2027 Ford Explorer: What's New, Trims, Specs & Features
The 2027 Ford Explorer adds a standard 5G modem and native Google Maps integration across the lineup, a significant connectivity upgrade. The base 2.3L EcoBoost still delivers 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, identical to the prior year's output. This page covers every trim, spec, and change so you can compare options and check current inventory at Koons Ford.
What's New for 2027
The headline change for the 2027 Explorer is embedded 5G connectivity standard across every trim. Paired with that, Google Maps navigation and Google Assistant voice controls are now native to the 13.2-inch touchscreen rather than mirrored from a phone. The result is turn-by-turn routing that works whether or not a phone is in the vehicle.
The Ford Connectivity Package, included for one year, adds streaming, parked karaoke, and games through the vehicle's 5G connection. The Wi-Fi hotspot reaches up to 50 feet and supports up to 10 devices simultaneously.
The 13.2-inch center touchscreen and the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster are carried forward and remain among the largest screens in the three-row family SUV segment. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility is standard on every trim.
On the capability side, the Tremor trim's approach angle of 24.1 degrees and ground clearance of 8.7 inches represent the most trail-ready geometry available in the Explorer lineup, unchanged from the prior generation but now paired with the upgraded connectivity suite.
2027 Ford Explorer safety features
Trim Lineup
The 2027 Explorer is offered in five trims: Active, ST-Line, Tremor, ST, and Platinum.
Active
Active is the entry point. It rides on 18-inch Sparkle Silver-painted aluminum wheels, seats seven, and carries the full Ford Co-Pilot360 safety suite, the 13.2-inch touchscreen, wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, and the 5G modem. Optional 20-inch Carbonized Gray or Luster Nickel wheels are available.
ST-Line
ST-Line steps up with a sport-tuned appearance package. Standard wheels are 20-inch Ebony-painted machined aluminum, with optional 21-inch Magnetite-painted aluminum. Mechanically the 2.3L EcoBoost carries over from Active.
Tremor
Tremor is the off-road-oriented trim. It comes standard with Intelligent 4WD, 18-inch High Gloss Ebony Black-painted wheels with Electric Spice accents, an 8.7-inch ground clearance, a 24.1-degree approach angle, and a 23.7-degree departure angle. The optional 3.0L EcoBoost V6 is available here for buyers who want maximum output off-road.
ST
ST is the performance trim and the only one where the 3.0L twin-turbo V6 is standard. It wears 21-inch Magnetite-painted aluminum wheels (optional 21-inch Gloss Black) and carries the twin-turbo's quad chrome exhaust tips. Buyers in federal-emissions states get 400 hp; buyers in green-states configurations get 385 hp.
Platinum
Platinum is the luxury apex of the lineup. Standard wheels are 20-inch Luster Nickel-painted aluminum, with optional 21-inch Bright Machined or Dark Alloy-painted machined wheels. The Platinum's available moonroof does reduce front headroom to 38.9 inches (from the base 40.7 inches), so taller buyers should note that trade-off. The 3.0L V6 is available on Platinum as an upgrade.
Performance & Powertrain
The standard engine across Active, ST-Line, Tremor (base), and Platinum (base) is the 2.3L EcoBoost turbocharged inline-4. It produces 300 hp at 5,500 rpm and 310 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm through a 10-speed automatic transmission. EPA fuel economy on the 2.3L is 20 city / 27 highway / 24 combined mpg.
The available 3.0L EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 (standard on ST, available on Tremor and Platinum) produces 415 lb-ft of torque and either 385 hp or 400 hp depending on emissions configuration. It uses a 20.2-gallon fuel tank versus the 2.3L's 17.9-gallon tank.
Rear-wheel drive is standard on Active, ST-Line, and Platinum. The Tremor comes standard with Intelligent 4WD, and AWD is available on most other trims. The ST's RWD-standard setup keeps the sport character sharp, with AWD as an option.
Base curb weight for the 2.3L RWD configuration is 4,248 lbs. The MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link independent rear suspension use gas-pressurized hydraulic shocks on all trims.
EPA fuel economy ratings for 2027 Ford Explorer
Interior, Comfort & Cargo
The 2027 Explorer seats seven across three rows. First-row headroom is 40.7 inches and maximum front legroom reaches 43 inches on Active and ST-Line. Second-row legroom measures 37.5 inches on those same trims, dropping slightly to 37.0 inches on ST, Platinum, and Tremor. Third-row legroom is 31.8 inches, which is tight for adults on long trips but workable for kids.
Cargo space behind the third row is 16.3 cubic feet. Fold the third row and that number grows to 46 cubic feet. With both rows folded, the Explorer opens up to 85.8 cubic feet of cargo room (85.3 cu ft on ST, Platinum, and Tremor). Total passenger volume is 150.3 cubic feet on Active and ST-Line.
The Tremor's maximum seating configuration is listed at 6 occupants rather than 7, which is a practical difference for families considering that trim. All other trims seat 7.
Technology & Infotainment
The 13.2-inch center touchscreen runs Ford's infotainment system with native Google Maps and Google Assistant. The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster puts vehicle data directly in the driver's sightline. Both are standard across the lineup.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto eliminate cable clutter, and the standard 5G modem keeps the system connected. The Wi-Fi hotspot supports up to 10 devices at distances of up to 50 feet from the vehicle.
Audio starts with the B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen in a 10-speaker configuration. An upgrade to a 14-speaker, 980-watt Bang & Olufsen setup is available for buyers who prioritize sound quality.
The Ford Connectivity Package, included for one year, adds streaming content, parked karaoke, and in-vehicle gaming capability. A power liftgate opens and closes via key fob.
Ford technology features explained
Safety & Driver Assistance
Every 2027 Explorer ships with Ford Co-Pilot360 Technology as standard equipment. That suite includes adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and a 360-degree camera system. Child door locks and LATCH child seat anchors are also standard.
The 360-degree camera is a practical benefit for parking in tight urban lots or navigating congested areas around Annapolis and across Maryland. It stitches four exterior cameras into a single overhead-view image on the 13.2-inch screen.
Ford Co-Pilot360 represents Ford's full driver-assist package, and its presence as standard equipment means no trim-level negotiations to get core safety tech.
Ford Co-Pilot360 Technology details
Who It's For / vs the Prior Year
Buyers who cross-shopped the prior-year Explorer primarily on connectivity grounds now get 5G and native Google Maps as givens rather than options to hunt down. That single change narrows the gap between the Explorer and newer competitors that have offered embedded navigation as standard for longer.
The 300 hp output and 10-speed transmission carry forward unchanged, so buyers upgrading from a 2025 or 2026 Explorer will feel familiar performance with a meaningfully better tech experience on the 2027.
The Tremor trim is the right choice for buyers who want seven-passenger capacity plus genuine trail geometry (8.7 inches of ground clearance, 24.1-degree approach angle) without buying a dedicated off-road vehicle. The ST is the right call for buyers who want the twin-turbo V6 as standard, not an option. Families in the Annapolis area who need third-row seating for day trips on the Eastern Shore or longer drives will find the Active and ST-Line trims hit the practical center of the lineup.
Check Out the 2027 Explorer at Koons Ford in Annapolis
The 2027 Explorer's standard 5G modem, native Google navigation, and five-trim lineup covering everything from the trail-ready Tremor to the Platinum give buyers in the Annapolis area a wide range to work with. Koons Ford carries current inventory across the Explorer lineup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the towing capacity of the 2027 Ford Explorer?
The 2027 Ford Explorer tows up to 5,000 lbs on the Active, ST-Line, Tremor, ST, and Platinum trims when properly equipped.
Does the 2027 Ford Explorer have a third row?
Yes. The 2027 Explorer seats seven passengers across three rows on Active, ST-Line, ST, and Platinum trims. The Tremor seats six.
What engine does the 2027 Ford Explorer come with?
The standard engine is the 2.3L EcoBoost turbocharged inline-4 producing 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. The 3.0L twin-turbo EcoBoost V6, producing 385 or 400 hp depending on emissions configuration, is standard on the ST and available on the Tremor and Platinum.
What is the fuel economy of the 2027 Ford Explorer?
The 2.3L EcoBoost earns 20 city / 27 highway / 24 combined mpg per EPA ratings.
Does the 2027 Ford Explorer have Apple CarPlay?
Yes. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on every 2027 Explorer trim.
What's new on the 2027 Ford Explorer compared to the 2026?
The most notable addition is a standard 5G modem with native Google Maps navigation and Google Assistant voice controls built into the 13.2-inch touchscreen on all trims.
Does the 2027 Ford Explorer come with all-wheel drive?
AWD is optional on most trims. The Tremor comes standard with Intelligent 4WD. RWD is standard on Active, ST-Line, ST, and Platinum.
How much cargo space does the 2027 Ford Explorer have?
Behind the third row, cargo space is 16.3 cubic feet. Maximum cargo volume with both rear rows folded reaches 85.8 cubic feet on Active and ST-Line.