2027 Ford ExplorerFord (Ford)Photo credit: FordPhoto credit: FordPhoto credit: FordPhoto credit: FordAdvertisementAdvertisementPhoto credit: FordPhoto credit: FordPhoto credit: FordPhoto credit: FordAdvertisementAdvertisementPhoto credit: FordPhoto credit: FordStrong turbo enginesSporty driving characterBig standard screensRivals feel more polishedTight third-row spaceST gets priceyThe Ford Explorer helped define the modern family SUV, but today it has to work harder to stand out in a crowded three-row field. For 2027, the Explorer leans into what differentiates it: rear-drive-based bones, strong turbocharged engines, useful family space, and an ST model with more attitude than your average grocery-getting SUVs.Midsize three-row rivals include the Kia Telluride, Honda Pilot, and Nissan Pathfinder.What's NewFor 2027, the Ford Explorer ST gets darker and more enthusiast-minded with the new Sinister package. Inspired by ST owners and the aftermarket scene, the package gives Ford's performance three-row SUV a fully blacked-out look with amber LED daytime running lights, 21-inch Gloss Black wheels with all-season tires, and black-accented ST Sinister exterior badging.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe Explorer ST Experience also returns this year. New 2026 and 2027 Explorer ST owners are eligible for a complimentary one-day professional driving school designed to help them better understand the SUV's performance capability.What We ThinkThe Ford Explorer is in a better place than it was a few years ago, but it still isn't an automatic front-runner among three-row SUVs. Recent updates make it feel more modern, more polished, and easier to recommend, yet the segment's best family haulers continue to set a high bar for comfort, packaging, and all-around refinement.The refreshed cabin is the most obvious improvement. Big screens, cleaner controls, and better-looking materials help the Explorer feel less dated than before, and the added storage shelf beneath the central display is a smart everyday touch.Ford's latest Digital Experience also gives the Explorer the tech reset it needed. Google Built-in and Amazon voice functionality, plus parked-use entertainment features, make the interface feel more current than the old Sync setup.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe Explorer still has one of the more interesting mechanical layouts in the class. Its rear-drive-based platform and strong turbocharged engines give it a livelier feel than many front-drive-based rivals, especially in ST form.Ford has also made progress with ride quality and transmission behavior, two areas where earlier versions could feel rough around the edges. The Explorer now feels more composed and better sorted, though not necessarily more luxurious, than the class leaders.That leaves the 2027 Explorer as a solid choice rather than a slam dunk. It has power, personality, and useful tech, but shoppers focused on maximum cabin polish or family-friendly space should still compare it closely with the best from Kia, Hyundai, Honda, and Mazda.Top-Ranked Competitors:Kia TellurideHonda PilotNissan PathfinderHyundai PalisadeMotorTrend TestedThe Explorer offers two engines, both paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and either rear- or all-wheel drive.AdvertisementAdvertisementMost models use a 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-four that makes 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. In MotorTrend testing, an Explorer RWD with this engine reached 60 mph in 6.1 seconds, while an AWD version needed 6.8 seconds.A 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 is also available, though output depends on where the Explorer is sold. Starting with the 2026 model year, models certified for California-emissions states were rated at 385 hp, down slightly from the 400 hp offered in Federal-emissions states; torque remains 415 lb-ft either way. In MotorTrend testing, an all-wheel-drive Explorer with the 400-hp V-6 hit 60 mph in 5.2 seconds.MPGs and RangeThe 2027 Explorer's fuel economy depends heavily on engine, drivetrain, and trim, but tank size matters, too. Four-cylinder models use a 17.9-gallon fuel tank, while V-6 versions get a larger 20.2-gallon tank, helping offset their lower mpg ratings when it comes to total driving range.With the 2.3-liter turbo-four, rear-drive models are expected to return 20/29 mpg city/highway and about 430 miles of range. AWD versions drop to 20/27 mpg and roughly 412 miles, and the more rugged Tremor AWD lowers that estimate to 19/23 mpg and about 376 miles.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 is thirstier, but its larger tank keeps range from falling as much as the mpg figures might suggest. V-6 models are expected to return 18/25 mpg with either rear- or all-wheel drive, with estimated range landing at 424 miles for RWD and 404 miles for AWD; the V-6 Tremor AWD is the least efficient at 17/22 mpg and about 384 miles.Safety Ratings and FeaturesThe Explorer has performed well in recent safety testing. Last year's model earned a 2026 IIHS Top Safety Pick award and received NHTSA's highest overall rating of five stars, so we expect the 2027 model to deliver similar results. Standard driver-assist features on every Explorer trim include:Adaptive cruise controlBlind-spot monitoringFront and rear automatic emergency brakingLane-departure warningLane-keep assistAutomatic high beamsBlue Cruise, Ford's hands-free driving system that provides assistance on thousands of miles of pre-mapped roads, is an available upgrade.Cargo Space and Interior RoomThe Explorer offers generous front-row space and cargo capacity that stays competitive with three-row rivals. Its second and third rows aren't quite as roomy as the Pilot's, but the Ford still provides adult-usable seating and more maximum cargo room than the Pathfinder.Legroom (first/second/third rows)Cargo Space (behind third/second/first rows)TechnologyInfotainmentEvery Explorer comes with a 10.2-inch driver display and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, along with four USB-C ports.Sound SystemThe base audio system includes nine speakers and a subwoofer. A 12-speaker Bose premium setup, also with a subwoofer, is available on higher trims.Available UpgradesHigher trims add more convenience and comfort features, including wireless phone charging, heated seats, a heated steering wheel, a hands-free power liftgate, and a head-up display.ValueStandard FeaturesEvery model brings a spacious, practical cabin, large digital displays, plenty of standard driver-assist tech, and a sportier driving character than many three-row SUV rivals. The 2027 Explorer Active entry-level trim also includes useful basics such as LED lighting, 18-inch wheels, black roof rails, a power-adjustable driver's seat, cloth upholstery, and the choice of second-row captain's chairs or a bench seat at no extra cost.Recommended TrimThe Explorer Active is our pick because it gives buyers the version of the Explorer that makes the most sense: quick enough, roomy enough, and less expensive than the luxury-leaning trims. The turbo-four has plenty of punch for family duty, and skipping the V-6 helps keep fuel economy, range, and pricing in a better place.AdvertisementAdvertisementWe'd use the options sheet selectively rather than climbing the lineup. Add the comfort or convenience features you actually want, and the Active becomes a well-rounded three-row SUV without paying for the Platinum's extras or the ST's performance hardware.Hot Laps in a Ford ExplorerThe Sinister package isn't the only ST-related news for 2027. Ford is also bringing back the Explorer ST Experience, a complimentary one-day performance driving school for buyers of new 2026 and 2027 Explorer ST models.The program launches in fall 2026 and will travel to locations around the country. There, owners can work with professional instructors in a controlled setting to learn how to make the most of the Explorer ST's power, handling, and performance tech.