Makes›Ford›Explorer›2027

2027 Ford Explorer

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2027 models.

Ford Explorer
Pictured: Ford Explorer (sixth generation) IMG 6063. Photo: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Engines
2.3L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
23 combined · 20 city / 28 hwy
Length
–
Curb weight
–
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
2 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

No weak spots against similar models in the data.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 19 similar 2027 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2027 Ford Explorer is a standard SUV offered with 2 engines (2.3L 4-cyl turbo and 3.0L 6-cyl turbo) and rear-wheel drive and part-time 4-wheel drive.

EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (20 city / 28 highway), 7% better than the 2027 standard SUV average of 21.5 MPG, for an estimated $2,900 a year in fuel.

It has 2 recall campaigns on file.

What changed for 2027

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2026 Explorer — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2026; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2026 Explorer →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Explorer RWD2.3L 4-cyl turboAutomatic 10-spdRear-Wheel Drive20 / 28 / 23+7%$2,900380
Explorer AWD2.3L 4-cyl turboAutomatic 10-spdPart-time 4-Wheel Drive20 / 27 / 23+19%$2,900394
Explorer RWD3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic 10-spdRear-Wheel Drive18 / 26 / 21-2%$3,200426
Explorer RWD3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S10)Rear-Wheel Drive17 / 25 / 20-7%$3,350439
Explorer AWD3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic 10-spdPart-time 4-Wheel Drive17 / 24 / 20+3%$3,350447
Explorer AWD3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S10)Part-time 4-Wheel Drive17 / 24 / 20+3%$3,350445
Explorer Tremor AWD2.3L 4-cyl turboAutomatic 10-spdPart-time 4-Wheel Drive18 / 22 / 20+3%$3,350445
Explorer Tremor AWD3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic 10-spdPart-time 4-Wheel Drive17 / 22 / 19-2%$3,550469
5/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
5/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $2,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
21.5 MPG2027 Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2027 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2027 Ford Explorer.

Similar 2027 standard SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2027 Ford Explorer (this car)23 MPGNot rated2
2027 Toyota Land Cruiser23 MPGNot rated1
2027 Chevrolet Suburban23 MPGNot rated0
2027 Jeep Grand Cherokee23 MPGNot rated0
2027 Kia Telluride35 MPGNot rated3
2027 GMC Yukon23 MPGNot rated0
2027 Chevrolet Tahoe24 MPGNot rated0

Recalls (2)

Seats › Front Assembly › Power Adjust · Jul 21, 2026

NHTSA campaign 26V470000 · 76,748 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2027 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. An unoccupied driver's seat may recline unintentionally during certain scenarios, such as remote unlock or remote start.
Risk
Unexpected movement of the driver’s seat back may trap a second-row occupant, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
Dealers will disable the driver seat module (DSM) feature until parts are available. Once available, the motor will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 3, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S53.
Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings › External/Pedestrian Alert · Jun 30, 2026

NHTSA campaign 26V415000 · 66,383 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2027 Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid and 2025-2027 Explorer Hybrid vehicles. A software error may prevent the vehicle from making the pedestrian warning sound at certain speeds.
Risk
A vehicle that does not produce a warning sound may fail to alert pedestrians of an approaching vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
Note: This is an expansion of Recall 25V691. Any vehicles previously repaired under 25V691 must have the new remedy completed. Ford will release an over-the-air (OTA) update or dealers will update the APIM software, free of charge. Additionally, dealers will replace the digital signal processing module in Nautilus Hybrid vehicles equipped with 28 speakers, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Owner notification letters were mailed August 7, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S51. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning July 7, 2026.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2027 Ford Explorer is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

No owner complaints for the 2027 Ford Explorer in NHTSA's database since 2015.

Other Explorer years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 Explorer24198.8 inNot rated1542
2025 Explorer24198.8 in★★★★★22109
2024 Explorer24198.8 in★★★★★1021
2023 Explorer27198.8 in★★★★★15113
2022 Explorer27198.8 inNot rated25273
2021 Explorer27198.8 in★★★★★27456
2020 Explorer28198.8 in★★★★★351,249
2019 Explorer22198.4 in★★★★★6300
2018 Explorer22198.4 in★★★★★7737
2017 Explorer22198.4 in★★★★★141,713
2016 Explorer22198.4 inNot rated142,484
2015 Explorer23197.2 inNot rated81,815

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ford. How we calculate this →