When you're hauling kids, luggage, groceries, and everything else that seems to accumulate in a family vehicle, extra space matters. The 2027 Explorer continues to balance your priorities, with several versions that take the SUV in different directions. Here's what you can expect from this family-friendly Ford SUV in the new model year.
Key Takeaways:
- The turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder produces 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.
- Rear-wheel-drive four-cylinder models provide an estimated driving range of about 430 miles.
- A 10.2-inch digital driver display and four USB-C ports are standard on every Explorer.
What's Behind the Explorer ST's New Look?
Ford gives the ST a darker personality with the new Sinister package. Inspired by enthusiast vehicles and aftermarket trends, it replaces bright exterior accents with an almost completely blacked-out treatment. Gloss Black 21-inch wheels wear all-season tires, while black-accented ST Sinister badges continue the theme. Amber LED daytime running lights stand out against the darker exterior details.
ST ownership also includes another perk. The Explorer ST Experience is back too, providing buyers of 2026 and 2027 ST models with a complimentary one-day professional driving school.
How Do the Explorer's Two Engines Compare?
The standard turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder delivers 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. For more power, the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 produces 400 horsepower in Federal-emissions states. California-emissions versions are rated at 385 horsepower, while torque holds steady at 415 lb-ft in both instances. A 10-speed automatic mates with both, and Ford offers rear- and all-wheel-drive configurations.
Which Explorer Goes Farthest Between Fill-Ups?
The rear-wheel-drive four-cylinder leads the lineup for estimated range. Motor Trend lists its fuel economy at 20 mpg city and 29 mpg highway, with about 430 miles available from a tank. Adding AWD results in ratings of 20/27 mpg and an estimated 412-mile range. The four-cylinder Tremor AWD gets 19/23 mpg and approximately 376 miles.
V6 Explorers get an estimated 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. Rear-wheel-drive versions travel approximately 424 miles per tank, compared with 404 miles for AWD models. With the V6 and AWD, the Tremors numbers are slightly lower, at 17/22 mpg with an estimated 384-mile range.
What Can You Expect From the Explorer's Interior?
There's plenty of space for front-seat occupants—second and third rows are somewhat tighter. The SUV provides ample max cargo capacity when additional storage takes priority. Depending on trim, the cabin also includes heated seats, a heated steering wheel, a head-up display, and a hands-free power liftgate.
How Does the Explorer Keep Everyone Connected?
Ford equips the entire lineup with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and a separate 10.2-inch digital driver display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto eliminate the need for a cable when connecting a compatible phone, while four USB-C ports serve passengers throughout the cabin.
Nine speakers and a subwoofer make up the standard audio system. A 12-speaker Bose setup with its own subwoofer is available on higher trims, along with wireless smartphone charging and other cabin upgrades.
Are You Ready to Make the Explorer Your Own?
From the darker styling of the Sinister package to the extra muscle of the V6 and the more adventurous character of the Tremor, the Explorer leaves plenty of room to choose a different direction. Stop by for a closer look at the 2027 Ford Explorer and find the configuration that matches what you want from a three-row SUV. At Alan Jay Ford of Wauchula we can't wait to get you behind the wheel—it's the Alan Jay Way!