2027 Ford Explorer King Ranch Price, Specs, Redesign
2027 Ford Explorer King Ranch Price, Specs, Redesign – For the 2027 model year, the Ford Explorer King Ranch receives a substantial evolution that enhances its commanding presence while reinforcing its Texas-bred luxury DNA. We see a refined front fascia featuring a re-sculpted grille, broader chrome accents, and reworked LED lighting signatures that create a distinguished and upscale look without compromising Explorer’s rugged identity.
Ford aims to blend premium sophistication with practical SUV capability, so the design tweaks serve both aesthetic and aerodynamic purposes. The King Ranch’s visual identity is further strengthened by subtle badging, new 20- and 21-inch wheel designs, and an exclusive Mesa Tan metallic paint option. 2027 Ford Explorer King Ranch Price
2027 Ford Explorer King Ranch Redesign and Update Plan
Exterior & Interior
The 2027 Explorer King Ranch maintains a robust stance, thanks to its long wheelbase, muscular shoulders, and rear haunches, but the exterior styling adds layers of refined detail. The front grille is now wider and incorporates a dark chrome mesh pattern exclusive to the King Ranch trim, bordered by chrome accents that echo the brand’s Western roots. Redesigned LED headlamps with adaptive cornering functionality offer more illumination and an upscale look. At the rear, new sequential LED taillights and an updated liftgate design with integrated lighting strips add visual drama while improving visibility.
King Ranch-specific touches continue to dominate the exterior design. The signature “W” badging is now laser-etched into the tailgate and front fenders. An available Appearance Package adds gloss-black roof rails, mirror caps, and a two-tone roof option—an unusual addition for this trim, but one that adds urban flair. The running boards are now power-retractable and integrated with LED puddle lamps featuring the King Ranch logo projection. Dual chrome exhaust tips and underbody cladding deliver both form and functional resilience for off-road scenarios.
Step inside and you’re immediately immersed in a space that feels more like a high-end lodge than a family SUV. Ford uses Mesa Del Rio leather across all three rows, with upgraded cushioning and improved bolstering for front occupants. Heated and ventilated front and second-row seats come standard, as does a power-folding third row. Ambient lighting is customizable across 12 color zones, and the acoustic-laminated front glass ensures a whisper-quiet cabin. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, 5G hotspot functionality, and SYNC 5 with natural voice recognition complete the tech experience.
Inside, the updated King Ranch trim emphasizes rich materials and genuine craftsmanship. Ford has upgraded the seat bolsters and added more contrast stitching, with authentic Del Rio leather upholstery that pays tribute to Western saddlework. The 2027 model introduces an optional twin-panel moonroof for added airiness and updates the infotainment system with a new 15.5-inch vertical touchscreen—borrowed from the Mach-E—integrated seamlessly into the center stack. The dashboard trim is revised with more real wood, brushed aluminum inserts, and King Ranch logos embossed throughout the cabin.
Technology and connectivity also see a leap forward in this model year. We’re getting over-the-air update capability across all modules, faster wireless charging, and native Alexa Built-In. For 2027, Ford’s BlueCruise hands-free driving becomes available on the King Ranch trim, turning long-haul travel into a more relaxed experience. This semi-autonomous tech complements the adaptive cruise control, lane-centering, and traffic jam assist, marking the Explorer King Ranch as one of the most intelligent non-luxury SUVs on sale.
2027 Ford Explorer King Ranch Specs
Engine & Performance
Under the hood, the 2027 Explorer King Ranch continues to rely on Ford’s proven 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6, but it’s been recalibrated for more torque and smoother throttle response. It now delivers approximately 415 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque—figures that are slightly up from the previous year thanks to improved engine mapping and low-friction internals. The 10-speed automatic transmission remains, but it now shifts more intelligently based on predictive driving data gathered from the navigation system and driving behavior.
Ford’s Intelligent 4WD system with Terrain Management comes standard on the King Ranch, offering selectable drive modes like Normal, Sport, Slippery, Trail, and Tow/Haul. This makes the SUV adept at switching between urban cruising and weekend trail adventures. The rear-drive-based platform ensures confident dynamics on twisty roads, and the optional adaptive suspension continuously adjusts damping to road conditions, improving ride quality for all passengers. On a straight highway stretch, the Explorer King Ranch offers smooth and responsive acceleration that feels linear and powerful without excessive drama.
Towing is still a strong suit for this variant. The King Ranch boasts a max towing capacity of up to 5,600 pounds when properly equipped—enough for small boats, ATVs, or even a mid-sized camper. Thanks to the standard trailer sway control and the addition of Pro Trailer Backup Assist, maneuvering with a load has become far more manageable. Whether you’re towing or trail riding, the 2027 King Ranch delivers confident performance without sacrificing comfort or sophistication. 2027 Ford Explorer King Ranch Price
2027 Ford Explorer King Ranch Fuel Economy
Considering its power and capability, the 2027 Explorer King Ranch achieves respectable fuel efficiency numbers. Official EPA estimates place it at around 19 mpg city and 25 mpg highway with 4WD, thanks to improvements in cylinder deactivation and aerodynamic revisions. The start-stop system has been refined for smoother operation, and the EcoBoost engine now includes revised turbo cooling and EGR systems that improve thermal efficiency. For families needing both capability and range, this SUV finds a smart middle ground.
2027 Ford Explorer King Ranch Safety Features
Safety continues to be a key highlight of the 2027 Explorer King Ranch, with Ford packing in both active and passive protection systems as standard. This year introduces next-gen Co-Pilot360 2.5, featuring enhancements in collision detection, evasive steering assist, and smarter pedestrian and cyclist recognition. The system works seamlessly in urban environments to reduce low-speed accidents and also supports nighttime operation more accurately thanks to upgraded camera resolution and LIDAR-assisted sensors.
Among the new driver-assist systems, Intersection Assist and Reverse Brake Assist are notable additions. The first uses radar and camera data to detect cross-traffic hazards at intersections, automatically braking if necessary. The latter helps prevent backing into unseen obstacles when visibility is reduced. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert now have expanded range, crucial for those hauling trailers or navigating tight lots. The King Ranch also comes with 360-degree cameras and an automated parking system that handles both parallel and perpendicular maneuvers.
On the structural side, Ford has further reinforced the Explorer’s safety cage using boron steel and enhanced crumple zones for better side-impact and rollover resistance. The updated front airbag module includes adaptive venting based on occupant size and seat position, while second-row side-impact airbags are now standard. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and IIHS ratings are expected to remain at top-tier levels, keeping Explorer among the safest three-row SUVs in the segment.
2027 Ford Explorer King Ranch Release Date & Price
Pricing for the 2027 Explorer King Ranch reflects its upscale positioning in the lineup. Starting at approximately $56,000 for the 4WD variant, the King Ranch is well-equipped out of the gate. Adding features like the panoramic roof, towing package, and BlueCruise functionality can push the price into the low-$60K range. Still, when you factor in the premium leather interior, performance credentials, and safety tech, the King Ranch feels competitively priced against luxury-badged alternatives like the Buick Enclave Avenir or Acura MDX Advance.
We expect the 2027 Explorer King Ranch to officially go on sale in late Q3 of 2026, with order banks opening as early as summer. Ford plans to roll it out alongside the broader Explorer lineup refresh, which also includes ST and Platinum trims. Early adopters can anticipate delivery by October, while wider dealer availability should follow shortly after. Fleet and government orders will likely begin by December, ensuring broad market saturation going into 2027. 2027 Ford Explorer King Ranch Price
Note: Much of the information in this blog post is based on materials that were available before the product was even released. Call your local dealership or consult official sources if you want up-to-date information.
