2027 Ford Explorer Engines

2027 Ford Explorer › 2027 Ford Explorer Engines
2027 Ford Explorer engine options at Chuck Anderson Ford near Kansas City Missouri
2027 Explorer Performance Guide

2027 Ford Explorer Engine Options

The 2027 Ford Explorer gives buyers two distinctly different EcoBoost powertrains. The 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 delivers 300 horsepower and is the engine most Explorer buyers will choose. The available twin-turbocharged 3.0L EcoBoost V6 turns the Explorer into a significantly stronger performer with as much as 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. Compare both engines below to decide how much Explorer performance you actually need.

2 EnginesEcoBoost Choices
300 HP2.3L EcoBoost
Up to 400 HP3.0L EcoBoost V6
5,000 LBS.Max Towing
Choosing Your Powertrain

2.3L EcoBoost or 3.0L EcoBoost?

For most Explorer shoppers, the engine decision comes down to one question: do you want strong everyday performance, or do you specifically want the additional acceleration and torque of Ford's twin-turbo V6? Both engines work with a 10-speed automatic transmission, both can support serious towing capability, and both are available with configurations designed for Missouri weather and family use.

Explorer Engine Lineup

Compare the 2027 Ford Explorer EcoBoost Engines

2027 Ford Explorer 2.3L EcoBoost engine
Standard Explorer Power
300 HP

2.3L EcoBoost I-4

The 2.3L EcoBoost is the core Explorer powertrain. Turbocharging and direct fuel injection help the four-cylinder produce 300 horsepower while keeping the engine compact enough to make sense for everyday family driving.

It is standard on Explorer Active, ST-Line, Tremor and Platinum.

  • 2.3L turbocharged four-cylinder
  • 300 horsepower
  • Direct fuel injection
  • 10-speed automatic transmission
  • Standard on four Explorer trims
  • Available with Intelligent 4WD
  • Up to 5,000 pounds of towing capability
2027 Ford Explorer 3.0L EcoBoost V6 engine
High-Output Explorer Power
Up to 400 HP

3.0L EcoBoost V6

The twin-turbocharged 3.0L EcoBoost V6 is for drivers who want a noticeably stronger Explorer. With up to 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, it delivers the acceleration expected from the performance side of the Explorer lineup.

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

  • 3.0L twin-turbocharged V6
  • 385 or 400 horsepower depending on state
  • Up to 415 lb-ft of torque
  • Direct fuel injection
  • 10-speed automatic transmission
  • Standard on Explorer ST
  • Available on Explorer Tremor
  • Up to 5,000 pounds of towing capability
Side-by-Side

2027 Explorer 2.3L vs. 3.0L EcoBoost

The difference is less about whether one engine can handle normal Explorer duties and more about how much performance you want while doing them.

Feature 2.3L EcoBoost 3.0L EcoBoost
Engine TypeTurbocharged I-4Twin-Turbocharged V6
Horsepower300 hp385 or 400 hp depending on state
Maximum TorqueStrong everyday EcoBoost torque415 lb-ft
Transmission10-speed automatic10-speed automatic
Maximum TowingUp to 5,000 lbs.Up to 5,000 lbs.
Explorer ActiveStandard—
Explorer ST-LineStandard—
Explorer TremorStandardAvailable
Explorer PlatinumStandardCheck configuration availability
Explorer ST—Standard
Best ForEveryday family drivingMaximum Explorer performance
Learn More 2.3L EcoBoost Guide 3.0L EcoBoost Guide
The Buying Decision

Which 2027 Ford Explorer Engine Should You Choose?

For most shoppers, the answer is simpler than the horsepower numbers make it appear.

Choose the 2.3L EcoBoost If...

  • Your Explorer is primarily a family vehicle
  • 300 horsepower is already enough for your driving
  • You want Active, ST-Line or a four-cylinder Platinum
  • You want Tremor capability without paying for V6 power
  • You still want up to 5,000 pounds of towing capability
  • You care more about everyday usability than maximum acceleration
For most Explorer buyers, the 2.3L EcoBoost is enough engine.

Choose the 3.0L EcoBoost If...

  • Strong acceleration matters to you
  • You specifically want Explorer ST
  • You want V6 Tremor performance
  • 415 lb-ft of torque appeals to you
  • You want the highest-output Explorer powertrain
  • You are willing to pay more for performance you will actually use
The 3.0L EcoBoost is the engine for buyers who want more than "enough."
Engine Availability by Trim

Which Engine Comes in Each 2027 Explorer?

Explorer Active

2.3L EcoBoost

300-horsepower standard engine focused on everyday family use.

Explorer ST-Line

2.3L EcoBoost

Keeps the 300-hp four-cylinder while adding sport-inspired styling.

Explorer Tremor

2.3L or 3.0L EcoBoost

Choose 300-hp standard power or available twin-turbo V6 performance.

Explorer Platinum

2.3L EcoBoost

Standard four-cylinder power paired with Platinum's luxury-focused equipment.

Explorer ST

3.0L EcoBoost

The V6 is standard because ST is the performance Explorer.

2027 Ford Explorer EcoBoost engine towing capability
Engine Choice & Towing

You Do Not Need the V6 Just to Tow 5,000 Pounds

This is one of the most important points when comparing Explorer engines.

The more powerful 3.0L EcoBoost delivers significantly stronger acceleration and torque, but choosing the V6 is not required simply to reach Explorer's headline towing rating.

Properly equipped Explorer models can tow up to 5,000 pounds, including configurations powered by the 2.3L EcoBoost.

  • Up to 5,000 pounds maximum towing
  • Class III Trailer Tow Package
  • Trailer Sway Control
  • Tow/Haul drive mode
  • Towing capability available with either engine family

That means the V6 decision should primarily be about how much acceleration, passing power and performance you want rather than assuming you need six cylinders to tow.

EcoBoost Explained

What Does EcoBoost Mean on a Ford Explorer?

EcoBoost is Ford's name for a family of turbocharged, direct-injected gasoline engines designed to create strong power from relatively compact displacement. In the Explorer, that approach gives buyers a choice between a turbo four-cylinder and a twin-turbo V6 rather than relying on engine size alone to create performance.

Turbocharging

A turbocharger uses exhaust energy to force more air into the engine. That allows an engine to produce considerably more power than a similarly sized naturally aspirated engine.

Direct Fuel Injection

Direct injection precisely delivers fuel into the combustion chamber, helping Ford manage power, efficiency and engine response.

Explorer Engines Near Kansas City

Compare Ford Explorer Engines at Chuck Anderson Ford

Shopping for a 2027 Ford Explorer near Kansas City? Chuck Anderson Ford in Excelsior Springs can help you compare how the 2.3L EcoBoost and 3.0L EcoBoost actually feel from behind the wheel.

Horsepower numbers tell part of the story, but an engine choice is easier when you can compare throttle response, passing power, drivetrain, trim level and real inventory side by side.

We serve Explorer shoppers from Excelsior Springs, Liberty, Kearney, Smithville, Lawson, Richmond, Kansas City and communities throughout northwest Missouri.

Excelsior Springs Liberty Kearney Smithville Lawson Richmond Kansas City
2027 Ford Explorer for sale at Chuck Anderson Ford near Liberty Kearney and Kansas City Missouri
Frequently Asked Questions

2027 Ford Explorer Engine FAQs

What engines are available in the 2027 Ford Explorer?
The 2027 Ford Explorer lineup uses two EcoBoost engine families: a 2.3L turbocharged I-4 and a twin-turbocharged 3.0L EcoBoost V6.
How much horsepower does the 2027 Explorer 2.3L EcoBoost have?
The 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 produces 300 horsepower in the 2027 Ford Explorer.
How much horsepower does the 2027 Explorer 3.0L EcoBoost have?
The 3.0L EcoBoost V6 can produce 385 or 400 horsepower depending on the state where the Explorer is purchased. Maximum torque is 415 lb-ft.
Which 2027 Explorer trims have the 2.3L EcoBoost?
The 2.3L EcoBoost is standard on Explorer Active, ST-Line, Tremor and Platinum.
Which 2027 Explorer trims have the 3.0L EcoBoost V6?
The 3.0L EcoBoost V6 is standard on the performance-focused Explorer ST and available on Explorer Tremor.
Is the 2.3L EcoBoost enough for the Ford Explorer?
For many buyers, yes. The 2.3L EcoBoost produces 300 horsepower and provides enough output for normal commuting, highway travel, family use and properly configured towing up to the Explorer's 5,000-pound maximum rating.
Is the 3.0L EcoBoost worth it in the Explorer?
The 3.0L EcoBoost makes the most sense for buyers who specifically value stronger acceleration, additional torque and the performance character of Explorer ST or a V6-equipped Tremor.
Do I need the 3.0L V6 to tow 5,000 pounds with an Explorer?
No. Properly equipped Explorer models can achieve up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity with either Explorer engine family, depending on vehicle configuration and equipment.
Does the 2027 Ford Explorer use a 10-speed transmission?
Yes. The Explorer's EcoBoost engines are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Where can I compare Ford Explorer engines near Kansas City?
Chuck Anderson Ford in Excelsior Springs, Missouri serves Ford Explorer shoppers from Liberty, Kearney, Smithville, Lawson, Richmond, Kansas City and surrounding northwest Missouri communities.
Choose Your Explorer Engine

300 Horsepower or Up to 400?

Choose the 2.3L EcoBoost for strong everyday Explorer performance or step up to the 3.0L EcoBoost V6 when additional acceleration and torque matter. Explore each engine in detail, then browse available Ford Explorer inventory at Chuck Anderson Ford in Excelsior Springs.

2027 Ford Explorer engine specifications, horsepower, torque, engine availability, trim availability, drivetrains, towing ratings, equipment, fuel-economy ratings, packages, pricing and inventory availability are based on manufacturer-published information available when this page was prepared and are subject to change. Horsepower output for the 3.0L EcoBoost V6 may vary by configuration and state requirements. Maximum towing capacity requires proper vehicle, trailer and equipment configuration. Always verify final engine specifications, vehicle equipment and towing capability for the individual vehicle with Ford Motor Company and Chuck Anderson Ford before purchase or towing.