2027 Ford Explorer: Trims, Engines and Who Each One Suits

The 2027 Ford Explorer is the new model year of Ford's three-row SUV, and Ford lists it in five models: the Active, ST-Line, Tremor, Platinum and ST. Every model has an EcoBoost engine, and the 2027 changes are an update, not a redesign.

If your family has outgrown a two-row SUV and the drive home runs along Highway 7 from Ottawa, start by matching an engine and a seat count to your week. Browse our new Ford Explorer inventory at Carleton Place Ford, then read on for each trim.

Key Takeaways

• Five models for 2027. The Active, ST-Line, Tremor, Platinum and ST make up the 2027 Explorer line-up, and every one has three rows of seats.

  
  

• Two EcoBoost engines. The 2.3-litre I-4 is standard on the Active, ST-Line, Tremor and Platinum, and the twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 is available on the Tremor and Platinum and standard on the ST.

  
  

• An update, not a redesign. For 2027, the changes include an available Ford Security Package, the new Avalanche Grey colour, an ST Sinister Package and a 3.0-litre V6 upgrade for the Platinum.

  
  

• Six or seven seats. The 2027 Tremor seats six, and the Active, ST-Line, Platinum and ST seat six or seven with the available second-row bench.

  
  

• Match the trim to your week. Pick the seats and engine your family needs, then confirm the model year and equipment on the exact Explorer with our team at Carleton Place Ford.

  
  

What Is the 2027 Ford Explorer?

The 2027 Ford Explorer is Ford's three-row SUV for the 2027 model year, offered in five models and two EcoBoost engines. Every 2027 Explorer has three rows: the Tremor seats six, and the other four models seat six or seven, depending on whether you choose the available second-row bench.

For a Lanark County family, that third row is the difference between taking one vehicle to the cottage and taking two.

For a row-by-row look at the seats and the space behind the third row, read our Ford Explorer interior guide.

Ford's 2027 Explorer overview lists 4WD as standard, and Ford names Intelligent 4WD as standard on the Tremor and the ST. Confirm the drive on the exact Explorer you are considering.

The Five 2027 Explorer Trims

The 2027 Explorer comes in five trims: the Active, ST-Line, Tremor, Platinum and ST. They share three rows and an EcoBoost engine, and they differ in which engine is standard, how many seats you can choose and the packages each one offers for 2027.

• Active: the 2027 Explorer's starting point, with the 2.3-litre EcoBoost I-4, second-row captain's chairs and a bench available if you need a seventh seat. A panoramic Vista Roof with a power shade is available on the Active.

  
  

• ST-Line: the same 2.3-litre engine and six-or-seven seating as the Active, with the ST-Line's own look. The Vista Roof with a power shade is available here too.

  
  

• Tremor: seats six, starts with the 2.3-litre and offers the 3.0-litre V6, which now brings the Sun & Sound Package. Our Explorer Tremor guide asks whether your roads need one.

  
  

• Platinum: starts with the 2.3-litre, and for 2027 it can be upgraded to the 3.0-litre V6 with quilted leather seating and its own wheel style.

  
  

• ST: the performance model, with the twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 standard, and for 2027 it offers the dark Sinister Package.

  
  

Which Engine Comes With Each 2027 Explorer Trim?

For 2027, the Explorer Active and ST-Line each come with a 2.3-litre EcoBoost I-4. The Tremor and Platinum start with the same 2.3-litre engine and offer a twin-turbo 3.0-litre EcoBoost V6, and the ST comes with the 3.0-litre V6 as standard.

Ford's Canadian ratings for 2027 are 300 hp for the 2.3-litre on the Active, ST-Line, Tremor and Platinum, and 400 hp for the 3.0-litre V6 on the Tremor, Platinum and ST, both rated on premium fuel.

If the twin-turbo V6 is on your list, the Tremor, Platinum and ST are the three 2027 models to compare.

On any Explorer that is not a 2027, confirm the engine by the VIN, the trim and the label under the hood.

What Is New on the 2027 Ford Explorer?

The 2027 Ford Explorer's changes are an update, not a redesign. Every model gets a new, available Ford Security Package and the new Avalanche Grey colour, and the Active, ST-Line, Platinum and ST add Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat and a Slick Roof Conversion option that deletes the standard roof rails.

The ST gets a new Sinister appearance package, the Platinum can now be upgraded to the 3.0-litre V6, and a Tremor with the V6 now comes with the Sun & Sound Package.

The Sinister Package is a dark appearance package for the ST, with its own 21-inch gloss-black wheels, amber accent lights and black-outlined ST badges.

On the Tremor, choosing the 3.0-litre V6 now brings the Sun & Sound Package as standard: an upgraded B&O sound system, massaging front seats and a power moonroof. On the Platinum, the 3.0-litre upgrade comes with quilted leather seating and its own wheel style.

Ask our team which of these 2027 packages and colours the exact Explorer you are considering carries.

Which 2027 Explorer Trim Suits Your Family?

Choose a 2027 Explorer trim by the seats you need and the engine you want, because those two choices sort the five models quickly. A family that needs a seventh seat starts with the Active, ST-Line, Platinum or ST, and a family that wants the V6 looks at the Tremor, Platinum or ST, the models Ford lists it on.

• The family outgrowing a two-row SUV: if a third child or a carpool has filled your back seat, the Active is the 2027 Explorer's starting point, with the 2.3-litre engine and a second-row bench available for a seventh seat.

  
  

• The Kanata commuter who wants a different look: if your week runs along Highway 7 into Kanata, the ST-Line keeps the Active's 2.3-litre and six-or-seven seating, with the ST-Line's own look.

  
  

• The six-seat household: if six seats cover your family, the Tremor seats six, starts with the 2.3-litre and offers the 3.0-litre V6. A family that needs a seventh seat looks at the other four.

  
  

• The family that wants the V6 with quilted leather: the Platinum seats six or seven, and for 2027 its 3.0-litre V6 upgrade brings quilted leather seating and its own wheel style.

  
  

• The driver who wants the performance model: the ST comes with the twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6, and the new, available Sinister Package gives it a darker look.

  
  

• The current Explorer owner: if you drive an Explorer now, note its engine and seats and compare them with the 2027 trim you are considering, then value your trade online before you choose.

  
  

When the seats and the engine are settled, browse our new Ford Explorer inventory at Carleton Place Ford.

What to Check Before You Choose a 2027 Explorer

Before you choose a 2027 Explorer, confirm three things on the exact vehicle: the engine, the seat count and the model year. Everything here describes the 2027 Explorer as Ford lists it; if you're looking at a 2026, confirm the engine, seats and equipment on that exact vehicle.

If the cottage run includes a boat or a trailer, read our Explorer towing guide before you settle on a trim and an engine.

Then book a test drive at Carleton Place Ford and drive the Explorer you are considering on the roads you use, with your family in the seats they will ride in.

If you own an Explorer now, bring it to the test drive so you can compare the two on the same roads.

Trading, Financing and Ordering a 2027 Explorer

If the two-row SUV in your driveway is your trade toward a 2027 Explorer, value your trade online first, then bring it to Carleton Place Ford for our appraisal. We take trades of any make, whether it is paid off or not.

We put our appraisal of your trade in writing.

We buy vehicles outright, so an appraisal does not commit you to buying from us.

With your permission, we get the payout from your lender and show it beside our appraisal.

If you owe more than the vehicle is worth, the shortfall may be added to the amount financed, increasing the amount borrowed and potentially the total cost of borrowing. Financing is subject to lender approval (O.A.C.).

Apply for financing before you come in if you wish. With your consent, we can review options with participating lenders.

Approval, rate, term and payment depend on the applicant, lender and vehicle, and a credit-bureau inquiry may be required.

Bring a driver's licence and proof of income if requested; lender requirements vary.

If Ford's order bank, dealer allocation and your preferred configuration are available, we can review the build and help you submit an order. Availability, order acceptance, timing and pricing are subject to Ford and dealer confirmation.

Ask our team to check the VIN and confirm any open campaigns before you buy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Trims Does the 2027 Ford Explorer Have?

Five. Ford lists the 2027 Ford Explorer as the Active, ST-Line, Tremor, Platinum and ST, and every model has three rows of seats and an EcoBoost engine under the hood.

What Engines Does the 2027 Explorer Have?

The 2027 Explorer Active and ST-Line come with a 2.3-litre EcoBoost I-4. The Tremor and Platinum start with the 2.3-litre and offer a twin-turbo 3.0-litre EcoBoost V6, and the ST comes with the 3.0-litre V6 as standard.

Ford's Canadian ratings for 2027 are 300 hp for the 2.3-litre and 400 hp for the V6, on premium fuel.

How Many Seats Does the 2027 Ford Explorer Have?

Six or seven. The 2027 Explorer Tremor seats six with second-row captain's chairs, and the Active, ST-Line, Platinum and ST seat six with the standard captain's chairs or seven with the available second-row bench.

Is the 2027 Ford Explorer Redesigned?

No. The 2027 Explorer's changes are an update, not a redesign, and they include an available Ford Security Package and the new Avalanche Grey colour on every model, an ST Sinister Package, a 3.0-litre V6 upgrade for the Platinum, and the Sun & Sound Package with the Tremor's V6.

Can I Trade My Current SUV Toward a 2027 Explorer?

Yes, you can trade it toward a 2027 Explorer. We take trades of any make, whether it is paid off or not.

Bring the SUV you drive now to Carleton Place Ford. We put our appraisal of your trade in writing.

Why Choose Your 2027 Explorer at Carleton Place Ford?

Choose your 2027 Explorer at Carleton Place Ford when you know which seats and which engine fit your family's week. Bring the people who ride in the third row, and check the engine, seats and model year on the exact Explorer you are considering.

Once the trim and the engine are settled, apply for financing on approved credit.

Source: Ford Canada's 2027 Explorer pages.

Visit us at 10441 Hwy 7, Carleton Place, ON K7C 0T6

Browse inventory, value your trade, apply for financing (on approved credit), book service, or contact the team.

Sales: (888)-910-3538 Parts: (888)-876-1102 Service: (877)-866-8810 Local: 613-257-3988

About the Author:

Kerry Irven is the Vice President of New and Used Automotive Operations for Heighton Automotive Group, a family-owned and operated automotive group serving communities across Eastern Ontario. Kerry began his automotive career in new-car sales, building his experience on the showroom floor and working his way through multi-store dealership operations.

With over 25 years in the automotive industry, Kerry has helped grow automotive businesses from one location with 40 to 50 vehicles in stock to more than 500 vehicles across 10 rooftops. His hands-on background in both new and used-vehicle operations gives him a practical understanding of what customers look for when shopping for their next vehicle.

Throughout his career, Kerry has always been actively involved in staff coaching and in understanding customer wants and needs, helping ensure the businesses he works with continue to adapt to what customers are truly looking for.

One of the most exciting chapters of his career has been the shift into modern automotive marketing, embracing new technology, transparent pricing, customer-first inventory strategies, and new ways to create a better vehicle-shopping experience.

Kerry has completed extensive automotive training, including certification through the Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council, involvement with the Used Car Dealers Association of Ontario, Canadian automotive dealer training, and multiple customer service courses.

Born and raised on a farm, Kerry has always valued family, hard work, and a practical, down-to-earth approach. Joining Heighton Automotive Group and working alongside Thomas Heighton and family, along with managing partners Kyle Lothian and Martin Gougeon, has allowed him to bring those same values into the car business. It has also allowed Kerry to continue following a simple philosophy: treat every customer exactly the way he would want to be treated.