Everything You Need To Know About The 2027 Ford ExplorerForbesMichael Harley, ContributorUpdatedFri, September 18, 2026 at 10:15 PM UTCAdd us on GoogleThe new 2027 Ford Explorer ST Sinister Package©2026 FordIt's hard to believe the Ford Explorer has been carrying families since 1991. Its arrival helped accelerate the shift from station wagons to SUVs. Although the original Explorer was truck-based—sharing its architecture with the Ford Ranger pickup—it has evolved dramatically over the past three decades. More importantly, the Explorer became a sales phenomenon and a cornerstone of the SUV's transformation from a niche utility vehicle into the default suburban family hauler. Now well into its sixth generation, the 2027 Ford Explorer arrives in showrooms with several updates for the new model year.Ford launched the current Explorer platform for the 2020 model year and refreshed it for 2025. For 2027, the team at Ford has wisely leaned into the nameplate's broadest strengths—three-row practicality, rear-drive-based dynamics and a credible performance halo—and made some solid improvements to a vehicle that has been central to the American SUV market for 35 years.Unlike most other crossovers in the crowded segment, today's Explorer is celebrated for its rear-wheel-drive-based layout in a niche chock-full of front-wheel-drive crossovers. Experts point out that the rear-wheel-drive Explorer's key advantage over a front-wheel-drive-based crossover is that the Ford powertrain separates propulsion from steering (the rear tires deliver torque while the fronts focus on turning). In many driving situations, this gives the Explorer a more balanced, composed feel under acceleration and when loaded. In contrast, an FWD-biased crossover's front tires must manage both steering and driving forces. It is also often said that a rear-wheel-drive vehicle offers a more traditional driving feel.AdvertisementAdvertisementFor 2027, Ford has taken an evolutionary approach. The basic vehicle, its two turbocharged gasoline powertrains and its six-trim structure remain intact. The notable headline is a newly available Sinister Package for the Explorer ST, a darkened appearance treatment that adds black exterior details, unique dark wheels, and amber running-light accents. Ford also adds Avalanche Gray and Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat to the color palette. At the same time, consumers may now specify the ST with a rail-delete "Slick Roof Conversion" and an available panoramic Vista Roof. The company is also expanding the availability of its Ford Security Package, included for a year from the new-vehicle warranty start date or available as a one-time purchase.The 2027 Explorer lineup includes six trim levels: Active 100A, Active, ST-Line, Tremor, ST, and Platinum. At the bottom is the Active 100A, the price-conscious entry point, while the regular Active adds a more conventional feature set for mainstream three-row buyers. The ST-Line delivers the aggressive styling and look of the ST with sporty aesthetics, but keeps the standard turbo-four powertrain (that appearance-package trim is likely the sweet spot for buyers who want the more assertive design without stepping into performance-SUV pricing or fuel consumption).The Tremor is the big news. It's an all-new 2027 model designed for families who have more active lifestyles—camping, exploring, and more. It comes standard with all-wheel drive, an 8.7-inch ground-clearance rating, a 24.1-degree approach angle, and terrain-focused hardware. The four-cylinder engine is standard, but those seeking a bit more power can opt for the V6. That flexibility makes the Tremor a compelling adventure-tuned configuration: capable enough for rough trailheads and snowy access roads without pretending to be a body-on-frame Bronco.The ST remains the performance flagship, boasting a powerful engine (it sprints from 0-60 mph in 5.1 seconds, versus 6.0 seconds for the four-cylinder models), sport-tuned suspension, 21-inch wheels, and a more aggressively styled interior and exterior. New for 2027 is the ST Sinister Package, which features a blacked-out aesthetic, dark-accented badging, amber running lights, and massive 21-inch gloss-black wheels. The Platinum, meanwhile, represents the luxury-oriented choice, combining premium equipment with the option of either engine—the V6 has been added to the menu for 2027.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe Explorer lineup has two powerplants for 2027. The standard engine is a 2.3-liter turbocharged EcoBoost 4-cylinder rated at 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The optional engine, which is standard on the ST, is a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 rated up to 400 horsepower (385 in some states) and 415 lb-ft of torque. Rear-wheel drive is standard, with Ford's Intelligent 4-wheel drive (4WD) optional on most trims—Intelligent 4WD is standard on the Tremor. All 2027 Ford Explorer models come with a Class III tow package and a 5,000-pound towing rating. The most efficient model (rear-drive turbo-four) gets up to 20 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined, while the twin-turbo V6 tops out at 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway.Aside from the new trim and the V6's return to the Platinum, Ford added two new exterior paint colors (Avalanche Gray and Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat) and discontinued Space White. A new Slick Roof Conversion option deletes the standard roof rails for a clean, streamlined look. On the technology and security side, a universal garage door opener is now optional on the Tremor, ST, and Platinum trims, and a new Ford Security Package offers theft alerts and stolen vehicle recovery services.The 2027 Ford Explorer is positioned to compete against the Chevrolet Traverse, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, Mazda CX-90, Toyota Grand Highlander, and Volkswagen Atlas. That's a strong segment, but the Explorer differentiates itself with its unique rear-drive-based architecture and available 400-hp V6.The revised 2027 Ford Explorer should be arriving in showrooms this month.This article was originally published on Forbes.com