2027 Ford Explorer Active
The Essential Explorer
2027 Ford Explorer Active
The 2027 Ford Explorer Active is the family-focused starting point of the Explorer lineup. With a 300-horsepower 2.3L EcoBoost engine, three rows of seating, up to 85.8 cubic feet of cargo room, available Intelligent 4WD and up to 5,000 pounds of towing capability, Active delivers the features that make Explorer useful without requiring you to move into a specialized luxury, off-road or performance trim.
300 HP2.3L EcoBoost
Up to 7Passenger Seating
85.8 CU. FT.Max Cargo Space
5,000 LBS.Max Towing
Active Overview
The Explorer That Makes Sense for Most Families
The Explorer lineup can move in several directions. ST-Line emphasizes sporty styling, Tremor adds off-road capability, Platinum focuses on premium comfort and ST adds serious performance.
Explorer Active takes a simpler approach. It gives you the fundamental strengths of the Explorer: turbocharged power, three-row versatility, modern technology, useful cargo space and substantial towing capability.
For many families, that makes Active the sweet spot. You are buying the Explorer for what an Explorer does well rather than paying for specialized equipment you may rarely use.
- 2.3L EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine
- 300 horsepower
- 10-speed automatic transmission
- Rear-wheel drive standard
- Intelligent 4WD available
- Three rows of seating
- Six-passenger seating standard with seven-passenger configuration available
- Standard Class III Trailer Tow Package
Power & Capability
300 Horsepower Is More Than an Entry-Level Number
Explorer Active may be the starting point of the lineup, but Ford does not give it a stripped-down powertrain. The same 2.3L EcoBoost architecture provides strong everyday acceleration, highway passing power and useful towing capability.
2.3L
EcoBoost I-4
The turbocharged and direct-injected 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder is standard equipment on the 2027 Explorer Active.
300 HP
Strong Everyday Power
With 300 horsepower available, Active has enough output for daily commuting, interstate travel, carrying passengers and handling the normal demands of a three-row SUV.
10-Speed
Automatic Transmission
The standard 10-speed automatic gives the EcoBoost engine a broad range of gearing for acceleration, highway cruising and towing.
RWD
Standard Rear-Wheel Drive
Explorer Active uses a rear-wheel-drive-based platform rather than the front-drive layout common among many three-row crossovers.
4WD
Available Intelligent 4WD
Drivers who want additional traction for rain, snow, gravel roads or Missouri winter weather can equip Active with Intelligent 4WD.
5,000 LBS.
Maximum Towing
A standard Class III Trailer Tow Package gives properly equipped Explorer Active models up to 5,000 pounds of maximum towing capability.
Interior & Technology
Active Doesn't Feel Like a Bare-Bones Explorer
Choosing the most accessible Explorer trim does not mean giving up the technology families use every day. The 2027 Explorer Active receives Ford's modern digital cockpit along with practical comfort and connectivity features throughout the cabin.
- 13.2-inch center display
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- Ford Digital Experience
- Wireless Apple CarPlay compatibility
- Wireless Android Auto compatibility
- Eight USB ports across all three rows
- Tri-zone electronic automatic temperature control
- Power liftgate
- Available heated steering wheel
- Available panoramic Vista Roof with power shade
Family Versatility
Six or Seven Seats and Up to 85.8 Cubic Feet of Cargo Room
Active is designed around the reason many shoppers choose Explorer in the first place: carrying people, cargo and both at the same time.
6
Standard Seating
Second-row captain's chairs are standard, creating six-passenger seating and easier access to the third row.
7
Available Seating
An available second-row bench increases total passenger capacity to seven when carrying one more person matters more than having individual second-row chairs.
16.3
Cubic Feet Behind Row Three
With all three rows in use, Explorer Active provides 16.3 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the third-row seats.
85.8
Maximum Cargo Volume
Folding the rear seating expands total available cargo space to as much as 85.8 cubic feet.
Third-Row Flexibility
Explorer Active includes a true third row, giving families the ability to carry additional passengers without moving into a full-size SUV.
Power Liftgate
A standard power liftgate simplifies loading groceries, luggage, sports equipment and other everyday cargo.
The Buying Decision
Who Should Buy a 2027 Explorer Active?
Active is not simply the least expensive Explorer. It is the trim that makes the strongest argument for buyers who prioritize practical value over specialized styling or capability.
Explorer Active Makes Sense If...
- You want three rows without moving to a full-size SUV
- 300 horsepower is more than enough for your daily driving
- You want available 4WD for Missouri weather
- You may need to tow a boat, camper or utility trailer
- Passenger and cargo space matter more than luxury trim
- You want modern infotainment without paying for a higher trim
You May Want Another Explorer If...
- You want aggressive styling — consider ST-Line
- You regularly leave pavement — consider Tremor
- Premium interior materials are a priority — consider Platinum
- You want the 400-horsepower performance experience — consider ST
Active vs. the Explorer Lineup
When Should You Move Up From Explorer Active?
The simplest way to decide whether Active is enough is to identify exactly what another trim gives you that matters to your driving.
Active vs. ST-Line
Both begin with the 300-horsepower 2.3L EcoBoost. ST-Line primarily adds more aggressive performance-inspired styling and equipment.
Choose Active for value.Active vs. Tremor
Tremor adds genuine off-road hardware, including its specialized suspension, additional protection and traction-focused equipment.
Choose Active for pavement and everyday use.Active vs. Platinum
Platinum directs more of the purchase price toward premium materials, luxury appointments, audio and comfort features.
Choose Active if utility matters more than luxury.Active vs. ST
ST changes the equation with its 3.0L EcoBoost V6 and performance-focused suspension setup.
Choose Active unless performance is a major priority. Active Specifications
2027 Ford Explorer Active Specs at a Glance
| Engine | 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 300 hp |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic |
| Standard Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Available Drivetrain | Intelligent 4WD |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | Up to 5,000 lbs. when properly equipped |
| Standard Passenger Capacity | 6 |
| Maximum Passenger Capacity | 7 |
| Cargo Volume Behind Third Row | 16.3 cu. ft. |
| Maximum Cargo Capacity | 85.8 cu. ft. |
| Center Display | 13.2 inches |
| Digital Instrument Cluster | 12.3 inches |
| Standard Wheels | 18-inch Sparkle Silver-painted aluminum |
| Maximum Available Wheel Size | 20 inches |
Explorer Active Near Kansas City
Shop Ford Explorer Active Inventory at Chuck Anderson Ford
Looking for a Ford Explorer Active near Kansas City? Chuck Anderson Ford in Excelsior Springs makes it easy to see which Explorer Active models are currently available and compare drivetrain, color, seating and equipment before you visit.
We serve Explorer shoppers throughout Excelsior Springs, Liberty, Kearney, Smithville, Lawson, Richmond, Kansas City and northwest Missouri.
Frequently Asked Questions
2027 Ford Explorer Active FAQs
What engine comes in the 2027 Ford Explorer Active?
The 2027 Explorer Active comes standard with a turbocharged 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
How much horsepower does the 2027 Explorer Active have?
The standard 2.3L EcoBoost engine in the 2027 Explorer Active produces 300 horsepower.
Does the 2027 Ford Explorer Active have four-wheel drive?
Rear-wheel drive is standard on Explorer Active, while Ford Intelligent 4WD is available for buyers who want additional all-weather traction.
How many people does the 2027 Explorer Active seat?
The Explorer Active seats six people with its standard second-row captain's chairs. An available second-row bench increases maximum seating capacity to seven.
How much cargo space does the 2027 Explorer Active have?
The 2027 Explorer Active provides 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and up to 85.8 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity with the rear seats folded.
How much can the 2027 Ford Explorer Active tow?
Properly equipped Explorer Active models can tow up to 5,000 pounds. The Class III Trailer Tow Package is standard.
What is the difference between Explorer Active and ST-Line?
Both use the 300-horsepower 2.3L EcoBoost engine. Active focuses primarily on family value and practicality, while ST-Line adds more aggressive performance-inspired appearance and additional equipment.
Is the Ford Explorer Active a good family SUV?
Explorer Active is particularly well suited to family use because it combines three rows, six- or seven-passenger seating, up to 85.8 cubic feet of cargo space, modern connectivity, available four-wheel drive and up to 5,000 pounds of towing capability.
Where can I find Ford Explorer Active models for sale near Kansas City?
Chuck Anderson Ford in Excelsior Springs, Missouri serves Explorer shoppers from Liberty, Kearney, Smithville, Lawson, Richmond, Kansas City and surrounding northwest Missouri communities.
Find Your Explorer Active
See Which Explorer Active Models Are Available Right Now
If Active gives you the Explorer features you actually need, the next step is comparing real inventory. Browse available Ford Explorer Active models at Chuck Anderson Ford, or return to our complete 2027 Explorer trim guide to compare Active with ST-Line, Tremor, Platinum and ST.
2027 Ford Explorer Active specifications, features, equipment, packages, colors, drivetrain availability, passenger capacity, cargo measurements, towing ratings, pricing and inventory availability are based on manufacturer-published information available when this page was prepared and are subject to change. Maximum towing capacity requires proper vehicle, trailer and equipment configuration. Passenger and cargo capacities vary by seating configuration and equipment. Always verify final vehicle specifications, equipment and availability on the individual vehicle with Ford Motor Company and Chuck Anderson Ford before purchase or towing.