The 2027 Ford Explorer Tremor is one of the most interesting additions to the Explorer lineup in years. It’s brand-new for 2027, 4WD only, and built around real off-road hardware — P265/65R18 All-Terrain tires, front and rear underbody protection, a TORSEN limited-slip rear axle, off-road auxiliary grille lights, and unique Tremor styling inside and out. For families across central Minnesota who want three-row practicality with the kind of capability the Explorer hasn’t historically offered, this is the trim to know about.
Here’s what we know about the 2027 Explorer Tremor — standard equipment, engine choices, available options, colors, and how to get in line for one at Jay Malone Ford in Hutchinson.
On this page
- What engine does the 2027 Explorer Tremor have?
- What off-road features come standard on the Tremor?
- What comes inside the Explorer Tremor?
- What technology is included on the Tremor?
- What optional packages are available?
- What colors can you get the Tremor in?
- Is the Explorer Tremor available in 2WD or RWD?
- How does the Explorer Tremor compare to the Expedition Tremor?
- Is the 2027 Explorer Tremor worth it for Minnesota buyers?
What engine does the 2027 Explorer Tremor have?
The 2027 Explorer Tremor comes with two engine options, both paired with a 10-Speed Automatic transmission and 4WD as standard:
- 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 with Auto Start-Stop (equipment group 800A — Standard Package): The base Tremor configuration, offering turbocharged four-cylinder efficiency.
- 3.0L EcoBoost V6 with Auto Start-Stop (equipment group 801A — Ultimate Package): The step-up Tremor configuration with the larger V6 powerplant.
Both engines are paired with a 10-Speed Automatic Transmission and Explorer 4WD (sales code K8J). Ford has not yet published horsepower, torque, fuel economy, or towing ratings for the 2027 Explorer Tremor specifically — we’ll update this page as soon as those figures are confirmed.
If towing capacity, fuel economy, or specific output numbers are decision factors for you, get in touch and we’ll let you know as soon as Ford publishes them.
What off-road features come standard on the Tremor?
The 2027 Explorer Tremor comes standard with a real off-road hardware package — not just an appearance treatment. The base content is built on top of the Active 200A 4WD equipment group plus Active Comfort Package (68A) content, with Tremor-specific additions on top:
- P265/65R18 All-Terrain (A/T) tires — not standard Explorer street tires
- 18-inch High Gloss Ebony Black-painted Aluminum wheels with Tremor Electric Spice Accents
- Underbody Protection — Front and Rear Deflector Plate
- Off Road Auxiliary Grille Lights
- Tremor Badging
- Blackout Treatment on Headlamps and Taillamps
- Unique Front Tow Hooks
- TORSEN Limited-Slip Rear Axle — a meaningful spec that keeps both rear wheels driving when traction differs side to side
For central Minnesota buyers, a few of these matter more than others. The all-terrain tires and TORSEN rear axle handle gravel county roads — the washboard back roads between Hutchinson, Dassel, and Cokato — without giving up the on-pavement composure the Explorer is known for. The front and rear deflector plates are real steel protection under the vehicle, not just trim, and that’s the kind of feature you appreciate the first time you bottom out on a lake-cabin access road or a hunting-land two-track.
The off-road auxiliary grille lights and blackout headlamp treatment also signal that this is a different Explorer than the one your neighbor drives. It looks the part because it is the part.
What comes inside the Explorer Tremor?
Tremor’s interior is a full premium specification — not a stripped-down off-road package. Standard equipment includes:
- Miko Suede with Micro-Perforated Seating Surfaces, Electric Spice Stitching and Tremor Logo
- Stitched Tremor Logo on the seatbacks
- Front Heated and Ventilated seats
- Second Row Heated Seats
- Heated Flat-Bottom Steering Wheel with Accent Stitching
- Door-Sill Scuff Plates — Front and Rear, Black Molded-in-Color, molded with “EXPLORER”
- Floor Liners — Front and Second Rows (without Carpet Floor Mats)
- 110V/150W AC Power Outlet — replaces the Powerpoint Port on the rear side of the Center Floor Console
- B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen, 10 speakers including subwoofer
The Miko suede with Electric Spice stitching is a Tremor signature material — not leather, not standard cloth, but a premium suede surface with contrast stitching that sets the Tremor apart from every other Explorer in the lineup. It looks right at home both on a gravel road and in a parking lot in town.
What technology is included on the Tremor?
The Tremor comes standard with Ford’s full safety and driver-assist suite for 2027:
- Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 — includes Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering, Predictive Speed Assist, Stop-and-Go capability
- 360-Degree Camera with Split View
- BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross-Traffic Alert and Trailer Coverage
- Blind Spot Assist
- Clear Exit Warning
- Front Parking Sensors
- Intersection Assist
- Lane-Keeping System with Driver Alert, Lane-Keeping Alert, Lane-Keeping Assist, and Road Edge Detection
- Auto High-Beam Headlamps
- Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) including Oncoming AEB, Dynamic Brake Support, Forward Collision Warning, and Pedestrian Detection
- Rear Cross-Traffic Braking
- Post-Collision Braking
- Reverse Brake Assist
- Power and Heated Sideview Mirrors, Manual-Folding, with Security Approach Lamps and Gloss Black Caps (2.3L EcoBoost models)
The 801A Ultimate Package adds BlueCruise Equipped (90-Day Trial) — Ford’s hands-free highway driving system, working on 97% of controlled-access highways in the U.S. and Canada with Automatic Lane Change, Lane Change Assist, and In-Lane Repositioning. The 800A Standard Package has BlueCruise as a Free Standing Package & Option that you can add via the BlueCruise Hardware (66M) and either a 1-Year + 90-Day Plan or a One-Time Purchase option.
If BlueCruise matters to you, the cleanest path is the 801A Ultimate Package because it’s already included. On the 800A standard, you can still get it — it just requires adding the hardware and a subscription or one-time purchase at order time.
What optional packages are available on the Tremor?
The major option on the Tremor is the upgrade from 800A Standard Package (2.3L) to 801A Ultimate Package (3.0L). The Ultimate Package adds:
- 3.0L EcoBoost V6 engine
- BlueCruise Equipped (90-Day Trial)
- BlueCruise Hardware (included)
- Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror (Interior)
- Ambient Lighting
- Rain-Sensing Wipers (Front Only)
- Seats — Driver’s Seat Memory and Third Row PowerFold (folds flat)
- Power-Folding Sideview Mirrors with Autofold, Manual-Folding, LED Turn Signal Indicators, Security Approach Lamps, Driver’s Side Auto-Dimming, Driver/Passenger Side Memory, and Gloss Black Caps
- Electronic Sound Enhancement
Other notable Free Standing Packages & Options:
- Tremor Convenience Package (66G) — available on 800A; adds Ambient Lighting, Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror, power-folding mirrors with security approach lamps, rain-sensing wipers, driver seat memory, and third row PowerFold
- Sun and Sound Package (51G) — B&O Sound System with 980 Watt 14-speaker setup, Multicontour Seats with Active Motion (Front Only), and Panoramic Vista Roof with Power Shade
- SecuriCode Keyless Entry Keypad (61E)
- Universal Garage Door Opener (UGDO, option 50C) — new for 2027 on Tremor, ST, and Platinum
- Engine Block Heater (41H) — worth considering for January nights in Hutchinson
- Ford Connectivity Package (One-time purchase, 7 years, option 91D)
- Ford Security Package (One-time purchase, option 55A)
- SiriusXM with 360L (3-year plan, option 94B)
What colors can you get the 2027 Explorer Tremor in?
The Tremor is available in several Free Standing Package paint options. Confirmed colors on the Tremor include:
- Marsh Gray (T9) — extra cost paint
- Star White Metallic Tri-Coat (AZ) — extra cost paint
- Vapor Blue Metallic (K1) — extra cost paint
Additional standard Explorer colors carry over to the Tremor as well — including the two new 2027 colors, Avalanche Gray (DR) and Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat (RR), per the broader 2027 Explorer color lineup.
If a specific color is important to your decision, mention it when you reserve and we’ll confirm availability against the latest Ford specifications when we follow up with you.
Is the Explorer Tremor available in 2WD or RWD?
No. The 2027 Explorer Tremor is offered only as Explorer 4WD (sales code K8J). Four-wheel drive is fundamental to the trim — the off-road equipment, TORSEN limited-slip rear axle, and all-terrain tires are built around 4WD capability.
If you want an Explorer in rear-wheel drive or other configurations, the other 2027 Explorer trims (Active, ST-Line, ST, Platinum) offer both RWD and 4WD options.
How does the Explorer Tremor compare to the Expedition Tremor?
Both the Explorer Tremor and Expedition Tremor are new for 2027, and both are off-road-focused trims with 4WD-only configurations. But they’re aimed at different buyers and built around different platforms.
The Expedition Tremor is a full-size three-row SUV built around the Expedition platform, with a High Output 3.5L EcoBoost V6 producing 440 HP / 510 lb-ft as its only engine option, Raptor-style skid plates, and an electronic locking rear differential. It’s positioned for buyers who want the Expedition’s full-size space plus serious off-road capability.
The Explorer Tremor is a midsize three-row SUV with a TORSEN limited-slip rear axle (a different mechanical philosophy than the Expedition’s electronic locker), all-terrain tires, and front/rear underbody deflector plates. It’s offered with two engine choices — the 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 or the 3.0L EcoBoost V6 — rather than a single high-output powerplant. The Explorer Tremor is positioned for buyers who want a more compact and fuel-efficient package with real off-road capability.
If you’re looking at both, the practical decision usually comes down to size and use case: full-size Expedition Tremor for families who need the extra interior space and maximum towing capability, midsize Explorer Tremor for families who want a more nimble vehicle that fits in a typical garage and uses less fuel on the daily commute. Read our full 2027 Expedition Tremor specs and features guide for the deeper Expedition comparison.
Is the 2027 Explorer Tremor worth it for Minnesota buyers?
Yes — if you actually use the capability. The Tremor is built for the buyer who wants three rows of family space plus real off-road hardware in a midsize, fuel-efficient package, not a cosmetic appearance trim pretending to be capable.
It makes sense if you regularly drive gravel county roads, own a lake cabin on a rough access road, spend weekends on hunting land or two-tracks, or just want the peace of mind that comes with all-terrain tires and underbody protection during a Minnesota winter or a rainy spring. It makes less sense if your daily commute is entirely paved highway and your weekends never leave town — you’d pay for capability you won’t use, and the all-terrain tires are a slightly noisier ride at highway speeds than the street tires that come on a standard Platinum.
For McLeod County, Meeker County, Kandiyohi County, and the lake and farming communities across central Minnesota, the Tremor is the Explorer trim that actually fits the life a lot of our customers live. The combination of midsize family-three-row practicality, real all-terrain hardware, premium interior treatment, and full Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 safety suite is genuinely well-aimed at this market.
Demand is going to be strong, and Tremor allocations will be limited as a brand-new trim. If the Tremor is the one you want, reserving now means we can get your exact build in the queue.
2027 Ford Explorer Tremor Key Takeaways
- Brand-new off-road-focused trim for 2027, 4WD only
- Two equipment group options: 800A (2.3L EcoBoost I-4) or 801A Ultimate (3.0L EcoBoost V6)
- P265/65R18 All-Terrain tires on 18-inch High Gloss Ebony Black wheels
- TORSEN limited-slip rear axle (mechanical, not electronic)
- Front and Rear Deflector Plate underbody protection
- Off-Road Auxiliary Grille Lights, blackout headlamps and taillamps, unique tow hooks
- Miko Suede seats with Electric Spice stitching and Tremor logo
- Heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats
- B&O 10-speaker audio standard, full Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 safety suite
- BlueCruise included in 801A Ultimate (90-Day Trial); available on 800A via FSO
- Ford has not yet published horsepower, torque, fuel economy, or tow ratings for 2027 Explorer Tremor
- Reserve early — Tremor is a brand-new trim and allocations will be tight
2027 Explorer Tremor FAQ
Is the 2027 Explorer Tremor available in 2WD or RWD?
No. The 2027 Explorer Tremor is 4WD only (Explorer 4WD, sales code K8J). Four-wheel drive is fundamental to the trim and is required for the off-road equipment package.
What is the difference between the 800A and 801A equipment groups?
The 800A is the standard Tremor package with the 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 engine. The 801A Ultimate Package upgrades to the 3.0L EcoBoost V6 and adds BlueCruise Equipped (90-Day Trial), Driver’s Seat Memory, Third Row PowerFold, Rain-Sensing Wipers, Ambient Lighting, Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror, Electronic Sound Enhancement, and power-folding mirrors with extra features. The 801A is the more loaded Tremor option.
What tires come on the Explorer Tremor?
P265/65R18 All-Terrain (A/T) tires mounted on 18-inch High Gloss Ebony Black-painted Aluminum wheels with Tremor Electric Spice Accents. These are not standard Explorer street tires — they’re purpose-built for gravel roads, light off-road use, and the kind of conditions central Minnesota Tremor buyers actually drive in.
Does the Explorer Tremor have a locking differential like the Expedition Tremor?
The Explorer Tremor includes a TORSEN limited-slip rear axle, which is mechanically different from the Expedition Tremor’s electronic locking rear differential. Both provide improved traction when one wheel loses grip, but they operate on different principles. The TORSEN is automatic and works through gear-based torque biasing; the electronic locker on the Expedition fully locks both wheels together when activated. Both work well for what the trim is designed for.
What are the 2027 Explorer Tremor’s towing and fuel economy ratings?
Ford has not yet published horsepower, torque, towing capacity, or fuel economy figures specific to the 2027 Explorer Tremor. We will update this page when those figures are confirmed. If towing or fuel economy is a decision factor for you, reach out and we’ll let you know as soon as Ford publishes the numbers.
Can I reserve a 2027 Explorer Tremor at Jay Malone Ford?
Yes. The Tremor is confirmed for 2027 and we’re actively taking reservations for it. Visit our 2027 Ford Explorer reservation page and select Tremor as your preferred trim, or call us at (320) 587-4748.
Get your 2027 Explorer Tremor in line at Jay Malone Ford
The 2027 Explorer Tremor is one of the most in-demand trims we’ve ever taken reservations on — and for good reason. It fills a real gap in the midsize three-row segment that nobody else has filled this well. If you’ve been waiting for a family vehicle that can actually handle gravel roads, lake cabin access, and weekend trail use without giving up the practical daily-driver size that fits in your garage, the Explorer Tremor is it.
For more on the full 2027 Explorer lineup — including every trim, all colors, the new Slick Roof Conversion, and the 3.0L EcoBoost on Platinum — check out our 2027 Ford Explorer overview. For a side-by-side of what changed from 2026 to 2027 and a wait-or-buy framework, see What’s New for the 2027 Ford Explorer.
About the Author
I’m Jordan Malone-Forst, Assistant General Manager at Jay Malone Motors in Hutchinson, MN. I’m proud to be part of the family business my dad Jay started in 2005 — and even prouder to serve the community I grew up in. I’m President of the Hutchinson Ambassadors, serve on the Board of Directors for the Hutchinson Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism, and was named 2025 Young Leader of the Year. If you have questions about the 2027 Explorer Tremor or want to reserve yours, reach out — I’d love to help.