Swant Graber · Barron, Wisconsin
Ford Explorer Buyer's Guide (2026–2027)
Last verified October 22, 2026 · Swant Graber Ford, Barron, WI
The 2027 Ford Explorer is a three-row SUV in five trims with a 300-hp 2.3L EcoBoost or 400-hp 3.0L EcoBoost V6, rear-wheel drive or 4WD, and a 5,000-lb tow rating on every model. Swant Graber Ford in Barron, WI checked every figure against ford.com and the EPA. New vehicles at Swant Graber Ford are sold at invoice with no dealer add-ons.
Shop Explorer inventory at Swant Graber · new vehicles sold at invoice, no dealer add-ons · call 715-537-9500
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| Quick fact | Answer |
|---|---|
| 2027 trims | Active, ST-Line, Tremor, Platinum, ST |
| Engines | 2.3L EcoBoost (300 hp / 310 lb-ft) standard except ST; 3.0L EcoBoost V6 (400 hp / 415 lb-ft) standard on ST, available on Tremor and Platinum; 10-speed |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive standard; intelligent 4WD available; Tremor is 4WD only |
| Max towing | 5,000 lbs, all models (ford.com) |
| Seating | 6 or 7; second-row captain's chairs standard, bench available except Tremor |
| Best EPA rating | 2027 RWD 2.3L: 20 city / 28 hwy / 23 combined |
| Pricing at Swant Graber | New vehicles sold at invoice, no dealer add-ons; doc fee $127.50 |
2027 Explorer trims and what each adds
The 2027 Ford Explorer comes in five trims (Active, ST-Line, Tremor, Platinum and ST); Active and ST-Line are the value picks, Tremor is the 4WD off-road trim with 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and Platinum and ST offer the 400-hp 3.0L V6.
| Trim | Engine | Drive | Ground clearance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active | 2.3L | RWD / 4WD | 7.6" |
| ST-Line | 2.3L | RWD / 4WD | 7.6" |
| Tremor | 2.3L or 3.0L | 4WD only | 8.7" |
| Platinum | 2.3L or 3.0L | RWD / 4WD | 8.3" |
| ST | 3.0L (400 hp) | RWD / 4WD | 7.8" |
ford.com 2027 Explorer. Length 198.7", wheelbase 119.1".
Explorer engines, mpg and towing
Every 2027 Explorer tows up to 5,000 lbs when properly equipped, per ford.com; the 300-hp 2.3L EcoBoost is the efficient choice (EPA 20/28/23 mpg RWD), and the 400-hp 3.0L EcoBoost V6 is the power choice.
| 2027 (EPA) | City/hwy/comb |
|---|---|
| 2.3L RWD | 20/28/23 |
| 2.3L 4WD | 20/27/23 |
| 3.0L V6 RWD | 18/26/21 |
| 3.0L V6 4WD | 17/24/20 |
| Tremor 2.3L 4WD | 18/22/20 |
| Tremor 3.0L 4WD | 17/22/19 |
EPA fueleconomy.gov; regular fuel. EPA lists the 4WD system as AWD. Ford notes the 3.0L is rated 385 hp in some states.
- Cargo: 85.8 cu ft max (Active, ST-Line) or 85.3 cu ft (others); 16.3 cu ft behind the third row.
- A 5,000-lb rating covers most pontoons, utility trailers and small campers; check the tongue weight against the door-jamb payload.
2026 vs. 2027 Explorer: what changed
For 2027 Ford adds a one-year Ford Security Package, Avalanche Gray and Ruby Red paint, the 3.0L V6 on Platinum (Platinum Ultimate), a Tremor 3.0L Sun & Sound package and an ST Sinister appearance, and makes the Panoramic Vista Roof available on every trim.
- Engines and the 5,000-lb tow rating carry over.
- EPA: 2027 RWD 2.3L is 20/28/23 vs. 20/29/24 for 2026.
- Tremor was new for 2026.
- Slick Roof Conversion offered.
Used Explorer: generations and years to target
The current Explorer generation, rear-wheel-drive-based, arrived for 2020 and was refreshed for 2025 with a new interior and the trim names used today; a 2025-or-newer Explorer has the current dashboard and screen layout.
| Years | What to know |
|---|---|
| 2020–2024 | All-new RWD-based Explorer with 2.3L and 3.0L EcoBoost engines and a 10-speed. |
| 2025–2027 | Refresh with new interior and trim lineup (Active, ST-Line, Platinum, ST; Tremor from 2026). |
Ford. Recall history: used Explorer recalls by year.
Certified used Explorer: how CPO changes the decision
Swant Graber Ford is a Ford Blue Advantage dealer: a Gold Certified Explorer (up to 6 years old, under 80,000 miles) adds a 12-month/12,000-mile comprehensive limited warranty and a 7-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty.
- Gold Certified: Ford models up to 6 years old and under 80,000 miles, 172-point inspection, 12-month/12,000-mile comprehensive limited warranty, 7-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty.
- Blue Certified: vehicles up to 10 years old and under 150,000 miles, 139-point inspection, 90-day/4,000-mile comprehensive limited warranty.
- Swant Graber Ford participates in Ford Blue Advantage's 14-day/1,000-mile Money Back Guarantee; Ford's conditions apply.
- Non-certified used vehicles at Swant Graber include 45 days / 5,000 miles powertrain, on used units 10 model years or newer with under 150,000 miles. See dealer for details.
How it changes the decision: Gold Certified's 7-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage is longer than the 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty on a new Ford, so a 2–4-year-old Gold unit can be the value play if you don't need the newest changes. Ford Blue Advantage at Swant Graber Ford · Ford certified pre-owned · warranty guide
Also see: Blue Advantage used Explorer guide · Explorer recalls by year · CarBravo vs. Blue Advantage vs. Stellantis CPO. Check open recalls on any VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Certified used Explorers: Ford certified used Explorer.
Owning a Explorer in northwest Wisconsin
For a Barron County family, a 4WD Explorer with good winter tires is the practical three-row choice, and Tremor's 8.7 inches of clearance helps on unplowed township roads and gravel.
- Every 2027 Explorer tows 5,000 lbs, enough for many ice houses, sleds and pontoons.
- Rear-wheel drive is standard; for northern Wisconsin we recommend 4WD.
- Plan a spring underbody wash after salt season.
- Three-row comparisons: three-row SUVs for Barron County.
Local guides: Towing an ice house and driving on lake ice · 4WD modes in winter · Winter vehicle prep · Snowmobile trailer towing in Wisconsin · Winter prep and block heater service.
Shop Explorer inventory at Swant Graber · new vehicles sold at invoice, no dealer add-ons · call 715-537-9500
New Explorer in stockUsed ExplorerFord Blue Advantage certified ExplorerAll new FordAll used FordAbout Ford Blue Advantage certifiedEvery inventory link
Frequently asked questions
How much can a 2027 Ford Explorer tow?
Up to 5,000 lbs on all models, properly equipped, per ford.com.
Is the Ford Explorer 4WD or AWD?
Ford lists rear-wheel drive standard with intelligent 4WD available; the Tremor is 4WD only. The EPA labels the system AWD.
What mpg does the 2027 Explorer get?
Best is the 2.3L RWD at 20 city / 28 highway / 23 combined (EPA).
Which Explorer has the V6?
The 3.0L EcoBoost V6 (400 hp) is standard on ST and available on Tremor and Platinum.
Does the Explorer seat 7 or 8?
6 or 7. Captain's chairs are standard; a second-row bench is available except on Tremor.
Is there an Explorer hybrid for 2027?
No. Ford's 2027 Explorer engines are the 2.3L EcoBoost and the 3.0L EcoBoost V6.
What years of used Explorer should I look at?
2020 and newer for the current RWD-based generation; 2025 and newer for the refreshed interior.
Where can I buy an Explorer near Rice Lake?
Swant Graber Ford, 1697 E Division Ave, Barron, WI. Call 715-537-9500.
How does Swant Graber price a new Ford Explorer?
Swant Graber Ford in Barron, WI sells new vehicles at invoice with no dealer add-ons. Taxes, title, registration and the $127.50 doc fee are extra.
Sources and verification
Last verified October 22, 2026 by Swant Graber Auto Group against these manufacturer and government sources. Features, ratings and availability can change; the window sticker and door-jamb labels on the exact vehicle govern.
- Ford.com: 2027 Ford Explorer (models, specs, capability) (retrieved Oct 2026)
- Ford.com: 2027 Explorer specifications (dimensions, cargo, ground clearance)
- EPA fueleconomy.gov: 2026 and 2027 Ford Explorer
- Ford: The New Ford Explorer: It's All in the Name (2025 model year refresh) (Ford From the Road, 2024; generation history)
- Ford Blue Advantage program (Ford) (Gold and Blue Certified terms, retrieved Oct 2026)
- NHTSA recall lookup by VIN
Swant Graber Appearance Package, $1,399 (optional): Xzylon protection with a 7-year exterior/interior warranty against bugs, tar and road grime, paint protection, fabric protection, 5-year windshield protection and rustproofing for doors and body panels. It is never pre-installed or added to the price; we sell at invoice with no dealer add-ons. Package details.