2027 Ford Explorer vs. 2026 Ford Explorer in Vandalia, OH
Year-Over-Year Comparison
What's the difference between the 2027 and 2026 Ford Explorer in Vandalia, OH?
Overview: The 2026 Explorer came in six trims. For 2027 there are five, because the separate Active 100A is gone. The Platinum can now be ordered with the EcoBoost V6, the Active adds the Ford Security Package, and the Platinum's available panoramic roof becomes the Vista Roof with power shade. The ST-Line, Tremor, and ST carry over with the same key equipment.
Image shown is a 2026 Ford Explorer.
Quick Pick
2027 or 2026? Six Features Only One Year Has
Each answer points you to a model year. Tally them up, and the year with the most answers is the Explorer to shop first.
ONLY ON 2027
Do you want the EcoBoost V6 on an Explorer Platinum?
The 2026 Platinum came with the EcoBoost four-cylinder.
Yes: Go 2027 No: Go 2026ONLY ON 2027
Do you want the Ford Security Package on your Explorer Active?
It's listed on the 2027 Active, not the 2026.
Yes: Go 2027 No: Go 2026ONLY ON 2027
Do you want the panoramic Vista Roof with power shade on a Platinum?
The 2026 Platinum offered a fixed-glass roof with power sunshade.
Yes: Go 2027 No: Go 2026ONLY ON 2026
Do you want the entry-level Explorer Active 100A?
The 2027 lineup no longer lists a separate Active 100A.
Yes: Go 2026 No: Go 2027ONLY ON 2026
Do you want selectable drive modes and a Class III Trailer Tow Package on the entry trim?
Both were listed on the 2026 Active 100A.
Yes: Go 2026 No: Go 2027ONLY ON 2027
Do you want Platinum luxury and V6 power in the same Explorer?
In 2026, the V6 was listed only on the Tremor and ST.
Yes: Go 2027 No: Go 20262027 Explorer vs. 2026 Explorer, Trim by Trim
Key features shown are the highlights Ford lists for each trim. Equipment varies by package. Also new for 2027, Ford adds two paint colors, Avalanche Gray and Ruby Red Metallic, and new appearance options.
Trading in your current SUV? Check your trade in value first, so you know where you stand whichever model year you choose.
The Three Changes That Matter Most
Most of the Explorer lineup carries over. These are the trim-level changes worth knowing.
V6 Now Available
The 2027 Platinum lists an available EcoBoost V6. The 2026 Platinum came with the EcoBoost four-cylinder, and the V6 was listed only on the Tremor and ST.
Security Package Added
The 2027 Active lists the Ford Security Package alongside Adaptive Cruise Control and heated front-row seats. The separate Active 100A from 2026 is no longer offered.
Vista Roof
The Platinum's available panoramic roof is now the Vista Roof with power shade, replacing the 2026's fixed-glass roof with power sunshade.
Explorer Myth vs. Fact
A few things shoppers often assume, and what's actually true.
Myth
“The 2027 Explorer is a total redesign.”
Fact
The ST-Line, Tremor, and ST list the same key equipment for both years. The changes center on the Active, the Platinum, and the lineup itself.
Myth
“You need an ST to get V6 power.”
Fact
The V6 is standard on the ST, available on the Tremor for both years, and new for 2027, available on the Platinum.
Myth
“An Explorer isn't meant for dirt roads.”
Fact
The Tremor brings a Torsen limited-slip rear axle, off-road-tuned suspension with increased ride height, and front and rear underbody deflector plates.
Which 2027 Explorer Trim Fits Your Vandalia Routine?
From school runs in Huber Heights to weekend trips up I-75 toward Troy, here's each 2027 trim next to its 2026 counterpart. Want to feel the difference? Book a test drive and try two trims back to back.
Explorer Active
- ✓ EcoBoost four-cylinder
- ✓ Ford Co-Pilot360 with Adaptive Cruise Control
- ✓ Heated front-row seats
- ✓ Ford Security Package
vs. 2026: The Security Package is new. The 2026 Active listed a power liftgate, and a separate Active 100A was offered.
Explorer ST-Line
- ✓ EcoBoost four-cylinder
- ✓ 360-degree camera
- ✓ Cloth-trimmed seats with red stitching
- ✓ B&O Sound System with subwoofer
vs. 2026: The same key equipment carries over.
Explorer Tremor
- ✓ Available EcoBoost V6
- ✓ Torsen limited-slip rear axle
- ✓ Off-road-tuned suspension, increased ride height
- ✓ Front and rear underbody deflector plates
vs. 2026: The same key equipment carries over.
Explorer Platinum
- ✓ Available EcoBoost V6
- ✓ Heated, ventilated, massaging front seats
- ✓ BlueCruise hands-free highway driving equipped
- ✓ Available panoramic Vista Roof with power shade
vs. 2026: The V6 option and the Vista Roof are new. The 2026 Platinum listed the four-cylinder and a fixed-glass roof.
Explorer ST
- ✓ EcoBoost V6
- ✓ Sport-tuned suspension
- ✓ Performance brakes with red-painted calipers
- ✓ BlueCruise hands-free highway driving equipped
vs. 2026: The same key equipment carries over.
2026 Explorer Active 100A
- ✓ EcoBoost four-cylinder
- ✓ Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ with Adaptive Cruise Control
- ✓ Selectable drive modes
- ✓ Class III Trailer Tow Package
Not offered for 2027. Ask about any remaining 2026 models.
Exterior
EXTERIOR
The Tremor's increased ride height and underbody deflector plates carry over, while the Platinum's available panoramic roof becomes the Vista Roof for 2027.
Image shown is a 2026 Ford Explorer.
Interior
INTERIOR
Platinum front seats are heated, ventilated, and massaging with leather inserts, and the ST-Line keeps its red-stitched cloth seats and B&O Sound System.
Image shown is a 2026 Ford Explorer.
Trim Matchmaker
If You Want This, Go With That
Before You Drive
Your Explorer Test Drive Checklist
- ☐ Try the Adaptive Cruise Control on I-75 or I-70.
- ☐ Drive the EcoBoost four-cylinder and the EcoBoost V6 back to back.
- ☐ Sit in a Platinum and try the massaging front seats.
- ☐ Use the ST-Line's 360-degree camera to park in a tight spot.
- ☐ Ask how BlueCruise works on the Platinum and ST.
Explorer Day Trips
Where Would Your Explorer Take You?
A few Miami Valley outings, and the trim that fits each one.
Trail Day at Taylorsville MetroPark
Taylorsville MetroPark sits on the Great Miami River Trail. The Tremor's increased ride height and underbody deflector plates handle gravel lots and muddy trailheads.
Suggested trim Tremor
Family Day at the Air Force Museum
The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force near Dayton is a full-day outing, and the ST-Line's 360-degree camera makes the busy parking lot easier.
Suggested trim ST-Line
Weekend Down I-75 to Cincinnati
For a longer highway weekend, the Platinum's massaging front seats and BlueCruise hands-free highway driving make the miles more relaxing.
Suggested trim Platinum
Choose the 2027 Explorer If…
You want the EcoBoost V6 on a Platinum, the Vista Roof, or the Ford Security Package on your Active. Our financing team can lay out purchase and lease options before your visit.
View 2027 Explorer InventoryChoose the 2026 Explorer If…
You want the Active 100A, or you're shopping an ST-Line, Tremor, or ST, where the key equipment is the same for both years. Our finance department can compare both model years side by side.
View Remaining 2026 InventoryExplorer Next Steps
Have a question about a specific trim? Contact us and our Ford team will check live availability for both model years.
New Explorer Inventory
See current 2027 and remaining 2026 Explorers, with trims, colors, and photos.
Pre-Owned Explorer
Browse used and certified pre-owned Explorer models for another way into three rows.
Vehicle Specials
Check current offers on new Ford vehicles, including the Explorer.
Need More Room?
If you need even more space, the Ford Expedition is the next step up.
2027 vs. 2026 Ford Explorer Questions From Vandalia, OH Shoppers
Where can I compare the 2027 and 2026 Ford Explorer near me?
Beau Townsend Ford in Vandalia carries the Ford Explorer, so you can ask to see a 2027 and any remaining 2026 models in a single visit. Shoppers from Dayton, Huber Heights, Tipp City, and Troy reach us quickly near where I-75 and I-70 meet.
What's new on the 2027 Ford Explorer?
For 2027, the Platinum lists an available EcoBoost V6 and an available panoramic Vista Roof with power shade, the Active adds the Ford Security Package, and the separate Active 100A is no longer offered. Vandalia and Dayton drivers can see the changes in person before deciding.
Where can I find a 2026 Ford Explorer near me?
Beau Townsend Ford in Vandalia can confirm which 2026 Explorer models remain in stock alongside the new 2027 lineup. Drivers from Dayton, Tipp City, and Huber Heights can browse current inventory online before visiting.
Is the Explorer Active 100A still offered for 2027?
No, Ford's 2027 Explorer lineup lists five trims, Active, ST-Line, Tremor, Platinum, and ST, without the separate Active 100A that was offered for 2026. Shoppers in Vandalia and Troy can compare the 2027 Active's equipment with our team.
Is there a Ford dealer near me with the 2027 Explorer Platinum?
Yes, Beau Townsend Ford in Vandalia carries the Explorer Platinum, with colors and configurations changing as new vehicles arrive. Drivers from Dayton, Huber Heights, and Tipp City can check availability online and set a time to see one in person.
Can I get the V6 on the 2027 Ford Explorer Platinum?
Yes, the EcoBoost V6 is newly available on the 2027 Explorer Platinum, while the 2026 Platinum listed the EcoBoost four-cylinder. Drivers in Vandalia, Dayton, and Troy can drive both powertrains to feel the difference.
See the 2027 Explorer in Person
Bring your wish list, or call 937-639-1406. Let Beau Townsend Ford know when you're coming, and our team can line up a 2027 and a 2026 Explorer to compare.
Visit Beau Townsend Ford in Vandalia, OH
Research note: Trim highlights compiled from Ford's official Explorer pages as of September 2026. Features, packages, and availability are subject to change by Ford. Confirm current equipment with our team.