2027 Ford Explorer vs 2026 Ford Explorer
The 2027 Ford Explorer expands to five trims and adds the off-road-focused Tremor with 8.7 inches of ground clearance. The 2026 model topped out at 8.1 inches of ground clearance and carried over the same base powertrain. This page maps every measurable difference to help you choose, browse current Explorer inventory at Arrow Ford.
The Short Answer
The 2027 Explorer is the right choice for buyers who want the new Tremor trim, a broader color palette, seven colors vs. the 2026's more limited selection, or the upgraded approach and departure angles that come with higher-trim ground clearance. The 2026 Explorer suits buyers who want a proven configuration and may find an outgoing-model unit. Both share the same core powertrain and cargo numbers, so neither year has a structural space or efficiency advantage.
Specs Head-to-Head
| Specification | 2027 Explorer | 2026 Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Base engine | 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 Turbo | 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 300 hp | 300 hp |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Base drivetrain | RWD | RWD |
| EPA combined MPG | 24 mpg | 24 mpg |
| EPA city / hwy | 20 / 27 mpg | 20 / 29 mpg |
| Seating capacity | 7 | 7 |
| Cargo behind 3rd row | 16.3 cu ft | 16.3 cu ft |
| Max cargo | 85.8 cu ft | 85.8 cu ft |
| Max towing | 5,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs |
| Ground clearance, base | 7.6 in | 8.1 in |
| Ground clearance, Tremor | 8.7 in | 8.1 in, Tremor |
| Length | 198.7 in | 198.8 in |
| Trims available | 5, Active, ST-Line, Tremor, ST, Platinum | 6 package variants, Active 100A, Active, ST-Line, Tremor, ST, Platinum |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Powertrain warranty | 5 yr / 60,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
Performance and Powertrain
Both the 2027 and 2026 Explorer use the same 2.3L EcoBoost turbocharged inline-four producing 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic. RWD is standard on most trims, and AWD is available on both generations.
The 3.0L EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 carries forward as well, available on Tremor and Platinum, and standard on the ST. On the ST trim, the V6 produces 400 hp in federal-market states and 385 hp in green states, pulling 415 lb-ft of torque. Both model years share that powertrain architecture.
Where the 2027 Tremor gains ground, literally, is approach angle. The Tremor posts a 24.1-degree approach angle and 23.7-degree departure angle, numbers the 2026 Tremor does not match in the verified specs available. Both model years tow up to 5,000 lbs with the standard Class III trailer tow package.
The 2027 Explorer's combined fuel economy holds at 24 mpg. The 2026 Explorer's highway figure, 29 mpg, is one data point where the 2026 spec sheet differs from the 2027's 27 mpg highway figure. City economy matches at 20 mpg on both.
Interior, Space, and Cargo
Both generations deliver the same three-row layout with 16.3 cu ft behind the third row, 46 cu ft behind the second row, and up to 85.8 cu ft of max cargo space. First-row headroom is 40.7 inches, second-row headroom is 40.5 inches, and third-row legroom measures 31.8 inches on both.
The 2027 Explorer continues captain's chairs in the second row as standard on most trims, with the bench seat as an optional configuration, keeping the seven-passenger rating. The Tremor seats six due to its standard second-row captain's chair configuration without the bench option.
Tri-zone electronic automatic temperature control is standard across both years on all trims. The 2026 Active 100A package-level trim started with a manual liftgate, while the 2027 Active trim includes a power liftgate, a meaningful convenience difference at the base level. Rear auxiliary climate control remains optional on Active and standard from ST-Line upward on both generations.
Technology and Safety
The technology suite is largely consistent between model years. Both feature:
- 13.2-inch center touchscreen with the Ford Digital Experience, Android-based
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- 5G modem with Wi-Fi hotspot for up to 10 devices, up to 50 ft
- Google Maps native navigation and Google Assistant
- Ford Connectivity Package, 1-year included
- B&O 10-speaker system standard on ST-Line; 980-watt 14-speaker system available
BlueCruise hands-free highway driving assist is available on ST-Line and above on both generations. The 2026 Platinum trim includes BlueCruise as standard, 1-year plus 90-day plan, while other trims receive it as an option.
Safety content is also aligned. Both carry Ford Co-Pilot360 with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane-centering steering, blind-spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera on ST-Line and above.
The 2026 spec sheet lists road-sign recognition, driver-attention monitor, emergency steering assist, and automatic high beams as part of the standard suite. The 2027 spec sheet confirms the full Co-Pilot360 suite remains in place with forward collision warning with automatic braking, adaptive cruise control, lane centering, intersection collision mitigation, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic warning with automatic braking.
Value and Ownership
Warranty coverage is identical across both model years: 3 years or 36,000 miles for basic coverage, and 5 years or 60,000 miles for the powertrain. Neither generation holds an advantage in terms of Ford's factory protection.
Standard content at the base level shifts slightly in the 2027's favor. The 2027 Active trim adds features that were optional or package-dependent on the 2026 Active 100A, including the power liftgate, which required a step up in the 2026 lineup. The 2027 lineup also standardizes the Ford Connectivity Package across all trims from day one.
Color selection expands on the 2027 to seven choices: Avalanche Gray, Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat, Agate Black Metallic, Star White Metallic Tri-Coat, Carbonized Gray Metallic, Vapor Blue Metallic, and Marsh Gray. The 2026 carries Marsh Gray on select trims but the 2027 broadens that palette across the board.
Both generations include the Ford Security Package and Ford Connectivity Package for one year from the warranty start date, providing equivalent connected-services value at signing.
Which One Should You Buy
Choose the 2027 Explorer if:
You want the Tremor trim's 8.7 inches of ground clearance and 24.1-degree approach angle for genuine off-road capability, the broader seven-color exterior palette, or the power liftgate standardized at the base Active trim level. Buyers in Abilene who spend time on ranch roads, caliche tracks, or West Texas terrain will find the Tremor's lifted stance and all-terrain tires purpose-built for that use case.
Consider the 2026 Explorer if:
You find outgoing-model inventory at a dealership and prefer a proven model-year configuration. The 2026 carries the same core powertrain, the same cargo space, and the same warranty, and its higher highway MPG figure, 29 mpg vs the 2027's 27 mpg per verified specs, may appeal to high-mileage commuters.
For most buyers, the 2027 is the stronger pick. The Tremor addition, the standardized power liftgate on Active, and the expanded color lineup give the 2027 a meaningful content advantage at comparable trim levels without sacrificing any of the powertrain or cargo capability that made the Explorer a segment staple.
See the 2027 Explorer at Arrow Ford in Abilene
Arrow Ford carries the 2027 Ford Explorer for buyers across Abilene and the surrounding West Texas region. Whether you are cross-shopping trim levels, deciding between RWD and AWD, or evaluating the Tremor for off-road duty, the team at Arrow Ford can walk you through available inventory and help you match the right Explorer to your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is new on the 2027 Ford Explorer compared to the 2026?
The 2027 Ford Explorer adds the Tremor trim with 8.7 inches of ground clearance and a 24.1-degree approach angle, standardizes the power liftgate on the base Active trim, and expands exterior color availability to seven options. The core 2.3L EcoBoost powertrain and cargo dimensions carry over unchanged.
Does the 2027 Ford Explorer get better gas mileage than the 2026?
No. The 2027 Explorer is rated at 20 city / 27 highway / 24 combined mpg per verified specs. The 2026 Explorer's verified highway figure is 29 mpg, with the same 20 city and 24 combined ratings. Combined economy is equal at 24 mpg for both model years.
Does the 2027 Explorer still seat 7 passengers?
Yes. The 2027 Ford Explorer seats seven passengers on most trims. The Tremor trim seats six due to its standard second-row captain's chair configuration.
What towing capacity does the 2027 Ford Explorer have?
The 2027 Ford Explorer tows up to 5,000 lbs with the standard Class III trailer tow package, matching the 2026 Explorer's maximum towing capacity.
Is BlueCruise available on the 2027 Ford Explorer?
Yes. BlueCruise hands-free highway driving assist is available on the 2027 Explorer ST-Line and above. On ST-Line and Tremor it is an available option; on the ST it is included as a 90-day trial with a paid plan also available.
Where can I test drive the 2027 Ford Explorer near Abilene?
Arrow Ford in Abilene, TX carries the 2027 Ford Explorer. Check current stock, or contact the dealership directly to schedule a test drive.
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