2027 Ford Explorer Guide: Trims, Towing & SUV Comparisons
Woody Anderson Ford · Huntsville, Alabama
Specifications reviewed November 4, 2026.
The 2027 Ford Explorer is a three-row SUV with Active, ST-Line, Tremor, Platinum and ST models. Choose a 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder or an available 3.0L EcoBoost V6, depending on trim. Seating, comfort equipment and drivetrain choices vary by configuration.
This guide connects the specifications to real shopping decisions: which Explorer fits your passengers, what changes for 2027, whether you need the V6, and how Explorer compares with the 2027 Chevrolet Traverse and 2027 Kia Telluride.
What changed for the 2027 Ford Explorer?
Ford’s November 2, 2026 order guide identifies these changes. They are reasons to compare specific 2026 and 2027 vehicles rather than assuming the same trim name means identical equipment.
- Platinum gains an available 3.0L EcoBoost V6. Its Ultimate configuration includes the Lux Leather Package, distinctive 21-inch wheels and quad chrome exhaust tips.
- Tremor gains equipment group 801A. This V6 Ultimate configuration adds convenience equipment beyond the 2.3L 800A model, including a power-folding third row and driver’s seat memory.
- ST adds the available Sinister Package. It brings 21-inch Gloss Black wheels, amber daytime running lights and black-outlined red ST badging.
- Ford Security Package joins the equipment list. The included one-year period starts at warranty activation; connected features require activation and applicable service terms.
- Avalanche Gray and Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat join the color choices. Space White is removed. Paint availability and extra-cost selections depend on configuration.
- The roof option changes to a panoramic Vista Roof with power shade. Package requirements vary. A universal garage door opener moves to optional equipment on Tremor, ST and Platinum.
Which 2027 Ford Explorer trim should I consider?
Use this table to narrow your choices, then check the exact equipment group. “Available” means optional; it does not mean every vehicle includes the feature.
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| Model / equipment group | Engine | What to compare |
|---|---|---|
| Active 100A | 2.3L EcoBoost | The simpler configuration: cloth seats, a six-way power driver’s seat and manual liftgate. Check this group carefully if heated front seats or a power liftgate matter. |
| Active 200A | 2.3L EcoBoost | Adds heated front seats, a 10-way power driver’s seat and power liftgate. The optional Comfort Package adds features including ActiveX seating and a heated steering wheel. |
| ST-Line 300A | 2.3L EcoBoost | Sport-inspired appearance, red seat stitching, a 360-degree camera and a 10-speaker B&O system. ST-Line is distinct from the V6-powered ST. |
| Tremor 800A / 801A | 2.3L in 800A; 3.0L V6 in 801A | Standard 4WD, off-road-tuned suspension, all-terrain tires, underbody protection and a Torsen limited-slip rear axle. Compare 800A options against the additional equipment included in 801A. |
| Platinum 600A | 2.3L; available 3.0L V6 | Comfort-focused equipment includes heated, ventilated and massaging front seats and a power-folding third row. V6 Ultimate includes Lux Leather and uses six-passenger seating. |
| ST 400A | 3.0L EcoBoost V6 | Sport-tuned suspension and performance brakes. Compare its driving feel with ST-Line; the new Sinister Package is an appearance option, not a separate engine. |
Our shopping suggestion: compare Active 200A with Comfort Package against ST-Line if comfort and daily convenience are your priorities. Compare ST, Tremor and Platinum separately when your priority is road performance, trail equipment or cabin features.
2027 Explorer engines and towing: do I need the V6?
The 2.3L EcoBoost is rated at 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The 3.0L EcoBoost V6 offers up to 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft. Both use a 10-speed automatic transmission. The V6 is standard on ST and available on Tremor and Platinum.
Not every V6 Explorer is rated at 400 horsepower. Ford identifies lower ratings with the 50-State Emissions System: 385 hp for ST and Tremor, and 383 hp for Platinum. Published engine output uses premium fuel under Ford’s testing conditions. Confirm the emissions configuration and specifications for the vehicle you are considering. See Ford’s 2027 Explorer specifications and disclosures.
Ford advertises a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, and the order guide lists a standard Class III Trailer Tow Package. Choosing the V6 does not automatically increase that advertised maximum. Ford’s towing chart lists 5,000 pounds for its listed 2.3L and 3.0L retail configurations.
For a boat, camper or utility trailer, bring its loaded weight, expected tongue weight and passenger/cargo needs. We can help review the specific Explorer’s ratings, hitch equipment and payload label. The published maximum is not a blanket allowance for every loaded vehicle. Read Ford’s 2027 Explorer towing guide; towing limits vary with equipment, passengers and cargo.
Does the 2027 Explorer seat six or seven?
Captain’s chairs give Explorer six seats; an eligible second-row bench configuration gives it seven. Active, ST-Line and ST offer the bench option. Tremor is a six-passenger configuration. Platinum’s bench is limited to the 2.3L configuration without Lux Leather; the V6 Ultimate configuration seats six.
Ford lists 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row. With the rear rows folded, maximum published cargo volume is 85.8 cubic feet on Active and ST-Line and 85.3 on Tremor, Platinum and ST. Cargo capacity and passenger capacity describe different seating arrangements, so you cannot use all seats and maximum cargo volume simultaneously.
Try this at your appointment: bring the stroller, sports bag or mobility equipment you regularly carry. Test third-row access with your planned seating arrangement, and check child-seat installation against the vehicle and child-restraint manuals. A cargo-volume number alone cannot tell you whether your particular items fit.
2027 Ford Explorer vs. 2027 Chevrolet Traverse
Explorer offers a choice between four-cylinder and V6 power. Traverse emphasizes a larger cabin and higher standard horsepower. Here is how the current manufacturer specifications compare.
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| Specification | 2027 Ford Explorer | 2027 Chevrolet Traverse |
|---|---|---|
| Standard engine output | 2.3L turbo: 300 hp / 310 lb-ft | 2.5L turbo: 328 hp / 326 lb-ft |
| Other engine choice | Available 3.0L V6: up to 400 hp / 415 lb-ft; emissions configuration affects hp | 2.5L turbo across the listed lineup |
| Transmission / drive | 10-speed automatic; RWD or available 4WD; Tremor is 4WD | 8-speed automatic; FWD or available AWD; Z71 is AWD |
| Maximum seating | 7 in eligible configurations; 6 in Tremor and Platinum V6 | Up to 8; configuration dependent |
| Cargo behind third row | 16.3 cu ft | 22.9 cu ft |
| Maximum cargo, rear rows folded | 85.8 cu ft Active/ST-Line; 85.3 other trims | 98 cu ft |
| Maximum towing, properly equipped | 5,000 lb | 5,000 lb |
| Off-road-oriented model | Tremor: Torsen rear differential, all-terrain tires and underbody protection | Z71: twin-clutch AWD, off-road suspension and skid plate |
How to use this comparison: Traverse has more published cargo room and a higher maximum seat count. Explorer is worth comparing when the available V6, rear-wheel-drive architecture or ST performance equipment is a priority. Drive comparable trims with the features you need before deciding.
Sources: Ford Explorer and Chevrolet Traverse, reviewed November 4, 2026. Manufacturer-published volumes may use different measurement conventions. Maximum figures are configuration dependent; engine output and towing qualifications apply.
2027 Ford Explorer vs. 2027 Kia Telluride
The 2027 Telluride offers gasoline and hybrid choices. Compare those separately: the hybrid has different output, transmission, cargo figures and towing capacity from the gasoline model.
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| Specification | 2027 Ford Explorer | 2027 Telluride gasoline | 2027 Telluride Hybrid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powertrain output | 2.3L: 300 hp / 310 lb-ft; available V6: up to 400 hp / 415 lb-ft | 2.5L turbo: 274 hp / 311 lb-ft | 2.5L turbo-hybrid: 329 hp / 339 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Maximum seating | 7 in eligible configurations; Tremor and Platinum V6 seat 6 | Up to 8, depending on configuration | 7 |
| Cargo behind third row | 16.3 cu ft | 22.3 cu ft | 21.3 cu ft |
| Maximum cargo, rear rows folded | 85.8 cu ft Active/ST-Line; 85.3 other trims | 89.3 cu ft | 88.3 cu ft |
| Maximum towing, properly equipped | 5,000 lb | 5,000 lb | 4,500 lb |
How to use this comparison: Explorer’s standard four-cylinder has more horsepower than the gasoline Telluride, while the Telluride Hybrid has more horsepower than that Explorer four-cylinder. Explorer’s available V6 offers the highest maximum horsepower here. Kia offers more published cargo space and a hybrid choice; Explorer’s retail order guide lists gasoline engines.
Sources: Ford Explorer, Kia Telluride gasoline specifications and Kia Telluride Hybrid specifications, reviewed November 4, 2026. Figures apply to the stated powertrain; maximum seating, cargo and towing figures do not describe one universally equipped vehicle. Towing requires appropriate equipment. Compare fuel-economy labels for the actual vehicles you are considering.
Technology: check the equipment and the service plan
The Explorer order guide includes Ford Digital Experience with a 13.2-inch center screen and a 12.3-inch instrument display. Features such as a 360-degree camera, upgraded audio and BlueCruise vary by model or package. Some connected services include a limited service period and require activation, compatible equipment and network coverage.
BlueCruise is driver assistance, not autonomous driving. An equipped vehicle needs an active plan, and the driver must remain attentive. Before purchase, ask which features are installed, which are active, and what remains included after any trial or initial service period.
Common 2027 Ford Explorer questions
What is the difference between Explorer ST and ST-Line?
ST-Line combines sporty styling with the 2.3L four-cylinder. ST uses the 3.0L V6 and adds performance-focused equipment, including sport-tuned suspension and performance brakes. Similar names do not mean the same powertrain.
Does every Active include heated seats and a power liftgate?
No. The order guide separates Active 100A from Active 200A. Heated front seats and the power liftgate are included in 200A; 100A lists a manual liftgate. Check the equipment group rather than relying only on the Active badge.
Can I get a seven-seat Explorer with the Platinum V6?
The November 2 order guide does not offer that combination. Platinum’s second-row bench is restricted to the 2.3L configuration without Lux Leather. Platinum V6 Ultimate uses captain’s chairs and six seats.
Does a V6 let me tow more than 5,000 pounds?
No higher retail Explorer maximum is advertised in the sources used here. Treat the engine choice and the vehicle’s approved towing limit as separate decisions, and confirm your specific vehicle and loaded trailer before towing.
Is a retail 2027 Explorer Hybrid listed?
No. The retail order guide lists the 2.3L EcoBoost and 3.0L EcoBoost gasoline engines. Police Interceptor Utility specifications are separate and should not be used to describe a retail Explorer.
Compare Explorer configurations at Woody Anderson Ford
For Huntsville, Madison and North Alabama shoppers, a useful starting list is: your passenger count, must-have comfort features, trailer requirements, and the cargo you carry with all seats occupied. Share those priorities with our team so we can compare suitable configurations and current availability.
Browse Explorer inventory Ask about a 2027 Explorer
For the next step, read Woody’s Way, our guide to buying a new or used vehicle, for an explanation of online trade and payment estimates and how your purchase is finalized at the dealership.
About this guide: Prepared by Woody Anderson Ford using Ford’s 2027 Explorer Order Guide dated November 2, 2026, and the current manufacturer sources linked above. This is a specification-based shopping guide, not a claim of an independent road test. Equipment, specifications, packages and availability can change. Confirm the current order information, window sticker and applicable manuals for the exact vehicle. Photos may show optional equipment; inventory is subject to prior sale.
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