2027 Ford Explorer ST Review: The Three-Row SUV With a 400-HP Heart
Most three-row SUVs ask you to choose: family practicality or driving excitement. The 2027 Ford Explorer ST refuses the trade. Under the hood sits a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 that Ford rates at up to 400 horsepower, bolted to a chassis tuned by Ford Racing, with a price tag starting at $53,660. That recipe makes it one of the most intriguing performance bargains in the midsize SUV class.
In this full review, we break down everything Ford publishes about the 2027 Explorer ST: what is genuinely new this year, the real numbers behind the powertrain, towing and cargo capability, interior technology, and the packages that can push the price well past the sticker. Whether you are cross-shopping the Explorer ST or just curious what 400 horsepower feels like in a seven-seater, this guide gives you the facts and the context to decide.
- Engine: 3.0L twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 with Auto Start-Stop, up to 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque (per Ford).
- Starting price: $53,660 MSRP, before options and fees (per Ford's pricing page).
- Max towing: 5,000 lbs, with a Class III Trailer Tow Package standard.
- Seating: six passengers standard (captain's chairs), seven with the optional second-row bench.
- New for 2027: the dark-themed Sinister Package, two new colors, Slick Roof Conversion and an available panoramic roof.
How Much Does the 2027 Ford Explorer ST Actually Cost?
Ford lists the 2027 Explorer ST at a starting MSRP of $53,660. Treat that number as the floor, not the finish line. As shown in Ford's own configurator imagery, extra-cost paint options alone can move the needle, and the options catalog is deep: the Sun and Sound Package, the new Sinister Package, upgraded 980-watt B&O audio, and long-term BlueCruise plans all add real money.
One thing working in the buyer's favor: a surprising amount of expensive hardware comes standard, including the Class III Trailer Tow Package, Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0, and a year of both the Ford Connectivity Package and the new Ford Security Package. That softens the sting of the options list compared with rivals that charge extra for towing hardware or hands-free driving trials.
What's New for 2027: The Explorer ST Gets a Sinister Side
Ford did not restyle the sixth-generation Explorer for 2027, but it gave the ST something more interesting: mood. The headline addition is the Sinister Package, a brand-new dark appearance package that swaps in an exclusive wheel design and amber accent lighting for a meaner, blacked-out look.
The rest of the 2027 updates, straight from Ford's model FAQ:
- Two new paint colors: Avalanche Gray and Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat.
- Slick Roof Conversion: deletes the standard roof rails for a cleaner profile.
- Panoramic Vista Roof with power shade: now available on the ST, a long-requested option.
- Ford Security Package: included for one year from the warranty start date, or available as a one-time purchase.
None of this changes the mechanical formula, and that is the point. The hardware that made the ST special was already in place. Ford's job for 2027 was sharpening the presentation.
The Heart of the Beast: 3.0L EcoBoost V6 With 400 Horsepower
Every 2027 Explorer ST ships with the same powertrain: a twin-turbocharged, direct-injected 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 with Auto Start-Stop, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and SelectShift paddle shifters mounted behind a flat-bottomed, heated sport steering wheel. Ford says the engine delivers up to 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque.
One nuance worth knowing before you argue horsepower numbers in a forum thread: in Ford's official FAQ, the company notes the 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 is rated at 385 hp or 400 hp depending on the state where the vehicle is purchased, a reference to differing emissions requirements. If you see a 385-hp figure somewhere, that is why.
Chassis Tuned by Ford Racing
Power is only half the ST story. The chassis gets a sport-tuned suspension with a lowered ride height, calibrated to what Ford calls its exacting Ford Racing standards. Rear-wheel drive with six selectable drive modes is standard, and the Terrain Management System lets you tailor throttle and shift behavior to conditions. Buyers who live where winters bite can option Intelligent 4WD, which adds Hill Descent Control to the same six drive modes. A 3.58 non-limited-slip rear axle rounds out the driveline.
The Explorer ST Experience: A Free Performance Course
Here is a perk almost nobody expects at this price point. Ford includes its Explorer ST Experience for one year from the delivery of an eligible vehicle: an immersive performance-driving program taught by professional instructors at select venues across America. For a family SUV buyer, that is an unusually generous way to learn what 400 horsepower can actually do in a controlled environment.
Towing and Cargo: Numbers That Matter for Real Life
Performance badges usually cost utility. The Explorer ST mostly avoids that trap. Ford rates it for a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs, and the Class III Trailer Tow Package comes standard along with Trailer Sway Control, so there is no extra towing kit to tick on the order sheet. That is enough for a mid-size boat, a pair of personal watercraft, or a well-loaded utility trailer.
Cargo capacity tells a similar two-story tale:
- 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row with all seats upright: enough for a week of groceries or a few carry-on bags.
- 85.3 cubic feet maximum with the rear rows folded: competitive with the best in the class and aided by the standard PowerFold third row, which folds flat at the push of a button instead of demanding a wrestling match.
Add the standard power liftgate, roof-rack side rails and 110V/150W power outlet, and the ST quietly doubles as a genuine hauler during the week before turning back into a fast family car on the weekend.
Inside the 2027 Explorer ST: A Cockpit That Earns the Badge
The cabin is where Ford has invested most visibly. Dominating the dash is the Ford Digital Experience running on a 13.2-inch center display, backed by a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, as does SiriusXM with 360L (with a three-month prepaid subscription) and the FordPass app ecosystem. If you care about where Ford's software strategy is heading, our recent analysis of how Ford plans to make its in-car AI assistants smarter explains why screens like this one now sit at the center of the brand's profit plans.
Seats Built for Speed and School Runs
Seats are trimmed in ActiveX material with Miko suede inserts, red stitching and ST logos. The front row is heated, ventilated and power-adjustable (10-way driver, 8-way passenger), while second-row heated seats and captain's chairs with E-Z Entry come standard. Active Noise Cancellation helps keep the cabin calm, though the quad chrome exhaust tips out back hint that you will not always want it quiet.
Every row gets USB-C ports (six in total across the three rows, plus a USB-A in the media hub), tri-zone automatic climate control reaches all zones, and a rear auxiliary climate panel lets second-row passengers manage their own comfort. Practical touches like cargo hooks, dome lights in all three rows and the Easy Fuel capless filler complete the picture.
Safety and Driver Assistance: What Comes Standard
Ford bundles its full mainstream safety suite into the ST. Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 is standard, layered on top of features like Lane Keeping System (with Lane-Keeping Assist, Lane-Keeping Alert and Driver Alert), Reverse Brake Assist, a 360-degree camera with split view, and front and rear parking sensors. The BlueCruise equipped hardware ships with a 90-day trial, and longer plans can be added as options.
Passive safety hardware includes dual-stage front airbags, front seat side and knee airbags, side-curtain Safety Canopy airbags with a rollover sensor, LATCH child-seat anchors and the SOS Post-Crash Alert System.
One piece of honest context for anyone researching the Explorer nameplate: previous model years have had their share of service campaigns. We covered the 2020-2025 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator recall in detail, including what owners should do. Checking a used or demo vehicle's recall status before purchase remains smart due diligence.
Dimensions and Key Numbers at a Glance
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $53,660 |
| Engine | 3.0L twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 with Auto Start-Stop |
| Horsepower | Up to 400 hp (385 or 400 hp depending on purchase state, per Ford FAQ) |
| Torque | 415 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic with SelectShift paddle shifters |
| Drivetrain | RWD standard (6 drive modes); Intelligent 4WD optional with Hill Descent Control |
| Max towing | 5,000 lbs (Class III Trailer Tow Package standard) |
| Seating | 6 standard / 7 with optional second-row bench; PowerFold third row |
| Cargo volume | 16.3 cu ft behind third row; 85.3 cu ft maximum |
| Length / Width / Height | 198.7 in / 89.3 in (with mirrors) / 69.8 in |
| Wheelbase | 119.1 in |
| Head room (front / mid / rear) | 40.7 in / 40.5 in / 38.9 in |
| Leg room (front / mid / rear) | 42.9 in / 37.0 in / 31.8 in |
| Passenger volume | 149.5 cu ft |
| Wheels and tires | 21-inch Magnetite aluminum standard (Gloss Black optional), P275/45R21 all-season |
| Displays | 13.2-inch center touchscreen, 12.3-inch instrument cluster |
Where the Explorer ST Stands Against Its Rivals
The 2027 Explorer ST occupies a rare lane: a mainstream-brand three-row SUV with genuine performance hardware. Its closest philosophical rival is the Acura MDX Type S, which we recently reviewed as the leader of the three-row luxury performance set. The MDX Type S counters with a more premium cabin and standard AWD, but it also demands a notably larger budget.
Other shoppers typically weigh:
- Jeep Grand Cherokee L for a more off-road-flavored personality.
- Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade for maximum value and cabin polish, minus the performance focus.
- The standard 2027 Explorer lineup, including the off-road-flavored Tremor, if 400 hp is more than your commute requires.
Within Ford's own performance family, the ST is actually the accessible entry point. If you want to see how far the Blue Oval will push forced induction, our review of the 810-hp Shelby F-150 Super Snake Sport shows the top shelf.
Who Should Buy the 2027 Ford Explorer ST?
Strengths
- Up to 400 hp and 415 lb-ft from a standard twin-turbo V6.
- Ford Racing-tuned suspension with lowered ride height.
- 5,000 lbs towing with the hitch package standard.
- Big, flexible cabin: 85.3 cu ft max cargo and PowerFold third row.
- Strong standard tech: 13.2-inch display, B&O audio, Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0.
- One-year ST driving experience included.
Considerations
- 400 hp figure varies by state (385 hp in some), per Ford.
- Desirable options (Sinister Package, Vista Roof, premium audio) add up quickly.
- Third row is usable but tight for adults on long trips (31.8 in leg room).
- BlueCruise beyond the 90-day trial requires a paid plan.
Our editorial take: the 2027 Explorer ST is the right call for the parent who secretly still reads torque curves, the commuter who tows a boat in summer, and anyone who wants one vehicle that can do the school run and the back roads without apology. If your priorities are maximum third-row space or rock-bottom running costs, a non-ST Explorer or a rival with a smaller turbo engine will serve you better. This is a feeling-first SUV with a spreadsheet-compatible practical side.
One more macro factor for buyers thinking long term: the competitive landscape itself is shifting. Ford has publicly warned that Chinese automakers could reach the US market within a decade, which makes today's established, parts-rich nameplates like the Explorer an increasingly safe bet for long-term ownership.
Watch the 2027 Ford Explorer ST in Action
Pictures only tell half the story. This video review walks around the 2027 Explorer ST and puts its bold design, cabin and performance engine in context:
2027 Ford Explorer ST: Photo Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2027 Ford Explorer ST
How much does the 2027 Ford Explorer ST cost?
Ford lists a starting MSRP of $53,660 for the 2027 Explorer ST. That figure excludes options, destination charges, taxes, title, registration and dealer fees. Packages such as the Sinister Package, Sun and Sound Package and extended BlueCruise plans increase the final price.
How much horsepower does the 2027 Ford Explorer ST have?
The twin-turbo 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 is rated at up to 400 horsepower with 415 lb-ft of torque. In Ford's official FAQ, the company notes the engine is rated at 385 hp or 400 hp depending on the state where the vehicle is purchased.
What is the towing capacity of the 2027 Ford Explorer ST?
Ford rates the 2027 Explorer ST for a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs. The Class III Trailer Tow Package and Trailer Sway Control come standard, so no additional towing package is required.
What is new on the 2027 Ford Explorer ST?
New for 2027 are the dark-themed Sinister Package with an exclusive wheel style and amber accent lights, two new colors (Avalanche Gray and Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat), the Slick Roof Conversion that deletes the roof rails, the available Panoramic Vista Roof with power shade, and a Ford Security Package included for one year.
How many people can the 2027 Explorer ST seat?
The Explorer ST seats six passengers as standard with second-row captain's chairs. Choosing the optional second-row 35/30/35 split bench increases capacity to seven. A PowerFold third row is standard on all versions.
How much cargo space does the 2027 Ford Explorer ST offer?
With all three rows in place, the Explorer ST provides 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row. Folding the rear rows expands capacity to a maximum of 85.3 cubic feet, according to Ford's published specifications.
Does the 2027 Explorer ST have BlueCruise?
Yes. The 2027 Explorer ST is BlueCruise equipped and ships with a 90-day trial. Longer access can be added through optional one-year plans or a one-time purchase option listed in Ford's packages.
Is the Explorer ST worth it over a regular Explorer?
If you value driving dynamics, yes: the ST adds the most powerful engine in the lineup, a Ford Racing-tuned sport suspension with lowered ride height, 21-inch wheels, and unique ST interior and exterior styling, while keeping the same practical three-row body and towing capability. If outright speed does not matter to you, a lower trim delivers most of the utility for less money.
Final Verdict: The Family SUV That Refuses to Behave
- The 2027 Ford Explorer ST starts at $53,660 and pairs up to 400 hp with genuine family utility.
- Standard equipment is generous: trailer tow package, Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0, B&O audio, PowerFold third row and a one-year ST driving experience.
- New for 2027: the Sinister Package, two fresh colors and new roof options.
- Check the state-specific horsepower rating and price options carefully before ordering.
The 2027 Ford Explorer ST succeeds because it stops pretending a family SUV has to be boring. It delivers sports-sedan acceleration, racing-tuned handling and a dark new attitude, while still towing 5,000 lbs and carrying seven people. For drivers who want one vehicle for every role in their life, few options at this price make as much sense.
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Read More SUV Reviews Back to Auto News LineSources: official 2027 Ford Explorer ST model page on Ford.com (pricing, specifications, features and FAQ), retrieved September 22, 2026. All figures are as published by Ford and subject to change; confirm final details with your dealer and the vehicle's window sticker.
