2027 Ford Explorer® Review | Ozark, MO

The versatile 2027 Ford Explorer® is built for weekend trips to the lake as much as weekday carpool duty. With three rows of seating, two engine options, and a full suite of driver assistance technologies, it’s well-suited for extended drives. Available four-wheel drive (4WD) brings confidence when the weather turns. Read this 2027 Ford Explorer review from the team at James River Ford to learn about its performance specs, top features, and exterior colors. For standard features and pricing by trim, visit our Explorer trims guide.

Browse our new Explorer inventory at our Ford dealership in Ozark, MO, to find out which models are currently available, then schedule a test drive to try one firsthand. If you have any questions, contact us online or call us at (417) 551-6437.

2027 Ford Explorer driving on a bridge

2027 Ford Explorer Engines & Performance

Turbocharged power moves the 2027 Ford Explorer up highway on-ramps and down gravel county roads. The standard 2.3L EcoBoost® inline four-cylinder (I4) engine produces 300 horsepower, and the available 3.0L EcoBoost V6 engine raises that figure to 400 horsepower. Both engines use a ten-speed automatic transmission with standard rear-wheel drive (RWD) or available 4WD, and the Tremor® trim comes standard with 4WD. The standard Terrain Management System™ offers six selectable drive modes for pavement, snow, and unpaved surfaces. When properly equipped, the Explorer tows up to 5,000 pounds.

See the following engine specifications for more details.

Engine 2.3L EcoBoost I4 3.0L EcoBoost V6
Horsepower 300 HP 400 HP
Torque 310 lb.-ft. 415 lb.-ft.
Drivetrain RWD / 4WD
Transmission Ten-speed automatic
MPG (City/Hwy) 20 / 28 18 / 26
Max. Towing Capacity 5,000 lb.

2027 Ford Explorer Exterior Design

Early-morning trailheads and crowded evening parking garages both suit the 2027 Ford Explorer. The Tremor trim stands apart with all-terrain tires and underbody protection for gravel roads and rutted two-tracks. An available black-painted roof adds a two-tone look on select trims. Available visibility aids keep the view clear on a dark, rainy commute.

Available exterior features include:

  • All-terrain tires
  • 18-, 20-, or 21-in. aluminum wheels
  • Black-painted roof
  • Unique front tow hooks
  • Front and rear deflector underbody protection plates
  • Quad chrome exhaust tips
  • LED low- and high-beam headlamps with courtesy delay and Autolamp
  • Adaptive headlamps
  • LED signature lighting, fog lamps, and taillamps
  • Amber LED daytime running lamps
  • Rear privacy glass
  • Rain-sensing windshield wipers
  • Heated, power, auto-folding exterior mirrors with turn signals, security approach lamps, driver’s side auto-dimming, and memory
  • Roof rack side rails
  • Roof-rail crossbars
  • Power liftgate with open-on-approach
2027 Ford Explorer towing an airstream
2027 Ford Explorer parked by a lake

2027 Ford Explorer Interior Design

Frigid mornings feel shorter inside the 2027 Ford Explorer. Available ventilated, multicontour front seats with Active Motion® massage ease the tension of an extended drive, with front-seat warmth standard across the lineup. The available panoramic Vista Roof® with power shade opens the cabin to daylight for every row. Second-row passengers get their own cold-weather comforts on select trims.

Available interior features include:

  • Panoramic Vista Roof with power shade
  • Unique cloth, ActiveX®, ActiveX/Miko® suede, ActiveX/leather, or premium leather seat upholstery
  • Ten-way power driver’s seat with memory
  • Eight-way power front passenger’s seat
  • Heated and ventilated multicontour front seats with Active Motion massage
  • Heated second-row outboard seats
  • Second-row E-Z Entry captain’s seats or 35/30/35 split-folding bench seat
  • Third-row 50/50 split-fold bench seat or PowerFold® third-row seat
  • Heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel
  • Ambient interior lighting
  • Tri-zone automatic temperature control with rear auxiliary climate control
  • Auto-dimming rearview mirror
  • Active noise cancellation
  • Leather-covered center console armrest
  • Cargo area management system
  • Intelligent Access with push-button start
  • Universal garage door opener
  • Remote start system

2027 Ford Explorer Seating & Cargo Capacity

Seating for a full carpool and space for everyone’s luggage come together inside the 2027 Ford Explorer. Standard second-row captain’s seats set seating at six passengers, and the available 35/30/35 second-row bench seat raises capacity to seven on every trim but the Tremor. Legroom measures 43 inches in the first row and 37.5 inches in the second row. There is room behind the third row for a load of groceries or a set of carry-on bags, with 16.3 cubic feet of cargo volume. Folding the third row opens up 46 cubic feet, and folding both rear rows opens up to 85.8 cubic feet with a flat load floor for bulkier items.

See the following interior specifications for more details.

Seating Capacity Six or seven
Headroom (First/Second/Third Row) 40.7 / 40.5 / 38.9 in.
Legroom, Active and ST-Line Trims (First/Second/Third Row) 43 / 37.5 / 31.8 in.
Legroom, Tremor, Platinum®, and ST Trims (First/Second/Third Row) 42.9 / 37 / 31.8 in.
Active and ST-Line Trims Cargo Volume (Behind First/Second/Third Row) 85.8 / 46 / 16.3 cu. ft.
Tremor, Platinum, and ST Trims Cargo Volume (Behind First/Second/Third Row) 85.3 / 46 / 16.3 cu. ft.
2027 Ford Explorer interior front seats
2027 Ford Explorer with luggage on top

2027 Ford Explorer Technology

Playlists, podcasts, and turn-by-turn directions stay within easy reach in the 2027 Ford Explorer. The Ford Digital Experience infotainment system features a standard 13.2-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital cluster display in front of the driver. Wireless smartphone projection brings your phone’s apps and maps to the touchscreen. The available 14-speaker B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen® with subwoofer delivers clear sound to the back seats.

Available technology features include:

  • 12.3-in. cluster display
  • Ford Digital Experience with 13.2-in. multimedia touchscreen
  • Six speakers, or ten- or 14-speaker B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen including subwoofer
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
  • HD Radio™
  • SiriusXM® with 360L capability
  • FordPass® Connect
  • Ford app
  • Front, second-row, and third-row USB ports
  • 12V powerpoints
  • 110V/150W AC power outlet

2027 Ford Explorer Driver Assist & Safety Features

Peace of mind comes standard in the 2027 Ford Explorer. The Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist+ suite of driver assistance technologies is standard, and the Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 suite on upper trims builds on it with camera-based parking support. The available BlueCruise hands-free highway driving system provides steering, speed, and braking support on prequalified highway stretches while you keep your eyes on the road. A range of camera and parking sensor systems helps in tight lots, and every system supports your attention rather than taking over.

Available safety features include:

  • Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+
    • Adaptive cruise control
    • Auto high-beam headlamps
    • BLIS® (blind spot information system) with cross-traffic alert and trailer coverage
    • Blind spot assist
    • Intersection assist
    • Clear exit warning
    • Lane-keeping system
    • Pre-Collision Assist® with automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and dynamic brake support
    • Rear cross-traffic braking
    • Rearview camera
    • Rear parking sensors
    • Post-collision braking
  • Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0
    • 360-degree camera with split view
    • Front parking sensors
    • Reverse brake assist
  • BlueCruise hands-free highway driving system
  • Hill descent control (4WD)
  • Trailer sway control
  • Perimeter alarm
  • SecuriCode™ keyless entry keypad
  • SecuriLock® passive anti-theft system
2027 Ford Explorer interior front dashboard and steering wheel
2027 Ford Explorer interior back seats

2027 Ford Explorer Colors Available

  • Star White Metallic Tri-Coat
  • Vapor Blue Metallic
  • Marsh Gray
  • Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat
  • Avalanche Gray
  • Agate Black Metallic
  • Carbonized Gray Metallic

2027 Ford Explorer Trims Available

  • Active $40,475*
  • ST-Line $46,210*
  • Tremor $51,210*
  • Platinum $52,670*
  • ST $55,669*

*Starting MSRP

2026 Ford Explorer® Review | Ozark, MO

Built for daily life and weekend plans alike, the 2026 Ford Explorer® offers three rows of seating, connected technology, and a choice of capable EcoBoost® engines. Premium upholstery options and available cabin comforts keep the family settled on every drive, while standard rear-wheel drive (RWD) and available intelligent four-wheel drive (4WD) handle changing conditions across southern Missouri. From everyday errands to extended drives, the Explorer is well-suited for how you spend your time behind the wheel. Read more about the 2026 Ford Explorer in this detailed review prepared by the team at James River Ford, then visit our Ford Explorer trims guide for a closer look at the features available in each of the six trims.

Discover the 2026 Ford Explorer in our inventory at James River Ford. Schedule a test drive at our Ford dealership in Ozark, MO, to feel how the Explorer drives. Have questions? Contact us online or by calling (417) 551-6437.

2026 Ford Explorer Interior Design

Inside the 2026 Ford Explorer, three rows of seating accommodate up to seven passengers and their gear. Choose from a range of available upholstery options to set the look and feel that fits your style, choosing from available comforts like an available panoramic fixed glass moonroof and heated and ventilated front seats to round out the cabin. Standard tri-zone automatic climate control keeps passengers comfortable.

Available interior features include:

  • Panoramic fixed glass moonroof with power shade
  • Cloth, ActiveX®/cloth, ActiveX/Miko®, or leather seat upholstery
  • Ten-way power driver’s seat
  • Eight-way power front passenger’s seat
  • Heated, ventilated, multicontour Active Motion® front seats
  • Heated second-row seats
  • PowerFold® third-row seats with 50/50 split
  • Heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel
  • Tri-zone automatic climate control
  • Auto-dimming rearview mirror
  • Ambient interior lighting
  • Remote start system

2026 Ford Explorer Exterior Design

Practical exterior design on the 2026 Ford Explorer combines everyday utility with a confident on-road presence. Available LED lighting brightens predawn or late-night drives around Ozark, while available rain-sensing windshield wipers respond automatically to changing weather. Available roof rack side rails and a power liftgate round out an exterior design built for loading kayaks, fishing gear, or weekend luggage.

Available exterior features include:

  • All-terrain tires
  • 18-, 20-, or 21-in. aluminum wheels
  • Black exterior accents
  • LED signature lighting, headlamps, fog lamps, and taillamps
  • Rain-sensing windshield wipers
  • Heated, power-folding side view mirrors with Autofold and driver’s side auto-dimming
  • Rear privacy glass
  • Roof rack side rails
  • Steel under-body protection
  • Power liftgate

2026 Ford Explorer Engine Specs

Two EcoBoost engine options on the 2026 Ford Explorer let you balance daily efficiency with the muscle to handle weekend hauling. The standard 2.3L EcoBoost turbocharged inline four-cylinder (I4) engine produces 300 horsepower, while the available 3.0L EcoBoost twin-turbocharged V6 engine generates 400 horsepower for a more responsive drive. Both engines pair with a ten-speed automatic transmission and offer RWD or available intelligent four-wheel drive 4WD with the Terrain Management System™ for changing road conditions. When properly equipped, the Explorer can tow up to 5,000 pounds, perfect for your trailer or camper.

View the following engine specifications for more details.

Engine 2.3L EcoBoost I4 3.0L EcoBoost V6
Horsepower 300 HP 400 HP
Torque 310 lb.-ft. 415 lb.-ft.
Drivetrain RWD / 4WD
Transmission Ten-speed automatic
MPG (City/Hwy) 20 / 29 18 / 25
Max. Towing Capacity 5,000 lbs.

2026 Ford Explorer Safety & Technology Specs

The standard Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist+ suite gives the 2026 Ford Explorer a strong baseline of driver assistance technology, with adaptive cruise control and lane centering providing advanced support during trips on the highway. BLIS® (blind spot information system) keeps watch alongside the SUV when you change lanes. Available BlueCruise hands-free highway driving provides steering support on extended trips, while an available 360-degree camera with split view shows everything around the Explorer when you pull into tight parking spots.

Connected technology runs through the cabin of the 2026 Ford Explorer, with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ pairing to the available 13.2-inch infotainment touchscreen and Google built-in, keeping maps and apps within reach. An available B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen® adds rich audio for the drive, while a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster keeps key driving data within your line of sight. USB ports across all three rows keep devices and gear charged on extended drives.

Available safety features include:

Available safety features include:

  • Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+
    • Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go and lane centering
    • Auto high-beam headlights
    • BLIS with cross-traffic alert, exit warning, and trailer coverage
    • Intersection assist
    • Lane keeping system
    • Pre-Collision Assist® with automatic emergency braking
    • Rear cross-traffic braking
    • Rearview camera
    • Rear parking sensors
    • Post-collision braking
    • Speed sign recognition
  • Trailer sway control
  • 360-degree camera with split view
  • Front parking sensors
  • BlueCruise hands-free highway driving capability
  • SecuriCode™ keyless entry keypad
  • SecuriLock® passive anti-theft system
  • Perimeter alarm

Available technology features include:

  • 12.3-in. instrument cluster display
  • Ford Digital Experience with 13.2-in. infotainment display
  • Six-speaker sound system, or a ten- or 14-speaker B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen
  • HD Radio™
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • Google built-in
  • SiriusXM® with 360L capability
  • 4G/5G modem
  • Front-, second-, and third-row USB ports
  • Three 12V power ports
  • 110V/150W AC power outlet
  • Active noise cancellation
  • Universal garage door opener

2026 Ford Explorer Cargo Space & Seating Capacity

Cargo space in the 2026 Ford Explorer flexes with how you load up, opening to 85.8 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded for camping gear, fishing equipment, or the haul home from a hardware run. With everyone aboard, 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row still holds groceries, sports bags, and weekend luggage. Up to seven passengers can ride along thanks to an available 35/30/35-split second-row bench, while standard second-row captain’s seats with E-Z Entry keep six passengers seated in extended comfort. Front legroom of 43 inches pairs with 37.5 inches in the second row and 31.8 inches in the third, with room to fit the whole crew.

View the following interior specifications for more details.

  • Seating Capacity: Six or seven
  • Headroom (First/Second/Third Row): 40.7 / 40.5 / 38.9 in.
  • Legroom (First/Second/Third Row): 43 / 37.5 / 31.8 in.
  • Cargo Volume (Behind First/Second/Third Row): 85.8 / 46 / 16.3 cu.-ft.

2026 Ford Explorer Color Options Available

  • Star White Metallic Tri-Coat
  • Vapor Blue Metallic
  • Agate Black Metallic
  • Space White Metallic
  • Carbonized Gray Metallic
  • Marsh Gray
  • Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat

2026 Ford Explorer Trim Levels

  • Active 100A – $40,260*
  • Active – $42,380*
  • ST-Line – $46,950*
  • Tremor® – $50,760*
  • Platinum™ – $52,760*
  • ST – $56,700*

*Starting MSRP

New Ford Explorer for Sale in Ozark, MO

The new Ford Explorer is ready for a test drive at James River Ford in Ozark, MO. Browse our new inventory to see which trims are in stock, then schedule a test drive for the one that catches your eye. Questions are always welcome, so contact us online or call us at (417) 551-6437.

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400 North 20th Street, Ozark, MO, 65721
James River Ford 37.024578, -093.229568.