2027 Ford Explorer Review: From Tremor to ST, Built for Arizona Roads

 

Kingman is the kind of place where one SUV can be asked to do a little bit of everything.

School runs during the week.

I-40 and US-93 highway miles.

A family trip toward Las Vegas.

A weekend climbing toward Williams or Flagstaff.

Maybe a trailer behind you.

Maybe an unpaved road waiting at the end.

That’s exactly the kind of life the 2027 Ford Explorer is built to handle.

Ford’s three-row SUV gives Kingman drivers a choice between a 300-horsepower 2.3L EcoBoost® and an available 3.0L twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 with up to 400 horsepower, available Intelligent 4WD, seating for six or seven, up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity, and more than 85 cubic feet of maximum cargo space.

And for 2027, Ford has made several useful updates without completely reinventing the Explorer.

2027 Ford Explorer Review: The Short Version

The 2027 Explorer lineup includes:

• Active
• ST-Line
• Tremor®
• Platinum™
• ST

The standard engine on Active, ST-Line, Tremor, and Platinum is a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder producing:

• 300 horsepower
• 310 lb.-ft. of torque

The 3.0-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 is standard on ST and available on Tremor and Platinum.

Ford advertises up to:

• 400 horsepower
• 415 lb.-ft. of torque

Ford notes that 3.0L horsepower can vary by state certification, so the safest way to describe it is up to 400 horsepower.

Both engines use a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Maximum towing capacity reaches 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.

Every Explorer has three rows.

Second-row captain’s chairs are standard, creating a six-passenger layout, while an available second-row bench increases capacity to seven on every trim except Tremor.

What’s New for the 2027 Ford Explorer?

The 2027 Explorer is not an all-new redesign.

Instead, Ford has expanded the current formula with new colors, packages, and powertrain choices.

Two new exterior colors join the lineup:

• Avalanche Gray
• Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat

Ford has also expanded the Ford Security Package across the lineup.

Ford lists one year of the package included from the new-vehicle warranty start date, with a one-time purchase option also available.

Platinum shoppers can now choose the available 3.0L EcoBoost V6.

Tremor models equipped with the 3.0L engine can now add the Sun & Sound Package, which brings features including:

• Panoramic Vista Roof®
• Multicontour massaging front seats
• 14-speaker B&O® premium audio

And the 2027 Explorer ST gains the new available Sinister Package.

2.3L EcoBoost: 300 Horsepower Is the Starting Point

You don’t have to move all the way to the V6 to get serious power.

The standard 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 produces:

• 300 horsepower
• 310 lb.-ft. of torque

It’s standard on:

• Active
• ST-Line
• Tremor
• Platinum

For most Kingman families, that is already plenty of engine.

It provides strong power for highway merging, climbing grades, passing on US-93 or I-40, and carrying a cabin full of passengers and gear.

It’s paired with Ford’s 10-speed automatic transmission.

3.0L EcoBoost V6: Up to 400 Horsepower

For drivers who want substantially more performance, Ford offers its 3.0-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V6.

Ford lists output of up to:

• 400 horsepower
• 415 lb.-ft. of torque

It’s:

• Standard on Explorer ST
• Available on Explorer Tremor
• Available on Explorer Platinum

That gives the same basic engine three very different personalities.

ST uses it for performance.

Tremor combines it with off-road-focused hardware.

Platinum can pair it with a more premium cabin.

Rear-Wheel Drive or Intelligent 4WD?

One thing that continues to separate the Explorer from many three-row crossovers is its drivetrain layout.

Active, ST-Line, Platinum, and ST offer rear-wheel drive or available Intelligent 4WD.

Tremor is Intelligent 4WD only.

That choice makes sense around Kingman.

A rear-wheel-drive Explorer may be perfectly suitable if most of your driving stays on dry pavement.

Available 4WD becomes more appealing if your routine includes:

• Winter travel toward Flagstaff or Williams
• Mountain roads
• Unpaved recreation areas
• Camping trips
• Changing Northern Arizona weather

Explorer also provides selectable drive modes to help adapt the vehicle to different driving conditions.

2027 Explorer Tremor: The Kingman Adventure Choice

If your idea of exploring occasionally involves leaving the pavement, the 2027 Explorer Tremor is probably the most interesting version.

Tremor comes standard with Intelligent 4WD and includes:

• 18-inch Ebony Black-painted wheels
• All-terrain tires
• Electric Spice-painted tow hooks
• Off-road auxiliary lighting
• Torsen® limited-slip rear axle
• Off-road-tuned suspension
• Increased ride height
• Front and rear underbody deflector plates
• Selectable Off-Road drive mode
• 360-degree camera

Ford lists 8.7 inches of minimum running ground clearance for Tremor.

It is also the only Explorer trim limited to a six-passenger layout with second-row captain’s chairs.

The 300-horsepower 2.3L EcoBoost is standard.

The 3.0L EcoBoost V6 is available if you want the Tremor formula with considerably more power.

Anderson Ford Kingman’s current inventory includes multiple 2027 Explorer Tremor models, so this isn’t just a factory-order talking point.

How Much Can the 2027 Explorer Tow?

Ford lists a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.

The rating applies across the Explorer lineup depending on configuration.

For Western Arizona, that can be useful for properly sized:

• Small camping trailers
• Utility trailers
• ATV and side-by-side trailers
• Personal-watercraft trailers
• Some boat-and-trailer combinations

Ford’s 2027 towing guide confirms the Explorer’s Class III towing capability and a maximum 500-pound tongue weight.

Always verify the exact vehicle, trailer, cargo, passenger load, and equipment before towing.

Six or Seven Seats

Every 2027 Explorer is a three-row SUV.

Second-row captain’s chairs are standard throughout the lineup, giving you seating for six.

An available second-row bench raises capacity to seven passengers on:

• Active
• ST-Line
• Platinum
• ST

Tremor remains a six-passenger configuration.

Ford lists 31.8 inches of third-row legroom and 38.9 inches of third-row headroom.

That makes the Explorer useful for families who need a third row regularly but don’t necessarily want to move all the way up to an Expedition.

How Much Cargo Space Does the 2027 Explorer Have?

With all three rows upright, every 2027 Explorer provides 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row.

Maximum cargo capacity is:

• Active: up to 85.8 cubic feet
• ST-Line: up to 85.8 cubic feet
• Tremor: up to 85.3 cubic feet
• Platinum: up to 85.3 cubic feet
• ST: up to 85.3 cubic feet

That’s enough flexibility for luggage, coolers, sports equipment, camping gear, strollers, groceries, and the other things that tend to accumulate in a family SUV.

13.2-Inch Center Display and Ford Digital Experience

The current Explorer cabin is much more technology-focused than older generations.

A 13.2-inch center display is standard and runs Ford Digital Experience.

Wireless smartphone connectivity includes:

• Apple CarPlay®
• Android Auto™

The system also integrates connected Google-based functionality and compatible apps.

Other available or trim-specific technology includes:

• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
• 360-degree camera
• B&O premium audio systems
• Ford Co-Pilot360® driver-assistance features
• Ford BlueCruise
• Panoramic Vista Roof
• Multicontour massaging front seats

BlueCruise for Long Arizona Highway Drives

Ford’s available BlueCruise system can provide hands-free driving assistance on compatible divided highways.

The system can assist with:

• Steering
• Acceleration
• Braking
• Lane centering

Ford’s latest BlueCruise functionality also includes Automatic Lane Change capability on compatible roads and properly equipped vehicles.

For someone who regularly covers long stretches of I-40 or US-93, that’s the kind of technology that can make highway travel more comfortable.

BlueCruise is available on ST-Line and Tremor and equipped on select Platinum and ST configurations.

The driver still has to watch the road and remain ready to take control.

2027 Ford Explorer Active

Active is the straightforward starting point.

Standard highlights include:

• 300-hp 2.3L EcoBoost
• 10-speed automatic
• RWD or available Intelligent 4WD
• Power liftgate
• Heated front seats
• 13.2-inch center display
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Black roof-rack side rails

Anderson Ford Kingman currently has 2027 Explorer Active models represented in inventory.

2027 Ford Explorer ST-Line

ST-Line gives the Explorer a sportier personality without requiring the 3.0L V6.

Highlights include:

• 300-hp 2.3L EcoBoost
• 20-inch Ebony-painted machined wheels
• Black exterior treatment
• 360-degree camera
• 10-speaker B&O audio system
• Heated front seats
• Heated leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Available BlueCruise

Anderson Ford Kingman also currently has 2027 ST-Line models represented in inventory.

2027 Ford Explorer Platinum

Platinum takes the Explorer toward the premium side of the three-row SUV market.

Key equipment includes:

• 20-inch Luster Nickel-painted wheels
• Open On Approach liftgate
• Adaptive headlamps
• PowerFold® third-row seats
• 14-speaker B&O premium audio
• Heated front and second-row seats
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• BlueCruise equipment on applicable configurations
• Available panoramic Vista Roof

For 2027, Platinum can now be upgraded with the available 3.0L EcoBoost V6.

Anderson Ford Kingman currently has multiple 2027 Explorer Platinum models represented in inventory.

2027 Ford Explorer ST: The Performance Explorer

Then there’s the Explorer ST.

This is the performance-focused member of the family.

The 3.0L twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 is standard and produces up to 400 horsepower and 415 lb.-ft. of torque.

ST equipment includes:

• Sport-tuned suspension
• Performance brakes with red-painted calipers
• 21-inch wheels
• Quad-tipped exhaust
• PowerFold third row
• 360-degree camera
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Red interior accent stitching
• BlueCruise equipment on applicable configurations

For 2027, ST adds the available Sinister Package.

That package includes:

• 21-inch gloss-black wheels
• Unique accent lighting
• ST badging outlined in black

Anderson Ford Kingman currently has multiple 2027 Explorer ST models represented in inventory.

Why the 2027 Explorer Fits Kingman

The Explorer fits Kingman because driving here can change dramatically depending on which direction you head.

South toward Lake Havasu City.

West toward Bullhead City and Laughlin.

North toward Las Vegas.

East toward Williams and Flagstaff.

The Explorer can be configured around all of those situations.

You can have:

• Three-row seating
• Six- or seven-passenger configurations
• Available Intelligent 4WD
• Up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity
• Up to 400 available horsepower
• Tremor off-road hardware
• Platinum comfort
• ST performance

That’s a lot of flexibility from one SUV family.

2027 Ford Explorer FAQ

How much horsepower does the 2027 Ford Explorer have?

The standard 2.3L EcoBoost produces 300 horsepower and 310 lb.-ft. of torque. The 3.0L EcoBoost V6 offers up to 400 horsepower and 415 lb.-ft., with Ford noting that horsepower certification can vary by state.

Which 2027 Explorer has the V6?

The 3.0L EcoBoost V6 is standard on ST and available on Tremor and Platinum.

What transmission does the 2027 Explorer use?

Both Explorer engine choices are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Is the 2027 Explorer 4WD?

Intelligent 4WD is available on Active, ST-Line, Platinum, and ST. Tremor comes standard with Intelligent 4WD.

How many people does the Explorer seat?

Second-row captain’s chairs provide six-passenger seating. An available second-row bench increases capacity to seven on every trim except Tremor.

How much can the 2027 Explorer tow?

The 2027 Explorer offers up to 5,000 pounds of maximum towing capacity when properly equipped.

How much cargo space does the Explorer have?

All trims provide 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row. Maximum capacity reaches 85.8 cubic feet on Active and ST-Line and 85.3 cubic feet on Tremor, Platinum, and ST.

What is the Explorer Tremor?

Tremor is the 4WD-only, off-road-oriented Explorer with all-terrain tires, a Torsen limited-slip rear axle, increased ground clearance, underbody protection, off-road suspension, tow hooks, and auxiliary lighting.

Does the 2027 Explorer have BlueCruise?

BlueCruise is available or equipped on select ST-Line, Tremor, Platinum, and ST configurations.

What’s new for the 2027 Explorer?

Changes include Avalanche Gray and Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat, expanded Ford Security Package availability, a newly available 3.0L EcoBoost V6 on Platinum, additional Sun & Sound Package availability for V6 Tremor models, and the new ST Sinister Package.

Does Anderson Ford Kingman have 2027 Ford Explorers?

Yes. Anderson Ford Kingman’s current inventory includes 2027 Active, ST-Line, Tremor, Platinum, and ST models, giving local shoppers a broad cross-section of the Explorer lineup.

So, Is the 2027 Ford Explorer Worth Buying?

The Explorer works because Ford doesn’t force every buyer into the same kind of three-row SUV.

Need a comfortable everyday family vehicle?

Start with Active.

Want the ST look without the V6?

ST-Line.

Want to spend more time off pavement?

Tremor.

Want more comfort?

Platinum.

Want up to 400 horsepower?

That’s what ST is for.

Underneath those different personalities is the same core formula: three-row practicality, useful cargo capacity, 5,000-pound maximum towing capability, modern technology, and enough power for Western Arizona highway driving.

For Kingman, that’s a pretty compelling combination.

Shop the 2027 Ford Explorer at Anderson Ford Kingman

At Anderson Ford Kingman, you can compare current and incoming 2027 Explorer models, explore rear-wheel-drive and Intelligent 4WD configurations, compare the 2.3L and 3.0L EcoBoost engines, value your trade, and find the Explorer that fits the way you actually drive.

Anderson Ford Kingman is located at 3601 Stockton Hill Road in Kingman, AZ 86409, serving Ford shoppers from Kingman, Golden Valley, Bullhead City, Lake Havasu City, Fort Mohave, Mohave Valley, and communities throughout Northwestern Arizona and Mohave County.

Come on down to Anderson Ford Kingman and take a closer look at the 2027 Ford Explorer.

-TJ

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