The 2027 Ford Explorer is best suited for families and active buyers who need three-row seating, confident towing, and modern tech in a single package. Starting at $38,465 for the Active RWD 100A and climbing to $56,460 for the Tremor 4WD, the lineup spans twelve trims. Every passenger-car trim seats 6, tows up to 5,000 lbs, carries about 16 cu ft of cargo behind the third row, and pairs a turbocharged EcoBoost engine with a SelectShift® 10-speed automatic.
Table of Contents
- How Well Does the 2027 Ford Explorer Serve High Point Families and Outdoor Enthusiasts?
- Exterior Style That Matches an Urban-Suburban Blend and Outdoor Lifestyle
- Powertrain Performance Tailored for Rolling Terrain and Family Towing Needs
- Cabin Comfort Designed for School Runs and Weekend Family Adventures
- Tech Features That Simplify Commutes and Keep Families Connected
- Safety Systems Built for Urban Streets and Suburban Neighborhoods
- Mid-Range Pricing Breakdown for Every 2027 Ford Explorer Trim
- Warranty and Maintenance Plans Supporting Long-Term Ownership
- Awards, Expert Recognition, and What Industry Reviews Say About the 2027 Ford Explorer
- Frequently Asked Questions About the 2027 Ford Explorer
How Well Does the 2027 Ford Explorer Serve High Point Families and Outdoor Enthusiasts?
The 2027 Ford Explorer handles the full range of Piedmont family life well — from school runs through High Point's historic neighborhoods to weekend boat towing at Oak Hollow Lake — thanks to six-passenger seating, a 5,000 lb tow rating, and a twelve-trim lineup that lets buyers match budget to lifestyle precisely.
Families in the region tend to carry a lot. Soccer gear, festival supplies from High Point Market, bikes for the Muddy Creek Greenway, or camping equipment for a weekend trip all fit behind that third row. With about 16 cu ft of cargo space behind the rear seats and about 86 cu ft when the seats fold, the Explorer doesn't ask you to choose between passengers and cargo.
The drivetrain options matter here too. Piedmont's rolling terrain — gently graded hills, seasonal rain, and occasional frost — makes the Intelligent 4WD system on the 4WD trims a genuine asset rather than a luxury. Buyers who mostly stay on pavement can save a few thousand dollars with the RWD variants and still get the same turbocharged power and safety suite.
Whether you're comparing trims for the first time or ready to purchase, browsing our current new Explorer inventory at Green Ford is a practical first step before visiting the showroom on W Wendover Ave. Green Ford has been serving the Triad area for over 50 years, and the team is here to help you find the right configuration for your family's needs — no pressure, just straightforward guidance.
Exterior Style That Matches an Urban-Suburban Blend and Outdoor Lifestyle
The 2027 Explorer wears a design that reads equally well parked outside a downtown High Point furniture showroom and loaded up on a trailhead. The body sits on a 198.7 in overall length with a 119.1 in wheelbase, giving it a proportioned stance that doesn't feel oversized in suburban driveways or tight urban parking structures.
Standard LED projector-beam headlights run across all trims, with LED daytime running lights and auto-high-beam control built in. Painted front and rear bumpers keep the look clean on everyday trims, while the ST-LINE and Tremor variants bring sportier or more rugged visual cues. Black roof rails on the Active 4WD 200A and Active RWD 200A add a practical outdoor accent, and the available Panoramic Vista Roof® with Power Shade on select trims opens the cabin to North Carolina's blue-sky days.
Color choices include metallic options such as Vapor Blue Metallic, Ruby Red Metallic, Avalanche Gray Metallic, and Star White Metallic Tri-Coat — a palette that suits both the urban polish of Winston-Salem's downtown arts district and the laid-back suburban tone of Kernersville's family neighborhoods. The Platinum trim adds available chrome bright trim accents and 20-inch or 21-inch aluminum wheels for a more upscale presentation.
If you're considering a pre-owned option, Green Ford also maintains a selection of pre-owned Explorer models that may fit your budget while delivering the same capable platform.
| Feature | Active 4WD 100A | Active 4WD 200A | Active RWD 100A | Active RWD 200A | Platinum | Platinum 4WD | ST | ST 4WD | ST-LINE 4WD | ST-LINE RWD | Tremor 4WD | Utility Police Interceptor 4x4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.3L | 2.3L | 2.3L | 2.3L | 2.3L | 2.3L | 3L | 3L | 2.3L | 2.3L | 3L | 3.3L |
| Horsepower | 300 hp | 300 hp | 300 hp | 300 hp | 300 hp | 300 hp | 400 hp | 400 hp | 300 hp | 300 hp | 400 hp | 318 hp |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft | 415 lb-ft | 415 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft | 415 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft |
| Transmission | SelectShift® | SelectShift® | SelectShift® | SelectShift® | SelectShift® | SelectShift® | SelectShift® | SelectShift® | SelectShift® | SelectShift® | SelectShift® | SelectShift |
| Drivetrain | All-wheel drive | All-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive | All-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive | All-wheel drive | All-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive | All-wheel drive | All-wheel drive |
Powertrain Performance Tailored for Rolling Terrain and Family Towing Needs
The 2027 Explorer offers two distinct powertrain tiers, and the right choice depends on how you use the vehicle. Most family buyers will find the turbocharged 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 — producing 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque — more than adequate for daily commuting, school carpools, and weekend towing. The engine reaches peak torque at 3,500 rpm and peak power at 5,500 rpm, which means responsive pull from a standing start and confident passing on two-lane roads through Piedmont's rolling terrain.
Buyers who want more — whether for spirited driving or heavier recreational use — can step up to the 3.0L EcoBoost V6 in the ST, ST 4WD, and Tremor 4WD trims. That engine produces 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, a substantial jump that reshapes the driving character without changing the family-SUV format.
All trims pair their engine with the SelectShift® 10-speed automatic transmission, which manages gear changes smoothly across city traffic and open highway stretches alike. The transmission's wide ratio spread keeps the engine in its efficient power band whether you're crawling through a festival parking lot or cruising at highway speed.
On the drivetrain side, the Active 4WD and Platinum 4WD trims use Ford's Intelligent 4WD system with full-time and part-time modes plus descent control — a setup well-matched to the Piedmont's occasional slick roads and gravel paths around local parks. The Tremor 4WD adds its own off-road-oriented all-wheel-drive tuning for buyers who venture further off pavement.
The tow rating holds steady at 5,000 lbs across all passenger trims, enough to pull a small boat for a day on Oak Hollow Lake or haul a utility trailer for a home project. If you're planning to trade in your current vehicle before stepping into an Explorer, you can estimate your trade-in value online before you visit.
| Feature | Active 4WD 100A | Active 4WD 200A | Active RWD 100A | Active RWD 200A | Platinum | Platinum 4WD | ST | ST 4WD | ST-LINE 4WD | ST-LINE RWD | Tremor 4WD | Utility Police Interceptor 4x4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seating | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 |
| Cargo | 16.3 cu ft | 16.3 cu ft | 16.3 cu ft | 16.3 cu ft | 16.3 cu ft | 16.3 cu ft | 16.3 cu ft | 16.3 cu ft | 16.3 cu ft | 16.3 cu ft | 16.3 cu ft | 52.0 cu ft |
| Curb weight | 4,303 lbs | 4,303 lbs | 4,303 lbs | 4,303 lbs | 4,303 lbs | 4,303 lbs | 4,631 lbs | 4,631 lbs | 4,303 lbs | 4,303 lbs | 4,424 lbs | 4,732 lbs |
| Towing | 5,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs | 3,500 lbs |
| Payload | 1,467 lbs | 1,467 lbs | 1,467 lbs | 1,467 lbs | 1,467 lbs | 1,467 lbs | 1,139 lbs | 1,139 lbs | 1,467 lbs | 1,467 lbs | 1,346 lbs | 2,108 lbs |
Cabin Comfort Designed for School Runs and Weekend Family Adventures
Six-passenger seating is standard across every Explorer trim in this lineup — a practical default for families who regularly fill seats with kids, carpool partners, or extended family. The standard configuration pairs front captain's chairs with second-row captain's chairs and a third-row bench, creating a 2+2+2 layout. Buyers who need a center second-row seat for a third passenger in that row can opt for the Second Row Bench with E-Z Entry and Armrest, which shifts the configuration to 2+3+2 and expands total capacity to seven.
Interior dimensions back up the spacious feel. Front headroom measures 40.7 in, second-row headroom is 40.5 in, and third-row headroom comes in at 38.9 in — enough for adults on shorter trips and comfortable for kids on longer ones. Leg room runs 43 in up front, 39 in in the second row, and 32.2 in in the third row. Shoulder room is 62.1 in in the first row, 61.9 in in the second, and 54.6 in in the third.
The driver's seat is electrically adjustable on all trims, with the base Active 100A trims offering 3-way power adjustment and the Active 200A trims stepping up to a 5-way power driver's seat plus a power-adjustable passenger seat — the latter arriving via the Active Comfort Package, which also adds heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and front LED fog lights. The Platinum trim brings standard heated front seats and available genuine leather seating via the Platinum Lux Leather Package.
Three-zone automatic climate control is standard across the lineup, so front, rear, and third-row passengers can each set their own comfort level. That matters on a long drive to a weekend festival when the adults want cool air and the kids in back want warmth.
If you're ready to start building toward your purchase, you can apply for financing online before you visit the dealership.
Tech Features That Simplify Commutes and Keep Families Connected
Every 2027 Explorer ships with a 13.2 in touchscreen infotainment display and a 12.3 in digital instrument cluster — a dual-screen setup that keeps navigation, media, and vehicle data organized and readable without requiring you to dig through menus. The navigation system pulls live traffic data via an internet connection and includes 12 months of map updates and traffic info subscriptions at purchase.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto are standard, so phones connect the moment you sit down — no cable required. Both integrations include unlimited-month subscriptions, meaning the connection stays active for as long as you own the vehicle. A Google virtual assistant is also built in for voice-activated controls.
Bluetooth connectivity, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, and a 6-speaker audio system come standard. Satellite radio is included with a 3-month trial, and the optional SiriusXM with 360L package extends that to a 36-month subscription. The system also supports internet radio.
USB charging is distributed throughout the cabin. The Active 100A trims provide 1 USB-C port up front, 1 in the rear, and 2 in the third row. The Active 200A trims step up to 4 front ports and 2 rear ports, making it easier to keep multiple devices charged on longer drives. The 12V outlet is available in the front, rear, and cargo area.
Over-the-air software updates keep the infotainment and vehicle systems current without a dealership visit. The Ford App telematics system — branded 911 Assist — connects via your phone and supports remote lock/unlock, remote start, vehicle diagnostics, theft alert, and driving history analysis. Remote services include a 12-month subscription at purchase.
For genuine Ford accessories and replacement parts to complement your Explorer's tech setup, our Ford parts department stocks OEM components specific to your vehicle.
Safety Systems Built for Urban Streets and Suburban Neighborhoods
The 2027 Explorer earns a 5-star NHTSA overall safety rating, with a 5-star frontal crash rating and a 5-star side impact rating. The rollover rating is 4 stars. On the IIHS side, the front crash prevention system earns a Superior rating for vehicle-to-pedestrian detection in daytime conditions.
Seven airbags are standard across the lineup — front driver and passenger airbags, front side airbags, side curtain airbags covering all three rows, and a driver knee airbag. Front seatbelts include pre-tensioners and height adjusters for both driver and passenger positions. LATCH child-seat anchors are also standard.
The active safety suite is built around Ford CoPilot360 Assist+, which integrates adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, automatic emergency braking with low-speed front braking activation, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and junction-turning collision avoidance. The system activates at speeds as low as 3 mph, which is practical for parking lots and slow traffic.
The Lane-Keeping System monitors lane position and applies steering corrections to help prevent unintentional drift — useful on long Piedmont highway stretches. BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System) watches the flanks and alerts you to vehicles in your blind spots, while Rear Cross Traffic Braking uses radar to detect approaching traffic when reversing out of a parking spot and applies the brakes if needed. A trailer stability program is also included for buyers who tow regularly.
The Platinum trim adds an available BlueCruise hands-free highway driving system as an option, which includes highway assist, traffic jam assist, active lane control, and lane-change support — a meaningful upgrade for buyers who log significant highway miles.
If you're also considering a more rugged open-air option alongside the Explorer, you can browse available new Ford Bronco inventory at Green Ford.
Mid-Range Pricing Breakdown for Every 2027 Ford Explorer Trim
The 2027 Explorer lineup spans a wide price range, starting at $38,465 for the entry-level Active RWD 100A and reaching $56,460 for the off-road-focused Tremor 4WD. Every trim carries a destination charge of $1,795, which should be factored into your total budget.
The four Active trims cluster between $38,465 and $42,400, making them the most accessible entry points for families who want a capable three-row SUV without a luxury price tag. The RWD variants save roughly $2,000 compared to their 4WD counterparts at the same equipment level. The Active 200A trims add the Active Comfort Package option, which brings power passenger seat adjustment, synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel.
The ST-LINE trims occupy the middle of the range at $44,200 (RWD) and $46,200 (4WD), offering sport-oriented styling without the performance engine. The Platinum and Platinum 4WD trims at $50,660 and $52,660 bring the most comfort-focused feature set, including a standard heated and ventilated front seat setup, available genuine leather via the Platinum Lux Leather Package, and available 21-inch wheels through the Platinum Ultimate Package.
The ST and ST 4WD at $53,660 and $55,660 deliver the 3.0L EcoBoost V6 with 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. The Utility Police Interceptor 4x4 at $49,050 is purpose-built for fleet use with a 3.3L engine, 318 hp, 260 lb-ft of torque, and a unique about 52 cu ft cargo area — not a typical family purchase but included here for completeness.
Business owners who also need a work vehicle alongside a family SUV can explore commercial van and service vehicle options through Green Ford's work truck solutions.
| Feature | Active 4WD 100A | Active 4WD 200A | Active RWD 100A | Active RWD 200A | Platinum | Platinum 4WD | ST | ST 4WD | ST-LINE 4WD | ST-LINE RWD | Tremor 4WD | Utility Police Interceptor 4x4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base MSRP | $40,465 | $42,400 | $38,465 | $40,400 | $50,660 | $52,660 | $53,660 | $55,660 | $46,200 | $44,200 | $56,460 | $49,050 |
All trims share a destination charge of $1,795.
Warranty and Maintenance Plans Supporting Long-Term Ownership
Ford's factory warranty covers the 2027 Explorer with a 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Roadside assistance is included for 5 years or 60,000 miles, which means you're covered for the full powertrain warranty period — a practical benefit for families who put significant miles on their vehicles through commuting, school runs, and weekend trips. Anti-corrosion coverage extends for 5 years with unlimited mileage. Paint warranty runs 3 years/36,000 miles.
Green Ford adds its own Lifetime Powertrain Limited Warranty on new vehicles purchased at the dealership. As long as you follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule and keep up with scheduled service visits, Green Ford will cover powertrain repairs for as long as you own the vehicle. That's a meaningful ownership benefit that extends well beyond Ford's factory coverage.
Staying current on maintenance is straightforward — you can schedule your service appointment online at any time. Green Ford's service team is set up to handle routine maintenance and warranty work for Explorer owners across the Triad area.
Buyers interested in a certified pre-owned Explorer with additional peace of mind can also browse Green Ford's certified pre-owned inventory, which carries its own warranty protections and inspection standards.
Awards, Expert Recognition, and What Industry Reviews Say About the 2027 Ford Explorer
No specific 2027 model-year awards or press review scores were available in the verified catalog data at the time of publication. The Explorer nameplate has a long track record in the three-row family SUV segment, where it competes directly against vehicles like the Chevrolet Traverse, Kia Telluride, and Jeep Grand Cherokee L.
What the catalog data does confirm is a 5-star NHTSA overall rating and a Superior IIHS front crash prevention rating for vehicle-to-pedestrian detection — two independent third-party benchmarks that carry real weight for family buyers. The NHTSA frontal crash and side impact ratings both score 5 stars.
The addition of Ford CoPilot360 Assist+ as a standard suite across all trims — rather than a paid upgrade — reflects the direction the industry has moved on safety, and it puts meaningful driver assistance tech in the hands of buyers at every price point in this lineup. For shoppers cross-shopping in the mid-size three-row segment, that standard inclusion is worth noting when comparing total value at similar price points.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2027 Ford Explorer
Q: What is the towing capacity of the 2027 Ford Explorer?
Every passenger-car trim in the 2027 Explorer lineup — from the Active RWD 100A through the Tremor 4WD — is rated to tow 5,000 lbs with a braked trailer. The Utility Police Interceptor 4x4 is the exception, rated at 3,500 lbs. A trailer stability program is standard equipment, which helps manage trailer sway at highway speeds. For families who want to tow a small boat, a utility trailer, or a pop-up camper, the 5,000 lb rating covers those use cases comfortably.
Q: Does the 2027 Ford Explorer come with all-wheel drive standard?
Not on every trim. The Active RWD 100A, Active RWD 200A, Platinum, ST, and ST-LINE RWD trims are rear-wheel drive. The Active 4WD 100A, Active 4WD 200A, Platinum 4WD, ST 4WD, ST-LINE 4WD, Tremor 4WD, and Utility Police Interceptor 4x4 all come with all-wheel drive. The 4WD system on the Active and Platinum trims is Ford's Intelligent 4WD with full-time and part-time modes plus descent control. Buyers who regularly navigate wet Piedmont roads or gravel paths should consider the 4WD variants.
Q: How many passengers does the 2027 Explorer seat?
All trims except the Utility Police Interceptor 4x4 seat 6 passengers in the standard captain's chair configuration (2+2+2). An optional Second Row Bench with E-Z Entry and Armrest is available on several trims and expands second-row capacity to 3 passengers for a total of 7. The Utility Police Interceptor 4x4 seats 5 and is configured for fleet use.
Q: What is the cargo space in the 2027 Ford Explorer?
With all seats in place, the Explorer provides about 16 cu ft of cargo space behind the third row — enough for a few bags of groceries or a stroller. With the rear seats folded, total cargo volume expands to about 86 cu ft. The cargo area is 78.3 in long, 64.5 in wide, and 32.8 in tall, with a load floor height of 31.1 in. The Utility Police Interceptor 4x4 is configured differently, with about 52 cu ft of cargo space.
Q: Where can I see and test drive the 2027 Ford Explorer near Greensboro?
Green Ford is located at 3800 W Wendover Ave, Greensboro, NC 27407. The dealership serves families across the Triad area, including High Point and Kernersville. You can call the team at (336) 292-8310 to confirm availability, ask about specific trim configurations, or schedule a test drive. Green Ford has been part of the Greensboro community for over 50 years and the team is ready to help you find the right Explorer for your family's needs.
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