Explorer Price: MSRP, Trims & Real-World Cost

Ford's Explorer is a three-row family SUV with a long history, and its trim list stretches from a modest Active to a performance-oriented ST. That spread means the price you pay depends heavily on which trim you pick and whether you add all-wheel drive.

The prices in this guide are 2027 model year MSRPs as listed by iSeeCars, which shows no publication date. Ford can adjust prices during the year, so treat the table as a reference and check with a dealer or Ford's build tool for the figure that applies to your trim.

The Active is the entry trim at $38,465. Adding all-wheel drive brings it to $40,465. For a family that wants the Explorer's space without paying for extras, the Active is the starting point. Look at the equipment list closely, because some features that are standard on higher trims may not be offered, or may be optional, on the Active.

The ST-Line is the sporty-looking trim and lists at $44,200, or $46,200 with all-wheel drive. The Tremor, which is aimed at buyers who want more off-road capability, is listed here at $49,200 with all-wheel drive.

Buyers who like the ST-Line's look but do not need the ST's performance equipment may want to compare these two trims side by side.

The Platinum is Ford's luxury-oriented Explorer. It lists at $50,660 and at $52,660 with all-wheel drive. The ST is the performance trim, listed at $53,660 and $55,660 with all-wheel drive.

The Platinum and ST suit different goals. If you want comfort and equipment, look at the Platinum. If you want performance, look at the ST.

Ford's destination charge for the Explorer was listed at $1,795. It is separate from MSRP and shows on the window sticker as its own line. Add it when you compare the Explorer with other SUVs.

Several items change the final price:

• Taxes, title, and registration.
• Dealer documentation fees.
• Option packages and accessories.
• Dealer discounts or markups, which vary by location and time.

The table shows the Active, ST-Line, Platinum, and ST in both drivetrain versions, and the Tremor in all-wheel drive only. Because the paired rows sit side by side, you can read the cost of all-wheel drive directly: for the ST-Line it is $44,200 against $46,200, and for the Platinum it is $50,660 against $52,660.

Drivers in snowy or hilly regions often want all-wheel drive. If you live somewhere mild, the savings can go toward a higher trim instead.

Start by choosing the trim that matches your needs and then add all-wheel drive only if you need it. Request quotes from at least two dealers for the same trim and drivetrain. Ask for an itemized out-the-door price that shows the vehicle price, destination, taxes, and fees so differences are easy to see.

Three-row SUVs are cross-shopped heavily, so use the same approach for every rival. Compare destination-inclusive prices on equivalent trims, and write down the equipment each one includes so you can see what the price difference buys.