2027 Ford Explorer Hybrid Release Date, Specs, Interior

2027 Ford Explorer Hybrid Release Date, Specs, Interior – The 2027 Ford Explorer Hybrid arrives with a substantial mid-cycle refresh that brings smarter design, stronger capability, and more advanced electrification. We’ve reshaped the exterior and restructured the interior while integrating Ford’s latest software and performance technologies. The overall body remains familiar in size but now sits on an enhanced CD6 platform, reengineered to accommodate a broader electrified lineup. Changes to the subframe and suspension mounting points result in better weight distribution and ride quality, critical for managing the added hybrid hardware. 2027 Ford Explorer Hybrid Release Date

2027 Ford Explorer Hybrid Redesign and Update Plan

Exterior & Interior

The 2027 Explorer Hybrid carries forward its signature American SUV proportions but enhances every detail for a more upscale and aerodynamic appearance. We’ve lowered the roofline slightly while preserving headroom, added chrome-accented trim pieces on premium variants, and refined the lower body panels for a smoother surface transition. The grille now features active shutters to manage airflow at higher speeds, improving both fuel economy and engine cooling. With refreshed LED lighting front and rear, along with new paint colors like Deep Space Blue and Solar Ember Metallic, the Explorer Hybrid stands out confidently on any street.

Inside, the cabin gets a full digital transformation. We’ve installed a new 15.5-inch vertical infotainment touchscreen, powered by SYNC 5, and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster that’s customizable across different drive modes. Material quality is greatly enhanced with genuine wood, metal accents, and vegan leather upholstery across the board. Acoustic glass and added sound insulation result in a quieter ride, and LED ambient lighting with 10 color settings adds a refined atmosphere, especially on longer journeys. Seating has been re-sculpted for better posture support and bolstered comfort in all three rows.

We’ve also worked on maximizing space and tech usability. Second-row captain’s chairs are standard on most trims and can be swapped for a bench to increase seating capacity to seven. USB-C ports are now present in all rows, and rear passengers benefit from an available 10.1-inch dual-display entertainment system. The cargo area features a revised floor panel that folds flatter, and the hands-free power liftgate can now be activated via gesture recognition. Every touchpoint inside the 2027 Explorer Hybrid has been thoughtfully reimagined to elevate comfort, flexibility, and overall driving satisfaction.

Up front, we’ve reshaped the Explorer’s grille for a broader stance and introduced slimmer matrix LED headlights with an adaptive beam function. The bumper integrates larger air curtains to improve aerodynamic performance, and a newly sculpted hood adds a tougher visual tone. Around the sides, reworked fender lines and flush-mounted door handles lend the SUV a cleaner silhouette. At the rear, a full-width LED light bar connects the taillights, while a redesigned liftgate with a hidden spoiler contributes to a lower drag coefficient and sportier appeal.

With this refresh, we’ve also prioritized modularity. Trim levels such as Limited Hybrid, ST-Line Hybrid, and Platinum Hybrid now come with distinct styling themes—blackout treatments for ST-Line, satin chrome for Limited, and multi-textured body cladding for Platinum. Roof rail redesigns improve both looks and utility, while new alloy wheel options—ranging from 18 to 21 inches—offer customers more personalization without compromising performance or efficiency. Overall, this update keeps the Explorer Hybrid competitive, relevant, and well-positioned in the electrified three-row SUV segment.

2027 Ford Explorer Hybrid Specs

Engine & Performance

The heart of the 2027 Ford Explorer Hybrid is its updated 3.3-liter V6 hybrid powertrain, now paired with a next-generation 10-speed modular hybrid transmission (MHT). Combined output has increased to 335 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque, thanks to improved electric motor tuning and a higher-capacity lithium-ion battery pack mounted under the floor. The result is stronger off-the-line acceleration, smoother mid-range power delivery, and improved towing capacity—now rated at 5,300 pounds. All-wheel-drive comes standard on ST-Line and Platinum trims, with selectable terrain modes including Snow, Sand, and Tow/Haul.

This year’s upgrades aren’t limited to the hybrid system. We’ve recalibrated the power steering for more direct response, particularly in tight maneuvers and parking. The suspension has been reworked with refined dampers and thicker anti-roll bars, improving both cornering dynamics and ride isolation. Ford’s new Active Drive Stabilization system uses real-time electronic control to adjust ride firmness based on road conditions and drive mode, keeping the SUV planted during aggressive driving or heavy load conditions.

For those looking to push performance, the 2027 Explorer ST-Line Hybrid features paddle shifters, a sport-tuned suspension, and tighter steering ratios. Drive modes—Normal, Sport, Eco, Slippery, and Trail—adjust throttle response, transmission behavior, and hybrid power blending to suit various conditions. Regenerative braking has also been upgraded to offer smoother deceleration while feeding more energy back into the battery. The 2027 Explorer Hybrid doesn’t just deliver efficiency—it maintains the capable, confident performance we expect from a true American SUV. 2027 Ford Explorer Hybrid Release Date

2027 Ford Explorer Hybrid Fuel Economy

Efficiency is key for the 2027 Ford Explorer Hybrid, and we’ve pushed its fuel economy further. With revised engine mapping, improved regenerative braking, and a more aerodynamic body, the hybrid now delivers an estimated 30 mpg city and 33 mpg highway—noticeably better than the previous model. In mixed driving scenarios, customers can expect a combined rating of 31 mpg, giving the Explorer a competitive edge in long-haul family travel and urban commuting alike. The regenerative braking system also extends battery range during stop-and-go conditions, particularly in urban environments.

2027 Ford Explorer Hybrid Safety Features

Safety takes a front seat in the 2027 Explorer Hybrid. We’ve expanded Ford Co-Pilot360 2.2 to include predictive forward collision alert, evasive steering assist, intersection assist, and blind-spot monitoring with trailer coverage. All trims now feature intelligent adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go and lane centering, making highway driving more intuitive and less stressful. Standard on higher trims is BlueCruise 1.3, Ford’s hands-free driving system for pre-mapped highways, which has been enhanced with better lane-keeping accuracy and situational awareness.

We’ve also introduced a new 360-degree camera suite with augmented reality overlays. The system helps guide parking, navigate tight spaces, and detect nearby hazards more precisely. Reverse brake assist, pedestrian detection, and rear cross-traffic emergency braking come standard from the XLT trim upward. In addition, our enhanced driver monitoring system uses infrared sensors to track eye movement and detect signs of drowsiness or distraction, alerting the driver or applying corrective measures if needed.

Structurally, the 2027 Explorer Hybrid features additional reinforcement in critical impact zones and enhanced crumple zones designed to absorb energy more efficiently. Eight airbags are standard, including a new front-center airbag for side-impact protection. The battery housing is reinforced with fire-resistant shielding and high-strength steel, offering greater safety in the event of a collision. These upgrades ensure the Explorer Hybrid maintains top ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, positioning it as one of the safest three-row hybrids in its class.

2027 Ford Explorer Hybrid Release Date & Price

As for pricing, we’ve worked to keep the Explorer Hybrid accessible. The base XLT Hybrid starts at approximately $43,500, offering a full suite of driver aids and a high-quality interior. The ST-Line Hybrid is positioned at $48,200 and adds performance-oriented features and design enhancements, while the top-tier Platinum Hybrid begins at $54,800, offering luxury-level refinement and full technology access. Optional equipment packages include Tow Tech (with trailer sway control and enhanced cameras), Premium Audio (14-speaker B&O system), and the Advanced Driver Pack with upgraded BlueCruise and predictive safety tech.

The 2027 Ford Explorer Hybrid will hit dealerships in spring 2027, with pre-orders opening in late January. Customers will be able to configure their vehicles through Ford’s online platform, which includes real-time pricing, feature visualization, and financing tools. Initial deliveries will prioritize key U.S. markets such as California, Texas, Florida, and the Northeast, with expanded availability throughout the summer. Ford will also offer Explorer Hybrid buyers two years of complimentary maintenance and access to its extended battery warranty for added peace of mind. 2027 Ford Explorer Hybrid Release Date