2027 Ford Explorer Expert Review
Reviewed by Bob Hernandez
The Ford Explorer once set the standard for the modern family SUV, but now it must distinguish itself in a competitive three-row segment. For 2027, the Explorer emphasizes its unique qualities: a rear-drive-based platform, robust turbocharged powertrains, practical family accommodations, and an ST variant with more character than typical family-oriented SUVs.
Key competitors in the midsize three-row class include the Kia Telluride, Honda Pilot, and Nissan Pathfinder.
**What’s New**
In 2027, the Ford Explorer ST becomes darker and more focused on driving enthusiasts with the introduction of the Sinister package. Inspired by ST owners and the aftermarket community, this package delivers a fully blacked-out appearance for Ford’s performance three-row SUV, featuring amber LED daytime running lights, 21-inch Gloss Black wheels equipped with all-season tires, and black-accented ST Sinister exterior badging.
The Explorer ST Experience also makes a return this year. Owners of new 2026 and 2027 Explorer ST models are eligible for a complimentary one-day professional driving school aimed at helping them better understand the SUV’s performance capabilities.
**What We Think**
The Ford Explorer is in a stronger position than it was a few years ago, but it still doesn’t automatically lead the three-row SUV segment. Recent updates make it feel more contemporary, more refined, and easier to recommend, yet the best family vehicles in this class continue to set high standards for comfort, packaging, and overall sophistication.
The revamped cabin is the most noticeable improvement. Large screens, cleaner controls, and higher-quality materials help the Explorer feel less outdated than before, and the added storage shelf beneath the central display is a practical daily feature.
Ford’s latest Digital Experience also provides the Explorer with the technological refresh it required. Google Built-in and Amazon voice functionality, along with entertainment features for parked use, make the interface feel more modern than the previous Sync system.
The Explorer still boasts one of the more engaging mechanical configurations in its class. Its rear-drive-based platform and strong turbocharged engines give it a more dynamic feel than many front-drive-based competitors, particularly in ST guise.
Ford has also made improvements in ride quality and transmission behavior, areas where earlier versions could feel unrefined. The Explorer now feels more poised and better tuned, though not necessarily more luxurious, than the segment leaders.
This makes the 2027 Explorer a solid option rather than an obvious winner. It offers power, character, and useful technology, but shoppers focused on maximum cabin refinement or family-friendly space should still compare it closely with the best offerings from Kia, Hyundai, Honda, and Mazda.
**Top-Ranked Competitors:**
Kia Telluride
Honda Pilot
Nissan Pathfinder
Hyundai Palisade
**MotorTrend Tested**
The Explorer offers two engines, both paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and either rear- or all-wheel drive.
Most models come with a 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-four producing 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 took 6.8 seconds.
A 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 is also available, though output varies by market. Starting with the 2026 model year, models certified for California-emissions states were rated at 385 hp, slightly less than the 400 hp offered in Federal-emissions states; torque remains 415 lb-ft in both cases. In MotorTrend testing, an all-wheel-drive Explorer with the 400-hp V-6 hit 60 mph in 5.2 seconds.
**MPGs and Range**
The 2027 Explorer’s fuel economy depends heavily on engine, drivetrain, and trim, but tank size also matters. Four-cylinder models use a 17.9-gallon fuel tank, while V-6 versions get a larger 20.2-gallon tank, which helps offset their lower mpg ratings when considering total driving range.
With the 2.3-liter turbo-four, rear-drive models are expected to return 20/29 mpg city/highway and approximately 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.
The 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 is less fuel-efficient, but its larger tank prevents range from dropping as much as the mpg figures might indicate. 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 Features**
The 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 control - Blind-spot monitoring - Front and rear automatic emergency braking - Lane-departure warning - Lane-keep assist - Automatic high beams
Blue 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 Room**
The Explorer offers generous front-row space and cargo capacity that remains 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)**
2027 Ford Explorer 42.9-43/37–37.5/31.8 inches 16.3/46/85.3–85.8 cubic feet
2026 Honda Pilot 41.0/40.8/32.5 inches 18.6/48.5/87 cubic feet
2026 Nissan Pathfinder 44.3/35.5/28.0 inches 16.6/45.0/80.5 cubic feet
**Technology**
**Infotainment**
Every 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 System**
The 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 Upgrades**
Higher 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.
**Value**
**Standard Features**
Every 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.
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**Recommended Trim**
The 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.
We’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 Explorer**
The 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.