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

- 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
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explorer RWD | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 10-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 / 28 / 23 | +7% | $2,900 | 380 |
| Explorer AWD | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 10-spd | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 23 | +19% | $2,900 | 394 |
| Explorer RWD | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic 10-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | -2% | $3,200 | 426 |
| Explorer RWD | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S10) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | -7% | $3,350 | 439 |
| Explorer AWD | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic 10-spd | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 17 / 24 / 20 | +3% | $3,350 | 447 |
| Explorer AWD | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S10) | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 17 / 24 / 20 | +3% | $3,350 | 445 |
| Explorer Tremor AWD | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 10-spd | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 18 / 22 / 20 | +3% | $3,350 | 445 |
| Explorer Tremor AWD | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic 10-spd | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 17 / 22 / 19 | -2% | $3,550 | 469 |
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
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Ford Explorer (this car) | 23 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2027 Toyota Land Cruiser | 23 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2027 Chevrolet Suburban | 23 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2027 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 23 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2027 Kia Telluride | 35 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2027 GMC Yukon | 23 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2027 Chevrolet Tahoe | 24 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
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 driverâs 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.
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 →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Explorer | 24 | 198.8 in | Not rated | 15 | 42 |
| 2025 Explorer | 24 | 198.8 in | ★★★★★ | 22 | 109 |
| 2024 Explorer | 24 | 198.8 in | ★★★★★ | 10 | 21 |
| 2023 Explorer | 27 | 198.8 in | ★★★★★ | 15 | 113 |
| 2022 Explorer | 27 | 198.8 in | Not rated | 25 | 273 |
| 2021 Explorer | 27 | 198.8 in | ★★★★★ | 27 | 456 |
| 2020 Explorer | 28 | 198.8 in | ★★★★★ | 35 | 1,249 |
| 2019 Explorer | 22 | 198.4 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 300 |
| 2018 Explorer | 22 | 198.4 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 737 |
| 2017 Explorer | 22 | 198.4 in | ★★★★★ | 14 | 1,713 |
| 2016 Explorer | 22 | 198.4 in | Not rated | 14 | 2,484 |
| 2015 Explorer | 23 | 197.2 in | Not rated | 8 | 1,815 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ford. How we calculate this →