2027 Ford Explorer ST
The Performance Explorer
2027 Ford Explorer ST
The 2027 Ford Explorer ST proves a three-row family SUV does not have to drive like one. A standard twin-turbocharged 3.0L EcoBoost V6 produces up to 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, while a sport-tuned suspension, lowered ride height, paddle shifters and standard 21-inch wheels give ST the performance hardware to match its aggressive design.
Up to 400 HP3.0L EcoBoost V6
415 LB-FTMaximum Torque
Up to 7Passenger Seating
5,000 LBS.Max Towing
ST Overview
The Explorer for Drivers Who Actually Care About Performance
ST-Line looks sporty. Explorer ST is where Ford changes the actual driving experience.
The difference starts under the hood with a standard twin-turbocharged 3.0L EcoBoost V6. It continues underneath with a sport-tuned suspension and lowered ride height designed to make the Explorer more responsive when the road begins to curve.
That makes ST the logical Explorer for buyers who still need three rows, cargo space and towing capability but do not want to give up strong acceleration and engaging road manners.
- Standard 3.0L EcoBoost twin-turbocharged V6
- Up to 400 horsepower
- 415 lb-ft of torque
- 10-speed automatic transmission
- SelectShift capability with paddle shifters
- Sport-tuned suspension
- Lowered ride height
- Rear-wheel drive standard
- Intelligent 4WD available
- Standard 21-inch Magnetite-painted aluminum wheels
ST Performance
Up to 400 Horsepower Changes the Explorer Experience
Explorer ST is not simply a trim package placed on the same powertrain as Active or ST-Line. Its standard V6 and performance-focused suspension create a fundamentally different driving experience.
3.0L
Twin-Turbo EcoBoost V6
ST comes standard with Ford's direct-injected twin-turbocharged 3.0L EcoBoost V6.
400 HP
Maximum Horsepower
The ST V6 is capable of producing up to 400 horsepower, depending on the state where the vehicle is sold.
415
LB-FT of Torque
Up to 415 lb-ft of torque gives ST strong acceleration and passing power.
10-Speed
Automatic Transmission
Ford pairs the V6 with a 10-speed automatic transmission and SelectShift capability.
Paddle Shifters
Steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters give drivers additional control over transmission gear selection.
Sport-Tuned Suspension
A lowered ride height and suspension calibrated to Ford Racing standards help distinguish ST from the rest of the Explorer lineup.
This Is the Critical Difference Between ST and ST-Line
Explorer ST-Line delivers performance-inspired appearance while using the 300-horsepower 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder. Explorer ST uses a standard 3.0L EcoBoost V6 with up to 400 horsepower and adds performance-specific suspension tuning. If you care primarily about appearance, ST-Line may be enough. If the way the vehicle accelerates and handles matters, ST is the real performance model.
Power to the Road
Rear-Wheel Drive Standard, Intelligent 4WD Available
Explorer ST comes standard with rear-wheel drive, a layout that fits naturally with the ST's performance-focused mission.
Buyers who want additional traction for Missouri rain, snow or winter roads can step up to available Intelligent 4WD without giving up the ST's V6 performance.
- Rear-wheel drive standard
- Six selectable drive modes
- Available Intelligent 4WD
- Hill Descent Control included with Intelligent 4WD
- Terrain Management System
- Trailer Sway Control
ST Design
The Exterior Makes Its Performance Intent Obvious
Explorer ST backs up its V6 performance with a darker, more aggressive exterior treatment and several ST-specific details.
21 IN.
Standard Wheels
21-inch Magnetite-painted aluminum wheels are standard on the Explorer ST.
Black Mesh Grille
The ST uses a black mesh grille insert to create a more aggressive front-end appearance.
Quad Chrome Exhaust Tips
Four exhaust outlets visually separate ST from the lower-output Explorer trims.
Blackout Lighting Details
Headlamps and LED taillamps receive blackout treatments that fit the ST's darker design theme.
ST Projection Lamps
Power-folding side mirrors include ST projection lamps along with heated glass and memory functions.
Available Sinister Package
For 2027, Ford offers an available dark appearance package with additional blacked-out design details.
Interior & Technology
Performance SUV Outside, Family SUV Inside
One of ST's biggest advantages is that the performance upgrade does not eliminate the everyday usefulness that makes Explorer appealing in the first place.
You still get three rows, modern infotainment, family-friendly climate control and substantial cargo capacity.
- Three-row seating
- Standard second-row captain's chairs
- Available second-row bench
- Standard PowerFold third-row seats
- 13.2-inch center display
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- Tri-zone automatic temperature control
- Rear auxiliary climate control
- Acoustic-laminated front-row side windows
- Power liftgate
Practical Performance
Up to Seven Seats, 85.3 Cubic Feet of Cargo and 5,000-Lb Towing
The reason Explorer ST works as more than a toy is that Ford retains the everyday capability expected from a three-row Explorer.
6
Standard Seating
Second-row captain's chairs are standard, creating a six-passenger configuration.
7
Available Seating
An available second-row bench increases total passenger capacity to seven.
16.3
Cubic Feet Behind Row Three
Explorer ST provides 16.3 cubic feet of cargo volume with all three rows in use.
85.3
Maximum Cargo Capacity
Folding the rear seating expands maximum cargo volume to 85.3 cubic feet.
5,000 LBS.
Maximum Towing
Properly equipped Explorer ST models can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
PowerFold Third Row
Standard PowerFold third-row seating makes the transition between passengers and cargo easier.
The Buying Decision
Who Should Buy a 2027 Explorer ST?
ST is the Explorer you buy when three-row practicality is mandatory but driving enjoyment still matters.
Explorer ST Makes Sense If...
- You specifically want the 3.0L EcoBoost V6
- Strong acceleration matters to you
- You want up to 400 horsepower
- You enjoy a more responsive suspension setup
- You like paddle shifters and driver involvement
- You still need three-row family practicality
- You want available 4WD for Missouri weather
- You need up to 5,000 pounds of towing capability
You May Want Another Explorer If...
- 300 horsepower is already enough — consider Active
- You mainly want sporty looks — consider ST-Line
- Off-road capability is more important — consider Tremor
- Premium comfort matters more than performance — consider Platinum
ST vs. the Explorer Lineup
Where Does Explorer ST Fit?
ST vs. Active
Active emphasizes practical family value with the 300-horsepower 2.3L EcoBoost. ST adds the V6 and performance-focused chassis.
Value vs. performance.ST vs. ST-Line
ST-Line gives you sporty appearance with the four-cylinder engine. ST gives you the V6, paddle shifters and sport-tuned suspension.
Sporty look vs. true performance.ST vs. Tremor
Tremor is optimized for off-road capability. ST is optimized for stronger on-road acceleration and handling.
Trail performance vs. road performance.ST vs. Platinum
Platinum places greater emphasis on luxury and premium comfort. ST directs its character toward power and handling.
Luxury vs. performance. ST Specifications
2027 Ford Explorer ST Specs at a Glance
| Engine | 3.0L EcoBoost twin-turbocharged V6 |
|---|---|
| Maximum Horsepower | Up to 400 hp |
| Maximum Torque | 415 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic with SelectShift capability |
| Paddle Shifters | Standard |
| Standard Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Available Drivetrain | Intelligent 4WD |
| Suspension | Sport-tuned suspension |
| Standard Wheels | 21-inch Magnetite-painted aluminum |
| Standard Tires | P275/45R21 all-season tires |
| Standard Passenger Capacity | 6 passengers |
| Maximum Passenger Capacity | 7 passengers |
| Cargo Volume Behind Third Row | 16.3 cu. ft. |
| Maximum Cargo Capacity | 85.3 cu. ft. |
| Maximum Towing | Up to 5,000 lbs. when properly equipped |
| Center Display | 13.2 inches |
| Digital Instrument Cluster | 12.3 inches |
Explorer ST Near Kansas City
Shop Ford Explorer ST Inventory at Chuck Anderson Ford
Looking for a Ford Explorer ST near Kansas City? Chuck Anderson Ford in Excelsior Springs makes it easy to compare available ST models by drivetrain, exterior color, seating configuration, packages and equipment.
If you are deciding between ST-Line and ST, the biggest question is whether you want the appearance of a performance Explorer or the actual 3.0L EcoBoost V6 and sport-tuned suspension. Our team can help you compare the two side by side.
We serve Explorer shoppers throughout Excelsior Springs, Liberty, Kearney, Smithville, Lawson, Richmond, Kansas City and northwest Missouri.
Frequently Asked Questions
2027 Ford Explorer ST FAQs
What engine comes in the 2027 Ford Explorer ST?
The 2027 Ford Explorer ST comes standard with a twin-turbocharged 3.0L EcoBoost V6 paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
How much horsepower does the 2027 Explorer ST have?
The 3.0L EcoBoost V6 in the 2027 Explorer ST is rated at 385 or 400 horsepower depending on the state where the vehicle is purchased.
How much torque does the 2027 Explorer ST make?
The Explorer ST's 3.0L EcoBoost V6 produces up to 415 lb-ft of torque.
What is the difference between Explorer ST-Line and ST?
Explorer ST-Line emphasizes sporty styling while using the 300-horsepower 2.3L EcoBoost engine. Explorer ST comes standard with a 3.0L EcoBoost V6 producing up to 400 horsepower and adds a sport-tuned suspension and paddle shifters.
Is four-wheel drive standard on the Explorer ST?
No. Rear-wheel drive is standard on the 2027 Explorer ST, while Intelligent 4WD is available.
Does the 2027 Explorer ST have a sport-tuned suspension?
Yes. Ford equips the 2027 Explorer ST with a sport-tuned suspension and lowered ride height calibrated to Ford Racing standards.
How many people can the 2027 Explorer ST seat?
The Explorer ST seats six passengers with standard second-row captain's chairs. An available second-row bench increases capacity to seven.
How much cargo space does the 2027 Explorer ST have?
Explorer ST provides 16.3 cubic feet of cargo room behind the third row and up to 85.3 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity.
How much can the 2027 Ford Explorer ST tow?
Properly equipped 2027 Ford Explorer ST models can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
Is the Explorer ST faster than the Explorer ST-Line?
The Explorer ST has significantly more available engine output. ST-Line uses a 300-horsepower 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder, while ST uses a 3.0L EcoBoost V6 producing up to 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque.
Where can I find a Ford Explorer ST for sale 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.
Find Your Explorer ST
Want a Three-Row SUV That Is Actually Fun to Drive?
Explorer ST combines up to 400 horsepower, 415 lb-ft of torque and a sport-tuned suspension with the seating, cargo space and towing capability expected from an Explorer. Browse available Explorer ST models at Chuck Anderson Ford, or return to our complete 2027 Explorer trim guide to compare ST with Active, ST-Line, Tremor and Platinum.
2027 Ford Explorer ST specifications, features, equipment, packages, horsepower ratings, 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. The 3.0L EcoBoost V6 horsepower rating may vary by state. Maximum towing capacity requires proper vehicle, trailer and equipment configuration. Always verify final vehicle specifications, equipment and availability on the individual vehicle with Ford Motor Company and Chuck Anderson Ford before purchase or towing.