If you are comparing three-row SUVs for confidence, comfort, and cutting-edge tech, the Explorer nameplate belongs at the top of your list. The latest model builds on its rear-wheel-drive foundation, offers strong turbocharged engines, and surrounds drivers with modern infotainment and advanced driver-assist systems. That blend of substance and smarts is exactly why families and active owners keep coming back to this SUV.
From easygoing weekday commutes to weekend errands across neighboring towns, this SUV feels tuned for real life. It is composed on the highway, sure-footed on hilly two-lanes, and surprisingly agile for a vehicle with room for the crew and their gear. Inside, you will find sizable screens, family-friendly storage, and the tech you actually use, day in and day out. If you want a performance kick, the ST model brings serious punch with a twin-turbo V6 and an enthusiast flavor that is rare in the class.
Our team at Miracle Ford is here to help you compare trims and options, set up a tailored test drive route, and get you comfortable with features like the large touchscreen, available hands-free driving technology, and towing tools. Read on for a complete look at what sets this SUV apart—and how to shop confidently online and on the lot.
The 2027 model continues the Explorer’s core strengths: a rear-wheel-drive platform for poised handling, a standard turbocharged 2.3-liter engine rated at 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, and an available twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 with 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet for those who want real muscle. A 10-speed automatic is standard, with rear-wheel drive as the baseline and all-wheel drive available for added traction. Maximum towing capacity is a confident 5,000 pounds with the integrated Class III Towing package, which includes a factory hitch, trailer wiring, and trailer sway control.
Technology is a highlight. A 13.2-inch LCD touchscreen with Google Built-in anchors the cabin, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus parked-use streaming, browsing, and gaming. Eight total USB ports, including two for third-row passengers, keep devices powered. Standard driver-assist features include automated emergency braking and lane-keeping assist, with available upgrades such as a 360-degree camera system and hands-free highway driving via Ford BlueCruise. Whether you are shuttling between Lehighton and Hazleton or heading out for a family day trip, the Explorer feels smart, capable, and refreshingly easy to live with.
Plenty of three-row SUVs claim versatility, but this one backs it up where it counts: on the road and in your daily routine. The rear-drive architecture gives it a planted, confident feel that shines on fast highways and winding two-lanes alike. Both powertrains are strong, the cabin tech is modern and intuitive, and the driver-assist roster is deep. Add in real towing capability and family-friendly charging everywhere you sit, and you get a vehicle that makes demanding schedules feel simpler.
Most trims are powered by a turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine rated at 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic, this powertrain balances brisk acceleration with refined cruising manners. The transmission’s closely spaced ratios help keep the engine in its sweet spot, so you get responsive passing power on the highway and an easy, quiet demeanor around town. With rear-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive available, this setup gives you the flexibility to tailor the SUV to your traction needs without sacrificing efficiency-minded engineering. It is quick enough to feel lively with a full load on board, and calm enough to be a daily companion you will look forward to driving.
For those who want the thrill, the ST model steps up to a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 with 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. Delivering genuinely quick acceleration, the ST channels a performance edge uncommon among three-row SUVs. The optional Sinister appearance package on ST gives it an even bolder look with black exterior detailing, black wheels, and amber running lights. Beyond the badging, the ST pairs its power with composed handling, confident braking, and tuning that makes backroads feel like a treat rather than a chore. It is the enthusiast’s family SUV—an ideal match for drivers who want real muscle without giving up three-row practicality.
The Explorer’s rear-drive-based architecture is a key advantage. By default, weight balance and power delivery go to the rear, which helps the SUV track straight at speed and turn in with confidence on winding routes. That chassis character shines on local roads with elevation changes and tighter curves, allowing the vehicle to feel sure-footed even when fully loaded. Available all-wheel drive adds traction when conditions or terrain demand it, while the standard Class III Towing package supports up to 5,000 pounds. Trailer sway control is integrated to help maintain stability, and the setup is engineered so that hitching up and heading out is straightforward whether you are towing a pair of jet skis or a small camper.
Front and center is a standard 13.2-inch LCD touchscreen that feels as natural as a tablet yet is optimized for driving. With Google Built-in, you can access Google Maps, Google Assistant, and a growing ecosystem of compatible apps. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard for seamless phone integration, and parked-use entertainment features let you stream video or browse the web while waiting. With eight total USB ports—two even serve third-row passengers—plus multiple 12-volt sockets, power is never a fight. Audio ranges from a standard six-speaker setup to available Bang & Olufsen systems with 10 or 14 speakers for rich, room-filling sound. The interface is fast, the layout is logical, and updates can add capability over time.
Every model includes a robust suite of driver-assist features, including automated emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. Available upgrades extend that confidence with front and rear parking sensors, a 360-degree camera system for low-speed maneuvering, and adaptive cruise control with an available hands-free highway driving mode via Ford BlueCruise. On pre-qualified, mapped highways, BlueCruise can provide hands-free steering assistance when conditions are met, helping highway miles feel easier and more consistent. Automatic high beams and blind-spot monitoring are also available, further enhancing visibility and awareness. The result is a thoughtful layering of tech that helps you stay centered, see more, and arrive relaxed.
Start by deciding whether the standard turbocharged I-4 suits your needs or if the V6 in the ST fits your desire for performance. Consider rear-wheel drive for everyday road manners or add all-wheel drive if your routes or hobbies call for extra traction. If towing is on your list, plan around the 5,000-pound max and verify your trailer setup and gear. Inside, identify the tech and convenience features you will use most—infotainment options, driver-assist upgrades, and device charging. Finally, choose between second-row captain’s chairs or a bench to balance people and cargo space the way you live.
What is the maximum towing capacity, and what towing hardware is included
With the Class III Towing package, the Explorer is rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds. The package includes a factory hitch, trailer wiring, and trailer sway control to help keep your trailer in line as you drive.
Which trims offer the twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6
The ST comes standard with the 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 rated at 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet. The V6 is also available on select trims like Tremor and Platinum for shoppers who want more power without going full ST character.
How many USB ports are there and where are they located
The cabin provides eight total USB ports, including two for third-row passengers, so devices in every row can stay charged. You also get multiple 12-volt power sockets for added flexibility with accessories.
Is hands-free highway driving available, and how does it work
Yes. With available adaptive cruise control and Ford BlueCruise, the Explorer can provide hands-free steering assistance on thousands of miles of pre-qualified, mapped highways when conditions are met. It helps take the edge off long stretches and busy routes by managing lane centering and speed adjustments.
A great test drive shows you how the SUV fits your life, not just the spec sheet. Plan a loop that includes hilly stretches and a highway stint to feel the difference of the rear-drive platform and optional all-wheel drive. In town, evaluate ride compliance on rougher pavement and how easily it slips into a street-side space. Bring strollers, sports bags, or pet crates to test real cargo use, and run through infotainment tasks while parked—wireless phone pairing, app navigation, and audio controls. If you will use driver-assist features often, we recommend trying adaptive cruise and, where appropriate, the hands-free highway capability with guidance from our product specialist.
Choosing where to buy matters as much as what you buy. Our team brings deep product knowledge and local insight to every conversation, so you can feel confident about powertrain choices, towing needs, and tech features that match your routine. We support you long after delivery with factory-trained service and convenient online scheduling, and we offer straightforward trade-in and financing tools to keep everything simple and transparent.
Ready to make the most of your shopping time in Tamaqua, PA Make a quick list of your needs, schedule a drive, and bring your everyday gear to ensure sizing is right. We will walk you through the technology you will use most, show you towing hookups and camera views, and help you compare configurations side by side so your decision feels effortless.
The right three-row SUV should inspire confidence from the first mile and keep doing so for years. Between its poised rear-drive platform, strong turbo engines, confident 5,000-pound towing, and a cabin led by a 13.2-inch touchscreen with Google Built-in, this SUV checks the boxes that matter. If you want extra punch, the ST’s twin-turbo V6 and available Sinister package turn family duty into something you will look forward to driving. Tell us how you live, where you drive, and what you need to carry, and our team will tailor recommendations—including the 2027 Ford Explorer in Tamaqua, PA—so the fit feels spot on. Visit our showroom or start online with our easy tools, and count on Miracle Ford for support at every step, from first look to long-term service. When you are ready to take the next step, ask about hands-free highway driving, towing setup, and in-cabin tech demos. Your 2027 Ford Explorer in Tamaqua, PA is ready when you are.
*Not actual model shown in images
