Ford Explorer Review
2027 Ford Explorer® Model Review | McHenry, IL
The 2027 Ford Explorer® is an adventurous three-row SUV bringing the latest innovations to every commute and weekend getaway. From cutting-edge safety features to a versatile and roomy interior, the Explorer has plenty for every drive. Continue reading this 2027 Ford Explorer review created by the team at Buss Ford and learn about key features, performance specs, and exterior colors.
Check out our Explorer trims guide, and see what each model’s standard features include. Browse through the inventory of our Ford dealership in McHenry, IL, and find the right one for your family’s driving needs. If you have any questions, you’re welcome to reach out to us online or over the phone at (815) 385-2000.
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2027 Ford Explorer Engines & Performance
Under the hood of the 2027 Ford Explorer, you’ll find one of two powerful EcoBoost® engines ready to deliver exceptional performance on your next journey. The standard 2.3L EcoBoost inline four-cylinder (I4) engine produces 300 horsepower, while the available 3.0L EcoBoost V6 engine delivers up to 400 horsepower. Both powertrains are paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission, and can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. Adapt to various road conditions with the standard Terrain Management System™ with up to seven drive modes, while the available sport-tuned suspension enhances drives on-road. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) are available on either engine.
View the following engine specifications.
| Engine | 2.3L EcoBoost I4 | 3.0L EcoBoost V6 |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 300 HP | 385 HP (Green States) / 400 HP (Federal States) |
| Torque | 310 lb.-ft. | 415 lb.-ft. |
| Transmission | Ten-speed automatic | Ten-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD / 4WD | RWD / 4WD |
| Max. Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs. | 5,000 lbs. |
2027 Ford Explorer Exterior Design
Bold and robust, the 2027 Ford Explorer looks at home on the road or off it. Standard features include 18-inch Sparkle Silver aluminum wheels, LED reflector headlamps, and a power liftgate. Further 20-, 21-, and 22-inch wheel designs, LED fog lamps, and power-deployable running boards are available on higher trim levels. On the Tremor® trim, all-terrain tires and underbody protection enhance your weekend adventures.
Standard exterior features:
- 18-in. Sparkle Silver aluminum wheels
- LED headlamps
- LED taillamps
- Heated, power exterior mirrors
- Power liftgate
Exterior features included on higher trim levels:
- All-terrain tires
- 20-, 21-, and 22-in. wheels
- LED fog lamps
- Daytime running lamps
- Autofold exterior mirrors with turn signal indicators, ground illuminator, driver’s side auto-dimming, and memory
- Rain-sensitive windshield wipers
- Roof-rail crossbars
- Underbody protection
2027 Ford Explorer Interior Design
Whatever the destination, the 2027 Ford Explorer provides plush comfort for you and your family. Unique cloth seat upholstery, heated front seats, and a power driver’s seat come standard and elevate your daily travels. Higher trim levels further enhance your interior experience with a panoramic Vista Roof®, leather seat upholstery, and ventilated, massage front seats. The available third-row PowerFold® seat allows for easy interior adjustability.
Standard interior features:
- Unique cloth seat upholstery
- Heated front seats
- Ten-way power driver’s seat
- Four-way manual front passenger’s seat
- Second-row captain's seats with E-Z entry
- Third row 50/50 split-folding bench seat
- Tri-zone automatic temperature control with rear auxiliary climate control
- Four-door Intelligent Access with push-button start
Interior features included on higher trim levels:
- ActiveX®/cloth, ActiveX/Miko® suede, and ActiveX/leather seat upholstery
- Eight-way power front passenger’s seat
- Multicontour front seats with Active Motion®
- Ventilated front seats
- Heated second-row seats
- Second-row 35/30/35 split-folding bench seat
- Third-row PowerFold seat
- Heated, leather-wrapped, sport-style steering wheel
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- Ambient interior lighting
- Remote start system
- Universal garage door opener
Optional interior features:
- Panoramic Vista Roof with power shade
- Leather seat upholstery
2027 Ford Explorer Seating & Cargo Capacity
The 2027 Ford Explorer features an expansive three-row interior with the passenger and cargo capacity your commute demands. Seat six passengers standard, or up to seven with the available second-row bench seat. When it comes to storage space, the Explorer offers a maximum of 85.8 cubic feet of cargo volume.
View the following interior specifications.
- Passenger Capacity: Six or seven
- Headroom (Front/Second/Third Row): 40.7 / 40.5 / 38.9 in.
- Legroom (Front/Second/Third Row): 43 / 37.5 / 31.8 in.
- Cargo Volume Behind Third Row: 16.3 cu.-ft.
- Cargo Volume Behind Second Row: 46 cu.-ft.
- Max. Cargo Volume: 85.8 cu.-ft.
2027 Ford Explorer Technology
Stay connected on the go with the 2027 Ford Explorer and its intuitive infotainment technology. The standard Ford Digital Experience infotainment system and its 13.2-inch touchscreen feature wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ for effortless connectivity. Higher trim levels feature premium audio with the available ten- or 14-speaker B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen® with subwoofers.
Standard technology features include:
- 12.3-in. driver Information display
- Ford Digital Experience with 13.2-in. touchscreen
- Six speakers
- FordPass® Connect
- Ford App capability
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- SiriusXM® with 360L capability
- 12V powerpoints
- Front-, second-, and third-row USB ports
Technology features included on higher trim levels:
- Ten- or 14-speaker B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen with subwoofers
- HD Radio™
- 110V/150W AC power outlet
2027 Ford Explorer Driver Assist & Safety Features
On every drive, the sophisticated safety features inside the 2027 Ford Explorer enhance your confidence. The standard Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist+ suite includes blind spot monitoring, collision avoidance, and lane management systems key for daily driving. On higher trims, the Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 suite adds a 360-degree camera, offers exceptional views when parking and maneuvering in tight spots. The available BlueCruise hands-free highway driving system provides assistance on extended drives on select roadways.
Standard safety features:
-
Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+
- Adaptive cruise control
- BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System) with cross-traffic alert and trailer coverage
- Auto High-Beam Headlamps
- Blind spot assist
- Intersection assist
- Clear exit warning
- Lane-keeping system
- Pre-Collision Assist® with automatic emergency braking
- Reverse brake assist with rear cross-traffic braking
- Rearview camera with backup assist grid line
- Rear parking sensors
- Post-collision braking
Safety features included on higher trim levels:
-
Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0
- 360-degree camera with split view
- Front parking sensors
- BlueCruise hands-free highway driving system
- SecuriCode™ keyless entry keypad
- SecuriLock® passive anti-theft system
- AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™

2027 Ford Explorer Colors Available
- Star White Metallic Tri-Coat
- Vapor Blue Metallic
- Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat
- Avalanche Gray
- Agate Black Metallic
- Carbonized Gray Metallic
- Marsh Gray
2027 Ford Explorer Trims Available
- Active $40,260*
- ST-Line $45,995*
- Tremor $50,995*
- Platinum™ $52,455*
- ST $55,455*
2025 Ford Explorer® Review | Colors, Cargo, Specs, & Features | Buss Ford
The 2025 Ford Explorer® is robust, family-friendly, and forward-thinking. Great for weekly drives, trips to the store, or weekend getaways, you’ll be able to take advantage of a roomy interior, advanced technology, and powerful engine options to handle all your SUV driving needs. Continue reading this 2025 Ford Explorer review created by the team at Buss Ford in McHenry, IL, to learn more about the vehicle.
Check out our Ford Explorer trims guide for more model-specific information, and learn more about the Ford Explorer or other Ford vehicles by visiting our model research hub.
Want to get behind the wheel? Browse through our inventory, find your ideal Ford Explorer, and schedule a test drive. Feel free to contact us online or over the phone at (815) 385-2000 if you have any questions.
2025 Ford Explorer Interior Design & Cargo Space
With three spacious rows of seating, the 2025 Ford Explorer can handle the passengers and cargo your busy life demands. Enjoy available premium accommodations, such as leather seat upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row seats. An available twin-panel moonroof brightens up the cabin and lets passengers take in the sun on nice days. When you fold down the second and third rows, the maximum cargo volume is 85.3 cubic feet. Available interior features include:
- Unique cloth, ActiveX®, or leather seats
- Ten-way power driver’s seat
- Eight-way power front passenger’s seat
- Multicontour front seats with Active Motion®
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Heated second-row seats
- Second-row 35/30/35 split-folding bench seat or captain's seats with E-Z entry
- Third-row 50/50 split-folding bench seat or PowerFold® seat
- Heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Power tilt/telescoping steering column
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- Tri-zone automatic temperature control
- Twin-panel moonroof
2025 Ford Explorer Technology & Safety
The 2025 Ford Explorer features intuitive infotainment technology ready to help you and your passengers stay connected wherever your travels take you. Enjoy your favorite apps and features through wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ on a 13.2-inch touchscreen. There are two premium audio systems available, including a 12- and a 14-speaker B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen®. Available technology features include:
- 12- or 14-speaker B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen
- 12.3-in. productivity screen
- 13.2-in. infotainment touchscreen
- Bluetooth®
- FordPass® Connect with 5G LTE Wi-Fi® hotspot capability
- HD Radio™
- SiriusXM® with 360L
- Wireless charging pad
Wherever you travel, the safety features inside the Ford Explorer are ready to lend a hand when you need them. The Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist+ or Assist 2.0 suites contain available essential driver assistance technologies, like Pre-Collision Assist®, BLIS® (blind spot information system), and Intersection Assist 2.2. To help you traverse difficult surfaces, the AdvanceTrac® with RSC® (Roll Stability Control™) aids in traction. Available safety features include:
- Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+
- Pre-Collision Assist with automatic emergency braking
- Adaptive cruise control with stop and go, lane centering, and predictive speed assist
- Auto high-beam headlamps
- BLIS with cross traffic alert and trailer coverage
- Evasive steering assist
- Intersection Assist 2.2
- Rear parking sensor
- Rearview camera
- Lane-keeping system
- Reverse brake assist
- Post collision braking
- Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0
- 360 degree camera with split view
- Front parking sensor
- AdvanceTrac with RSC
2025 Ford Explorer Engine Specs
You can find one of two efficient and powerful EcoBoost® engines under the hood of the 2025 Ford Explorer. The standard 2.3L EcoBoost turbo inline four-cylinder (I4) produces up to 300 horsepower, while the available 3.0L EcoBoost V6 twin-turbo engine generates 400 horsepower. Both engines are paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission and can tow up to 5,000 pounds. If you’re interested in off-roading, the available Terrain Management System™ will help you adapt. While on the road, the available sport-tuned suspension system can help make your ride smoother. View engine specifications in the following table.
|
Engine |
2.3L EcoBoost I4 |
3.0L EcoBoost V6 |
|
Horsepower |
300 HP |
400 HP |
|
Torque |
310 lb.-ft. |
415 lb.-ft. |
|
Transmission |
Ten-speed automatic |
|
|
Drivetrain |
RWD / Intelligent AWD |
|
|
Max. Towing |
5,000 lbs. |
|
2025 Ford Explorer Color Options
- Agate Black Metallic
- Star White Metallic Tri-Coat
- Iconic Silver Metallic
- Vapor Blue Metallic
- Carbonized Gray Metallic
- Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat
2025 Ford Explorer Trim Levels
- 2025 Ford Explorer Active™ – Starting at $39,755 MSRP
- 2025 Ford Explorer ST-Line – Starting at $44,515 MSRP
- 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum® – Starting at $51,655 MSRP
- 2025 Ford Explorer ST – Starting at $55,505 MSRP
2023 Ford Explorer Review | Interior, Colors, & Features Available
If you’re in need of a hardy three-row SUV that can take you and your family on your next big adventure, look no further than the 2023 Ford Explorer. The Explorer is equipped with ample storage space, a powerful engine, and a host of features meant to comfort, entertain, and help make your driving experience better. For more details, continue reading this 2023 Ford Explorer review created by the team at Buss Ford in McHenry, IL.
When you’re ready to get behind the wheel, find the Explorer right for you in our inventory and schedule a test drive. If you need help at any step in the car-buying process, feel free to reach out to us online or over the phone at (815) 385-2000.
2023 Ford Explorer Interior Features
The interior of the 2023 Ford Explorer is designed for comfort and capability, with luxurious seating appointments and advanced technology to ensure your passengers stay relaxed and entertained on long rides. The SYNC® 3 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen allows you to stay connected as well, with access to all your favorite apps. For inclement weather, heated seats and a steering wheel are great options to warm up. Key interior features available include:
- Seven-passenger capacity
- Cloth, unique cloth, ActiveX™, leather-trimmed, or Del Rio leather seat material
- Front bucket seats, second-row split-fold bench seat or captain’s chairs, and third-row split-fold or PowerFold® bench seat
- Eight- or ten-way power driver’s seat
- Four- or eight-way power front passenger’s seat
- First- and second-row heated seats
- Heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Tri-zone automatic temperature control
- Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility
- FordPass® Connect 4G LTE Wi-Fi® hotspot capability
- 12- or 14-speaker B&O® Sound System by Bang & Olufsen® with subwoofer
- 12V power outlets
- Remote engine start
- Wireless charging pad
- Twin-panel moonroof
Engine Specs & Towing Capacity
The 2023 Ford Explorer is ready to take on your next adventure with a robust engine and powerful features, like the Terrain Management System™ and Hill Descent Control™. Though rear-wheel drive (RWD) is standard, the Explorer can be upgraded to intelligent four-wheel drive (4WD). All engines come with a ten-speed automatic transmission, and the EcoBoost® engines come with start/stop technology to limit idling. When properly equipped, the Ford Explorer can tow up to 5,600 pounds. Engine specifications can be viewed here:
|
Engine |
Horsepower |
Torque |
|
2.3L EcoBoost I4 |
300 HP |
310 lb.-ft. |
|
3.0L EcoBoost V6 |
400 HP |
415 lb.-ft. |
2023 Ford Explorer Hybrid
If you’re looking for excellent fuel-efficiency while retaining respectable performance, the 3.3L hybrid can provide you with 318 horsepower and 322 foot-pounds of torque.
Tire Size & Wheel Options
Take to the road with confidence and style using the wide selection of wheels and tires available to the 2023 Ford Explorer. Versatile all-season tires are standard on all trims except for the Timberline, which uses all-terrain tires to improve its traction on difficult ground. View below for the availability of wheel options on all trims:
18-in. five-spoke Sparkle Silver-painted aluminum wheels
- Explorer
- XLT
20-in. premium painted aluminum wheels
- XLT
- Limited
20-in. Carbonized Gray-painted ten-spoke wheels
- XLT
20-in. machined aluminum wheels with painted pockets
- ST-Line
- ST
21-in. aluminum wheels
- ST-Line
- ST
18-in. high-gloss black-painted aluminum wheels
- Timberline
20-in. ten-spoke aluminum wheels
- Limited
20-in. ten-spoke aluminum with King Ranch® center cap
- King Ranch
21-in. bright machined-face aluminum with Luster Nickel-painted pockets
- Platinum
Cargo Space & Dimensions
The 2023 Ford Explorer has impressive storage solutions, which include cargo space organizers, a cargo area management system, and, for when you need the extra space, second- and third-row split-folding seats. To more easily access the cargo area, a power liftgate is standard. For the cargo volumes, view the table here:
|
Cargo Volume Behind Third Row |
18.2 cu.-ft. |
|
Cargo Volume Behind Second Row |
47.9 cu.-ft. |
|
Max. Cargo Volume |
87.8 cu.-ft. |
Color Options Available
- Agate Black Metallic
- Carbonized Gray Metallic
- Forged Green Metallic
- Atlas Blue Metallic
- Iconic Silver Metallic
- Star White Metallic
- Stone Blue Metallic
- Jewell Red Metallic
- Rapid Red Metallic
Trim Levels Offered
The 2023 Ford Explorer comes in seven unique trims with different levels of luxury, technology, and performance. If you’d like to learn more about each trim, view our Explorer trims guide. Available trims and their starting MSRP are listed here:
- 2023 Ford Explorer – Starting at $36,760 MSRP
- 2023 Ford Explorer XLT – Starting at $38,570 MSRP
- 2023 Ford Explorer ST-Line – Starting at $46,005 MSRP
- 2023 Ford Explorer Limited – Starting at $47,070 MSRP
- 2023 Ford Explorer Timberline – Starting at $48,980 MSRP
- 2023 Ford Explorer ST – Starting at $50,005 MSRP
- 2023 Ford Explorer Platinum – Starting at $53,820 MSRP
- 2023 Ford Explorer King Ranch – Starting at $54,075 MSRP
New Ford Explorer for Sale in McHenry, IL
When you’re ready to find your new Ford Explorer for sale in McHenry, IL, visit Buss Ford. Check out what models we have for you to consider, and choose the right SUV for your family’s commuting and weekend adventuring needs. Should you have any questions, you’re welcome to contact us online or over the phone at (815) 385-2000.
May not represent actual vehicle. (Options, colors, trim and body style may vary)