Ford has published pricing and specifications for the 2027 Explorer in the United States, with the three-row SUV starting at $38,680. The lineup comprises five models: Active, ST-Line, Tremor, Platinum and ST. Highlights include a new Sinister appearance package for the performance-focused Explorer ST, an available 400-hp twin-turbocharged V6 engine and Ford's BlueCruise hands-free highway driving technology.
The 2027 Ford Explorer continues to target families looking for a practical three-row SUV, while offering distinct configurations for everyday driving, off-road use and performance. Ford lists a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds across the range, with rear-wheel drive standard on most models and Intelligent four-wheel drive (4WD) available on selected variants.
The Explorer is offered with a 2.3-litre EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine or, depending on the trim, a more powerful 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6. The Tremor focuses on off-road capability, while the Platinum adds luxury equipment and the ST serves as the performance flagship.
2027 Ford Explorer Price List in the United States
Ford's US website lists the following starting manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRPs) for the 2027 Explorer lineup.
| Model | Starting MSRP | Standard Engine | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explorer Active | $38,680 | 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 | 13.2-inch centre display, heated front seats, power liftgate and 18-inch wheels. |
| Explorer ST-Line | $44,415 | 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 | 20-inch Ebony Black wheels, black exterior accents, 360-degree camera and 10-speaker B&O audio system. |
| Explorer Tremor | $49,415 | 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 | Off-road suspension, standard Intelligent 4WD, all-terrain tyres, underbody protection and a Torsen limited-slip rear axle. |
| Explorer Platinum | $50,875 | 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 | 20-inch wheels, PowerFold third-row seats, heated, ventilated and massaging front seats, and BlueCruise equipment. |
| Explorer ST | $53,875 | 3.0L EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 | Sport-tuned suspension, performance brakes with red-painted calipers, 21-inch wheels, quad-tipped exhaust and BlueCruise. |
The 3.0-litre V6 is also available on the Tremor and Platinum. Buyers should note that these figures are starting MSRPs; optional engines, packages and other equipment can increase the final vehicle price.
2027 Ford Explorer Engine Options and Towing Capacity
The 2027 Explorer offers two EcoBoost engine options. The standard 2.3-litre turbocharged inline-four produces 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. It is fitted to the Active, ST-Line, Tremor and Platinum, while the ST receives the more powerful 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 as standard.
The 3.0-litre V6 produces up to 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. Ford's US information notes that the advertised horsepower rating can be 385 hp or 400 hp depending on the state in which the vehicle is purchased. The engine is available as an upgrade on the Tremor and Platinum, giving those models a performance increase without requiring buyers to choose the ST.
Rear-wheel drive is standard on the Active, ST-Line, Platinum and ST, with Intelligent 4WD available. The Tremor comes with Intelligent 4WD as standard, matching its off-road-focused positioning.
Ford lists maximum towing capacity at 5,000 pounds. The actual towing setup should still be checked against the selected vehicle's equipment and Ford's towing requirements.
Explorer Tremor Adds Dedicated Off-Road Hardware
The Explorer Tremor is designed for buyers who want more off-road capability than the regular family-oriented models provide. Its equipment includes an off-road-tuned suspension with increased ride height, a Torsen limited-slip rear axle and front and rear underbody deflector plates.
The Tremor also features 18-inch Ebony Black-painted aluminium wheels with all-terrain tyres, Electric Spice-painted tow hooks, distinctive Tremor badging and auxiliary off-road lighting. A selectable Off-Road drive mode helps adapt the vehicle to unpaved driving conditions.
The 3.0-litre EcoBoost V6 is available as an option, allowing buyers to combine the Tremor's trail-oriented hardware with greater engine output. Ford also offers BlueCruise as an option on this model, bringing hands-free highway driving assistance to the more rugged Explorer configuration.
The Tremor is a particularly distinct member of the lineup because it combines standard four-wheel drive with model-specific suspension and underbody equipment rather than relying solely on cosmetic changes.
New Explorer ST Sinister Package Brings Darker Styling
For 2027, Ford has introduced the Sinister Package for the Explorer ST. The new appearance package adds a darker look aimed at buyers who prefer a more distinctive performance SUV.
- 21-inch wheels: Gloss Black-painted aluminium wheels.
- Distinctive lighting: Unique accent lighting, including amber details.
- Darkened badging: ST badges outlined in black.
The package builds on the standard ST equipment, which includes 21-inch Magnetite-painted wheels, performance brakes with red-painted calipers, a sport-tuned suspension and quad-tipped exhaust outlets. The package's dedicated Gloss Black wheels and lighting distinguish it from the regular ST configuration.
The Explorer ST remains the lineup's performance-focused option, with the 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 standard. Buyers seeking additional equipment can also consider available premium audio and comfort packages.
Interior Technology, Displays and BlueCruise
The 2027 Ford Explorer features Ford Digital Experience, operated through a 13.2-inch central touchscreen. Ford's Active model specifications also identify a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility are included, while Ford Co-Pilot360 driver-assistance technology provides features such as Adaptive Cruise Control.
BlueCruise is equipped on the Platinum and ST, while it is available as an option on the ST-Line and Tremor. The Active is not listed with BlueCruise on Ford's current model page.
BlueCruise enables hands-free driving assistance on compatible highways, helping control steering, braking and acceleration while keeping the vehicle centred in its lane. The system also includes Automatic Lane Change capability, which can monitor surrounding traffic and carry out lane changes without requiring the driver to operate the turn signal manually.
BlueCruise is a driver-assistance system, not a fully autonomous driving system. Drivers must continue to pay attention to the road and remain responsible for the vehicle's operation.
The Platinum adds equipment such as heated, ventilated and massaging front seats, PowerFold third-row seating and a 980-watt Bang & Olufsen audio system with 14 speakers. The same premium audio system is available on the Tremor and ST, while the ST-Line has a 10-speaker B&O sound system.
Ford also lists its Security Package as included for one year from the start of the new-vehicle warranty. Two colours highlighted for the 2027 model year are Avalanche Gray and Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat, subject to model and configuration availability.
Three-Row Seating and Cargo Practicality
The 2027 Explorer remains a three-row SUV with seating for six or seven people, depending on the model and configuration. Second-row captain's chairs are standard throughout the lineup. A second-row bench seat, which increases capacity to seven, is available on every model except the Tremor.
Ford lists maximum cargo capacity of 85.8 cubic feet for the Active and ST-Line, and 85.3 cubic feet for the Tremor, Platinum and ST. With all seats in place, cargo capacity behind the third row is 16.3 cubic feet.
The Active and ST-Line are positioned to handle family transport and everyday use, while the Platinum adds comfort-oriented equipment. The Tremor sacrifices the option of a seven-seat configuration but gains its dedicated off-road hardware.
AkulRide Verdict
The 2027 Ford Explorer offers a clearly differentiated lineup, with five models covering family use, sportier styling, luxury and off-road driving. The Active starts at $38,680, while the ST-Line adds visual upgrades and additional equipment. At the higher end, the Platinum prioritises comfort and technology, and the ST combines a 400-hp-maximum V6 with performance hardware and the new Sinister appearance package.
The Tremor is the most distinctive choice for buyers who regularly travel on rough or unpaved roads, thanks to its standard Intelligent 4WD, increased ride height, all-terrain tyres and underbody protection. The availability of the 3.0-litre V6 on both Tremor and Platinum also gives buyers more flexibility when choosing an engine.
With starting prices published and the main equipment differences established, the 2027 Explorer's appeal will depend on choosing the right configuration rather than simply selecting the most expensive trim. For US buyers seeking a versatile three-row SUV, Ford's five-model range offers a broad selection of capabilities without changing the Explorer's core family-focused role.
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