2027 Ford Explorer trim levels compared for Worcester-area families

Families watching the price start with the 2027 Explorer Active, and families who want the most comfort look at the Platinum. Ira Ford Auburn sells the new Explorer at 780 Washington Street in Auburn, in Worcester County.

Keep reading below, then schedule a test drive in Auburn. Bringing your own numbers to the lot settles this faster than any spec sheet.

Worcester-area families choose the 2027 Explorer Active for price, Platinum for comfort

The 2027 Explorer Active starts at $38,680 and the Platinum at $50,875, according to Ford’s published specifications. Both trims seat seven with the second-row bench seat available, or six with standard captain’s chairs, and both tow up to 5,000 pounds with the Class III Tow Package standard on all models.

The Active is the lower-priced of the two, so it suits a family that wants the full seating and towing range for less. The Platinum costs more and offers the same seating choice and towing rating, so its higher price buys trim content rather than more seats or towing. Families who want that top trim can buy it at Ira Ford Auburn, where we sell the new Explorer.

What does each 2027 Ford Explorer trim cost and include?

Ford’s starting price for the 2027 Explorer rises from $38,680 on the Active to $50,875 on the Platinum, with the ST-Line and Tremor priced between them. The table sets each trim’s price beside its seating and towing.

According to Ford’s published 2026 specifications, the Active comes with the 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine and Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ with Adaptive Cruise Control as part of the trim. Those two items are the first thing to check when you compare the Active with the trims above it.

How many seats and how much cargo space does each 2027 Explorer trim have?

The Active and ST-Line both offer 85.8 cubic feet of maximum cargo room, and the Tremor offers 85.3 cubic feet, according to Ford’s published 2026 specifications. First-row legroom is 43 inches in the Active and 42.9 inches in the ST-Line, Tremor and Platinum. Third-row legroom is 31.8 inches in all four trims.

Second-row legroom is 37.5 inches in the Active and 37 inches in the other three. Seating splits the same way: the Active and Platinum seat seven when the bench is chosen, the ST-Line seats seven because its bench is standard, and the Tremor seats six. For a family with car seats in row two, the Active’s 37.5 inches is the largest second-row figure of the four.

How do engine, towing and fuel economy differ across 2027 Explorer trims?

The Explorer comes in all-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive, with a 2.3-liter four-cylinder or a 3.0-liter V6, and its EPA combined rating runs from 19 to 23 mpg across those configurations (EPA, 2027). All four trims tow up to 5,000 pounds, so the trim you choose does not change towing.

The combined figure is weighted 55% city and 45% highway (40 CFR part 600, subpart D).

Winter is the reason to look closely at drivetrain. Worcester Regional Airport, in Worcester County, recorded average annual snowfall of 72.9 inches in the 1991 to 2020 normals (National Centers for Environmental Information). With that much snow, the AWD configurations deserve a look before the RWD ones.

What safety and comfort features come with each 2027 Explorer trim?

The Active comes with Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ including Adaptive Cruise Control, according to Ford’s published 2026 specifications.

Seating is where the comfort differences show up. The ST-Line makes the second-row bench standard, the Active and Platinum offer it as an option with captain’s chairs as the alternative, and the Tremor does not offer the bench at all. A family that wants captain’s chairs in row two can choose them on the Active or Platinum.

What does moving up a 2027 Ford Explorer trim add to the price?

Each step up adds price, but not always seats. The ST-Line is the step where the second-row bench becomes standard, and the Tremor is the one trim that drops the bench altogether.

At $44,415, the ST-Line costs more than the Active and gives seven seats without asking for the bench option. At $49,415, the Tremor costs more again, seats six, and has 85.3 cubic feet of cargo room against 85.8 in the Active and ST-Line. The Platinum is the highest-priced of the four at $50,875, and its seating and towing match the Active. If seven seats are on your list, check the Active or ST-Line before the Tremor.

When is a 2027 Ford Explorer trim the wrong fit for a family?

The Tremor is the wrong fit for a family that needs seven seats, because Ford does not offer its second-row bench. No Explorer trim is the right fit for a family that tows more than 5,000 pounds, since all four trims are rated at that limit.

The Explorer’s third row gives 31.8 inches of legroom. Families who need more third-row room or more towing should look at the Expedition, which we also sell. According to Ford’s published 2026 specifications, the Expedition 4×2 with its 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 is rated to tow 6,000 pounds when properly equipped.

FAQ

Where can I see a new Explorer near Worcester?

Ira Ford Auburn is at 780 Washington Street, Auburn, MA 01501, in Worcester County. We sell new Ford models there, including the Explorer and the Expedition.

What is not included in an Explorer’s starting MSRP?

Ford’s listed starting MSRP leaves out destination charges, taxes, options and dealer fees. Those costs are added on top of the starting price.

What Massachusetts taxes and fees apply when I buy a new Explorer?

When a registered motor vehicle dealer sells you a new Explorer, the buyer owes Massachusetts sales tax at 6.25% (Massachusetts Department of Revenue, 2022). The title fee is $75, and the passenger normal plate registration is $60, renewed every two years (Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, Schedule of Fees, 2025). A newly purchased vehicle must pass inspection within 7 days of registration, and the inspection costs $35 for most vehicles (Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, Vehicle inspections, 2026).

Can I apply for Explorer financing online before I visit?

Yes. Ira Ford Auburn has a secure online finance application you can complete before you visit.

How does the Explorer’s size compare with the Expedition for a bigger family?

The Expedition seats more people and has more room in each row. According to Ford’s published 2026 specifications, the Expedition 4×2 has 41.1 inches of second-row legroom and 36.5 inches of third-row legroom, against 37.5 and 31.8 inches in the Explorer Active. The Expedition Active seats eight, while the Explorer Active seats seven with the bench option.

What warranty comes with a new 2027 Ford Explorer?

According to Ford’s published 2026 warranty information, the Explorer carries a basic warranty of 3 years or 36,000 miles, a powertrain warranty of 5 years or 60,000 miles, and corrosion coverage for 5 years with unlimited miles. Those coverage terms are Ford’s, and they apply to the 2026 model year.

Can I get my Explorer serviced without driving to Auburn?

Yes. Ford Pickup & Delivery for service is complimentary at our store, though availability and distance limit it, and parts and repair charges are not included. Warranty and customer-pay repairs are eligible if the vehicle is driveable, and you can also book service by finding Ira Ford Auburn in the FordPass App. Loaners are not guaranteed, so confirm availability when you book.

Why do Worcester-area families buy their Explorer at Ira Ford Auburn?

Ira Ford Auburn is at 780 Washington Street in Auburn, and our Google record is 4.4 stars across 2,555 reviews. Four in five of those reviews are five-star.

In a July 2026 Google review, Liz T. wrote: “Kyle is a professional! He was friendly, communicative, and worked with me every step of the way. It really stood out to me when he made my last minute request for a test-drive quick and easy, even though he knew I couldn’t make the sale happen that day. I felt no pressure, just great customer service every step of the way. We’re a ‘Ford family.’ Kyle has sold me my last three vehicles, and I expect to work with him again when my lease is up in three years.” Liz’s visit shows what a no-pressure buying process looks like at our store.

In an April 2026 Google review, Gina F. wrote: “Highly recommend Ira Ford! Go see Kyle! He was amazing! The whole team is fantastic. I never once felt pressured i to anything, they worked within my parameters and accommodated each one of my needs.” Gina’s visit describes a team that fits the deal to the buyer’s needs.

Start by choosing your trim, then bring your list of models and questions to 780 Washington Street, Auburn. You can start your financing online or request a trade-in value before you come in. Browse new Explorer inventory at Ira Ford Auburn.

Ira Ford Auburn answers this question against the specific vehicle in front of you rather than the model in general. Value your trade and get pre-approved online, then see us at our Auburn showroom, or call 774-321-1107.

Disclaimer: Vehicle features, specifications, pricing, options, and availability may vary based on production timelines and dealership inventory; images are for illustrative purposes only. Starting MSRP figures are national and exclude destination freight charges, tax, title, license, and dealer fees. Standard and available equipment varies by trim, configuration, and model year; confirm the specification of the individual vehicle before purchase. Maximum towing and payload ratings depend on cab, bed, drivetrain, and equipment configuration; see the vehicle’s Owner’s Manual and trailering guide for limits. Electric range and charging times vary with battery, configuration, temperature, terrain, load, and driving habits. Safety or driver assistance features are no substitute for the driver’s responsibility to operate the vehicle in a safe manner. Financing and pre-approval are subject to credit approval. Contact Ira Ford Auburn for complete details regarding current vehicle inventory, pricing, and equipment.