2027 Ford Explorer Trim Levels Explained: Which One is Right for You?

Shopping for a three-row SUV means sorting through trim names, engine choices, and package options before you land on the right one. The 2027 Ford Explorer offers six distinct configurations across five trim families, each built with a different kind of driver in mind. If you’d rather skip the research and talk it through with a person, contacting us at Stivers Ford South will get you answers on availability in Union City, GA.

What’s New on the 2027 Ford Explorer

Two changes stand out for 2027. The 3.0L EcoBoost V6, which sat out the 2026 Platinum entirely, is back as an option on that trim alongside its standard role on ST. ST buyers can also add the new Sinister Package for $1,695, which blacks out the exterior with 21-inch gloss black wheels, amber LED daytime running lamps, and dark-accented badging. The off-road Tremor carries over from 2026 rather than debuting this year, and it remains 4WD only. A handful of smaller updates around colors, roof options, and packages are still working their way into published materials.

The 2027 Explorer is on sale now, with Ford pricing published across the lineup and inventory arriving at dealers. Supply is still thin nationwide and trims ship on a staggered schedule, so the exact configuration you want may take some planning.

2027 Ford Explorer Trim Levels at a Glance

Every trim shares the same 10-speed automatic transmission and offers a Class III Trailer Tow Package rated up to 5,000 lb when properly equipped. The table below breaks down how the six configurations compare.

Ford Explorer Active: Everyday Value and Essential Technology

Active is the practical starting point in the lineup, offered in two configurations: 100A and 200A.

• 100A is the retail entry point, riding on 18-inch Sparkle Silver wheels with standard Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+, covering adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane centering, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert.
• 200A adds the comfort features families notice first: a power liftgate, heated front-row seats, a heated steering wheel, a 10-way power driver’s seat, active noise cancellation, black roof-rack side rails, and chrome lower bodyside accents. The Active Comfort Package is available on top of that, bundling LED fog lamps, remote start, an 8-way power passenger seat, ActiveX seating, and second-row HVAC controls.
• Both seat six or seven and pair a digital instrument cluster with a 13.2-inch center touchscreen running the Ford Digital Experience with Google built-in.

Ford Explorer ST-Line: Sporty Style for Design-Focused Drivers

ST-Line runs the same 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 as Active, since this trim is about looks rather than performance. It’s a natural fit for commuters in Union City, GA who want a sportier appearance without giving up daily comfort.

• Equipment group 300A rides on 20-inch Ebony-painted machined aluminum wheels.
• Cloth seats with red stitching, a 360-degree camera, and a B&O 10-speaker system with subwoofer come standard.
• It’s the only trim with a standard second-row bench instead of captain’s chairs.
• The Premium Package adds ambient lighting, a memory driver seat, second-row heated seats, and wireless charging.

Ford Explorer Tremor: Dedicated Off-Road Capability (4WD Only)

Tremor is the lineup’s off-road trim, built exclusively with Intelligent 4WD and aimed at drivers who leave the pavement behind on trails near Union City, GA.

• All-terrain tires, underbody deflector plates, and a TORSEN limited-slip rear axle (a differential that sends power to the wheel with better grip) improve traction on loose surfaces.
• Ground clearance measures 8.7 inches, noticeably more than a standard Explorer gives you.
• Off-road auxiliary grille lights, blackout headlamp and taillamp treatment, and front tow hooks round out the exterior.
• A Terrain Management System offers six drive modes plus hill descent control for steep grades.
• Group 800A comes with the 2.3L I-4. Group 801A, the Ultimate package, steps up to the 3.0L V6 and adds a 90-day BlueCruise trial, driver seat memory, third-row PowerFold, and rain-sensing wipers.

Ford Explorer ST: Performance-Tuned Power and Handling

For drivers who want on-road power over trail capability, ST delivers a standard 3.0L EcoBoost V6 producing 385 hp and 415 lb-ft.

• Sport-tuned suspension includes stiffer dampers and a lower ride height for tighter handling.
• 21-inch Magnetite wheels and quad chrome exhaust tips set the exterior apart.
• The $1,695 Sinister Package swaps in 21-inch gloss black wheels on all-season tires, adds amber LED daytime running lamps, and finishes with dark-accented ST badging outlined in black.
• Standard Class III towing and the 13.2-inch touchscreen carry over from the rest of the lineup.

Whether you’re building out an ST with the Sinister Package or keeping it stock, our financing and auto loan options can help structure a payment plan that fits.

Ford Explorer Platinum: Luxury Comfort with Expanded 3.0L EcoBoost V6 Availability

Platinum remains the luxury flagship, and the 2027 model finally opens up the 3.0L EcoBoost V6 as an option alongside the standard 2.3L, rated at 385 hp and 415 lb-ft in either rear-wheel drive or Intelligent 4WD.

• ActiveX-trimmed multicontour captain’s chairs with Active Motion massage function come standard.
• A 14-speaker B&O audio system and standard BlueCruise round out the tech.
• Ordering the V6 also brings the Lux Leather Package, quad chrome exhaust tips, available 21-inch Dark Alloy machined wheels, and a 3.31 non-limited-slip rear axle.

Which 2027 Explorer Trim Matches Your Lifestyle

Every 2027 Explorer shares the same tech backbone, so choosing between them often comes down to how you actually drive day to day.

Best Trim for Families and Everyday Drivers

A family needing reliable third-row space and an easy commute will likely land on Active. The 200A configuration’s Active Comfort Package makes long drives with kids more comfortable, and seating for up to seven covers most household needs without stretching the budget.

Best Trim for Off-Road and Performance Enthusiasts

Drivers chasing capability have two solid paths. Tremor with the 801A Ultimate group brings gravel and trail confidence through 4WD and the TORSEN axle, while ST delivers on-road V6 power and sport handling for those who want performance without leaving the pavement.

Best Trim for Luxury and Premium Tech Seekers

Buyers wanting the most refined cabin should look to Platinum, especially now that the 3.0L V6 is available again. It pairs the ActiveX captain’s chairs and B&O 14-speaker audio with V6 power the four-cylinder trims can’t match, though the V6 is an option rather than standard, so it’s worth confirming the engine on any Platinum you’re considering.

Compare Explorer Trims at Stivers Ford South

Working through the pros and cons on paper only gets you so far. The best trim for your household depends on how you actually use it week to week, and seeing the Active, ST-Line, Tremor, ST, and Platinum side by side makes that decision much easier.

Visit or Contact Us

Our team at Stivers Ford South can walk you through a full trim comparison, check what’s currently on the lot, and talk through financing options that fit your budget. Contact us or stop by our Union City, GA showroom to compare Explorer models in person and find the trim that matches how you actually live.

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