How Do the 2027 Ford Explorer Trim Levels Differ?

October 7th, 2026 by

The 2027 Ford Explorer lineup features five main trim levels— Active, ST-Line, Tremor, Platinum, and ST—differentiated by engine output, suspension calibration, seating materials, and off-road capability. Base Active models feature a 300-horsepower engine and comfort-focused amenities, while the performance-focused ST trim delivers 400 horsepower alongside a sport-tuned chassis. Mid-tier options allow drivers to prioritize athletic appearance with the ST-Line, rugged trail performance with the Tremor, or premium luxury features with the Platinum.

Choosing the right configuration depends on how you plan to use your three-row SUV. For daily driving around mountain roads near Linville, the entry Active trim with available Intelligent Four-Wheel Drive provides plenty of ground clearance and standard safety technology. Upgrading to the ST-Line adds dark exterior accents, larger wheels, and available hands-free highway driving tech without increasing the vehicle’s spring stiffness.

For maximum towing confidence and steep-grade acceleration, the twin-turbocharged V6 found in the ST and available on Platinum and Tremor models provides an extra 100 horsepower and 105 lb-ft of torque. Every trim includes a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty and Ford Co-Pilot360 driver-assist technology, with specific features and package content varying by trim.

If you want to compare seating layouts or test the steering feel between different suspension setups, visit our Boone dealership showroom or give our sales department a quick call at (828) 264-6111 to review incoming arrivals.

Table of Contents

What Trim Levels and Starting Options Define the 2027 Ford Explorer Lineup?

The 2027 Ford Explorer lineup features a diverse selection of trims. Buyers can customize their experience by selecting specific equipment packages, drivetrain configurations, and engine options to perfectly match their unique driving needs.

The Active serves as the entry point to the 2027 Explorer lineup. Standard features include unique cloth seating, heated front seats, second-row captain’s chairs, a 10-way power driver’s seat, a 13.2-inch center display, and Ford Digital Experience. Available equipment includes ActiveX seating material, an eight-way power passenger seat, and a second-row bench seat that increases capacity from six to seven passengers.

Step up to the ST-Line for performance styling without the higher fuel consumption of a V6 engine. It adds 20-inch Ebony-painted machined aluminum wheels, a black mesh grille and dark exterior accents.

For off-road enthusiasts, the Tremor comes standard with four-wheel drive, an off-road suspension providing 8.7 inches of ground clearance, steel underbody deflector plates, and a Torsen limited-slip rear differential.

The top of the range splits into two distinct personalities:

  • Platinum: Focuses on grand touring comfort with satin-aluminum exterior trim, available multicontour massaging front seats, and an available 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system.
  • ST: High-performance variant featuring red brake calipers, quad exhaust outlets, sport-tuned suspension damping, and the available Sinister Package with 21-inch gloss black wheels and blacked-out badging.

To explore available colors and feature packages in person, browse our current inventory of new Ford SUVs or check our selection of pre-owned models to compare feature changes across recent model years.

How Do Interior Seating Materials and Third-Row Legroom Compare Across Trims?

The 2027 Ford Explorer provides 31.8 inches of third-row legroom and up to 86 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity, accommodating six or seven passengers depending on seating configuration. Interior upholstery scales from durable cloth and ActiveX synthetic leather in the Active trim up to Miko suede inserts and micro-perforated leather in the ST and Platinum trims.

Base Active models with the 100A package feature soft cloth seating surfaces, while the 200A package upgrades to ActiveX synthetic leather with cloth inserts. ActiveX material offers easy cleaning and stain resistance, making it ideal for active families. The ST-Line adds red stitching and sport-oriented interior styling. The Platinum comes standard with ActiveX-trimmed seating with leather interlaced diamond-perforated inserts, while premium leather seating surfaces are available.

Seating flexibility centers around the second row:

  • Second-Row Bench Seat: A 35/30/35 split-folding bench allows seven-passenger capacity on Active and ST-Line trims.
  • Second-Row Captain’s Chairs: Individual captain’s chairs with E-Z entry armrests reduce total capacity to six occupants but create a center aisle for easier access to row three. Captain’s chairs are standard on Tremor, Platinum, and ST, and available on ST-Line.

Behind the third row, the Explorer holds 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space for grocery bags or outdoor gear. With the third row folded, the Explorer provides substantially more cargo space, while folding the rear seating allows for up to 85.8 cu. ft. of maximum cargo volume, depending on trim.

If you are planning an upgrade to a larger family vehicle, take a minute to estimate your current trade-in value online before visiting us for a cabin fitting.

Is the Suspension Tuning Different Between the Explorer ST-Line and ST Trims?

The ST-Line emphasizes sporty exterior and interior styling while retaining the standard 2.3L EcoBoost powertrain. The ST goes further with a 3.0L EcoBoost V6, sport-tuned suspension, and performance brakes with red-painted calipers.

The ST adds a sport-tuned suspension and performance brakes with red-painted calipers for a more performance-oriented configuration.

The Tremor features an off-road-tuned suspension with increased ride height, giving it 8.7 inches of minimum running ground clearance.

Drivers considering either performance trim can submit an online credit application to review competitive loan terms before scheduling a back-to-back test drive.

​

Frequently Asked Questions About 2027 Ford Explorer Trims

Q: Does the 2027 Ford Explorer offer a hybrid powertrain option?
No, Ford does not offer a hybrid powertrain on consumer retail trims for the 2027 model year. The lineup relies exclusively on the turbocharged 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder and twin-turbocharged 3.0L EcoBoost V6 gasoline engines. Both engines feature auto start-stop technology and pair with a 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission to balance daily fuel efficiency with direct throttle response.

Q: Which 2027 Ford Explorer trims feature standard Ford BlueCruise hands-free driving?
Ford BlueCruise hands-free highway driving is available on the ST-Line and Tremor, while Platinum and ST are BlueCruise-equipped. Plan/trial terms vary by trim and configuration.

Q: Does the 2027 Ford Explorer ST-Line offer second-row captain’s chairs?
Yes. Second-row captain’s chairs with E-Z Entry and armrests are standard on the 2027 Explorer ST-Line, providing six-passenger seating. An available 35/30/35 split-fold-flat second-row bench seat increases capacity to seven passengers.

Q: What is the maximum towing capacity of the 2027 Ford Explorer?
When properly equipped, the 2027 Ford Explorer can tow up to 5,000 pounds. Ford includes a Class III Trailer Tow Package, with features such as Trailer Sway Control and 4- and 7-pin connectors.

Q: What seating material comes standard in the 2027 Ford Explorer Active?

The Active comes standard with unique cloth seating, while ActiveX seating material is available.

Q: Where can I buy genuine accessories like roof racks or cargo liners for my Explorer?
You can order custom-fit floor liners, roof rack crossbars, splash guards, and trailer hitches directly through our Ford OEM parts center. Our factory-trained technicians can install all accessories on site to ensure proper fitment and warranty protection.

​

Find Your Ideal 2027 Ford Explorer Trim

Choosing between the 2027 Ford Explorer trim levels comes down to balancing your seating needs, trail requirements, and performance preferences. The Active and ST-Line deliver practical efficiency and cabin space for everyday driving, while the Tremor brings off-road capability with its lifted suspension and underbody protection. For drivers seeking high-output performance or luxury touring features, the ST delivers up to 400 horsepower as standard, while the Platinum offers the 400-hp 3.0L EcoBoost V6 as an available upgrade.

Our sales team is ready to walk you through standard features, show you the Ford Digital Experience media screen, and demonstrate how second-row seating options operate.

Stop by to explore the lineup in person by getting directions to our Boone showroom, or contact our team by calling (828) 264-6111 to check current model availability and arrange a test drive.

© 2026 Modern Ford of Boone. All rights reserved.

Vehicle specification data © JATO Dynamics Limited.

Posted in Ford Explorer