2027 Ford Explorer: What's New, Trim Levels, Tremor, and How to Reserve

The 2027 Ford Explorer is one of the biggest updates the family three-row segment has seen in years — headlined by a brand-new Explorer Tremor off-road trim, the 3.0L EcoBoost V6 newly available on Platinum, two new paint colors, and a fresh Slick Roof Conversion option. For families across central Minnesota who’ve made the Explorer their default three-row SUV for the last decade-plus, this is the model year that adds capability without sacrificing what already worked.

At Jay Malone Ford in Hutchinson, we’re taking 2027 Explorer reservations right now — no deposit, no obligation, just a conversation about what you’re looking for so we can match you with the right build when allocations open. Whether you want the very first Explorer Tremor in McLeod County or you’re ready to step up from your current Explorer into a Platinum, this is your starting point.

What is new for the 2027 Ford Explorer?

The 2027 Explorer introduces five major updates: the all-new Tremor off-road trim, the 3.0L EcoBoost V6 newly available on Platinum series, two new paint colors, a new Slick Roof Conversion option, and the Universal Garage Door Opener now optional on Tremor, ST, and Platinum.

The headline news is the Explorer Tremor — a brand-new off-road-focused trim built around all-terrain tires, underbody protection, and a TORSEN limited-slip rear axle. Available with either the 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 (equipment group 800A) or the 3.0L EcoBoost V6 (equipment group 801A), it’s a meaningful capability addition to a model line that’s always been more on-road than off.

The 3.0L EcoBoost V6 (option 99C) is now available on Platinum series, giving Platinum buyers a true V6 option to step up to. A new Slick Roof Conversion (19A) is optional on Active 200A, ST-Line, ST, and Platinum — replacing the standard roof rails for a cleaner profile and reduced wind noise. Universal Garage Door Opener (UGDO, option 50C) is now optional on Tremor, ST, and Platinum series for the first time.

On the paint side, two new colors join the lineup — Avalanche Gray (DR) and Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat (RR) — while Space White Metallic is discontinued. The Panoramic Vista Roof with Power Shade is updated (option 439), replacing the previous Panoramic Fixed Glass Roof with Power Shade.

What trim levels are offered on the 2027 Explorer?

The 2027 Explorer is offered in five trim families — Active, ST-Line, ST, Platinum, and the all-new Tremor. Here is how each trim is positioned for buyers:

• Active “Base” (100A): The retail entry point. 18-inch Sparkle Silver-painted aluminum wheels, standard equipment focused on value.
• Active (200A): Adds the optional Active Comfort Package (68A) bundle — Heated Steering Wheel, LED Fog Lamps with Silver-Painted Skid Plate Elements, LED Signature Lighting, Remote Start System, 8-Way Power Passenger Seat, ActiveX seating material, and Second Row HVAC Controls.
• ST-Line (300A): Adds 20-inch Ebony-painted Machined Aluminum wheels and sport-styled exterior treatment as standard.
• ST (400A): Performance-focused trim with 21-inch Magnetite-painted Aluminum wheels standard, and the new ST Sinister Package (19G) available with 21-inch Gloss Black wheels.
• Platinum (600A): Luxury flagship with 2.3L standard engine, available 3.0L EcoBoost V6 (99C, new for 2027), and the Ultimate Package adding Lux Leather, 21-inch Dark Alloy wheels, 3.31 Non-Limited-Slip Rear Axle, and Electronic Sound Enhancement.
• Tremor (800A/801A — new for 2027): Off-road focused, 4WD only, with the 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 standard (800A) or 3.0L EcoBoost V6 (801A) available.

What is the 2027 Ford Explorer Tremor?

The Tremor is the biggest news in the 2027 Explorer lineup. It’s a brand-new off-road-focused trim, 4WD only, built on top of the Active 200A 4WD configuration with Active Comfort Package content as the foundation.

Standard equipment specific to the Tremor includes:

• Tires: P265/65R18 All-Terrain (A/T)
• Wheels: 18-inch High Gloss Ebony Black-painted Aluminum with Tremor Electric Spice Accents
• Underbody Protection: Front and Rear Deflector Plate
• Off Road Auxiliary Grille Lights
• Tremor Badging and Blackout Treatment on Headlamps and Taillamps
• Unique Front Tow Hooks
• TORSEN Limited-Slip Rear Axle
• Miko Suede with Micro-Perforated Seating Surfaces, Electric Spice Stitching, Tremor Logo
• Front Heated and Ventilated seats, Second Row Heated Seats
• Heated Flat-Bottom Steering Wheel with Accent Stitching
• B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen with 10 speakers and subwoofer
• Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 (full safety suite including BLIS, Adaptive Cruise with Stop-and-Go, Intersection Assist, Lane-Keeping System, Pre-Collision Assist with AEB)
• 360-Degree Camera with Split View
• 110V/150W AC Power Outlet

The Tremor is available with two engine choices: the standard 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 with 10-Speed Automatic (equipment group 800A), or the 3.0L EcoBoost V6 with 10-Speed Automatic (equipment group 801A — Ultimate Package). Both are paired with 4WD as standard. The 801A Ultimate adds BlueCruise Equipped (90-Day Trial), Driver’s Seat Memory, Third Row PowerFold, Rain-Sensing Wipers, and Electronic Sound Enhancement.

For central Minnesota buyers, the Tremor specs translate into real everyday capability. The all-terrain tires and TORSEN limited-slip rear axle handle gravel roads and lake cabin access between Hutchinson, Litchfield, and Dassel without giving up the daily-driver practicality the Explorer is known for. The underbody protection — front and rear deflector plates — is genuinely useful on two-tracks and rural roads that beat up most family SUVs.

For a full breakdown of the Explorer Tremor — every standard feature, engine choice, optional package, and how it compares to the Expedition Tremor — read our complete 2027 Explorer Tremor specs and features guide.

What new colors are available for 2027?

Ford has added two new paint colors to the 2027 Explorer lineup — Avalanche Gray and Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat. Space White Metallic is discontinued for 2027.

Avalanche Gray (DR) is a fresh gray option that joins the lineup as a new mainstream choice. It’s available across most trim levels and adds a contemporary option that didn’t exist in the 2026 lineup.

Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat (RR) is the more attention-grabbing of the two new colors — a deep, vivid red with a tinted clearcoat finish. It’s an extra-cost paint option available across the trim lineup.

Other colors carried over from 2026 include Agate Black Metallic, Carbonized Gray Metallic, Iconic Silver Metallic, Star White Metallic Tri-Coat, Vapor Blue Metallic, and Marsh Gray (available on ST-Line, ST, and Tremor). The Explorer color palette is one of the deepest in the segment.

What is the Slick Roof Conversion option?

The Slick Roof Conversion (option 19A) is new for 2027 and available on Active 200A, ST-Line, ST, and Platinum series. It deletes the standard roof rails for a cleaner, lower-profile look and reduced wind noise at highway speeds.

Note that selecting Slick Roof Conversion means roof-rail crossbars (DIO option) are no longer available, so if you regularly carry kayaks, bikes, cargo boxes, or rooftop tents, the standard roof-rail configuration is the right call. If you don’t need rack-mounted gear and prefer the cleaner aesthetic, Slick Roof Conversion is a worthwhile delete.

What changed for the 2027 Explorer Platinum?

The biggest 2027 update for the Explorer Platinum is the addition of the 3.0L EcoBoost V6 (option 99C) as an available engine. Platinum has historically been built around the 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 as standard, and the 3.0L V6 addition gives buyers the option to step up to a larger, more refined powerplant within the same luxury trim.

Selecting the 3.0L V6 on Platinum unlocks the 3.0L Engine Ultimate Package (600A / YZDAB), which adds the Lux Leather Package (Platinum-badged seats, Premium Leather Seating Surfaces, quilting and stitching on seats and door panels), Chrome Quad Exhaust Tips, 21-inch Dark Alloy-painted Machined Aluminum wheels with P275/45R21 All-Season BSW tires, a 3.31 Non-Limited-Slip Rear Axle, and Electronic Sound Enhancement.

Other Platinum updates for 2027 include the standard Lux Leather Package (when ordered with the 3.0L Ultimate), the new Slick Roof Conversion option, and the Universal Garage Door Opener (UGDO) as an optional add-on.

When will the 2027 Explorer arrive in Hutchinson?

Ford has not announced a specific on-sale date for the 2027 Explorer. What we can confirm is that Ford released updated 2027 Explorer product information in May 2026, signaling that the model year is moving toward production and availability. At Jay Malone Ford, we’ll update every reservation holder the moment we have firm timing.

Here is why reserving matters before Ford opens the order bank widely: dealer allocations are finite. Every Ford dealer gets a certain number of build slots per quarter, broken down by trim and configuration. When allocations open, reservation holders on our list get first shot at those slots, in the order we received them. That’s especially important for the new Tremor trim, which we expect to fill fast in our market and across the country.

We don’t charge anything to hold your spot. We don’t lock you into anything. We just get you in line.

How do I reserve a 2027 Explorer at Jay Malone Ford?

Reserving your 2027 Explorer at Jay Malone Ford is free, takes about two minutes, and carries zero obligation. Fill out the short reservation form on our Reserve Your 2027 Explorer page. A member of our sales team will reach out within one business day to confirm your preferred trim, drivetrain, seating configuration, color, and any package preferences.

If you’d rather talk in person, stop by the showroom at 1165 Hwy 7 W in Hutchinson or give us a call at (320) 587-4748 — ask for any of us by name and we’ll get you taken care of.

2027 Ford Explorer FAQ

Family-owned. Hutchinson-based. Your dealer for life.

We’ve watched a lot of Explorers leave our lot headed for school pickup lines in Hutchinson, youth hockey tournaments in Willmar, baseball weekends in Waconia, and lake weekends in Kandiyohi and Meeker counties. The Explorer is a central Minnesota family classic for a reason — and the 2027, with the new Tremor option, opens up a whole new use case for families who want three-row practicality with real gravel-road and cabin-access capability.

I’m Jordan Malone-Forst, and I grew up in this dealership. My dad Jay started Jay Malone Motors in 2005, my brother Jake and I work alongside him now, and we’ve been the place central Minnesota families go for their next Explorer for over twenty years. The 2027 isn’t any different — same family, same commitment.

If you’ve been thinking about it, let’s talk. Reserving costs nothing, commits you to nothing, and gives us a chance to get your exact build locked in before allocations fill up. A phone call, an email, or a walk-in works — whichever is easiest for you.

Learn more about the 2027 Ford Explorer

We’ve put together two in-depth guides on the 2027 Explorer — written for central Minnesota families actually trying to decide between trims and timing: