My Take on the Ford SUV Lineup — Insights From Valor Ford
What SUV Models Does Ford Offer for 2027?
Ford offers a versatile 2027 SUV lineup designed for every driving need, anchored by the compact Escape and off-road Bronco Sport, the midsize two-row Bronco, the three-row family Explorer, the full-size Expedition and Expedition MAX, and the all-electric Mustang Mach-E. Whether you need daily efficiency, serious off-road 4x4 capability, or seating for up to eight passengers with high-capacity towing, Ford builds a purpose-built crossover or SUV to fit your lifestyle.
When families visit our showroom floor, they are usually looking for a clear balance between daily versatility and true all-weather capability. A major reason the lineup resonates so well with drivers taking the daily commute along I-70 through Junction City is that Ford builds real capability into every platform rather than just adding cosmetic trim. For buyers who want off-road equipment right out of the box, the 2-door and 4-door Bronco models deliver standard 4x4 with high-clearance suspension options. You can explore our new Ford Bronco selection to see how the advanced terrain management setup compares to traditional utility vehicles.
For maximum daily utility, the crossover side of the lineup provides smooth highway efficiency and flexible seating configurations. Compact crossovers like the Escape and Bronco Sport offer light-duty agility, while the three-row Explorer and full-size Expedition give growing families expansive passenger space and heavy-duty towing limits. If you want to check out specific models in person, you can get directions to our showroom or give our staff a quick phone call to confirm current floor availability.
Table of Contents
- How Much Does the 2027 Ford Explorer Cost and Which Trim Offers the Best Value?
- How Does the Ford Explorer Compare to the Toyota Highlander?
- How Much Can the 2027 Ford Explorer Tow and Handle Family Cargo?
- What Is Ford BlueCruise and Which SUVs Offer Hands-Free Highway Driving?
- What Financing Incentives, Lease Offers, and Trade-In Options Are Available?
How Much Does the 2027 Ford Explorer Cost and Which Trim Offers the Best Value?
The 2027 Ford Explorer starts at an entry MSRP of $38,680 for the Active trim with rear-wheel drive, while top-tier performance and luxury configurations like the ST reach $53,875 MSRP before option packages. For most shoppers, the ST-Line trim delivers the best balance of price and features by pairing sporty appearance accents and advanced driver-assist options without forcing a jump to the larger twin-turbo V6 engine price bracket.
Here is how the starting MSRP breakdown looks across the 2027 Explorer lineup:
| Trim Level | Standard Powertrain | Drivetrain | Starting MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active 100A | 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 | RWD (4WD available) | $38,680 |
| Active 200A | 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 | RWD (4WD available) | $40,615 |
| ST-Line | 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 | RWD (4WD available) | $44,415 |
| Tremor | 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 | Standard Intelligent 4WD | $49,415 |
| Platinum | 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 | RWD (4WD available) | $50,875 |
| ST | 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 | RWD (4WD available) | $53,875 |
Adding Intelligent 4WD to RWD-standard models adds $2,000 to the base price. Under the hood, the standard 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 engine produces a robust 300 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, mated to a smooth 10-speed automatic transmission. For drivers who want aggressive passing power, the available 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 puts out 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, coming standard on the ST trim and available via optional packages on the Tremor and Platinum trims.
Shoppers who step up to the ST-Line gain access to 20-inch machined aluminum wheels, black exterior accents, ActiveX® seating material, a surround-view camera system, and hardware compatibility for hands-free highway driving. Families comparing window stickers on our lot often find that trading in a current vehicle makes stepping up to mid-level trims very accessible. You can easily value your trade-in online to establish your equity position, or take a look through our current pre-owned vehicle inventory if you want to explore late-model alternatives.
How Does the Ford Explorer Compare to the Toyota Highlander?
The 2027 Ford Explorer delivers superior standard horsepower, faster acceleration, and more advanced cabin technology than the Toyota Highlander, giving buyers a more engaging driving dynamic alongside equivalent 5,000-pound maximum towing capabilities. While the Toyota Highlander focuses heavily on smooth efficiency with its standard 265 hp turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder, the Explorer's standard 300 hp 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 provides noticeably quicker throttle response and confident highway merging.
When comparing performance benchmarks, the difference becomes even clearer. The performance-tuned Explorer ST with its twin-turbo 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in roughly 5.1 seconds, whereas the Highlander takes approximately 7.2 seconds to reach 60 mph. In terms of interior tech, every 2027 Explorer comes standard with a 13.2-inch center touchscreen running the Ford Digital Experience with native Google Maps integration, outsizing the Highlander's standard 8.0-inch display.
EPA fuel economy estimates for the Explorer remain competitive for a non-hybrid midsize crossover, earning up to 24 mpg combined ( 20 mpg city / 29 mpg highway) in rear-wheel-drive four-cylinder trim. Both vehicles offer seating for up to seven passengers, but the Explorer's rear-wheel-drive-based architecture gives it a distinct handling advantage around tight corners and under heavy loads. You can review detailed specs and model comparisons on our Ford Explorer research page to see how its cabin layout and powertrain options stand out.
How Much Can the 2027 Ford Explorer Tow and Handle Family Cargo?
Matching the Toyota Highlander's towing capability, the 2027 Ford Explorer can tow up to 5,000 pounds with the Class III Trailer Tow Package, making it ideal for family adventures and heavy cargo. Inside the cabin, the Explorer offers about 16 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 46 cubic feet with the third row folded, and topping out at about 86 cubic feet with both rear rows folded flat.
Cargo utility is enhanced by thoughtful interior engineering that accommodates everyday family demands. A concealed underfloor storage compartment behind the third row keeps smaller tools and valuables secure, while a reversible load floor cover features a washable rubberized surface on one side for muddy sporting gear or wet outdoor equipment. Standard second-row captain's chairs create an easy pass-through aisle to the rear seats, or families can opt for an available second-row bench to seat seven passengers total.
When loading gear, the wide rear liftgate opening makes taking advantage of the full cargo area straightforward. When I walk families through the vehicle on a first visit, I usually show them how the third-row 50/50 split-folding seats fold down flush with the floor with a single manual pull or power button. Whether you are packing luggage for a cross-country highway road trip or loading camping equipment for a weekend at local parks, the Explorer combines practical interior space with serious pulling power.
What Is Ford BlueCruise and Which SUVs Offer Hands-Free Highway Driving?
Ford BlueCruise is an advanced driver-assist technology that enables hands-free highway driving on over 130,000 miles of prequalified, divided North American highways known as hands-free Blue Zones. Using a network of radar sensors, camera systems, and a driver-facing optical camera, BlueCruise manages steering, braking, lane centering, and acceleration while monitoring head position to ensure your eyes remain attentive on the road ahead.
In the Ford SUV lineup, Ford BlueCruise hardware is available on select trims of the Explorer, Expedition, and Mustang Mach-E. The system incorporates intelligent convenience features designed to reduce driver fatigue during long highway trips:
- Lane Change Assist: Initiates a hands-free lane change when the driver taps the turn signal stalk and the adjacent lane is clear.
- In-Lane Repositioning: Subtly shifts the vehicle's lateral position within its lane to maintain extra physical buffer space when passing large semi-trucks or wide loads.
- Automatic Lane Change: Automatically suggests or executes lane changes to pass slower-moving traffic when conditions permit.
Owners can choose flexible subscription structures after an initial trial period, including a $495 annual plan, a $49.99 monthly option, or a $2,495 one-time purchase that covers ownership for seven years. By keeping the vehicle centered and maintaining set follow distances, hands-free highway driving transforms extended trips into far less taxing experiences.
What Financing Incentives, Lease Offers, and Trade-In Options Are Available?
Ford Credit regularly offers competitive financing incentives, low introductory APR rates, promotional lease packages, and factory customer cash programs across the SUV lineup. Seasonal incentives and regional bonus cash frequently lower out-of-pocket costs on new Explorer, Bronco Sport, and Expedition models, making it easier to structure payments around your household budget.
For service members and military families stationed at nearby bases like Fort Riley, Ford also offers specialized military incentive programs that can be combined with current national retail offers. Structuring a vehicle purchase involves looking at the complete picture, including your trade-in equity, chosen financing term, and down payment. Submitting an online credit profile early helps our finance team lock in eligible interest rates and regional incentives before you set foot on the lot.
Taking advantage of these purchase programs begins with establishing your finance baseline online. You can quickly apply for pre-approval online to review current finance rates and potential monthly payment structures. When you are ready to take a test drive or review incentive figures in person, our staff is available if you want to give us a quick call or stop by our showroom location to explore the entire Ford SUV family.
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