2027 Ford Explorer ST-Line Review, Specs, Features
2027 Ford Explorer ST-Line Review, Specs, Features – The 2027 Ford Explorer ST‑Line hits the road with more purposeful styling and sharper athletic cues than ever before. Ford elevated the ST‑Line’s exterior by sharpening the front fascia, deepening the lower scoop, and adopting a new honeycomb mesh grille finished in gloss black.
All chrome trims are blacked out, and the hood sports subtle vent accents that hint at the ST‑Line’s performance edge. New LED matrix headlights fold into the fender line more seamlessly, while the drag coefficient has improved marginally thanks to lower side skirts and a rear diffuser built into the bumper. 2027 Ford Explorer ST-Line Review
2027 Ford Explorer ST-Line Redesign and Update Plan
Exterior & Interior
Step into the 2027 Explorer ST‑Line and you immediately sense the curated performance-oriented cabin. The standard steering wheel is wrapped in Alcantara suede, stitched in contrast red, signifying a move toward sportier aesthetics. Behind it sits a revamped 12.3‑inch digital instrument panel with ST graphics and sharper menus, offering selectable drive modes, G‑meter readings, and throttle‑/brake‑input visualizations. The central console now houses an upgraded 15.6‑inch vertically mounted SYNC 5 screen, elegant in its simplicity yet fast in response.
Ford has broadened comfort and tech integration inside. The front seats are now standard with heating, ventilation, and 8‑way power adjustability, wrapped in Vienna leather with red accent stitching. Second‑row passengers enjoy greater legroom thanks to a slimmer seat design. Rear seats also have a convenient fold‑flat mechanism that increases cargo space to over 85 cubic feet with just a few quick moves. Ambient lighting now traces under the dashboard and door panels, adjustable to one of 10 colors via touchscreen.
Storage solutions have been more thoughtfully implemented this year. The center console bin is larger, with room for a water bottle, phone, and tablet. There’s a removable tray for easy cleaning and a wireless charging pad tucked underneath. Additional USB-C ports are located throughout all three rows, and the panoramic roof shade is now power-operated with one-touch close functionality. With built-in power and storage management, the Explorer ST‑Line becomes a highway companion tailored to modern life.
Ford didn’t just tweak looks—they reengineered the chassis, too. The ST‑Line now sits 0.6 inches lower, partly due to recalibrated coil springs and stiffer anti-roll bars. Engineers retuned the suspension to balance ride comfort with responsive handling, resulting in tighter body control without sacrificing ride quality on long trips. The wheelbase remains unchanged, yet the visual effect is a more aggressive stance, emphasizing strength and agility across all trim levels. An available panoramic sunroof now spans nearly the entire roofline for open-air appeal.
Under the surface, this redesign marks a turning point. Ford has revised the underbody bracing, increasing torsional rigidity by 15 percent over the previous generation. The ST‑Line also comes with updated braking hardware—bigger rotors, bleed-free calipers, and new brake lines, ensuring more consistent stopping power under aggressive driving. As a result, the 2027 Explorer ST‑Line doesn’t just look sporty—it handles and brakes with newfound composure and precision.
2027 Ford Explorer ST-Line Specs
Engine & Performance
Under the hood, the 2027 Explorer ST‑Line remains powered by the 2.3‑liter EcoBoost inline‑four, but Ford didn’t leave it untouched. Now producing 315 horsepower and 320 lb‑ft of torque (up from 300/310), thanks to revisions in turbo efficiency and injection timing. That simple boost propels the Explorer ST‑Line from 0–60 mph in a brisk 6.0 seconds with the standard 10‑speed automatic. The AWD system has also been recalibrated with an electronically controlled coupling that shifts torque front-to-rear more instantaneously for mid-corner balance.
Ford introduced a new Sport+ mode exclusive to the ST‑Line trim. When activated, throttle mapping is sharper, steering weight increases, and shift logic is more aggressive. Transmission programming holds gears longer on downshifts for smoother transitions. Retuned dampers in the ST‑enhanced suspension adapt to sporty driving, reducing body roll by 20 percent compared to standard Explorer trims. All-wheel drive systems now feature torque-vectoring by brake to sharpen cornering dynamics further.
For lighter lifting tasks or inclement weather, the Explorer ST‑Line features an updated Terrain Management System. With modes like Sport+, Deep Snow, Sand, Trail, Tow/Haul, Slippery, Eco, and Normal, the ST‑Line is comfortable on tarmac, yet ready for escapades. The transmission locks torque converter faster, throttle is livelier in off-road modes, and AWD becomes more proactive. This is the ST‑Line redefined—not just sporty, but smart and versatile. 2027 Ford Explorer ST-Line Review
2027 Ford Explorer ST-Line Fuel Economy
Despite the focus on performance, Ford didn’t ignore efficiency in the 2027 Explorer ST‑Line. The enhanced 2.3‑liter engine returns a combined EPA rating of 24 MPG (21 city/27 highway), a slight bump over last year. That’s thanks to improved engine thermal management, low-friction components, and revised final drive ratios. Auto Start-Stop is standard and quieter than before, with torque interruption minimized. Over 300 miles of range per fill-up is typical even with spirited driving.
2027 Ford Explorer ST-Line Safety Features
The 2027 Explorer ST‑Line brings new depth to safety, backed by Ford’s latest CoPilot360 2.5 suite. Standard across all trims are Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go, Lane Centering, and Speed Sign Recognition. Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking and Pedestrian/Cyclist detection has improved calibration for urban scenarios. Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Park Assist now include an Enhanced Quiet Mode to keep chimes subtle in crowded environments.
New for 2027 is Drive Dynamics Assist—a system that blends steering, torque vectoring, and brake interventions to stabilize the vehicle during sharply turned curves or sudden lane changes. A 360-Degree Camera system now offers bird’s-eye and tow-hitch assist views with multiple zoom angles. Blind-Spot Monitoring alerts have more nuance: BSM in Winter mode allows wider sensors to detect snowbanks or plows. Driver-Alert System now uses real-time eye tracking and micro-corrections to gauge fatigue early.
Ford reinforced the safety cell with new structural upgrades: additional ultra-high-strength steel in roof pillars and side rails, optimizing crash energy absorption. Standard airbags now include knee- and pelvis-level side protection. The result is a predicted five-star NHTSA rating and excellent IIHS outcomes across all categories. The ST‑Line retains its position as a performance SUV that also prioritizes everyday safety.
2027 Ford Explorer ST-Line Release Date & Price
Pricing for the 2027 ST‑Line starts at $49,995, landing between the XLT and ST trims in the lineup. Available options include a premium Technology Package ($2,495), featuring Bang & Olufsen audio, adaptive full LED matrix headlights, and interior auto-dimming mirrors. The Panoramic Sunroof package ($2,000) and Trail Tow Package ($1,795) are popular add-ons, bringing a fully loaded ST‑Line into the low‑$55k range—an attractive midpoint compared to competitors.
Production begins in November 2026, with U.S. showroom deliveries expected by early Q1 2027. Fleet and export units will follow in Q2. Pre-orders open via FordPass in September 2026, including a 50-unit Launch Edition with unique shadow gray paint, red wheels, serial-numbered dash plaque, and performance floor mats. Ford anticipates strong demand from families who want driving dynamics without jumping to the ST or Platinum models.
Conclusion
The 2027 Ford Explorer ST‑Line blends sporty ambition with family-friendly functionality in a way that’s new to the mid‑size SUV segment. With sharper handling, more powerful output, and thoughtful interior refinements, it tackles everyday commutes with poise and weekend drives with passion. Add top-tier safety and efficiency, and this ST‑Line isn’t just a trim—it’s a compelling alternative for those who want performance without premium pricing. 2027 Ford Explorer ST-Line Review
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.
