​The 2027 Ford Explorer has been announced as a three-row SUV built for families who need genuine capability alongside daily practicality. It seats 6, tows up to 5,000 lbs, carries about 16 cu ft of cargo behind the third row, and spans a lineup from the value-focused Active trims through the performance-oriented ST and the luxury-appointed Platinum. The base 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder produces 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque; the ST and Tremor 4WD step up to a 3.0L EcoBoost V6 rated at 400 hp and 415 lb-ft.
Table of Contents
- How Well Does the 2027 Ford Explorer Serve Framingham Families with Active Lifestyles?
- Street Style That Turns Heads: 2027 Ford Explorer Exterior Design
- Power and Traction Built for Rolling Hills and Weekend Adventures: 2027 Ford Explorer Performance
- Roomy Cabin Space for Family Outings and Errands in the 2027 Ford Explorer
- Smart Features That Keep You Connected on Your Commute with the 2027 Ford Explorer
- Peace of Mind on Busy School Runs: Safety and Driver Assistance in the 2027 Ford Explorer
- Breaking Down 2027 Ford Explorer Trim Pricing for Buyers
- Warranty, Maintenance, and Service Insights for 2027 Ford Explorer Owners
- Awards, Expert Recognition, and What Reviewers Say About the 2027 Ford Explorer
- 2027 Ford Explorer Buyer Questions Answered
How Well Does the 2027 Ford Explorer Serve Framingham Families with Active Lifestyles?
The 2027 Ford Explorer near Framingham is purpose-built for exactly the kind of life that MetroWest families lead: six-passenger seating, a 5,000-lb tow rating, and a technology suite that keeps everyone connected from school drop-off to weekend hiking trips.
Dual-income households running school runs in the morning and loading gear for a Saturday outing to Cochituate State Park in the afternoon will find the Explorer's three-row layout a natural fit. The standard 2+2+2 captain's chair configuration on most trims gives every row its own defined space, while the optional Second Row Bench With E-Z Entry and Armrest (code 17U) flips the middle row to a 40/20/40 bench and expands total capacity to 7 passengers — useful when carpooling kids or hosting visiting family.
Cargo practicality is equally real. The about 16 cu ft behind the third row handles a week's worth of groceries from Shoppers World Mall or a full set of hiking packs. Fold the rear seats and that number expands to about 86 cu ft across most trims, enough for a weekend's worth of camping gear or a haul from the local farmers market in Stow.
Shoppers who are considering trading in their current vehicle before stepping into a new Explorer can get a head start by checking out our trade-in valuation tool — knowing your equity early simplifies the whole buying conversation. And for buyers who want to explore what's already available on the lot, browsing our pre-owned vehicle inventory can surface Explorer options at different price points worth comparing.
The Explorer's broad trim range also means there is a realistic path for most budgets, from the Active RWD 100A at the accessible end of the lineup to the Platinum 4WD at the premium tier — each offering a distinct combination of features and drivetrain.
Street Style That Turns Heads: 2027 Ford Explorer Exterior Design
The 2027 Ford Explorer wears a bold, upright stance that reads as confident rather than flashy — a design that holds its own on suburban streets without looking out of place in a school parking lot or at a trailhead.
The body rides on a 119.1-inch wheelbase and stretches 198.7 inches in overall length, with a width of 78.9 inches (or 89.3 inches mirrors-out). Height varies slightly by trim: the 4WD Active variants measure 70.2 inches tall, while the RWD Active, Platinum, and ST trims come in at 69.6 inches. Those dimensions translate to a visually substantial presence without crossing into the territory of a full-size SUV.
LED lighting runs across the entire lineup — projector-beam headlights with LED low and high beams, LED daytime running lights, LED rear lights, and LED brake lights are all standard. The Platinum trims add directional headlights and LED front fog lights, giving the front end a more premium signature. Body-color painted bumpers are standard across all trims, and the Active trims specify black door mirrors, while the Platinum steps up to chrome-finish mirrors with integrated turn signal indicators.
Roof rail color differentiates trim personality: Active trims and the ST wear black roof rails, while the Platinum carries chrome/silver rails. The Tremor 4WD takes the exterior in a more rugged direction, and the ST adds a roof spoiler for a sportier roofline.
Color options across the Active trims include metallic finishes such as Vapor Blue Metallic, Star White Metallic Tri-Coat, and Ruby Red Metallic. The ST adds Marsh Gray Metallic to the palette. If you are weighing whether to trade in your current vehicle before choosing a trim color and spec, getting an estimate on your trade-in value first is a smart way to anchor your budget.
The engine and performance specs vary meaningfully across trims, as the table below shows:
| Feature | Active 4WD 100A | Active 4WD 200A | Active RWD 100A | Active RWD 200A | Platinum | Platinum 4WD | ST | ST 4WD | ST-LINE 4WD | ST-LINE RWD | Tremor 4WD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.3L | 2.3L | 2.3L | 2.3L | 2.3L | 2.3L | 3L | 3L | 2.3L | 2.3L | 3L |
| Horsepower | 300 hp | 300 hp | 300 hp | 300 hp | 300 hp | 300 hp | 400 hp | 400 hp | 300 hp | 300 hp | 400 hp |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft | 415 lb-ft | 415 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft | 415 lb-ft |
| Drivetrain | All-wheel drive | All-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive | All-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive | All-wheel drive | All-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive | All-wheel drive |
All trims share the SelectShift® 10-speed automatic transmission.
Power and Traction Built for Rolling Hills and Weekend Adventures: 2027 Ford Explorer Performance
Two distinct powertrains define the 2027 Ford Explorer lineup near Worcester, MA, and the choice between them has real consequences for how the vehicle behaves on Stow's gently rolling terrain, on a snowy morning commute, or when pulling a trailer to a campsite.
The 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 — Ford's turbocharged inline-four — produces 300 hp at 5,500 rpm and 310 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm. It powers nine of the eleven trims covered here, from the Active 4WD 100A through the ST-LINE variants. For the majority of buyers, this engine handles everything from highway merging to loaded cargo hauling with authority. The 3.0L EcoBoost V6 is reserved for the ST, ST 4WD, and Tremor 4WD, where output climbs to 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque — a 33% torque increase that makes a noticeable difference when towing near the 5,000-lb maximum or when merging onto Route 9 with a full passenger load.
All trims route power through Ford's SelectShift® 10-speed automatic transmission, which offers both fully automatic operation and manual gear selection — useful when descending a hill with a trailer or navigating a steep wooded access road.
Drivetrain selection is where buyers need to pay close attention. The Active 4WD 100A, Active 4WD 200A, Platinum 4WD, ST 4WD, ST-LINE 4WD, and Tremor 4WD all use Ford's Intelligent 4WD all-wheel drive system with automatic engagement. The Active RWD 100A, Active RWD 200A, Platinum, ST, and ST-LINE RWD are rear-wheel drive. For families who experience New England winters regularly, the AWD variants are worth the added consideration.
The suspension architecture is fully independent on both axles — front strut with coil springs, rear multi-link with coil springs — which contributes to a composed ride on the kind of mixed-surface roads common in central Massachusetts.
Ground clearance varies by trim: 7.6 inches on the Active 4WD and 4WD Platinum, 8.2 inches on the Platinum and Platinum 4WD, and 7.8 inches on the ST. The Tremor 4WD provides additional off-road capability through its dedicated setup.
| Feature | Active 4WD 100A | Active 4WD 200A | Active RWD 100A | Active RWD 200A | Platinum | Platinum 4WD | ST | ST 4WD | ST-LINE 4WD | ST-LINE RWD | Tremor 4WD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Curb weight | 4,303 lbs | 4,303 lbs | 4,303 lbs | 4,303 lbs | 4,303 lbs | 4,303 lbs | 4,631 lbs | 4,631 lbs | 4,303 lbs | 4,303 lbs | 4,424 lbs |
| Payload | 1,467 lbs | 1,467 lbs | 1,467 lbs | 1,467 lbs | 1,467 lbs | 1,467 lbs | 1,139 lbs | 1,139 lbs | 1,467 lbs | 1,467 lbs | 1,346 lbs |
All trims share: Seating: 6 · Cargo: about 16 cu ft · Towing: 5,000 lbs
The ST's heavier curb weight of 4,631 lbs (versus 4,303 lbs for the Active and ST-LINE trims) reflects the heavier V6 powertrain, and its payload drops accordingly to 1,139 lbs. The Tremor 4WD at 4,424 lbs splits the difference. Buyers who plan to carry heavy loads of gear or passengers regularly should factor payload into their trim decision alongside towing capacity.
Roomy Cabin Space for Family Outings and Errands in the 2027 Ford Explorer
Three rows of seating, genuinely usable cargo space, and a well-organized interior make the 2027 Explorer a practical choice for the kind of active family life common in MetroWest communities.
Starting with passenger dimensions: front headroom is 40.7 inches, second-row headroom 40.5 inches, and third-row headroom 38.9 inches — a consistent roofline that doesn't dramatically compress the back bench. Front legroom measures 43 inches, second-row legroom 39 inches, and third-row legroom 32.2 inches. That third-row figure is tight for adults on long trips but workable for children, which is exactly how most families use it.
Shoulder room tells a similar story: 62.1 inches up front, 61.9 inches in the second row, and 54.6 inches in the third. Hip room follows the same pattern at 59.2 / 59.1 / 40.9 inches respectively. The second row's captain's chair configuration on most trims gives each occupant a defined space and a clear path to the third row.
Cargo space behind the third row is about 16 cu ft — enough for a stroller, a week of groceries, or a full set of day packs for a family hike. Fold the third row flat and the number jumps to about 86 cu ft on the Active and ST-LINE trims (and about 85 cu ft on the Platinum and ST). The cargo area measures 78.3 inches long (or 77.8 inches on the Platinum/ST), 64.5 inches wide, and 32.8 inches tall, with a loading floor height of 31.1 inches — low enough for easy loading without lifting heavy items overhead.
Interior trim quality scales with price. The Active trims use upgraded cloth/velour upholstery with an alloy-look instrument panel, door panels, and center console. The Active 4WD 200A and Active RWD 200A can be upgraded via the Active Comfort Package, which adds synthetic leather (ActiveX) seating surfaces, a heated steering wheel, front LED fog lights, and a fully power-adjustable front passenger seat. The Platinum trims arrive with synthetic leather and real leather accents, wood/woodgrain instrument panel trim, and leather door and console surfaces. The ST specifies piano black trim throughout the cabin for a sportier, darker aesthetic.
Climate control is tri-zone automatic across the entire lineup, with rear controls and secondary ventilation vents for second and third-row passengers. USB charging ports are distributed thoughtfully: the Active 4WD 100A and Active RWD 100A provide 1 front, 1 rear, and 2 third-row ports; the 200A series and above step up to 4 front, 2 rear, and 2 third-row ports.
Smart Features That Keep You Connected on Your Commute with the 2027 Ford Explorer
Every 2027 Ford Explorer — regardless of trim — ships with a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment display paired with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Both screens are standard equipment, not an upgrade, which means even the entry Active 4WD 100A buyer gets a genuinely modern cockpit.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto are standard across the lineup, eliminating the need to plug in a phone for navigation or audio. Google Assistant voice control is built in, allowing hands-free commands for navigation, calls, and media. Bluetooth connectivity, built-in apps, and over-the-air OS updates round out the core connectivity package.
The infotainment system includes connected navigation with satellite view, internet-based data feed, 12 months of traffic information, and 12 months of map updates. Beyond that initial period, buyers can add the Ford Connectivity Package (One-time purchase — 7 years) — option code 91D — which extends embedded online services, Wi-Fi hotspot access, and OEM data plan coverage for 84 months. For families who rely on in-car Wi-Fi for kids' devices on road trips, that seven-year extension is worth evaluating at the time of purchase.
Satellite radio is standard with a 3-month subscription across all trims; the SiriusXM with 360L (3-year plan) option extends that to 36 months.
Audio hardware scales significantly up the trim ladder. The Active 4WD 100A and Active RWD 100A come with a 6-speaker system. The Active 4WD 200A, Active RWD 200A, Platinum, and Platinum 4WD step up to a more capable setup, while the ST and Tremor 4WD include a standard 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system with a subwoofer and surround sound. The ST's optional Sun and Sound Package specifies the Bang & Olufsen system at 980 watts.
Remote services — including remote start, remote lock/unlock, vehicle diagnostics, theft alert, and destination-sending — are included with a 12-month subscription. Ford's 911 Assist telematics system is standard across all trims, automatically connecting to emergency services after a detected collision.
The Intelligent Access with Push-button Start (PEPS) system provides keyless entry and keyless start on all trims. The Active 4WD 200A and Active RWD 200A add the option of a Securicode Keyless Entry Keypad (code 61E), which is also available on the Platinum, ST, and ST-LINE trims.
Peace of Mind on Busy School Runs: Safety and Driver Assistance in the 2027 Ford Explorer
The 2027 Explorer in Marlborough carries a 5-star NHTSA overall safety rating, with 5-star scores in both frontal crash and side impact testing. The IIHS rates its front crash prevention as Superior for vehicle-to-pedestrian detection in daylight — a meaningful result for an SUV that will spend time in school zones and pedestrian-heavy suburban areas.
The passive safety foundation includes 7 airbags: dual front airbags, front side airbags, side curtain airbags spanning all three rows, and a driver's knee airbag. Four-wheel ventilated disc brakes are standard, as are ABS, brake assist, cornering brake control, electronic auto-hold, and hill hold. Ford's AdvanceTrac with RSC (Roll Stability Control) is standard across all trims, actively monitoring for rollover conditions and intervening before the driver senses a problem — particularly relevant for a taller SUV carrying a full passenger load.
Active driver assistance centers on Ford CoPilot360 Assist+ on the Active and ST-LINE trims, which bundles adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, automatic emergency braking (front and rear low-speed), the Lane-Keeping System, BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) with cross-traffic alert, and Rear Cross Traffic Braking — a radar-based system that applies the brakes automatically when it detects crossing traffic while reversing. The system activates from as low as 3 mph, which matters in parking lots and driveways.
The Platinum and Platinum 4WD trims upgrade to BlueCruise as the standard driver assistance suite, a hands-free highway driving system that handles lane centering, adaptive cruise, and lane changes on pre-mapped divided highways. BlueCruise is also an available option on the ST and ST 4WD via the BlueCruise (Equipment + One-Time Purchase) or BlueCruise (Equipment + 1 Year + 90-Day Plan) packages.
The Platinum adds a 360-Degree Camera with Split View as standard, covering front, rear, and side camera inputs simultaneously — a practical tool for navigating tight parking structures or reversing a trailer. Traffic sign recognition is also standard on the Platinum and ST.
Child safety infrastructure includes LATCH/ISOFIX anchor preparation across the rear seating positions, height-adjustable front and rear seatbelts with pre-tensioners, and adjustable head restraints at all three rows.
Breaking Down 2027 Ford Explorer Trim Pricing for Buyers
Pricing across the full 2027 Explorer lineup has not been disclosed for most trims at the time of this writing — MSRPs are confirmed for two trims, with the remaining nine pending final announcement. Here is what the catalog confirms:
| Feature | Active 4WD 100A | Active 4WD 200A | Active RWD 100A | Active RWD 200A | Platinum | Platinum 4WD | ST | ST 4WD | ST-LINE 4WD | ST-LINE RWD | Tremor 4WD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base MSRP | — | — | — | — | $50,660 | — | $53,660 | — | — | — | — |
| Destination charge | — | — | — | — | $1,795 | — | $1,795 | — | — | — | — |
The Platinum starts at $50,660 before the $1,795 destination charge, and the ST opens at $53,660 plus the same $1,795 destination. Both figures represent the base configuration before any factory packages or dealer-installed accessories.
For context on where these confirmed prices sit: the Platinum is positioned as the luxury flagship of the standard lineup, bringing BlueCruise, a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, heated and ventilated front seats with memory, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, wood/woodgrain interior trim, a 360-degree camera, and traffic sign recognition as standard equipment. The Platinum Ultimate Package (code 68U) adds 21-inch two-tone alloy wheels and chrome exterior accents. The Platinum Lux Leather Package (code 21B) upgrades the seating surfaces to full leather.
The ST justifies its $53,660 base through the standard 3.0L EcoBoost V6 at 400 hp, the 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen system, a 360-degree camera, a hands-free power liftgate, wireless charging, ambient lighting, piano black interior trim, and painted brake calipers. Its optional Sun and Sound Package (code 51G) adds a panoramic sunroof, the 980-watt Bang & Olufsen system, and massaging front seats.
For the Active, Active 4WD 200A, Active RWD 200A, ST 4WD, ST-LINE, and Tremor 4WD trims, pricing has not been confirmed in the catalog data — contact Colonial Ford of Marlboro directly for current figures as they are released. To see what is currently available, browse our new Ford Explorer inventory for in-stock units and any associated pricing.
Warranty, Maintenance, and Service Insights for 2027 Ford Explorer Owners
The 2027 Ford Explorer carries Ford's standard new-vehicle warranty package, and the coverage terms are consistent across all eleven trims in this lineup.
The bumper-to-bumper warranty runs for 36 months or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. The powertrain warranty extends to 60 months or 60,000 miles — covering the engine, transmission, and drivetrain components that represent the largest potential repair costs. An additional powertrain extension of 12 months is noted in the catalog data. The roadside assistance program matches the powertrain term at 60 months or 60,000 miles, meaning Ford's support network is available for the first five years of ownership. Anti-corrosion coverage runs for 60 months, and the paint warranty covers 36 months or 36,000 miles.
These terms are identical whether a buyer selects the Active RWD 100A or the Platinum 4WD — warranty coverage does not change by trim level.
For owners in the Marlborough area, Colonial Ford of Marlboro's service department provides Ford-trained technicians, genuine Ford parts, and access to the brand's diagnostic systems. Keeping up with scheduled maintenance — oil changes, tire rotations, brake inspections — is the single most effective way to protect both the powertrain warranty and the vehicle's long-term reliability. You can book a service appointment online at any time, and it is worth checking current service and parts specials before your next visit to see whether any applicable discounts are available for your Explorer.
Ford's 911 Assist telematics system — standard on all trims — also provides breakdown assistance notification, connecting the vehicle to emergency services automatically after a detected collision, which adds a layer of safety-net coverage beyond the warranty itself.
Awards, Expert Recognition, and What Reviewers Say About the 2027 Ford Explorer
The 2027 Explorer has been officially revealed and announced by Ford, though it has not yet reached dealer lots at the time of this writing. No third-party awards or formal press reviews from major automotive publications have been published for the 2027 model year specifically, and no award data for this vehicle year is available in the verified catalog sources used for this article.
What is available from the catalog crash test data provides a credible baseline for safety credibility: a 5-star NHTSA overall rating, a 5-star frontal crash score, a 5-star side impact score, and a 4-star rollover rating. The IIHS rates the front crash prevention as Superior for vehicle-to-pedestrian detection in daylight conditions. The IIHS side impact test earns a Good rating, and the seat belt reminder system is rated Good as well.
These results align with the prior Explorer generation's reputation as a safe, family-oriented three-row SUV. Reviewers of previous Explorer generations have consistently noted the model's broad appeal: it competes directly with vehicles like the Jeep Grand Cherokee L, the Chevrolet Traverse, and the Hyundai Palisade — a segment where three-row practicality, towing capability, and technology content drive purchase decisions. The 2027 Explorer's confirmed specs — particularly the 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen system on upper trims, standard BlueCruise on the Platinum, and the 400 hp V6 on the ST — position it competitively within that class.
As full media reviews are published following the Explorer's on-sale date, Colonial Ford of Marlboro will be able to provide the most current third-party assessments.
2027 Ford Explorer Buyer Questions Answered
Q: Does the 2027 Explorer come with all-wheel drive, and is it worth it for New England winters?
Six of the eleven trims covered here include all-wheel drive as standard: the Active 4WD 100A, Active 4WD 200A, Platinum 4WD, ST 4WD, ST-LINE 4WD, and Tremor 4WD. The remaining five — Active RWD 100A, Active RWD 200A, Platinum, ST, and ST-LINE RWD — are rear-wheel drive. Ford's system is called Intelligent 4WD and operates automatically, routing torque to the wheels with the most grip without driver input. For buyers who deal with regular snow or ice, the AWD variants are the straightforward choice. The Active 4WD 100A is the most accessible AWD entry point in the lineup.
Q: What is the maximum towing capacity of the 2027 Ford Explorer?
Every trim in this lineup is rated to tow 5,000 lbs when properly equipped — a consistent figure across all eleven configurations. That covers most boat trailers, utility trailers, and small campers. Trailer towing preparation is standard on all trims. Note that the ST's payload drops to 1,139 lbs (versus 1,467 lbs on the Active and ST-LINE trims) due to its heavier curb weight of 4,631 lbs, so buyers who plan to carry both a full passenger load and tow near the maximum should account for combined weight carefully.
Q: What is the difference between the Active 4WD 100A and Active 4WD 200A?
Both trims share the same 2.3L EcoBoost engine, 300 hp, 310 lb-ft of torque, and Intelligent 4WD drivetrain. The 200A designation indicates a higher equipment series. The Active 4WD 200A adds the availability of the Active Comfort Package (code 68A), which upgrades the front passenger seat to full power adjustment (4-way electric), adds synthetic leather (ActiveX) seating surfaces, a heated steering wheel, and LED front fog lights. The 200A also adds a power liftgate with memory, automatic rear hatch closing, and a roof spoiler. Both trims offer the same core safety and connectivity equipment.
Q: Is the Platinum trim significantly better equipped than the ST?
The Platinum and ST target different buyer priorities. The Platinum (starting at $50,660) focuses on luxury: BlueCruise standard, 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio, heated and ventilated front seats with memory, leather-wrapped steering wheel, wood/woodgrain interior trim, 360-degree camera, traffic sign recognition, and chrome exterior accents. The ST (starting at $53,660) prioritizes performance: the 3.0L EcoBoost V6 at 400 hp and 415 lb-ft is standard, along with painted brake calipers, piano black interior trim, a 360-degree camera, ambient lighting, and wireless charging. The ST's engine output is the key differentiator — it's the only way to get the V6 without also selecting the ST 4WD or Tremor 4WD.
Q: Where can I see the 2027 Ford Explorer in person and ask specific questions about trims?
Colonial Ford of Marlboro is located at 428 Maple St, Marlborough, MA 01752. The team there can walk through current inventory, confirm pricing on trims where MSRPs are still pending announcement, and help match the right Explorer configuration to your specific needs. You can also reach the dealership directly at (508) 460-8400 to speak with a product specialist before making the drive in.
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