As the best-selling three-row SUV in America, the Explorer is a key model in Ford’s lineup, outselling even more modern rivals like the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade. The 2027 version of the vehicle is expected to be officially announced later this year, but the order guide has been shared online, giving us an early look at what to expect. Along with some new packages and colors, Ford will also be expanding availability of the 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 engine. Here’s everything we know about updates to one of the country’s favourite SUVs, so you may want to hold off on ordering a 2026 model.
Four New Explorer Packages
Ford
The order guide was shared on the 2026+ Ford Explorer Tremor Owners group on Facebook, while Ford Authority also got hold of information that corroborates the changes. While images of the 2027 Explorer aren’t available yet, these updates give us an idea of what to expect. The first bit of exciting news is the introduction of four new packages:
- ST Sinister Package for ST
- 3.0L Ultimate Package for Platinum
- Sun and Sound Package for Tremor
- Ford Security Package
Available on the sporty ST, the ST Sinister Package includes 21-inch gloss black aluminum wheels wrapped in 21-inch all-season tires, along with amber LED daytime running lamps and a red ST badge with a black outline. This sounds like it’ll be the looker of the lineup.
Ford
For the Platinum, Ford is introducing the option to upgrade from the standard 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine to the 3.0L EcoBoost V6. Ticking this box also adds the Lux Leather Package with Platinum badging on the front seats, premium leather with special quilting and stitching, quad chrome exhaust tips, and 21-inch machined aluminum wheels. More importantly, outputs should rise from 300 horsepower/310 lb-ft of torque to 400 hp/415 lb-ft; the current ST already has the V6 mill. The Sun and Sound Package for the Tremor will include a B&O sound system, multicontour seats, and the Panoramic Vista Roof with a power shade.
Finally, there’s a new Ford Security Package that includes theft alerts, a function that inhibits starting of the vehicle, and stolen vehicle services.
New Roof Options and Colors
Ford
For Active, ST-Line, ST, and Platinum trims, Ford is offering the standalone option of a Slick Roof Conversion for 2027. This deletes the roof rack side rails and gives the SUV a sleeker, cleaner appearance, but you lose the versatility of the side rails. A returning option is the Panoramic Vista Roof with a power shade, which has a moonroof section that can be partially opened. It was replaced by a fixed glass panel for 2026, but customer demand presumably motivated Ford to bring back the Vista Roof for 2027.
Regarding exterior colors, Space White Metallic has been deleted for 2027, while Avalanche Gray and Ruby Red Metallic are new options. Other upgrades are smaller, such as the addition of SiriusXM with 360L on some models and a new illuminated Ford logo badge.
Pricing for the 2027 Ford Explorer hasn’t been published yet, but we expect a small increase over the 2026 model, which starts at $40,585.
Do The Changes Go Far Enough?
Chase Bierenkoven
Many of these changes are cosmetic and do nothing to address ongoing Explorer issues like the small third row and a merely average driving experience. However, they should sustain interest in Ford’s three-row SUV, especially now that there are new rivals like the second-generation Kia Telluride around. The fact is, Ford already outsells the competition with the 2026 Explorer, so perhaps more extensive updates weren’t needed. It’s an SUV America adores for its comfortable interior, butch looks, and powerful optional V6—none of that will change for the 2027 model year.
