Shopping for a family SUV doesn't necessarily mean settling for something boring. The Ford Explorer has long mixed three-row practicality with a few more adventurous choices, whether that means extra horsepower or equipment designed for leaving the pavement behind. Let's break down the details of this midsize SUV from Ford below. It's the Alan Jay Way!
Key Takeaways:
- The Explorer's available twin-turbocharged V6 produces up to 400 horses.
- Tremor models combine all-wheel drive with equipment geared toward off-pavement driving.
- The Explorer lineup now offers two new packages.
How Do New Packages Change the Explorer ST?
The new Sinister package gives the Explorer ST a darker appearance. Ford replaces most of the bright exterior details with black finishes, including a Gloss Black 21-inch wheel with all-season tires and black-accented ST Sinister badging. Amber LED daytime running lights add a contrasting detail at the front. Ford also brings back the Explorer ST Experience.
Finally, buyers of 2026 and 2027 ST models qualify for a complimentary one-day professional driving school, where instructors show owners how to make better use of the performance SUV's capabilities.
Which Engines Does the Explorer Feature?
Most Explorers use a standard turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder generating 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft. There's also an available twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6—federal-emissions versions produce 400 horsepower, while models certified for California-emissions deliver 385 ponies. Both versions generate 415 lb-ft.
Rear- and all-wheel-drive configurations are available, and both engines pair with a 10-speed automatic.
How Do Engine and Drivetrain Affect Fuel Economy?
According to Motor Trend, a rear-wheel-drive Explorer with the 2.3-liter four-cylinder gets 20 mpg city and 29 mpg highway, and approximately 430 miles of driving range. All-wheel drive changes these estimates to 20/27 mpg and about 412 miles. The four-cylinder Tremor AWD returns 19/23 mpg with an estimated 376-mile range.
V6 models get 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway with either rear- or all-wheel drive. Driving range is approximately 424 miles with RWD and 404 miles with AWD. The V6-powered Tremor AWD gets 17/22 mpg and approximately 384 miles per tank.
How Practical Is the Explorer's Three-Row Cabin?
The Explorer offers generous front-row space and competitive max cargo capacity for a three-row SUV. Space gets tighter in the second and third rows, although adults can still use the rear seats when necessary.
Upper trims add amenities such as heated seats and a heated steering wheel. A hands-free power liftgate and head-up display are also available to add more convenience.
What's Included in the Explorer's Digital Setup?
Every Explorer has a 10.2-inch digital driver display and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and four USB-C ports give passengers multiple places to charge their devices.
Nine speakers and a subwoofer are standard in the Explorer. Higher trims feature a 12-speaker Bose premium system with a separate subwoofer, along with wireless phone charging and additional cabin upgrades.
Are You Ready to Experience the Different Sides of the 2027 Explorer?
The Explorer gives shoppers many options beyond a just typical family-focused three-row SUV. Take a test drive at Alan Jay Ford of Sebring to compare the lineup and find the Explorer that works for the way you drive.