The 2027 Ford Explorer brings meaningful changes at the top and specialty ends of the lineup - a new V6 luxury tier for Platinum buyers, a V6 option added to the Tremor’s off-road configuration, a striking new appearance package for ST, and the replacement of fixed panoramic glass with an operable Vista Roof across multiple trims. For Nassau County buyers who have been watching the Explorer evolve, here is what changed and why it matters.
Bottom Line: The 2027 Explorer’s biggest additions are the 3.0L Ultimate Package on Platinum (V6 + luxury leather + premium wheels), the Tremor 3.0L level (V6 power for the off-road trim), and the ST Sinister Package (new visual appearance for the performance trim).
- The new 3.0L Ultimate Package on Platinum adds the V6 engine, Lux Leather with quilted seating, quad chrome exhaust, and 21-inch dark alloy wheels
- The Tremor gains a new 3.0L V6 configuration alongside the existing 2.3L option for 2027
- The ST Sinister Package adds 21-inch gloss black wheels and amber daytime running lights for a more aggressive appearance
The 3.0L Ultimate Package on Platinum: The New Luxury Tier
The 3.0L Ultimate Package is the most significant new addition to the Explorer lineup for 2027. It is available on the Explorer Platinum and combines the turbocharged 3.0L V6 engine with a curated set of luxury features that elevate the Platinum above its standard content:
- Lux Leather seating with quilted front seats and enhanced stitching
- Coordinated leather treatment on door panels and center console surfaces
- Quad chrome exhaust outlets at the rear, a visual marker of the V6 powertrain
- 21-inch dark alloy wheels in place of the Platinum’s standard wheel
The 3.0L Ultimate Package positions the Platinum as a genuine luxury SUV rather than a well-equipped family crossover. The Lux Leather designation means the material quality and surface coverage goes beyond what the standard Platinum leather includes - quilted patterns on front seat backs, thicker bolster sections, and leather-wrapped surfaces on door panels that standard seating does not reach.
The quad chrome exhaust is a meaningful exterior differentiator. Standard Explorers have dual exhaust tips; the quad arrangement of the 3.0L Ultimate signals the V6 powertrain from behind and adds visual weight to the rear fascia. For Nassau County buyers who care about exterior presence alongside interior quality, this is a visible statement about the trim level.
The 3.0L V6 in the Ultimate Package uses the same turbocharged engine found in the Explorer ST. Ford has not published finalized 2027 output numbers, so specific horsepower and torque figures are not yet available - but the V6 architecture provides meaningful performance advantage over the standard 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder at highway speeds and during loaded driving with passengers and cargo.
The Tremor 3.0L Level: V6 Power for the Off-Road Trim
The Tremor gains a new 3.0L engine option for 2027. The Explorer Tremor previously used only the 2.3L EcoBoost; for 2027, buyers can configure the Tremor with the 3.0L V6, creating a Tremor 3.0L level that combines off-road hardware with stronger engine output.
This matters for buyers who want the Tremor’s off-road capability - the Torsen limited-slip rear axle, raised suspension, all-terrain tires, and off-road lighting - but also want the V6’s performance character on highway driving. The Tremor 3.0L is the most capable Explorer configuration available: genuine off-road hardware with the brand’s top powertrain.
For Nassau County buyers who use their Explorer primarily on pavement but want capability for weekend trips to the Catskills, Delaware Water Gap, or Upstate New York’s rougher terrain, the Tremor 3.0L offers a compelling package. The all-terrain tires and raised suspension handle light trail conditions; the V6 provides confidence at highway speeds getting there.
For a full breakdown of the Explorer Tremor, see our Explorer Tremor explained guide for Long Island.
The ST Sinister Package: A New Look for the ST
The ST Sinister Package is a new visual appearance option for the Explorer ST, the three-cylinder performance version of the Explorer. The package adds:
- 21-inch gloss black aluminum wheels replacing the ST’s standard wheel design
- Amber daytime running lights in place of the standard white DRLs - a distinctive light signature that immediately identifies the Sinister configuration
The Sinister name references the dark, high-contrast aesthetic that has become a consistent theme across Ford’s specialty appearance packages in recent years. The gloss black wheels against the ST’s performance-oriented bodywork create a more aggressive appearance without changing the vehicle’s mechanical character.
Amber DRLs are a rarer choice in the full-size crossover segment and give the Sinister-equipped ST a recognizable front light signature that sets it apart from the standard ST in traffic. For Nassau County buyers who want the ST’s sport suspension and V6 performance but also want a more visually distinctive exterior, the Sinister Package delivers the differentiation without requiring a custom modification.
Vista Roof Replaces Fixed Panoramic Glass
The Panoramic Vista Roof replaces fixed panoramic glass on multiple Explorer trims for 2027. The operational significance is straightforward: the Vista Roof opens and closes, while the fixed glass it replaces was stationary.
This change is a practical improvement for most buyers. The ability to open the roof for fresh air - on a clear Nassau County weekend, heading out east, or on an evening highway run - adds a dimension of use that fixed glass cannot provide. The Vista Roof includes a power shade for managing sunlight and heat when closed.
The transition from fixed glass to operable Vista Roof represents a move toward features that buyers can actually use, rather than features that merely add to the cabin’s sense of openness. For families in Levittown and East Meadow who occasionally want the fresh air experience, the Vista Roof is a welcome functional addition.
"The 3.0L Ultimate Package is a real luxury upgrade for Explorer Platinum buyers who wanted the V6 without stepping into the ST's sport character. The Tremor V6 level is also a strong seller already - buyers who were considering both the Tremor and the ST now have a third option that gives them the best of both."
General Manager, Levittown Ford
Additional 2027 Explorer Changes
New paint colors for 2027 are Avalanche Gray Metallic and Ruby Red Metallic. These replace outgoing color options and give buyers two strong new choices in the neutral and premium-color segments. Avalanche Gray is a contemporary cool-toned gray with metallic depth; Ruby Red is a deep, saturated red with metallic sparkle.
The Slick Roof Conversion is a new option for 2027 that removes the standard roof rails for a cleaner, lower-profile roofline appearance. This is an aesthetic choice for buyers who prioritize the visual cleanliness of a rail-free roof over the cargo-carrying utility of the rails. The Slick Roof Conversion does not affect the vehicle’s structural or safety characteristics.
To see all available 2027 Explorer configurations and what is currently in stock, browse new Explorer inventory at Levittown Ford or view current Explorer specials.
Explore the 2027 Explorer lineup at Levittown Ford. Serving Levittown, East Meadow, Wantagh, and Seaford with a full Explorer inventory. Browse new Explorer inventory or schedule a test drive of the new Tremor 3.0L or Platinum Ultimate.
FAQ
Is the 3.0L Ultimate Package available on the Explorer ST? The 3.0L Ultimate Package is available on the Explorer Platinum trim. The ST already uses the 3.0L V6 as its standard engine. The two packages are not the same - the Ultimate Package pairs the V6 with the Lux Leather, quad exhaust, and 21-inch dark wheels in a luxury-oriented configuration, while the ST is a sport-performance configuration.
What is the difference between the Explorer Tremor 2.3L and 3.0L levels? Both use the same off-road hardware - Torsen limited-slip rear axle, raised suspension, all-terrain tires, and off-road lighting. The 3.0L level adds the V6 engine for additional power. Ford has not published specific finalized 2027 output numbers for either configuration.
Is the ST Sinister Package available on all ST trims? The ST Sinister Package is available on the Explorer ST. Buyers should confirm current package availability and color restrictions for 2027 with Levittown Ford at the time of ordering.
Does the Vista Roof open fully or just tilt? The Panoramic Vista Roof is a power-operated operable roof panel with a power shade. It provides a genuine open-air experience, not just a tilt function.
What new colors are available for the 2027 Explorer? Two new colors are Avalanche Gray Metallic and Ruby Red Metallic. These are the new additions for 2027; some prior colors were discontinued.
The 2027 Explorer gives Nassau County buyers more meaningful differentiation across the lineup than in previous years - the Platinum now has a genuine luxury V6 tier, the Tremor gains engine choice, and the ST has a new visual identity. For buyers ready to explore these updates in person, contact Levittown Ford or visit the showroom on Hempstead Turnpike.
Consult NHTSA safety ratings for the Ford Explorer when evaluating this three-row crossover for your family.