2027 Ford Explorer

Price Range: $38,465 - $56,460

Very Good

The 2027 Ford Explorer is among our top-rated three-row midsize SUVs. We like the way it drives, especially in its sporty ST trim that out-handles and out-accelerates other family haulers. To be sure, being fun to drive isn't a must-have quality, but it does make daily driving more enjoyable. But there is a trade-off in that the Explorer is less spacious and comfortable than some rival SUVs.Read full review

Shop vehicle inventory at dealers near you

Ford Explorer for Sale

Pricing

Select year

Edmunds suggests you pay

$38,781

30 for sale near you

Edmunds suggested price is based on sales in CA thru 10/26/26, including destination fee, but not other dealer fees. Final assembly in USA.

Pros

Strong engines for quick acceleration
Secure handling around corners
Impressive collection of tech and driver assist features

Cons

Less second- and third-row space than many rival SUVs
No hybrid option for improved mpg

What's new

Turbocharged V6 engine option returns to the Platinum trim
New ST Sinister styling package
Part of the sixth Explorer generation introduced for 2020

Overview

Written by automotive expert James Riswick

Updated: 11/8/2026

One of the oldest names in the family SUV game is back relatively unchanged. The 2027 Ford Explorer is a three-row crossover SUV that stands out for its quick acceleration and engaging driving experience. It also offers a special Tremor version that is better equipped to handle dirt roads or light-duty off-road trails for camping. The Explorer is still a family-oriented SUV, and it slots into the middle of Ford's SUV lineup. It's bigger and more expensive than the Escape and Bronco Sport and less expensive than the otherwise roomier Expedition. Overall, our test team thinks the Expedition is one of the better midsize three-row SUVs on the market, especially if you want one that has a fun-to-drive personality.

Edmunds Expert Rating

edmunds TESTED

Driven, tested, rated by automotive expert Brian Wong

Very Good

7.2

out of 10

We drove the 2027 Ford Explorer on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.

Driving experience

7.7/10

How does it drive? If you're looking for athleticism out of a three-row SUV, the Explorer is the clear choice. It out-steers, out-handles and out-accelerates the rest of the pack, especially the ST version. We tested the Explorer ST, which has the upgraded V6 engine. At our test track, it sprinted from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds. That's pretty much the quickest you'll find in the three-row midsize SUV class. The base engine, a turbo four-cylinder, is no slouch either and delivers sufficient thrust for easy daily driving.

The Explorer is surprisingly agile, helping this Ford SUV feel sporty and stable. For daily driving, the Explorer is pretty smooth, but the engine's auto stop-start system is a constant annoyance at stoplights because it takes too long to restart the engine as you lift off the brake pedal. You can disable the feature, but it defaults to being on every time you get in to drive.

The Explorer's driver aids work unobtrusively for the most part, and Ford's available BlueCruise hands-free driving system works pretty well and allows you to take your hands off the steering wheel on the highway when certain conditions are met.

Comfort

6.4/10

How comfortable is it? Comfort in the Explorer depends greatly on which row you're sitting in. Should you nab one of the front seats, you're likely to be pleased by the supportive and well-cushioned seats. If heating and ventilation are equipped, both are excellent, with the seat coolers feeling just as robust as the ones we love in Ford's trucks. Some trims offer massaging front seats as well, but they're very loud and don't do a great job of massaging.

But if you're sitting in the second or third row, the experience is less pleasant. To start, the seats lack cushioning, and the headrests are uncomfortable. They also lack padding and are too narrow for anyone but a child to enjoy. The third row is too close to the floor, so your legs are lifted well off the seat bottom.

Ride quality varies by trim level. The performance-oriented ST rides more stiffly than most SUVs, and you'll feel more bumps and ruts in the road. The non-ST trims offer a more composed and comfortable ride for all occupants.

In-cabin tech

9.7/10

How’s the tech? The Explorer's latest infotainment system features a pair of screens: a 12.3-inch instrument cluster display and a 13.2-inch center touchscreen. It also has some Google integration: Google Maps is the default native navigation system and Google Assistant handles the voice controls. The system is snappy and easy to navigate, but if you prefer, wireless connectivity for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration is here. A bunch of USB ports are spread around the cabin to provide plenty of charging power for families.

Storage & cargo

7.5/10

How’s storage and cargo? The Explorer has less space behind the third row than most competitors, at just 16.3 cubic feet. But there are some nice touches in the cargo area that make it more useful, including a decent-sized underfloor storage bin and a reversible cover with a non-carpeted side if you have to carry muddy or dirty items. With both rows folded, max cargo room is 85.3 cubic feet.

Small-item storage is decent. There are plenty of cubbies and bins tucked away in the doors and other areas for front passengers, but not as many for the second- and third-row passengers.

Value

6/10

Is it a good value? The Explorer can't match what the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride offer, especially given the superior warranties the South Korean brands offer. But overall, we think you're getting your money's worth here in features and build quality, especially if you stick with the lower-cost trim levels such as the Active and ST-Line.

MPG

5/10

How’s the fuel economy? The Explorer's fuel economy estimates are a bit better than average for a non-hybrid midsize SUV. EPA-estimated fuel economy ranges from a high of 24 mpg combined with the base engine and rear-wheel drive to a low of 20 mpg combined with the V6 and all-wheel drive. However, we've noticed that these turbocharged engines from Ford can get thirsty if driven more aggressively, so if you want to reach these figures, you might have to be lighter on the pedal.

X factor

9/10

If we had to pick one midsize three-row SUV to drive and have fun in, the Explorer would be the clear choice. If the V6 had a more thrilling exhaust note, it'd be a complete package when it comes to driving enjoyment. But when it comes to styling, the Explorer looks generic. The ST version has a few cool individual details, but overall there's nothing that helps the Explorer stand out.

Save as much as $1,490 with Edmunds

2027 Ford Explorer pricing in Walnut, CA

Edmunds suggests you pay

Build & Price

Buying Tips for the 2027 Ford Explorer for November

Ford shoppers have real room to negotiate here, with buyers paying about $2,000 below sticker on the 2027 Explorer and plenty of new inventory on the ground.

You can save about $2,000 total on a new Explorer. That is the dealer discount based on prices paid, and there are no general customer rebates to stack on top. The Active looks like the value play with roughly 5% off MSRP, better than the other trims.
New supply is plentiful at about 28,500 vehicles nationwide, which gives you selection and helps your bargaining position. ST-Line has the deepest pool, while Active is tighter than the rest, so expect your best pick of trims and colors in ST-Line.
New Explorers are taking about 21 days to sell, a bit slower than the 18-day market average for new vehicles. That supports a patient, competitive shopping strategy. Get quotes from multiple dealers and push for extra discount before talking trade or financing.
Lease pricing is running around $508 a month with about $6,194 due at signing on a 36-month, 12,000-mile plan. Watch the upfront cash, because a big drive-off can make an average lease look better than it really is.

Was this information helpful?

2027 Ford Explorer trim level differences

The 2027 Ford Explorer is a three-row midsize SUV that is available in six trim levels: Active 100A, Active, ST-Line, Tremor, ST and Platinum. The standard engine is a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder that makes 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. A turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 is optional on the Platinum and Tremor and standard on the ST. It generates 400 hp and 415 lb-ft. A 10-speed automatic is standard on all Explorers. Most Explorers come with rear-wheel drive as standard and offer optional all-wheel drive. The Tremor has standard all-wheel drive. Compare the 2027 Ford Explorer trim levels in-depth.

Which Explorer trim is the best to get?

The Explorer's base Active trim comes pretty well equipped, so it's a smart way to go if you need to keep your payments low. But we think you'll be better off paying a little more for the ST-Line. It comes with some appealing extras, such as upgraded upholstery and a surround-view parking camera system, and also grants access to the subscription-based BlueCruise hands-free highway driving assist system.

Alternatives to the Ford Explorer

The Ford Explorer received one of the highest ratings from Edmunds, but three others rank higher on our leaderboard. The Hyundai Palisade and its mechanically related cousin, the Kia Telluride, were recently redesigned to be more luxurious, feature-packed and, crucially, more efficient thanks to the addition of a hybrid powertrain that improves both acceleration and mpg. The Toyota Grand Highlander, meanwhile, offers two hybrid options: a more traditional efficiency-focused hybrid and a performance-oriented one that still yields decent fuel economy. Indeed, these hybrid options are key reasons they score so highly and, in turn, highlight an area of weakness for the Explorer.

Ford Explorer Reviews

Owner Reviews

3.7

59 reviews

5(59%)

4(7%)

3(5%)

2(5%)

1(24%)

See all 59 reviews of the Ford Explorer

Write a vehicle review

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

2027 Ford Explorer videos

We Couldn't Predict This… Kia Telluride X-Pro vs. Ford Explorer Tremor Off-Road

NOTE: This video is about the 2026 Ford Explorer, but since the 2027 Ford Explorer is part of the same generation, our earlier analysis still applies.

Are off-road SUVs like the Ford Explorer Tremor and Kia Telluride X-Pro actually capable, or just for show? We hit the dirt for a full off-road test to find out!

2027 Ford Explorer Features & Specs

Trim:

Active

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$38,465
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	23 MPG
Cost to Drive	$304/month
Seating	6 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	16.3 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

See all features & specs

Reliability

The 2027 Ford Explorer has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and 1 recall. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5, ranks it #23 out of 32 among Midsize SUVs.

Reliability Rating by RepairPal

3.5 out of 5 stars3.5/5Above Average

#23 out of 32 among Midsize SUVs

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

$556/yr

vs. $485/yr
for Average Midsize SUV

Frequency

1.07x/yr

vs. 1.18x/yr
for Average Midsize SUV

Severity

16.8%

vs. 13.5%
for Average Midsize SUV

Recalls

1 recall found

Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.

If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).

Recall Number:: 26V470000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 26S53
Number of vehicles affected:: 76748
Defect Description:: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2027 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. An unoccupied driver's seat may recline unintentionally during certain scenarios, such as remote unlock or remote start.
Defect Consequence:: Unexpected movement of the driver’s seat back may trap a second-row occupant, increasing the risk of injury.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will disable the driver seat module (DSM) feature until parts are available. Once available, the motor will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 3, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S53.

Warranty

3 years / 36,000 miles Basic Warranty

Basic Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles
Rust Warranty: 5 years / unlimited miles
Roadside assistance Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles

Compare the Ford Explorer

Ford Explorer
Add any vehicle to compare

Safety

Key safety features on the Explorer include:

Back-up camera
Blind Spot Monitoring
Lane Departure Warning
Alarm
Tire Pressure Warning
Stability Control
Pre-collision safety system
Post-collision safety system

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test	Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test	Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original	Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated	Good
Side Impact Test – Original	Good
Side Impact Test – Updated	Good
Roof Strength Test	Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint	Good

Research other Explorer years

FAQ

Is the Ford Explorer a good car?

The Edmunds experts tested the 2027 Explorer both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.2 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2027 Explorer gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 59 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Explorer has 16.3 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Ford Explorer. Learn more

What's new in the 2027 Ford Explorer?

According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2027 Ford Explorer:

Turbocharged V6 engine option returns to the Platinum trim
New ST Sinister styling package
Part of the sixth Explorer generation introduced for 2020

Learn more

Is the Ford Explorer reliable?

To determine whether the Ford Explorer is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Explorer. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Explorer's 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more

Is the 2027 Ford Explorer a good car?

There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2027 Ford Explorer is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2027 Explorer and gave it a 7.2 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2027 Explorer gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 59 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2027 Explorer is a good car for you. Learn more

How much should I pay for a 2027 Ford Explorer?

The least-expensive 2027 Ford Explorer is the 2027 Ford Explorer Active 4dr SUV w/100A (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $38,465.

Other versions include:

Active 4dr SUV w/100A (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A) which starts at $38,465
Active 4dr SUV w/200A (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A) which starts at $40,400
Active 4dr SUV AWD w/100A (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A) which starts at $40,465
Active 4dr SUV AWD w/200A (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A) which starts at $42,400
ST-Line 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A) which starts at $44,200
ST-Line 4dr SUV AWD (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A) which starts at $46,200
Tremor 4dr SUV AWD w/800A (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A) which starts at $49,200
Platinum 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A) which starts at $50,660
Platinum 4dr SUV AWD (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A) which starts at $52,660
ST 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 10A) which starts at $53,660
ST 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 10A) which starts at $55,660
Tremor 4dr SUV AWD w/801A (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 10A) which starts at $56,460