
• Available Sinister Appearance Package

MPG & Fuel Economy, Explained

Fuel economy on the Explorer depends mainly on two things: which engine is under the hood, and whether the vehicle is rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all/four-wheel drive (AWD/4WD). The 2.3L four-cylinder is the more efficient choice; the 3.0L V6 trades some MPG for extra horsepower and towing muscle. EPA combined ratings across the lineup range from about 20 to 24 MPG.

Cargo Space, In Plain Terms

Explorer's cargo room is best understood in three stages, depending on how many rows of seats are in use:

• Behind the third row (all seats in use): 16.3 cu. ft., enough for several duffel bags or a large stroller and grocery run.
• Behind the second row (third row folded): 46.0 cu. ft., comparable to a large SUV's trunk, good for a Costco run or sports equipment for the team.
• Maximum cargo (second and third rows folded flat): up to 85.8 cu. ft. on Active/ST-Line, and up to 85.3 cu. ft. on Tremor/Platinum/ST, enough for a full load when moving furniture or hauling home-improvement supplies.

Seating, In Plain Terms

Every Explorer trim seats six people as standard, with second-row captain's chairs (two individual seats with a walkway between them, which makes climbing into the third row easier). A second-row bench seat is available on most trims to bring capacity up to seven passengers. The third row is best suited for kids or shorter trips for adults, which is typical for this size of SUV.

Towing Capacity, In Plain Terms

Properly equipped, the Explorer can tow up to 5,000–5,300 lbs across most trims, enough for a small-to-midsize boat, a pair of jet skis, or a light travel trailer. The ST's V6 and tow package push maximum towing higher. Exact towing capacity depends on engine, drivetrain, and whether the optional Class III/IV tow package is fitted.

What's New for 2027

All-new Tremor trim adds a dedicated off-road model to the lineup for the first time.

• The 3.0L EcoBoost V6 is now available on Platinum, previously offered only on ST and Tremor.
• Two new exterior colors: Avalanche Gray and Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat (Space White Metallic has been discontinued).
• New Slick Roof Conversion option removes the roof rails for a cleaner look.
• Universal Garage Door Opener now available on Tremor, ST, and Platinum.

Technology & Safety Highlights (Standard on Every Trim)

Ford Co-Pilot360: forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and pre-collision assist with pedestrian detection.

• 13.2-inch center touchscreen with Google built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• Three-zone automatic climate control.
• LED headlamps with daytime running lights.
• Rearview camera standard; 360-degree camera available/standard on higher trims.

See the 2027 Explorer at Gross Ford Neillsville

Specs and pricing only tell part of the story. The best way to know whether the Explorer fits your family is to sit in all three rows, fold the seats down, and drive it. Stop by Gross Ford Neillsville to take a 2027 Explorer for a test drive, compare trims side by side, and talk through pricing, financing, and trade-in options with our team. Call us or schedule your test drive online, and we'll have the Explorer you want ready when you arrive.