2027 Ford Explorer is a three-row midsize SUV that has been part of the Ford lineup for more than 30 years. In its current form, the Explorer is equipped with turbocharged four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines and is based on a rear-wheel-drive platform, rather than front-wheel drive like most of its competitors.
Update (March 11, 2026): We’ve just added the latest updates on the 2027 Ford Explorer. The SUV may return largely unchanged, but rumors suggest a possible redesign and the comeback of a hybrid powertrain—potentially marking the start of its seventh generation. Release Date: Fall 2026 & Estimated Price: Starting around $41,000.
While passenger and cargo space isn’t the best in its class, the RWD platform does offer some advantages; the Explorer is one of the more enjoyable handling and driving experiences in its class.
However, we don’t yet know how much this will change for 2027, as we expect the new Explorer to launch soon.
2027 Ford Explorer Review
The current-generation Explorer went on sale as a 2020 model, so 2027 will be the eighth model of this generation. That’s quite a long time in the automotive world. While we generally like the Explorer’s design, driving dynamics, and robust suite of advanced driver assistance features, it could learn a thing or two from its newer competitors.
A few years ago, reports surfaced that the Explorer would be completely redesigned for 2027. But Ford’s recent financial troubles related to its investment in electric vehicles may have delayed those plans. Whatever year Ford chooses to launch the next-generation Explorer, it’s clear that Ford isn’t rushing production.
Ford sold 222,706 Explorers in 2025, making it the most popular SUV in its lineup and emphasizing the importance of a successful redesign.
What We Expect
The current-generation Ford Explorer has been on sale since 2020 and is starting to show its age in the midsize SUV segment. Although Ford hasn’t released any information about the 2027 Ford Explorer, it’s still a good bet.
However, a report from Ford Authority claims that Ford will introduce a hybrid version of the mid-size SUV in the near future. We don’t have much information about the 2027 Ford Explorer Hybrid, but here’s what we do know.
During Ford’s 2025 Virtual Shareholders Meeting in May 2025, company officials revealed plans to introduce hybrid versions of most of its gasoline-powered vehicles, as reported by Ford Authority. During the meeting, officials said the company expects “to offer a hybrid option across every Ford Blue brand by the end of the decade.”
As 2026 approaches, Ford reiterated its plan to expand its hybrid vehicle lineup based on customer needs and usage cycles. Ford officials added that by 2030, approximately 50% of its global volume will be hybrids, extended-range electric vehicles, and all-electric vehicles. This could include the Explorer.
Aside from stating that they aim to introduce a hybrid version of every gasoline-powered vehicle they sell, Ford has not provided any information about what will happen to the 2027 Ford Explorer Hybrid.
We expect the 2027 Ford Explorer Hybrid to have a different design than the Explorer currently on sale, but we don’t know what will happen to the vehicle.
Ford does sell a hybrid version of the Explorer under the name Ford Police Interceptor Utility Hybrid AWD. This police vehicle’s hybrid drivetrain combines a 3.3-liter V6 engine with an electric motor and battery pack. Combined output is 318 horsepower, and all-wheel drive is standard.
It’s possible Ford will add this drivetrain to the Explorer lineup, or we might see an updated version of this engine in the 2027 Ford Explorer Hybrid.
With the 2027 Ford Explorer Hybrid expected to be a 2027 model year, we should get more information about this SUV in the next few years.
New 2027 Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer is one of the most successful SUV brands of all time in the United States. Ford began production in 1990 and has continued to grow ever since. The Explorer has evolved from a compact SUV to a mid-size SUV and is now the vehicle of choice not only for many civilians but also for law enforcement agencies.
The first-generation Explorer was introduced in the early 1990s as a direct successor to the Bronco II compact SUV, and unlike the Bronco II, the Explorer also came in a five-door body style so it could compete with cars like the Jeep Cherokee.
The rest, as they say, is history, and that’s what the Explorer ultimately achieved thanks to its incredible sales.
This car quickly became popular with almost everyone, but I would argue that no Explorer has seen as big a leap forward as the fifth generation.
Not many people know it, but there is one person who played a key role in the development of the fifth-generation Explorer, and that is Jim Holland, who served as chief engineer at Ford from 2008 to late 2010.
Prior to that, he worked for Land Rover, where he oversaw the development of the latest version of the Range Rover in 2005. It’s clear he knows how to design a product that looks and is tough.
Some people still believe that the fifth-generation Explorer is a better-looking vehicle than the current model, and they do have a valid argument, but it really depends on the specifications and the angle from which you look at it.
I think both of these latest generation Explorers look great, and offer excellent value for money in all aspects.
But at this point, it’s time to wonder what’s next for this brand name, and no, I’m not just talking about the new Explorer EV that launched earlier this year.
The Explorer EV is largely aimed at buyers in Europe, so there’s little reason for Ford to bring it to the United States, especially since it would target some of the same people who would buy a Mustang Mach-E.
But that’s not it. What I’m talking about is the all-new seventh-generation Explorer, aimed at North American buyers. We know it’s coming; we just don’t know how fast it will go or what kind of powertrain it will use. But that doesn’t mean we can’t speculate.
Looking at the previous three generations, we know that the fourth-generation Explorer was in production for approximately five years (four model years), while the fifth-generation lasted a total of eight years. That’s a very long lifespan.
You rarely see an SUV last that long without a generational change, at least not in this segment.
After all, the current-generation Explorer has only been with us for about four and a half years, and if we follow the law of averages, we can conclude that this car can last about two more years, until (or into) 2026, when it will probably debut as a 2027 model year vehicle.
2027 Ford Explorer Redesign
The recent debut of the 2025 Ford Explorer marked the latest mid-cycle refresh for this long-standing model, bringing a variety of updates both inside and out. However, as is always the case in the automotive world, it was only a matter of time before the Explorer received a complete redesign.
A report from August 2022 indicated that this would likely happen in 2026, but a new report now claims that the Ford Explorer redesign will happen a little later.
According to Automotive News (AN), the Ford Explorer is now due for a redesign in 2027, though no further details are available regarding the potential changes. Regardless, there are some key changes coming to the 2025 model year that could hint at the future of the Ford Explorer – most notably, the off-road-focused Timberline is expected to be replaced by a new Tremor variant, and the hybrid powertrain, which has now been lost at least for retail models, is also expected to return in the future.
This slight delay isn’t a huge surprise considering the latest Explorer refresh was originally scheduled for the 2024 model year, but was later pushed back to 2025. The last Ford Explorer redesign occurred in 2020, meaning it will be quite some time before the next update arrives, if this report is accurate. As our colleagues at FA (FA) previously reported, both the Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator are scheduled to continue production at the Chicago Assembly plant for the foreseeable future, according to the United Auto Workers’ (UAW) latest contract agreement with the automaker.
Meanwhile, the new 2027 Ford Explorer is expected to see a number of changes including revised exterior styling, a new cabin with a new dashboard, a larger 13.2-inch infotainment screen plus a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, new Ford Digital Experience software, and various other updates.
Design
In terms of design, we don’t really know what it will look like, which is why our exclusive renderings are essentially preliminary. They aren’t based on any existing model, nor are they based on the European version of the Explorer EV.
What’s certain is that this car shares the same wheelbase, height, and front and rear overhangs as the current Explorer. It’s an SUV with similar proportions, and I don’t think it will shrink or grow in size, as Ford has no interest in abandoning a segment they’ve dominated for so long.
The only thing used as inspiration in terms of styling was, believe it or not, the incredible 2,000 HP Ford Pro Electric SuperVan, which the automaker introduced last year.
This car doesn’t look like any other Ford, which is why we thought it made sense to explore that design language further. The headlights somewhat mimic those of the SuperVan, as does the horizontal light strip that dominates the front.
Plus, the design is both stylish and functional, a sort of best-of-both-worlds combination that works equally well for both internal combustion engine and electric vehicles. We can’t be sure what Ford will do with the seventh-generation Explorer in that regard, but we don’t see them abandoning the internal combustion engine altogether; the best option remains some form of hybrid powertrain.
We also wanted to show you not only different colors but also different specifications, which is why we have images of this vehicle featuring a black roofline and mirrors, for a more “floating” effect. This is how car manufacturers nowadays make their SUVs appear lower than they actually are.
Last but not least, our latest generation Ford Explorer gets traditional door handles, because law enforcement officers won’t bother with complicated locking mechanisms.
2027 Ford Explorer Hybrid
The current generation Ford Explorer has been on sale since 2020 and is starting to age in the midsize segment. While Ford hasn’t released any information about the 2027 Ford Explorer, a report from the FA (FA) claims that Ford will introduce a hybrid version of the midsize SUV in the near future. We don’t have much information yet about the 2027 Ford Explorer Hybrid, but here’s what we do know.
Citing Ford’s 2025 Virtual Annual General Meeting, a recently disclosed report by the FA reported that Ford plans to introduce hybrid versions of most of its gasoline-powered vehicles. In the meeting, Ford stated that it hopes to “offer a hybrid option across the entire Ford Blue lineup by the end of the decade.”
Aside from stating that it will introduce a hybrid version for every gasoline-powered vehicle it sells, Ford hasn’t shared any information about what’s coming for the 2027 Ford Explorer Hybrid. We expect the 2027 Ford Explorer Hybrid will have a different design than the current Explorer, but we don’t yet know what will be coming for the vehicle.
Ford does sell a hybrid version of the Explorer, the Ford Police Interceptor Utility Hybrid AWD. The police vehicle’s hybrid drivetrain combines a 3.3-liter V6 engine with an electric motor and battery. Combined power output reaches 318 horsepower, and all-wheel drive (AWD) is standard. It’s possible Ford will add this drivetrain to the Explorer lineup, or we could see an updated version of this engine in the 2027 Ford Explorer Hybrid.
With the 2027 Ford Explorer Hybrid expected to be a 2027 model year, we should have more information about the SUV in the next few years.
Read next: Next-Gen 2027 Ford Excursion Full-size SUV Reviews
2027 Ford Explorer Tremor
Ford’s popular three-row midsize SUV features all-terrain tires, a higher ride height, and skid plates to handle light off-road terrain.
In the Ford world, the Tremor model is like the Raptor Diet. While the Raptor is equipped with hardware that helps it navigate rough terrain and withstand tough obstacles, the Tremor treatment also provides additional underbody protection and equipment that enhances off-road capabilities, albeit to a lesser extent.
You can launch a Bronco Raptor off a sandbar or drive through 37 inches of water, but you certainly won’t want to do the same with the new 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor. Instead, you can take your family or friends on previously unadvisable adventures with the standard version of this three-row midsize SUV.
The Toughest Explorer
The 2027 Ford Explorer Tremor isn’t the first time Ford has offered a rugged Explorer. The older Timberline trim also held that designation. However, that model was discontinued for the 2025 model year, when the Explorer received major changes, including a redesigned dashboard and improved technology. Despite this, much of the Timberline’s standard off-road equipment has been adopted by the Tremor.
The list of upgrades includes underbody skid plates, a modified suspension with Tremor-specific springs and anti-roll bars, and a one-inch higher ride height that improves approach and departure angles, making it easier to climb and get over things.
Every Explorer Tremor also rides on distinctive 18-inch alloy wheels with knobby Bridgestone Dueler all-terrain tires, featuring distinctive orange pockets that make it easy to identify the valve stem when the tire needs inflation or re-inflating. The orange, which Ford calls “electric spice,” also appears on the front tow hooks and on the element that divides the front grille and houses a pair of LED headlights.
Under the hood, the 2027 Ford Explorer Tremor version is expected to come standard with a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower. A Torsen limited-slip rear differential also helps the standard all-wheel-drive system deliver more traction when needed.
For those who want extra power under the accelerator, the Tremor is available with the same engine as the sporty Explorer ST. A 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 produces 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque.
Inside, the 2027 Ford Explorer Tremor features the same 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system found on all other 2026 Explorers. Of course, the Tremor itself features bold orange contrast stitching, eye-catching trim on the dash and doors, and its nameplate on the front seatbacks.
While a 360-degree camera system is standard, you’ll have to pay extra for massaging front seats and a 14-speaker B&O stereo. Ford’s Blue Cruise hands-free driving mode is also available, with the 1.5 version introducing automatic lane-change functionality.
- The Ford Explorer Tremor is an adventure-ready SUV with off-road hardware.
- The Tremor-spec Explorer features a higher ride height, all-terrain tires on unique 18-inch wheels, and a limited-slip rear diff.
- The off-road-ready Explorer offers a 300-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine or a 400-hp twin-turbocharged V-6, but Ford hasn’t announced pricing yet.
2027 Ford Explorer Platinum
For years, the Ford Explorer Platinum trim offered two engine options. Buyers could either stick with the standard 2.3L turbocharged EcoBoost I4 engine or upgrade to the twin-turbo 3.0L EcoBoost V6 for more power. However, that’s no longer the case with the 2026 Ford Explorer Platinum, as the 3.0L V6 is no longer available.
Sources familiar with the matter told FA that the 2026 Ford Explorer Platinum will be offered exclusively with a 2.3L I4 engine, and the 3.0L V6 will no longer be offered as an upgrade. However, the 3.0L V6 will remain standard on the Explorer ST and will be optional on the new 2026 Explorer Tremor, as first reported by FA.
For the Explorer Platinum, the 3.0L V6 engine was offered as an optional powertrain upgrade bundled with the $4,725 Ultimate Package. The Ultimate Package has also been removed, meaning it is no longer available on the 2026 Ford Explorer Platinum.
What sets the Platinum apart from the rest of the lineup is that this well-equipped trim features adaptive headlights, LED taillights, a power liftgate, satin-finish roof rack side rails, and Premium Silver-finished skid plate elements.
The car rides on 20-inch Luster Nickel-painted aluminum wheels, while the interior features ambient lighting and Platinum-branded door sill scuff plates. It also offers BlueCruise and a host of driver safety technology features as part of the Ford Co-Pilot 360 Assist 2.0 package, among others.
Besides the removal of the 3.0L V6 engine on the Platinum trim, the 2027 Ford Explorer receives minor changes and updates compared to the previous model year. As previously mentioned, the biggest change is the addition of the all-new Tremor trim, but it also gets some new wheel options, while the ST trim can now be equipped with a second-row seat. Updates will also be coming to the BlueCruise subscription model, along with the addition of the Ford Connectivity Package.
2027 Ford Explorer XLT
The 2025 Ford Explorer XLT is replaced by the “Active” trim, which is the new base model. The 2025 Explorer has been redesigned with a new interior, available multi-contour massage seats, and a new color palette. It also features Ford Digital Experience and Ford BlueCruise for hands-free driving on the highway. The Active trim comes standard with a 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 engine producing 300 horsepower.
Read next: Next-Gen 2027 Ford F150 Pickup Truck: What We Know So Far
2027 Ford Explorer Interior
The Explorer’s interior design generally prioritizes function over form, but its comfortable cabin received an upgrade last year with some new interior color schemes and the use of softer materials on the center console, door panels, and dashboard.
Getting into the standard third row is easy thanks to a mechanism that moves the second-row seats with the touch of a button. However, once back in, children and taller adults may find the seats too close to the floor for comfort.
Competitors like the Chevrolet Traverse and Volkswagen Atlas offer more comfort in the third row. We managed to fit four carry-on suitcases behind the Ford’s third row, and we could fit a total of 31 carry-on suitcases with both rear rows folded flat.
Infotainment and Connectivity
A 13.2-inch LCD touchscreen infotainment system is standard. The standard software, dubbed Ford Digital Experience, allows drivers to access apps and services from Google and Amazon, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto through compatible devices.
While the vehicle is parked, users can stream videos from YouTube and other providers, browse the internet, and play games through Google Play. There are also eight USB ports, including two for third-row passengers, and three 12-volt power outlets. A 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo system is standard on all trims except the standard Active Explorer.
2027 Ford Explorer Engine
The standard Active, ST-Line, and Platinum trims come with a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The ST trim is powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6 producing 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, and this V-6 is also optional for the Platinum trim.
A 10-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive are standard, but all-wheel drive is also available. In our test drive, we found the Explorer’s driving experience to be nearly identical to the previous version. The controls and handling are calm and predictable, and the Explorer ST’s extra power makes it truly quick.
Towing and Load Capacity
The maximum towing capacity for the 2026 Ford Explorer is 2,200 kg. All models are equipped with the Class III Towing package, which includes tow hooks, a trailer wiring harness, and a trailer sway control system.
2027 Ford Explorer EPA
The EPA hasn’t released fuel economy figures for the 2027 Explorer, but without significant changes, the latest Explorer is expected to achieve similar results to last year’s model. The most fuel-efficient model, with rear-wheel drive and the turbocharged four-wheel drive engine, returns 20 mpg city and 29 mpg highway; the all-wheel drive model drops highway fuel economy to 2 mpg.
With its twin-turbo V-6 engine, the Explorer can achieve fuel economy of 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. On our 75-mph highway route, the 400-hp Explorer ST returned 25 mpg.
Competitor
Our favorite mainstream three-row SUVs are the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade, which we like for their practical interiors, abundant technology, and reasonable price. However, this segment is filled with excellent SUVs.
The Mazda CX-90 offers standard all-wheel drive and several power levels from its inline-six engine, plus a four-cylinder plug-in hybrid powertrain. It also raises the bar with a premium design and more materials than the Explorer. There’s also the Toyota Grand Highlander, which offers a variety of trim levels and two hybrid options.
2027 Ford Explorer Price
Pricing for the 2027 Ford Explorer is expected to start at around $44,000 and go up to $57,000, depending on trim and options. We think the ST-Line makes the most sense. It shares the ST’s sporty aesthetics and retains the standard 300-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine, but it’s also significantly cheaper.
It rides on standard 20-inch alloy wheels (the Active has 18-inch wheels), is capable of towing the same load as the V-6-powered Explorer, and offers BlueCruise and a black roof, which are not available on the standard Active. It also features a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, a flat-bottom ST steering wheel, heated second-row seats, and power-folding mirrors.
| Models | Prices |
| Active | $43,000 (est) |
| ST-Line | $48,000 (est) |
| Tremor | $53,000 (est) |
| Platinum | $55,000 (est) |
| ST | $57,000 (est) |
2027 Ford Explorer Release Date
So far, we haven’t received any official information regarding the 2027 Ford Explorer’s release schedule. However, we expect the new car to arrive in showrooms next year.
- Release Date: Fall 2026
Verdict
The new 2027 Ford Explorer certainly has a lot going for it, especially after last year’s updates. It offers a powerful engine and a much more enjoyable driving experience than any large three-row SUV. It also has excellent infotainment technology, available hands-free driver assistance systems, and a wide selection of trim levels. However, its lack of passenger space, especially in the third row, makes it less family-friendly than some competing SUVs, which we hope will be addressed to make it a top-of-the-line option. We’ll be back soon with more on the 2025 Ford F250, so make sure you bookmark our website to stay updated with the latest Ford F-Series news, Ford Explorer news, and information on other Ford models on the road.
FAQs: People also ask about the Ford Explorer 2027
Q: What year to stay away from Ford Explorer?
A: It's best to stay away from Ford Explorer models from 2002 to 2006 because there are a lot of reports of transmission problems, engine problems, and other dependability issues. Some sources also say to stay away from the 2016 and 2020 models because of problems with quality control.
Q: Will there be a 2026 Explorer?
A: Drivers will find that the new Ford Explorer has a new trim dubbed the Tremor. This trim gives you an off-road option that includes: Lift the suspension by one inch. Tires for all kinds of terrain. Torsen limited-slip differential.
