2027 Ford Explorer Review: Three-Row Versatility for Bullhead City

 
Life around Bullhead City can ask a lot from one vehicle.

Monday might mean errands along Highway 95.

Friday could mean dinner across the river in Laughlin.

Saturday morning might involve passengers, coolers, river gear, and a trailer.

Then somebody decides it’s time for a road trip.

That’s where the 2027 Ford Explorer starts making a lot of sense.

It gives Bullhead City drivers three rows of seating, rear-wheel drive or available Intelligent 4WD, two EcoBoost engine choices, up to 400 available horsepower, and as much as 5,000 pounds of maximum towing capacity.

Depending on how you configure it, the same basic Explorer can be an everyday family SUV, an off-road-oriented Tremor, a premium Platinum, or a surprisingly serious performance vehicle.

Five Ways to Build the 2027 Ford Explorer

The lineup consists of:

• Active
• ST-Line
• Tremor®
• Platinum™
• ST

Active, ST-Line, Tremor, and Platinum start with Ford’s 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder.

Explorer ST gets the larger 3.0L twin-turbo EcoBoost V6.

Tremor and Platinum can also be upgraded to the V6.

Both engines use a 10-speed automatic transmission.

That means Ford gives you very different Explorer personalities without forcing you into a completely different vehicle.

What’s New for 2027?

The 2027 Explorer continues the current-generation formula rather than starting over with a complete redesign.

Ford’s updates include:

• Avalanche Gray exterior paint
• Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat
• Expanded Ford Security Package availability
• Available 3.0L EcoBoost V6 on Platinum
• Expanded Sun & Sound Package availability for 3.0L Tremor models
• New ST Sinister Package

Ford says the Security Package includes an initial one-year period from the new-vehicle warranty start date, with another one-time purchase option available.

The new ST Sinister Package is the attention-grabber.

It combines darker styling with:

• 21-inch gloss-black wheels
• Unique accent lighting
• Black-outlined ST badging

300 Horsepower Is the Starting Point

The standard 2.3-liter EcoBoost produces:

• 300 horsepower
• 310 lb.-ft. of torque

It’s standard on Active, ST-Line, Tremor, and Platinum.

For normal Bullhead City driving, that’s already substantial power.

Whether you’re merging onto Highway 95, climbing toward Kingman, carrying a full cabin, or heading toward Lake Havasu City, the standard engine doesn’t make the Explorer feel like an underpowered family hauler.

The 3.0L EcoBoost Turns the Explorer Into Something Else

The available 3.0-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 produces up to:

• 400 horsepower
• 415 lb.-ft. of torque

Ford notes that horsepower certification for the 3.0L can vary by state, which is why the national figure is best described as up to 400 horsepower.

The engine is:

• Standard on ST
• Available on Tremor
• Available on Platinum

That lets you decide what kind of high-output Explorer you want.

Performance?

ST.

Off-road-oriented hardware?

Tremor.

Premium comfort?

Platinum.

Explorer ST: A Three-Row SUV With Serious Performance

The 2027 Explorer ST is one of the most unusual vehicles in the three-row segment.

It can take the family to dinner.

Carry luggage for a road trip.

Tow a trailer.

And still come with a twin-turbo V6 producing up to 400 horsepower.

ST equipment includes:

• 3.0L EcoBoost V6
• 10-speed automatic transmission
• Sport-tuned suspension
• Performance brakes
• Red-painted brake calipers
• 21-inch wheels
• Quad-tipped exhaust
• PowerFold® third-row seats
• 360-degree camera
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Available or equipped BlueCruise depending on configuration

For 2027, the new Sinister Package gives the ST an even darker factory appearance.

Anderson Ford Bullhead City currently has multiple 2027 Explorer ST models represented in live inventory.

Explorer Tremor: Built for More Than Highway 95

Not everyone wants their Explorer tuned primarily for pavement.

That’s where Tremor comes in.

Tremor is Intelligent 4WD only and adds:

• 18-inch Ebony Black-painted wheels
• All-terrain tires
• Electric Spice-painted tow hooks
• Off-road auxiliary lights
• Torsen® limited-slip rear axle
• Off-road-tuned suspension
• Increased ride height
• Front and rear underbody protection
• Selectable Off-Road mode
• 360-degree camera

Ford lists 8.7 inches of minimum running ground clearance.

The standard engine is the 300-horsepower 2.3L EcoBoost.

The 3.0L EcoBoost V6 is available.

That combination makes Tremor particularly interesting around the Colorado River region, where weekend travel can include highways, launch areas, campsites, desert roads, and trailheads in the same day.

A current 2027 Explorer Tremor listing is also represented on Anderson Ford Bullhead City’s site.

Rear-Wheel Drive or Intelligent 4WD?

Active, ST-Line, Platinum, and ST offer rear-wheel drive or available Intelligent 4WD.

Tremor is 4WD only.

For someone who spends nearly all their time on paved roads around Bullhead City, Fort Mohave, Mohave Valley, and Laughlin, rear-wheel drive may fit perfectly well.

Intelligent 4WD becomes more attractive if you regularly:

• Travel into the mountains
• Visit Northern Arizona in winter
• Camp
• Use unpaved access roads
• Want additional all-weather versatility

How Much Can the 2027 Explorer Tow?

The 2027 Explorer offers up to 5,000 pounds of maximum towing capacity when properly equipped.

That’s a meaningful number in the Colorado River region.

Depending on the exact trailer and loaded weight, that can provide useful capability for:

• Boat trailers
• Personal-watercraft trailers
• Utility trailers
• ATV and side-by-side trailers
• Smaller camping trailers

Ford’s towing guide lists a maximum tongue weight of 500 pounds for Explorer.

Always verify the specific vehicle, equipment, passengers, cargo, and loaded trailer before towing.

Three Rows Without Going Full-Size

The Explorer sits in an important middle ground.

It’s a real three-row SUV without being as large as an Expedition.

Second-row captain’s chairs are standard, creating seating for six.

An available second-row bench increases capacity to seven passengers on every trim except Tremor.

Ford lists:

• 31.8 inches of third-row legroom
• 38.9 inches of third-row headroom

That makes the Explorer practical for:

• Families
• Grandparents carrying the whole crew
• Friends heading to the river
• Long road trips

Cargo Space for River Gear and Everyday Life

With all three rows in place, Explorer provides 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row.

Fold the rear rows and maximum capacity grows to:

• 85.8 cubic feet on Active and ST-Line
• 85.3 cubic feet on Tremor, Platinum, and ST

That’s useful space for:

• Coolers
• River equipment
• Sports gear
• Camping equipment
• Luggage
• Groceries
• Home-improvement supplies

The Explorer’s 13.2-Inch Digital Centerpiece

Every 2027 Explorer uses Ford Digital Experience with a 13.2-inch center display.

Standard wireless smartphone compatibility includes:

• Apple CarPlay®
• Android Auto™

Depending on trim and equipment, you can also get:

• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
• 360-degree camera
• B&O premium audio
• Google-based connected features
• Ford Co-Pilot360 technology
• BlueCruise
• Panoramic Vista Roof
• Multicontour massaging front seats

BlueCruise Makes Sense When the Roads Are Long

Living in Western Arizona means distances add up quickly.

Bullhead City to Kingman.

Bullhead City to Lake Havasu City.

Bullhead City to Las Vegas.

Bullhead City toward Phoenix or Southern California.

Ford’s available BlueCruise system can provide hands-free driving assistance on compatible divided highways while monitoring driver attention.

The system can help manage steering, acceleration, braking, and lane position.

Current BlueCruise technology also includes Automatic Lane Change capability on compatible roads and properly equipped vehicles.

The driver must still watch the road and remain ready to take control.

2027 Explorer Active: The Everyday Family Choice

Active is the most straightforward Explorer.

It includes:

• 300-hp 2.3L EcoBoost
• 10-speed automatic
• RWD or available Intelligent 4WD
• Power liftgate
• Heated front seats
• 13.2-inch center display
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Available seven-passenger seating

Anderson Ford Bullhead City currently has a 2027 Explorer Active represented in live inventory.

2027 Explorer ST-Line: Sporty Without the V6

ST-Line keeps the 300-horsepower 2.3L engine but adds a much more aggressive appearance.

Highlights include:

• 20-inch Ebony-painted machined wheels
• Black grille and exterior accents
• Unique ST-Line badging
• 360-degree camera
• 10-speaker B&O audio
• Heated front seats
• Red interior stitching
• Available BlueCruise

It’s the Explorer for someone who likes the ST look but doesn’t necessarily need the twin-turbo V6.

2027 Explorer Platinum: The Long-Distance Comfort Choice

Platinum pushes the Explorer toward premium comfort.

Key equipment includes:

• 20-inch Luster Nickel-painted wheels
• Adaptive headlamps
• Open On Approach liftgate
• PowerFold third-row seats
• 14-speaker B&O premium audio
• Heated front and second-row seats
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• BlueCruise equipment on applicable configurations

For 2027, Platinum can also be upgraded with the available 3.0L EcoBoost V6.

That creates an unusual combination: premium three-row comfort with the same engine family used by Explorer ST.

Which 2027 Explorer Makes the Most Sense?

Active: Best place to start for everyday family use.

ST-Line: Sporty styling and additional technology while retaining the 2.3L engine.

Tremor: Best choice if standard 4WD, all-terrain tires, and off-road-oriented hardware matter.

Platinum: The road-trip and premium-comfort choice.

ST: The choice for someone who thinks a three-row family SUV with up to 400 horsepower sounds completely reasonable.

2027 Ford Explorer FAQ

How much horsepower does the 2027 Ford Explorer have?

The 2.3L EcoBoost produces 300 horsepower and 310 lb.-ft. of torque. The 3.0L EcoBoost V6 provides up to 400 horsepower and 415 lb.-ft., with Ford noting that state certification can affect the horsepower rating.

Which Explorer has the 3.0L V6?

The V6 is standard on ST and available on Tremor and Platinum.

What transmission does the Explorer have?

The 2027 Explorer uses a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Does the 2027 Explorer have 4WD?

Yes. Intelligent 4WD is available on Active, ST-Line, Platinum, and ST and standard on Tremor.

How many people does it seat?

Standard second-row captain’s chairs create a six-passenger layout. An available bench increases capacity to seven on all trims except Tremor.

How much can the 2027 Explorer tow?

Maximum towing capacity is 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.

How much cargo space does it have?

Explorer provides 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 85.8 cubic feet of maximum cargo space depending on trim.

What is Explorer Tremor?

Tremor is the 4WD-only, off-road-oriented Explorer with all-terrain tires, increased ground clearance, a Torsen limited-slip rear axle, off-road suspension, underbody protection, tow hooks, and auxiliary lighting.

What is new on the 2027 Explorer ST?

ST continues with its 3.0L twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 and gains the available Sinister Package with gloss-black wheels, unique accent lighting, and black-outlined ST badging.

Does the 2027 Explorer have BlueCruise?

BlueCruise is available or equipped on select ST-Line, Tremor, Platinum, and ST configurations.

Does Anderson Ford Bullhead City have 2027 Explorers?

Yes. Anderson Ford Bullhead City currently has 2027 Explorer Active and ST models represented in live inventory, and a current 2027 Tremor listing is also represented on the dealership’s site. Inventory changes as vehicles arrive and sell, so check the live Explorer page for the latest selection.

  

Is the 2027 Ford Explorer a Good Fit for Bullhead City?

If you need a three-row SUV that can handle normal family duty and Western Arizona recreation, the Explorer makes a strong argument.

It can seat six or seven.

It can tow up to 5,000 pounds.

It offers Intelligent 4WD.

It provides more than 85 cubic feet of maximum cargo room.

It starts with 300 horsepower.

And if that isn’t enough, Ford offers up to 400.

More importantly, the lineup gives you choices.

Active for everyday life.

Tremor for rougher roads.

Platinum for comfort.

ST for performance.

For Bullhead City, Laughlin, Fort Mohave, Mohave Valley, and the Colorado River region, that’s a useful kind of versatility.

Shop the 2027 Ford Explorer at Anderson Ford Bullhead City

At Anderson Ford Bullhead City, you can compare current and incoming Ford Explorer models, explore rear-wheel-drive and Intelligent 4WD configurations, compare the 2.3L and 3.0L EcoBoost engines, value your trade, and find the three-row Ford SUV that fits your family and your weekends.

Anderson Ford Bullhead City is located at 2585 Highway 95 in Bullhead City, AZ 86442, conveniently serving drivers from Bullhead City, Fort Mohave, Mohave Valley, Laughlin, Needles, Golden Valley, Kingman, Lake Havasu City, and communities throughout the Colorado River region and Mohave County.

Come on down to Anderson Ford Bullhead City and take a closer look at the 2027 Ford Explorer.

-TJ

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