Three Ways to Spec Your 2027 Ford Explorer for the Road Ahead

The three-row Ford Explorer is the Swiss Army knife of the SUV market. Designed for families, adventurers, and busy professionals, the Explorer delivers a winning combination of versatility, technology, and interior space, all wrapped up in an eye-catching package.

The midsize model only becomes more stylish for the 2027 model year, but it’s the SUV’s adaptability that’s long made it the segment’s bestselling model. From the value-packed Active trim to the off-road Tremor, and a Platinum model that excels in both performance and premium features, there are plenty of reasons to get excited about the 2027 Ford Explorer. Let’s explore a few of the Explorer’s most enticing trims and learn how it can fill almost any automotive niche.

For Families: Active

There are few better choices than a three-row SUV when you’re searching for a new family vehicle. The Ford Explorer provides buyers with all the passenger and cargo room they’ll need to get through the week, not to mention some of the industry’s best safety tech and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).

The Explorer provides plenty of cargo room with up to 85.8 cu.ft. of storage capacity, but it’s the way the SUV utilizes this space that makes Ford’s midsize model so perfect for domestic duty. From a hands-free liftgate and power-folding third row to roof rails and more, the Explorer is designed to adapt to your changing needs, not the other way around.

The interior offers plenty of clever storage solutions, including a convenient cargo tray and an underfloor storage bin, and even addresses a few age-old problems that have long plagued the three-row segment. While everyone appreciates the extra passenger space that comes with a third row, these rear seats are often a bit difficult to access, especially for adult riders.

Ford has engineered around this issue by designing second-row seats that slide forward easily to create a larger opening. If you need a little extra cargo space, the Explorer’s second- and third-row fold-flat seats can be stowed away to create a large, flat cargo area that’s perfect for transporting bulky or delicate items.

Ford’s bestselling SUV can accommodate seven passengers right out of the box, but opting for a higher trim lets owners swap out the second-row captain’s chairs for a bench seat that increases the Explorer’s capacity to eight passengers. Best of all, both the second and third rows were designed with adult passengers in mind, so you won’t have to ask them to perform any crazy contortions when they’re relegated to the back rows.

For Adventurers: Tremor

The Explorer’s 300-hp base engine already gives it a major advantage over many of its rivals in terms of performance, but that’s just one aspect of the SUV’s adventure-ready appeal. Ford has bucked an unfortunate trend in the midsize segment, equipping the Explorer with a rear-wheel drive powertrain rather than the front-wheel drive setup found on many of its competitors.

This rear-wheel drive setup makes all the difference in terms of traction, towing, and off-road applications. This approach not only helps drivers get a grip on loose, off-road surfaces but also noticeably improves maneuverability. Routing power to the rear wheels frees up the front wheels to focus on steering, and can also allow the Explorer to get a much better start off the line.

There’s a reason why most performance-focused models opt for the rear-wheel drive layout, and it’ll be pretty obvious when you’re speeding from zero to 60 mph in as little as 5.1 seconds with the available 3.0L turbocharged V6. Rated for 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, the V6 engine comes standard on the ST model and can be added to the Tremor and Platinum trims as part of the Tremor Ultimate and Platinum Ultimate packages.

The Tremor represents the Explorer’s most capable off-road guise, allowing owners to confidently hit the trail or power through tough weather conditions. The trim includes all of the components one would expect from a modern off-roader – all-terrain tires, steel skid plates, and a raised suspension – plus some premium features that give the Explorer a distinct advantage when the going gets rough.

Traction is key when venturing into off-road terrain, and the Tremor’s limited-slip rear differential helps minimize wheelspin, keeping the SUV powering through mud, gravel, sand, and other challenging surfaces. A set of grille-mounted auxiliary lights illuminates darker stretches of road, while the Tremor’s 110-volt outlet, ventilated front seats, and heated second-row seats enhance the trim’s appeal in terms of comfort and convenience.

For Professionals: Platinum

The Explorer’s versatility has long been one of its strongest selling points. The entry-level Active model is easily one of the segment’s most well-rounded offerings with its long list of standard comfort, convenience, and safety equipment, and the off-road Tremor trim is ready for whatever the road can throw at it.

Ford has also crafted an Explorer that’s perfect for those who enjoy the finer things in life. The range-topping Platinum trim provides drivers with their own automotive oasis, featuring leather seat inserts, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, tri-zone climate control, and more. Exclusive trim details lend the Platinum a distinctive look, as do the SUV’s 20-inch wheels.

The Platinum also includes all of the goodies found on the Sun and Sound package. The 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system is sure to satisfy every audiophile, while the massaging front seats provide the perfect way to relax after a long day. A panoramic sunroof sheds plenty of light on the Explorer’s interior, allowing owners to better appreciate the stylish cabin.

The Platinum is also a standout in terms of safety, which can have a big impact when it comes to mastering your morning commute. The Explorer is loaded with a long list of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like adaptive cruise control, intersection collision mitigation, blind-spot warning, and rear parking sensors. The Platinum sweetens the pot with:

• Front parking sensors
• Surround-view camera system
• Auto-dimming driver-side and rearview mirrors
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Adaptive headlights

If you’re looking for an even more opulent driving experience, the Platinum Ultimate package sees the SUV enter near-luxury territory with its quilted leather upholstery, 21-inch wheels, and turbocharged V6 engine. It’s hard to imagine a more premium option for the price.

Explore All of Your Options at DePaula Ford

The 2027 Ford Explorer is here to prove that a three-row SUV doesn’t have to be a one-dimensional family vehicle. While the popular crossover checks all the boxes for family-friendly features and offers plenty of room for passengers and cargo alike, it’s the Explorer’s sheer versatility that has really allowed it to maintain its spot atop the three-row segment.

The Tremor’s off-road ability allows drivers to make the most of their free time, but the trim’s available all-wheel drive powertrain, lifted suspension, and limited-slip rear differential should also prove handy when tough winter weather hits the Capital District. A 400-hp V6 outpaces most of the class and ensures you’ll never be hurting for power when you need it most.

A comfortable, convenient driving experience awaits in the Explorer Platinum, allowing owners to enjoy a premium SUV without the premium price. Perfect for those who spend long hours behind the wheel, the Platinum will almost have you looking forward to that morning commute with its leather upholstery, massaging front seats, and 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system.

Do you need help selecting the right SUV for your unique driving needs? DePaula Ford specializes in connecting Albany drivers with their new favorite ride. We’re here to help buyers narrow down their options, compare different trims, and handle all the paperwork that comes with a new vehicle purchase. If you’re tired of the same crop of three-row SUVs and are eager to explore your options, Ford’s bestselling SUV is waiting for you here.