In this article 11 sections
The 2027 Ford Explorer is a carryover with one headline addition: the optional Sinister package for the ST. Ford’s site already shows the 2027 model in five trims (Active, ST-Line, Tremor, Platinum and ST). Power comes from a 2.3L EcoBoost four (300 hp) or a 3.0L twin-turbo V6 (400 hp, per Carscoops). Towing is 5,000 pounds, and cargo volume varies by trim. The EPA lists 23 mpg combined for the four-cylinder. We could not verify an official 2027 price, so we do not give one.
Desk research from official manufacturer press releases, EPA data and public specification sheets. We have not driven or tested this vehicle. See our sourcing policy. Last checked October 6, 2026.
The 2027 Ford Explorer keeps its three-row layout and adds appearance and ownership extras rather than new hardware. This page covers what Ford has confirmed, the EPA ratings for 2027 and whether to buy now or wait. For every other new model, see our 2027 New Cars guide.
Release date: Ford has not published a 2027 Explorer arrival date in the sources reviewed, although Ford.com already shows the 2027 model and the EPA lists 2027 ratings. Redesign: no, it is a carryover with the new ST Sinister package; the sixth generation launched for 2020 and was refreshed for 2025.
Is the 2027 Ford Explorer a Redesign?
No. Ford’s materials show no new platform, engine or interior for 2027. The Explorer is a carryover with one headline addition, the optional Sinister package for the ST, which adds dark-accented badging, amber glowing running lights and 21-inch gloss-black wheels. The current sixth-generation Explorer launched for the 2020 model year and received a major mid-cycle refresh for 2025, with new front and rear styling, a redesigned cabin and a 13.2-inch touchscreen. Ford’s page lists the same five trims for 2027: Active, ST-Line, Tremor, Platinum and ST. We found no Ford announcement of a next-generation Explorer in the sources reviewed.
We have not driven this vehicle. Figures come from Ford’s Explorer page and “From the Road” article, FuelEconomy.gov and the other sources listed at the end.
What is new on the 2027 Ford Explorer?
Confirmed for 2027: Ford has introduced the Explorer ST Sinister package for the ST. It adds a blacked-out look with dark-accented ST badging, amber glowing running lights and 21-inch gloss-black wheels, on top of the ST’s standard sport-tuned suspension. Carscoops reports the package at $1,695; ask a dealer when Sinister-equipped ST orders open.
Confirmed for 2027: Ford also announced the return of the Explorer ST Experience, a one-day professional driving school. Purchase of a new 2026 or 2027 Explorer ST includes an invitation, and the program launches in fall 2026 and travels nationwide.
Beyond those items, Ford’s materials show no new platform, engine or interior. Trade reports of new paint colors exist, but we have not verified them against a Ford release.
2027 Ford Explorer vs 2026: what changed?
| Item | 2027 Explorer | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Trims | Active, ST-Line, Tremor, Platinum, ST | Listed on Ford.com for 2027 |
| 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 | 300 hp, 310 lb-ft | Ford.com; no change announced |
| 3.0L twin-turbo V6 | 400 hp (Carscoops) | Check Ford’s spec sheet for torque by trim |
| ST Sinister package | New optional package, $1,695 (Carscoops) | Confirmed for 2027 |
| ST Experience driving school | Included with new 2026 or 2027 ST | Confirmed |
| Towing | 5,000 lb on all models | Ford.com |
| Redesign | None announced | Not applicable |
The two Ford power figures for the V6 do not match. Carscoops lists the V6 at 400 hp; check Ford’s spec sheet for the torque rating. We show both rather than choose one, and recommend you check the window sticker for the exact engine rating.
How much does the 2027 Ford Explorer cost?
We could not confirm an official 2027 Explorer MSRP from a Ford press release. Ford’s own build-and-price page shows trim prices, but third-party sites list different starting figures, and the pages we could read did not state whether destination is included. Rather than publish a number that might be wrong, we point you to Ford’s configurator for your exact trim and ZIP code.
For planning, trim order matters more than any single figure. The ST is the performance trim, and the Tremor is the one with standard 4WD. Use our car loan calculator with the price on your dealer quote to estimate payments.
What engines and fuel economy does the Explorer offer?
Confirmed for 2027: FuelEconomy.gov lists eight 2027 Explorer variants, all turbocharged and all on regular gasoline with a 10-speed automatic. Ford lists the 2.3L as standard on most models and the 3.0L as available on Tremor and Platinum and standard on ST. Rear-wheel drive is standard except on the Tremor, which has standard Intelligent 4WD.
| 2027 Explorer variant | EPA city/hwy/combined (mpg) |
|---|---|
| 2.3L RWD | 20 / 28 / 23 |
| 2.3L AWD | 20 / 27 / 23 |
| 2.3L Tremor AWD | 18 / 22 / 20 |
| 3.0L V6 RWD | 18 / 26 / 21 (17 / 25 / 20 on a second listing) |
| 3.0L V6 AWD | 17 / 24 / 20 |
| 3.0L V6 Tremor AWD | 17 / 22 / 19 |
The four-cylinder leads the V6 by one to three mpg combined on the same drivetrain. For a hybrid-heavy alternative, see our best hybrid SUV under $45,000 list.
How much space and towing does the Explorer have?
Confirmed for 2027: Car and Driver lists 5,000 pounds of maximum towing across all models; seating, cargo volume and ground clearance vary by trim, so check Ford’s spec sheet.
Check Ford’s configurator for BlueCruise and Co-Pilot360 availability on your trim, since feature lists vary.
When Is the 2027 Ford Explorer Release Date?
Ford has not published a dealer-arrival date in the sources we reviewed, but its public Explorer page already presents the 2027 model, and FuelEconomy.gov already lists 2027 ratings. That combination suggests the model year is certified and ordering is possible, but confirm with a dealer.
For the Sinister package, confirm order and build timing with a dealer.
Should you buy a 2026 Explorer or wait for the 2027?
Based on official information, the 2027 is a light update. The ST gets the Sinister option and the ST Experience applies to both model years.
- Buy a 2026 ST if you want the driving school and see no need for the Sinister package, since the program covers 2026 and 2027.
- Choose the 2027 if you want the Sinister package or the newest model-year VIN.
- Compare first in our best SUVs of 2026 guide, then check the VIN with our VIN decoder before you sign.
How do the 2027 Explorer trims differ on paper?
The Ford Explorer page lets us separate the trims on a few hard specs. The table below uses only what the page states; everything else, such as wheel size and interior materials, varies and is best checked in the configurator.
| Trim | Engine | Drive | Seating / cargo (Ford) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active | 2.3L (standard on most models) | RWD standard; 4WD available | See Ford spec sheet |
| ST-Line | 2.3L (standard on most models) | RWD standard; 4WD available | See Ford spec sheet |
| Tremor | 2.3L, or 3.0L V6 available | Intelligent 4WD standard | See Ford spec sheet |
| Platinum | 2.3L, or 3.0L V6 available | RWD standard; 4WD available | See Ford spec sheet |
| ST | 3.0L twin-turbo V6 standard | RWD standard; 4WD available | See Ford spec sheet |
The Tremor’s main trade is standard 4WD; check the spec sheet for its seating and cargo figures. If you tow near the 5,000-pound limit, note that every trim shares it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2027 Ford Explorer redesigned?
No. Ford’s materials show the same five-trim lineup and the same engines, with the ST Sinister package as the main addition. No redesign has been announced.
What is the Explorer ST Sinister package?
It is an optional appearance package for the ST with dark-accented ST badging, amber glowing running lights and 21-inch gloss-black wheels, on top of the ST’s standard sport-tuned suspension. Carscoops reports the package at $1,695.
What engines does the 2027 Explorer use?
Ford lists a 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder with 300 hp and 310 lb-ft, and a 3.0L twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 that Carscoops lists at 400 hp.
How much can the 2027 Explorer tow?
Ford lists maximum towing of 5,000 pounds across all 2027 Explorer models.
What is the 2027 Explorer fuel economy?
FuelEconomy.gov lists 23 mpg combined for the 2.3L in rear-drive or all-wheel drive, 21 or 20 mpg combined for the 3.0L V6, and 20 or 19 mpg combined for the Tremor.
Does buying an Explorer ST include a driving school?
Ford says purchase of a new 2026 or 2027 Explorer ST includes an invitation to the one-day ST Experience professional driving school, which launches in fall 2026.
When is the 2027 Ford Explorer release date?
Ford has not published a dealer-arrival date in the sources reviewed. Ford’s Explorer page already shows the 2027 model and FuelEconomy.gov lists 2027 ratings, and the Sinister package is priced at $1,695, per Carscoops.
Specs, prices and safety ratings change between model years and trims. Verify them for the exact 2027 Ford Explorer you are considering:
2027 SUVs & Minivans Guide
Every 2027 model in one place: 2027 New Cars guide. More in this series:
Data Sources and Verification
Morgan Reyes is the founder and editor-in-chief of NextCarReview, which Morgan launched in August 2024. A 2022 graduate of Columbia University, Morgan is based in New York and writes and edits the site’s reviews, comparisons and buying guides. Morgan does not road-test vehicles. Every article is built from published primary data: EPA FuelEconomy.gov ratings, NHTSA crash ratings, recalls and owner complaints, IIHS results, and manufacturer specifications and pricing, with each figure cited and checked before publication. Contact: admin@nextcarreview.com
