2027 Ford Explorer: real cost in California
See the Explorer on Ford's US site ↗US prices read 2026-11-09
Cheapest trim, Active 2.3L · California · age 35–59 · 6 years · 13,500 mi a yearChange
Sticker$38,680the advertised price
Drive away$44,206with fees and tax
Loan payment$668/mo72-month loan at 7%, $5,000 down
True cost$1,335/moeverything, after resale
$44,206 to drive away + $67,763 to run it for 6 years − $15,853 back at resale = $96,116, or $1,335 a month.
Where the money goes
Drive away$44,206
Running it, 6 yrs+$67,763
Back at resale−$15,853
Sticker pricethe advertised MSRP
+$38,680Feesfreight $1,795 · doc fee $85 (typical)
+$1,880Sales and use tax, 8.99%California
+$3,646Fuel13,500 mi a year at 23 MPG
+$20,243Insuranceestimate, age 35–59, California
+$18,155Lost return on your money5% a year on the down payment and each payment
+$9,372Loan interest7% over 72 months
+$8,921Maintenanceestimate
+$8,099Title, registration and plates6 years in California, incl. 0.65% value tax a year
+$2,974Resale after 6 years41% of MSRP, you get this back
−$15,853True cost $96,116 ÷ 72 months$1,335 a month
The car
Size and space
Seats6, 7
CargoNot published
Ground clearance7.6–8.7 in
Engine and fuel
Fuel economy20–23 MPGEPA combined
TowingUp to 5,000 lb
Tires18", 20" or 21"by trim
Safety and cover
Crash test✓ 5 of 5 starsNHTSA · see the test ↗
Highway assistHands-free on highwayson mapped highways · BlueCruise, +$1,976
Warranty3 yrspowertrain 5 yrs
Resale at 6 years41% of MSRPaverage for its type
Every trim
Every trim: auto braking, blind spot, lane centering, adaptive cruise, heated seats, 7.6–8.7 in clearance.| Active 2.3L | $38,680 | $44,206 | $96,116 | ✓ $1,335/mo | 7 | 23 MPG | ✓ Yes | — No |
| ST-Line 2.3L | $44,415 | $50,457 | $103,448 | $1,437/mo | 7 | 23 MPG | ✓ Yes | — No |
| Tremor 2.3L | $49,415 | $55,906 | $106,860 | $1,484/mo | 6 | 23 MPG | — No | ✓ Yes |
| Platinum 2.3L | $50,875 | $57,498 | $111,297 | $1,546/mo | 7 | 23 MPG | ✓ Yes | — No |
| ST 3.0L | $53,875 | $60,767 | $119,220 | $1,656/mo | 7 | 20 MPG | ✓ Yes | — No |
| Platinum 3.0L | $56,535 | $63,667 | $120,934 | $1,680/mo | 7 | 20 MPG | ✓ Yes | — No |
| Tremor 3.0L | $56,675 | $63,819 | $118,032 | $1,639/mo | 6 | 20 MPG | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
Active 2.3L
✓ $1,335/mo
True cost
ST-Line 2.3L
$1,437/mo
True cost
Tremor 2.3L
$1,484/mo
True cost
Platinum 2.3L
$1,546/mo
True cost
ST 3.0L
$1,656/mo
True cost
Platinum 3.0L
$1,680/mo
True cost
Tremor 3.0L
$1,639/mo
True cost
Features, trim by trim
Cheapest on the left. Each bar starts at the trim that adds it. + $ is the cheapest factory option or package that adds it (hover for its name).Feature
Active 2.3L$38,680
ST-Line 2.3L$44,415
Tremor 2.3L$49,415
Platinum 2.3L$50,875
ST 3.0L$53,875
Platinum 3.0L$56,535
Tremor 3.0L$56,675
Safety and driver assist
Automatic braking
✓ Every trim
Blind-spot monitor
✓ Every trim
Rear cross-traffic alert
✓ Every trim
Adaptive cruise
✓ Every trim
Lane centering
✓ Every trim
Hands-free driving
+ Option
Comfort
Heated seats
✓ Every trim
Cooled seats
✓ from Tremor 2.3L
Heated steering wheel
✓ from ST-Line 2.3L
Heated rear seats
✓ from Tremor 2.3L
Convenience
Remote start
✓ from ST-Line 2.3L
Power liftgate
✓ from Platinum 2.3L
Power driver's seat
✓ Active 2.3L to Tremor 2.3L
✓
✓ from Tremor 3.0L
Memory seat
✓ from Platinum 2.3L
Tech and audio
Premium sound system
✓ from ST-Line 2.3L
Capability and looks
AWD or 4WD
✓
✓ from Tremor 3.0L
Tow hitch included
✓ Every trim
Sunroof
+ $1,695
+ $1,695
Panoramic roof
+ $1,695
+ $1,695
LED headlights
✓
Not listed on any trim360° cameraParking sensorsDual-zone climateMassaging seatsPush-button startWireless phone chargingApple CarPlay and Android AutoWireless CarPlayBuilt-in navigationHead-up displayLarge touchscreen (12 in+)
Full standard equipment on the Active 2.3L (26 items)
- 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 Engine with Auto Start-Stop Technology
- 10-Speed Automatic Transmission
- 3.58 Non-Limited-Slip Rear Axle
- Active (100A)
- Ford Connectivity Package (1-year Included)
- Ford Security Package (1-year included with activation)
- Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+
- Class III Trailer Tow Package
- 18" Sparkle Silver-Painted Aluminum Wheels
- P255/65R18 All-Season (A/S) BSW Tires
- Mirrors, Sideview – Heated Glass, Manual-Folding and Molded-in-Color (MIC) Black Caps (Puddle Lamps Removed)
- Brakes – Four-Wheel Disc Brakes with Anti-Lock Brake System
- Non-Limited-Slip Rear Axle
- BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross-Traffic Alert and Trailer Coverage
- LED Low and High Beams with Courtesy Delay
- Slick Roof Conversion
- Seats – Second Row Captain’s Chairs with E-Z Entry and Armrest
- Third Row Split Bench with Manual Fold
- Ford Digital Experience
- Six (6) Speakers
- SiriusXM with 360L (3-month trial)
- SiriusXM with 360L
- Day/Night Rearview Mirror – Manually Adjustable
- Floor Mats – Black Carpet, Front and Second Rows
- 6-Way Power Driver’s Seat
- 4-Way Manual Passenger Seat
Recalls
27 NHTSA recalls for 2025 to 2027 Explorer models. Dealers fix them free; a new car should have them done before delivery. Ask the dealer to check the VIN.
Air bags2026 · 7 vehicles
The active vent on the passenger side may not open as intended, preventing the air bag from deploying properly.Recall 26V581000 at NHTSA ↗Engine and engine cooling2026 · 10,001 vehicles
The engine piston domes may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in piston dome failure and lead to a loss of drive power.Recall 26V548000 at NHTSA ↗Engine and engine cooling2026 · 6 vehicles
The engine connecting rod bearings may seize, which can result in engine failure.Recall 26V532000 at NHTSA ↗Seats2025, 2026, 2027 · 76,748 vehicles
An unoccupied driver's seat may recline unintentionally during certain scenarios, such as remote unlock or remote start.Recall 26V470000 at NHTSA ↗Seats2025, 2026 · 387,911 vehicles
The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, tipping, or sliding unexpectedly.Recall 26V451000 at NHTSA ↗Engine and engine cooling2025, 2026 · 1,536 vehicles
The engine may fail, which can result in a loss of drive power.Recall 26V343000 at NHTSA ↗Quick answers
- How much is a 2027 Explorer in California?
- $44,206 to drive away for the Active 2.3L, from a $38,680 sticker.
- What does it cost a month?
- A $668 loan payment, about $1,356 a month with insurance, fuel and upkeep ($5,000 down); about $1,335 a month all in, after resale.
- How much can it tow?
- 5,000 lb for every trim.
Colors
Star White Metallic Tri-Coat+$795Vapor Blue Metallic+$495Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat+$495Avalanche Gray+$395Agate Black MetallicCarbonized Gray MetallicMarsh Gray+$495
Similar SUVs
US prices in US dollars from Ford's US website, read 2026-11-09; destination as the brand lists it. Taxes, registration and the dealer doc fee follow your state. Insurance and maintenance are estimates. How we count.