Ford bills the 2027 Explorer ST Sinister Package as a tribute to the type of aftermarket modifications consumers have been making since the Blue Oval introduced the performance-oriented ST model for its midsize three-row SUV in 2020. It opts for black exterior accents to give the Explorer ST a, well, sinister look to go with its performance.
2027 Ford Explorer Pricing, Specs, and Release Date
- What’s New for the 2027 Ford Explorer
- Design
- Powertrain
- Interior
- Technology
- Safety
- Pricing and Release Date
- Further Research
What’s New for the 2027 Ford Explorer
The Explorer ST Sinister Package is new for 2027 as part of what will certainly be a carry-over ST trim level. This is the first 2027 Explorer to be announced, but expect the rest of the line to return. It’s essentially a black-out package for the range-topping, performance-tuned Explorer ST. In addition to the visual features it brings, it includes an invitation to the Explorer ST Experience, a one-day driving school set to launch this fall and tour the country.
Design
Three-row SUVs are family-oriented and traditionally rather frumpy. With its rear-wheel-drive (RWD) platform, the Explorer takes on a sporty appearance. However, it balances that with some of the machismo of today’s large SUVs. Up front, it has a high-set, large, black grille flanked by eye-slit LED headlights and sharply defined lower air intakes. The body takes on a bit of a rake to make it look predatory, and the profile is highlighted by a forward-angled rear pillar and a high beltline. The ST Sinister Package features include dark-accented Sinister ST badges, amber daytime running lights (DRLs), and large gloss-black 21-inch wheels instead of the ST’s standard Magnetite (dark gray) wheels.
Inside, the ST features some sporty elements, including the flat-bottomed steering wheel, red contrast stitching, and synthetic suede and synthetic leather upholstery.
Powertrain
Like any ST model, the ST Sinister Package comes standard with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6. It makes 400 horsepower in its standard tune, but that drops to 385 hp for the states that follow California emissions rules. Torque sits at 415 pound-feet no matter the hp. This special version of the Explorer will have the same 10-speed automatic and standard RWD as the 2026 Explorer ST. Special ST features include six drive modes, a quad-tipped exhaust, a sport-tuned suspension, 21-inch alloy wheels, and larger performance brakes with red calipers.
Interior
Expect the Explorer ST Sinister Package to be equipped like the 2026 Explorer ST, but with a few tweaks outlined above. That means it should come with synthetic leather and synthetic suede upholstery, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, a six-way power front passenger seat, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, heated second-row captain’s chairs, a power-folding third row, tri-zone automatic climate control, and ambient lighting. A panoramic fixed glass roof is optional.
Cargo space for the 2026 Explorer is 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 46 cubic feet behind the second row with the third row folded, and 85.8 cubic feet behind the first row with the rear two rows folded down.
Technology
Ford outfits the 2026 Explorer ST with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 13.2-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a satellite radio trial, a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot, and a 10-speaker B&O audio system. The infotainment system offers Google Maps, the Google Play store, and a Google Assistant. The hotspot is part of a year of the Ford Connectivity Package, which also offers video conferencing, a web browser, and audio and video streaming.
