2027 Ford Explorer Sinister Package Upgrades and Features to Come

The 2027 Ford Explorer has people talking, and honestly, it’s earned. Two stories are fueling that buzz: the Explorer ST is picking up a new ST Sinister Package, confirmed by Ford, and the twin-turbo V6 is reportedly making its way back to the Platinum trim. Whether you’re drawn to the Platinum’s mix of performance and luxury or you’re more into the ST’s aggressive attitude, there’s a lot to look forward to here.

You can already explore our new vehicle inventory to see what’s currently on the lot while the 2027 lineup makes its way to dealers.

2027 Ford Explorer Updates: Platinum Power Returns and ST Gets Sinister

Ford is splitting its attention in two directions with the 2027 Explorer. The Platinum trim reclaims its spot as a performance-forward family SUV thanks to the return of its signature engine. The Explorer ST, meanwhile, picks up a factory-built styling package aimed squarely at the enthusiast crowd. Explorer buyers want different things out of this SUV, and Ford is clearly building for both camps at once.

2027 Explorer Platinum: Twin-Turbo 3.0L V6 EcoBoost Expected to Return

The Platinum trim has always carried a performance edge that separates it from the rest of the lineup, and the 2027 model keeps that going.

Power and Performance Upgrades

Multiple reports, including Ford Authority and Edmunds, indicate the twin-turbocharged 3.0L V6 EcoBoost is returning to the Platinum for 2027 as a standalone option alongside the standard 2.3L four-cylinder. Ford has not issued an official announcement, so treat this as expected rather than final. If it lands as reported, the numbers are strong: 400 hp and 415 lb-ft, sent through a 10-speed automatic, with rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive available.

Buyers in CARB-emissions states see a 385 hp rating due to a gas particulate filter, with torque unchanged. Alabama is not a CARB state, so Montgomery buyers land on the full 400 hp figure. This is still an SUV that seats up to seven, which makes that power all the more compelling.

Platinum Trim Features and Comfort

Beyond the engine, expect the Platinum to deliver the kind of premium interior experience buyers in this segment have come to expect. Reports also suggest the V6 upgrade bundles a Lux Leather Package with Platinum badging on the front seats, quad chrome exhaust tips, and 21-inch machined aluminum wheels, though Ford has not published a 2027 Platinum feature list. We’ll update this once official details land closer to launch.

If you’re planning ahead on financing, you can already apply for financing online to get a head start on the process.

2027 Explorer ST: Introducing the ST Sinister Package

The Platinum leans into performance and refinement, but the Explorer ST is taking a bolder step with the new ST Sinister Package. Ford designed this in-house, and it’s a direct, factory-backed nod to the enthusiast crowd that’s been modifying the ST for a more aggressive look for years.

Blacked-Out Exterior Accents and Dark ST Badging

The most obvious change is the dark-accented ST badging. The Sinister Package brings a red ST badge with a black outline, a dark twist on the ST identity rather than a full delete. Ford built these pieces to work as a set, not as scattered upgrades. Ford built these pieces to work as a set, not as scattered upgrades.

Amber Running Lights and 21-Inch Gloss-Black Wheels

Two more elements round out the look. Amber LED daytime running lamps give the front end a sharper, more recognizable face. For 2027, Ford is also making an illuminated front badge available, so there’s more than one way to change how the Explorer reads at night.

Pair that with 21-inch gloss-black wheels, and you get an SUV that looks far more purposeful than the standard ST. Normally, this kind of wheel and lighting combo means sourcing aftermarket parts. Here, it comes straight from the factory for $1,695, and the package can be ordered with any exterior paint color.

Sinister Package Exclusivity: ST-Only, Not Available on Platinum

The ST Sinister Package can’t be added to the Explorer Platinum. It’s exclusive to the Explorer ST, full stop. Ford has kept these two identities separate on purpose, since the Platinum and ST cater to different buyer priorities. If the Sinister Package’s look is what you’re after, the ST is the only way to get there.

The Sinister Package is purely cosmetic and doesn’t touch the ST’s performance specs at all. The appeal comes entirely from how the vehicle looks, not what’s happening under the hood.

Comparing the Platinum and ST Sinister Trims

For buyers weighing both options, here’s a side-by-side look at the confirmed distinctions between the two.

If you’re chasing maximum power and premium refinement, the Platinum is your pick. If you’d rather have your SUV turning heads before the engine even starts, go with the ST wearing the Sinister Package.

Pricing, Availability, and Ordering Information

The 2027 Ford Explorer is expected at dealerships later in 2026. The ST Sinister Package is confirmed at $1,695 as an add-on to the Explorer ST’s base price. Ford hasn’t announced full model pricing across all trims yet, and those details will come closer to the launch window. We’ll have complete pricing information for our customers in Montgomery as soon as it becomes available.

Buyers of a new 2026 or 2027 Explorer ST get an invitation to the Explorer ST Experience, a one-day professional driving school launching in fall 2026. The curriculum focuses on cornering and precision handling, giving owners a hands-on experience that goes well beyond a standard test drive, included with your purchase at no extra cost.

Test Drive the 2027 Explorer at Stivers Ford of Montgomery

We’re genuinely excited about what Ford has planned for the 2027 Explorer, and we want our customers here in Montgomery to see it in person early. Whether the Platinum’s twin-turbo performance or the ST’s Sinister Package look is what’s pulling you in, Stivers Ford of Montgomery is your local resource for information, scheduling, and financing.

Get in Touch

As the 2027 lineup gets closer to arriving, we’ll walk you through every detail and help you land on the right configuration and financing setup for your situation. Feel free to contact us directly to ask questions, register your interest in the 2027 Explorer, or set up a time to visit us at 4000 Eastern Bypass in Montgomery. Our sales team is available Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and we’re happy to get you ahead of the curve on this one.

Images by OEM