Five trims let you decide how far to take the Explorer’s family-focused three-row foundation toward everyday convenience, rough-road capability, performance, or premium comfort.
The 2027 Ford Explorer sits in a useful middle ground for households that need genuine three-row flexibility without moving into a full-size SUV. Its first two rows are roomy, the cabin is straightforward to live with, and the overall footprint remains manageable for daily errands, parking, highway travel, and weekend gear. That broad versatility is what makes the trim comparison worth doing: Ford changes the Explorer’s character substantially without changing its basic family-SUV mission.
That mix fits Coastal Georgia especially well. An Explorer can spend the week on Abercorn Street, school and work routes, bridge crossings toward Wilmington or Skidaway Island, and I-95 trips through the Savannah–Lowcountry corridor, then carry beach gear, fishing equipment, family luggage, or a small trailer on the weekend. The useful question is not which badge sits highest; it is which equipment changes those routines enough to matter.
The five-trim lineup gives shoppers several distinct directions rather than one simple climb in equipment. This guide first filters by must-have features, then separates the meaningful powertrain, drivetrain, seating, capability, comfort, and technology choices before showing what each trim adds or changes.
Find Your Explorer Trim Faster
Narrow the Lineup by Your Must-Have Features
Select your must-have features to see which Explorer trims match. If no trim includes everything, the finder shows the closest options.
Your Must-Have Match
Select at least one feature to narrow the lineup
With no must-haves selected, all five Explorer trims remain in play.
Quick no-script feature map:
Active and ST-Line use the turbocharged inline-4. Tremor and Platinum can be configured with either the turbocharged inline-4 or turbocharged V6, while ST includes the turbocharged V6 as standard. ST-Line, Tremor, ST, and Platinum include the 360-degree camera and upgraded B&O audio system. ST and Platinum add power-folding third-row seats and hands-free highway driving assistance equipment. Tremor is the off-road-focused choice with dedicated suspension and all-terrain tire hardware, while Platinum alone adds massaging front seats and the 14-speaker B&O audio system.
2027 Ford Explorer Trim Levels in 60 SecondsSix answers that clarify the lineup before you compare details▼
What are the five 2027 Explorer trims and starting MSRP* prices? Active starts at $38,860, ST-Line at $44,695, Tremor at $49,695, ST at $54,155, and Platinum at $51,455. ST appears before Platinum in the published model order even though Platinum carries the lower base.
Which Explorer trim has standard 4WD? Tremor. Active, ST-Line, ST, and Platinum start with rear-wheel drive and offer Intelligent 4WD.
Which trims can get the 3.0L EcoBoost V6? ST includes the V6 as standard equipment. Tremor and Platinum can add it; Active and ST-Line use the 2.3L EcoBoost I-4.
Which Explorer is built for rougher terrain? Tremor. It combines standard 4WD, all-terrain tires, off-road-tuned suspension, increased ride height, steel underbody deflectors, and an exclusive Torsen limited-slip rear axle.
Which Explorer can seat seven? Active, ST-Line, ST, and Platinum can be configured with an available second-row bench for seven passengers. Tremor is a six-passenger configuration with second-row captain’s chairs.
What changed for 2027? Ford adds current-year security and appearance choices across the range, while ST gains the new Sinister Package. Tremor also makes a Sun & Sound Package available with the 3.0L V6. The five core trim roles remain familiar.
Start With the Explorer Itself
What Stays Consistent & What Actually Changes by Trim
Every 2027 Explorer uses a 10-speed automatic, a 13.2-inch Ford Digital Experience center display, a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, three rows, and a standard Class III Trailer Tow Package with a maximum rating of up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. Active, ST-Line, ST, and Platinum can seat six with captain’s chairs or seven with the available second-row bench; Tremor stays with six-passenger seating.
The 2.3-liter EcoBoost I-4 provides 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque and is standard on Active, ST-Line, Tremor, and Platinum. ST makes the 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 standard at up to 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft; Tremor and Platinum can add the V6. Tremor is also the one trim that makes Intelligent 4WD standard instead of optional.
Before choosing a trim, make sure the Explorer itself fits the household. It offers useful three-row flexibility and up to roughly 85 cubic feet of maximum cargo room, but adults who use the third row frequently should sit there during a test drive, and anyone who needs more than a 5,000-pound towing ceiling should move to a larger Ford SUV rather than trying to solve that limitation with a higher Explorer trim.
Compare the Lineup
Where Do the 2027 Explorer Trims Start to Feel Like Different SUVs?
Start with the branch that changes the ownership experience: drivetrain and trail hardware, V6 performance, seven-passenger flexibility, premium comfort, or daily-use technology. The panels below keep appearance details and the small published cargo differences in proportion.
Select a Topic or Use Previous / Next
Comparison Topic 1 of 7
Five Trims, Four Ways to Shape the Explorer’s Core Three-Row Formula
At a Glance
2027 Ford Explorer trim branches at a glance
Active / ST-Line
Core family path: Both use the 2.3L EcoBoost I-4, start with rear-wheel drive, offer Intelligent 4WD, and can be configured for seven passengers. ST-Line concentrates its step-up on visibility, audio, cabin comfort, and sport-inspired presentation rather than more engine output.
Tremor
Rough-road branch: Standard Intelligent 4WD, all-terrain tires, added ride height, underbody protection, a Torsen rear axle, and off-road-tuned suspension change where the Explorer is comfortable going. Six-passenger seating is fixed.
ST
Performance branch: The 3.0L EcoBoost V6 and sport-tuned suspension become standard while the Explorer keeps its three-row family mission and available seven-passenger layout.
Platinum
Comfort branch: Multicontour seating, upgraded audio, PowerFold third-row convenience, and upscale cabin details lead the experience. The 2.3L remains standard and the V6 is optional.
Think in Branches Before You Think in Badges
Active and ST-Line cover the conventional family-use path. Tremor changes traction and chassis hardware, ST changes the performance character, and Platinum changes the comfort emphasis. The upper trims are parallel solutions to different priorities rather than mandatory steps in one straight ladder.
Comparison Topic 2 of 7
2027 Adds Security, Appearance & Package Choices Without Rewriting the Lineup
What’s New
2027 Ford Explorer model-year changes
Ford Security Package
Included: One Year Across The Explorer Lineup Purchase Option: Available As A One-Time Purchase
New Colors
Across The Lineup: Avalanche Gray Multiple Trims: Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat
Powertrain: Available With The 3.0L EcoBoost V6 Package Adds: Upgraded B&O Audio, Massaging Front Seats & Panoramic Roof
What This Changes
Returning Explorer shoppers can treat 2027 as a refinement year. The core five-trim decision logic remains stable, so powertrain, drivetrain, seating, chassis, and comfort should lead the comparison.
Comparison Topic 3 of 7
Explorer Pricing Reinforces the Lineup’s Parallel Upper Branches
Pricing & Roles
2027 Ford Explorer pricing, roles, and key differences
Active
$38,860* | The Essential Explorer Powertrain: 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 Drivetrain: RWD Standard; Intelligent 4WD Available Focus: Core Three-Row Family Package
$54,155* | Tuned to Ford Racing Standards Powertrain: 3.0L EcoBoost V6 Standard Chassis: Sport-Tuned Suspension Focus: Performance-Focused Branch
Platinum
$51,455* | The Luxurious Life Powertrain: 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 Standard; 3.0L EcoBoost V6 Available Focus: Premium Comfort & Audio
What This Changes
The lineup is not a simple value-to-luxury staircase. Active and ST-Line cover the more conventional family-use path, while Tremor, ST, and Platinum branch toward rough-road capability, performance, and premium comfort. Platinum also starts $2,700 below ST despite appearing after it in Ford’s published model order, reinforcing that those upper trims are different directions rather than a conventional “good / better / best” progression.
Comparison Topic 4 of 7
The 2.3L Covers Most Trims; Tremor and ST Change the Hardware Story
Powertrain & 4WD
2027 Ford Explorer powertrain and four-wheel-drive comparison
2.3L EcoBoost I-4
Output: 300 hp / 310 lb-ft Torque Availability: Standard On Active, ST-Line, Tremor & Platinum
3.0L EcoBoost V6
Output: Up To 400 hp / 415 lb-ft Torque Availability: Standard On ST; Available On Tremor & Platinum
RWD / Available 4WD
Trims: Active, ST-Line, ST & Platinum Drivetrain: RWD Standard; Intelligent 4WD Available
Standard 4WD
Trim: Tremor Drivetrain: Intelligent 4WD Standard
What This Changes
Do not pay for the V6 merely because it is available. The 2.3L is the shared workhorse of the lineup; choose the V6 when acceleration, passing reserve, or the character of ST, Tremor, or Platinum with that engine materially improves the way you will use the SUV.
Comparison Topic 5 of 7
Most Trims Can Seat Seven; Tremor Trades the Bench Option for a Fixed Six-Passenger Layout
Seating & Cargo
2027 Ford Explorer Seating & Cargo Comparison
Active / ST-Line
Seating Capacity: 6 Standard / 7 Available Seating: Second-Row Captain’s Chairs Standard; Bench Available Cargo Space: 16.3 Cu. Ft. Behind Row Three; 85.8 Cu. Ft. Maximum
Tremor
Seating Capacity: 6 Seating: Second-Row Captain’s Chairs Standard; No Bench Option Cargo Space: 16.3 Cu. Ft. Behind Row Three; 85.3 Cu. Ft. Maximum
ST
Seating Capacity: 6 Standard / 7 Available Seating: Second-Row Captain’s Chairs Standard; Bench Available Third Row: PowerFold Seats Cargo Space: 16.3 Cu. Ft. Behind Row Three; 85.3 Cu. Ft. Maximum
Platinum
Seating Capacity: 6 Standard / 7 Available Seating: Second-Row Captain’s Chairs Standard; Bench Available Third Row: PowerFold Seats Cargo Space: 16.3 Cu. Ft. Behind Row Three; 85.3 Cu. Ft. Maximum
What This Changes
The published cargo differences are small enough that seating configuration and third-row usability matter more. Bring the people and gear that regularly use rows two and three rather than treating a half-cubic-foot maximum difference as a major buying factor.
Comparison Topic 6 of 7
Every Trim Can Tow Up to 5,000 Pounds; Only Tremor Builds Around Rougher Access
Towing & Trail Use
2027 Ford Explorer towing and trail-use comparison
Class III Trailer Tow Package
Availability: Standard Across The Explorer Lineup Maximum Towing: Up To 5,000 lb When Properly Equipped*
Drivetrain: Intelligent 4WD Available Focus: All-Weather Traction Without Tremor-Specific Off-Road Hardware
What This Changes
For a paved-road family routine, the shared towing package means you do not need Tremor simply to tow. Tremor earns its place when the destination repeatedly includes rougher surfaces, muddy access, uneven ramps, or unpaved approaches.
Comparison Topic 7 of 7
ST-Line, Tremor, ST & Platinum Add Different Kinds of Everyday Convenience
Comfort & Technology
2027 Ford Explorer comfort and technology comparison
ST-Line
Parking & Visibility: 360-Degree Camera & Front Parking Sensors Comfort: Heated Steering Wheel Audio: 10-Speaker B&O Sound System
Comfort: Heated & Ventilated Front Seats; Heated Second-Row Seats Third Row: PowerFold Seats Interior: Performance-Specific Cabin Treatment
Platinum
Comfort: Multicontour Front Seats Audio: 14-Speaker B&O Sound System Third Row: PowerFold Seats Driver Assistance: BlueCruise Equipment
What This Changes
Upper trims are easiest to justify when the equipment is used frequently. Parking visibility can matter daily in Savannah; ventilated seats can matter through long humid summers; premium audio and massaging seats are preference items that deserve an in-person check before paying for them.
Car and Driver highlights the 2027 Explorer's convenience features, comfortable cabin, and punchy powertrains. The publication also describes the first two rows as roomy and well suited to longer trips.
In Car and Driver’s standardized cargo testing, the Explorer fit four carry-on suitcases behind the third row and 31 with both rear rows folded. Those results provide practical context for the SUV’s cargo capacity with all three rows in use and with the rear seating folded.
Explore Every Trim
See What Changes From Active Through Platinum
Ford’s published model order is preserved below. Because ST and Platinum are parallel performance and luxury branches, each panel focuses on what changes there instead of implying every earlier feature carries forward in a straight ladder.
Select a Trim or Use Previous / Next
Trim 1 of 5
2027 Ford Explorer Active
The Essential Explorer
Starting MSRP: $38,860*
2027 Ford Explorer trim and lineup comparison
Powertrain & Drivetrain
2.3L EcoBoost I-4 · 300 hp / 310 lb-ft
RWD standard; Intelligent 4WD available
Seating & Cargo
6 standard / 7 available
16.3 cu. ft. behind row three; 85.8 cu. ft. maximum
The lineup foundation
Trim Highlights
13.2-inch Ford Digital Experience center display + 12.3-inch cluster
Heated front seats and 10-way power driver seat
Second-row captain’s chairs; bench available for seven-passenger seating
Power liftgate and eight USB ports
Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+
Class III Trailer Tow Package; up to 5,000-lb max towing*
Real-World Analysis
Active already carries the Explorer traits most families use every day: three rows, heated front seats, a power liftgate, the large dual-display interface, and the same 5,000-pound maximum tow rating available across the lineup.
Its biggest omissions are the upper trims’ parking-view hardware, premium audio, ventilated seats, upgraded chassis tuning, and luxury materials. If those extras are not central to the routine, Active keeps the price gap meaningful without turning the Explorer into a bare-bones SUV.
Where the Decision Changes
Compare ST-Line when the 360-degree camera, front parking sensors, B&O audio, heated steering wheel, and sport-inspired appearance will be used often enough to justify the step.
360-degree camera with split view + front parking sensors
10-speaker B&O Sound System
Heated leather-wrapped steering wheel
ActiveX-trimmed seats with cloth inserts and red stitching
Real-World Analysis
ST-Line is less about extra engine output and more about making the everyday Explorer feel more complete. The powertrain stays the same as Active, while parking visibility, audio, cabin trim, steering-wheel comfort, and exterior presentation move up together.
That makes it a clean fit for Savannah-area drivers who spend more time in traffic, garages, school pickup lanes, and tight coastal-town parking than on trails. It does not buy the Tremor hardware or ST powertrain, so shoppers should move higher only when those changes matter.
Where the Decision Changes
Compare Tremor when standard 4WD, all-terrain tires, added underbody protection, and off-road-specific chassis hardware matter more than keeping the road-oriented ST-Line setup.
2.3L EcoBoost I-4 standard; 3.0L EcoBoost V6 available
Intelligent 4WD standard
Seating & Cargo
6 passengers with second-row captain’s chairs
16.3 cu. ft. behind row three; 85.3 cu. ft. maximum
Step-Up Features
Trim Highlights
Standard Intelligent 4WD with Hill Descent Control
Off-road-tuned suspension with increased ride height
Torsen limited-slip rear axle
Steel underbody deflector plates
18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires
Heated/ventilated front seats and heated second-row seats
Real-World Analysis
Tremor is the clearest branch in the Explorer lineup because the money changes hardware rather than simply adding amenities. Standard 4WD, the Torsen rear axle, all-terrain tires, extra ride height, tuned suspension, and steel protection are the reasons to choose it.
The available 3.0-liter V6 can add major power, but Tremor does not need that option to make its case. For trips that regularly involve muddy launch ramps, unpaved access roads, hunting or fishing property, or rougher trailhead approaches, its chassis and traction upgrades are the meaningful distinction.
Where the Decision Changes
Compare ST when the priority shifts from off-road hardware to standard 400-hp V6 performance and sport-tuned on-road dynamics. Compare Platinum when comfort and upscale cabin equipment matter more.
Heated and ventilated front seats + heated second row
PowerFold third-row seats
BlueCruise equipment with trial; ST Sinister Package available
Real-World Analysis
ST is the Explorer for shoppers who want the performance hardware to be standard rather than packaged onto another trim. The 3.0-liter V6, sport-tuned suspension, 21-inch wheels, paddle shifters, and ST-specific cabin details change the character more than a conventional luxury step.
It still keeps family-use fundamentals including three rows, 5,000-pound max towing, available seven-passenger seating, and PowerFold third-row seats. The tradeoff is that shoppers paying primarily for comfort rather than pace may find Platinum’s standard luxury equipment more relevant.
Where the Decision Changes
Compare Platinum when massaging front seats, 14-speaker B&O audio, premium appearance details, and comfort-first equipment matter more than having the 400-hp V6 and sport suspension standard.
2.3L EcoBoost I-4 standard; 3.0L EcoBoost V6 available
RWD standard; Intelligent 4WD available
Step-Up Features
Trim Highlights
Multicontour front seats with Active Motion
14-speaker, 980-watt B&O Sound System
Heated and ventilated front seats + heated second row
PowerFold third-row seats
BlueCruise equipment included with plan period
Available 3.0L Ultimate Package with V6 and premium leather
Real-World Analysis
Platinum is not simply “above” ST in a straight performance ladder. Its starting MSRP is lower than ST’s, the 2.3-liter engine remains standard, and the trim spends its equipment budget on cabin comfort, audio, driver-assistance hardware, and upscale details.
For frequent I-95 travel, longer Savannah-to-Hilton Head runs, or households that value front-seat comfort and luxury equipment more than maximum standard power, that trade can make more sense. The available 3.0L Ultimate Package can add V6 power without giving up the Platinum mission.
Where the Decision Changes
Compare ST if standard 400-hp V6 power and sport suspension are more important. Otherwise, Platinum is the comfort-focused endpoint of the lineup rather than a mandatory final step.
Use an In-Person Visit to Settle the Differences Specs Cannot
Bring the people and gear you use most. Compare the second-row captain’s chairs with the available bench, put regular passengers in row three, load typical beach or travel gear, and test camera visibility in a tight parking space. If Tremor, ST, or Platinum remain in contention, drive them back-to-back—their tire feel, performance tuning, and seat comfort are easier to judge in person than on a spec sheet.
Start With the Hardware You’ll Use, Then Decide How Much Comfort or Performance to Add
Active and ST-Line are the straightforward family-use side of the lineup. Active already includes the core screens, heated front seats, power liftgate, three rows, and 5,000-pound towing ceiling. ST-Line keeps the same engine and drivetrain strategy but makes daily parking, audio, appearance, and steering-wheel comfort feel more complete. For many paved-road routines around Savannah, those two trims cover the practical Explorer job without paying for specialized hardware.
Tremor, ST, and Platinum are better understood as three different directions. Tremor spends money on 4WD, traction, all-terrain tires, protection, and suspension changes. ST spends it on standard V6 power and a sport-tuned chassis. Platinum spends it on multicontour seating, 14-speaker audio, comfort, and premium appointments, with the V6 remaining optional. Platinum starts $2,700, or roughly 5%, below ST, so the published badge order should not be treated as a mandatory climb; the two trims spend their budgets on different priorities.
The model-fit boundary remains important. If your family regularly needs adult-friendly third-row room, more than a 5,000-pound tow rating, or genuinely larger cargo capacity with all seats in use, moving to a higher Explorer trim does not change those fundamentals. That is the point to compare the Explorer with the larger Expedition rather than solving the wrong problem with extra Explorer equipment.
Still Deciding?
Match an Explorer Trim to the Routine You Repeat Most
Choose the ownership priority that sounds most like your week. The result is a trim to compare first, not a universal “best” answer.
Trim to Compare First
Daily Family Value
2027 Ford Explorer Active
Why It Fits
Active keeps the core three-row package, heated front seats, large digital displays, power liftgate, and the Explorer’s full towing ceiling without stepping into a specialized branch.
Also Compare
Compare ST-Line if the 360-degree camera, front parking sensors, premium audio, and heated steering wheel would improve most daily drives.
Does the Explorer ST-Line add more horsepower than Active?▼
No. Active and ST-Line both use the 300-hp 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 as standard equipment. ST-Line primarily changes appearance, parking visibility, audio, steering-wheel comfort, and cabin presentation rather than engine output.
Do you need the Explorer Tremor to tow 5,000 pounds?▼
No. The Class III Trailer Tow Package is standard across the 2027 Explorer lineup, and every trim publishes a maximum towing rating of up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. Tremor adds rough-road traction and chassis hardware, not a higher tow rating.
What is the real difference between Explorer ST and Platinum?▼
ST starts at $54,155* and makes the 3.0L EcoBoost V6 and sport-tuned suspension standard. Platinum starts at $51,455* and puts more emphasis on multicontour seating, 14-speaker B&O audio, BlueCruise equipment, and premium materials while leaving the V6 optional.
Can the 2027 Explorer Tremor seat seven?▼
No. Tremor is a six-passenger configuration with second-row captain’s chairs. Active, ST-Line, ST, and Platinum can be configured for seven with the available second-row bench.
Which 2027 Explorer trims have BlueCruise equipment?▼
ST includes BlueCruise equipment with a 90-day trial as standard, while Platinum includes BlueCruise equipment with a 1-year + 90-day plan. ST-Line and Tremor offer BlueCruise equipment through available packages or plans. Terms and availability can change.
How meaningful is the cargo-space difference between Explorer trims?▼
Not very large in the published maximum figures. Active and ST-Line list 85.8 cubic feet maximum, while Tremor, ST, and Platinum list 85.3. All five list 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row, so seating layout and real-world loading are more useful decision points than the half-cubic-foot maximum difference.
What should I compare in person before choosing an Explorer trim?▼
Check third-row access and comfort, compare the captain’s chairs with the available bench if seven seats matter, try the camera and parking systems, fold the seats around your normal gear, and drive the same route in the finalists so Tremor tire feel, ST performance, and Platinum seat comfort are judged on equal terms.
Where can I compare 2027 Ford Explorer trims near Savannah?▼
J.C. Lewis Ford Savannah is located at 9505 Abercorn St in Savannah. You can review current Explorer inventory, financing and trade tools online, then compare the remaining configurations in person.
Why J.C. Lewis Ford Savannah
Local Ford Support Built Around Clarity, Convenience & Continuity
J.C. Lewis Ford has served the region since 1912 and continues as a family-held Ford operation. The practical benefit is continuity: Savannah-area shoppers can work with one team for new-vehicle research, transparent transaction guidance, financing, trade support, Ford parts, service, and future ownership needs instead of treating the sale as the end of the relationship.
The dealership also supports remote transactions and eligible home delivery across the Southeast. That can make the process easier for shoppers coming from Richmond Hill, Wilmington Island, Skidaway Island, Bluffton, Hilton Head, Beaufort, or elsewhere in the Savannah–Lowcountry region, while online financing, payment, trade, custom-order, and vehicle-finder tools can resolve much of the paperwork and inventory search before a visit.
Ownership support can continue without every service visit consuming a trip across town. Ford Pickup & Delivery can collect an eligible vehicle, service it at the dealership, and return it, while Ford Mobile Service can handle qualifying routine maintenance and repairs at a home or workplace, subject to program availability, distance, scheduling, and service type.
Disclaimers: *Vehicle pricing, specifications, features, packages, software, seating, cargo measurements, towing capability, and availability are current as of September 21, 2026 and may change. *Starting MSRP figures are Ford-published base prices from the current 2027 Explorer Build & Price experience and may exclude destination/delivery, taxes, title, registration, options, accessories, dealer-installed equipment, and dealer charges. Confirm pricing on the specific vehicle. *3.0L EcoBoost V6 output can vary by state and configuration. Ford publishes up to 400 horsepower; confirm the specific vehicle and local certification. *Maximum towing is up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. Passenger, cargo, accessory, hitch, and tongue weight affect available capacity. Verify the specific vehicle, labels, and owner information before towing. *Cargo measurements vary by seating configuration, equipment, and measurement method. Published 2027 Explorer figures are approximately 16.3 cu. ft. behind row three and up to 85.3–85.8 cu. ft. maximum depending on model. *4WD, all-terrain tires, limited-slip hardware, cameras, parking sensors, BlueCruise, Co-Pilot360 technologies, and other driver-assistance features do not replace attentive driving, safe speeds, route judgment, proper tires, or direct visual confirmation. BlueCruise availability, hardware, trial/subscription terms, and mapped-road coverage can change. *Car and Driver rating, observations, and carry-on test results belong to that publication and may be updated. Its carry-on results are standardized publication tests, not Ford cargo-volume measurements. *Inventory changes continuously. Confirm the model year, trim, drivetrain, options, pricing, and availability on the specific Explorer before purchase.
