04:02 24-05-2026
Ford's 2027 Explorer Gains Roof Rail Delete Option
Ford's 2027 Explorer gets a roof rail delete option for a cleaner look, plus the 3.0L V6 returns and new packages arrive. Read more.
Ford's 2027 Explorer gains a subtle but welcome option for buyers who prefer a cleaner roofline and don't need roof rails. The automaker will offer a so-called slick roof conversion, essentially deleting the roof rails entirely.
Sources say the option will be available on the Active, ST-Line, and Platinum trims. Pricing remains unknown since Ford hasn't released 2027 Explorer pricing yet. Roof rails are standard on nearly all versions by default.
Active, ST-Line, Tremor, and ST models get black roof rails, while Platinum receives satin-finished ones. But the delete option isn't available across the board: it hasn't been announced for Tremor or ST. The base Explorer doesn't need it because it doesn't come with rails in the first place. The logic is straightforward:
Roof rails are handy for carrying cargo boxes, bikes, skis, or camping gear, but many owners never use them, and they add a utilitarian look. A smooth roof gives the Explorer a cleaner, more urban appearance.
Beyond this detail, the 2027 Explorer receives several other updates. The Platinum trim will again offer the 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 EcoBoost. Some trims also bring back the universal garage door opener.
New packages join the lineup: a Sinister Package for the ST and a 3.0L Ultimate Package for the Platinum with the 3.0 EcoBoost. Two new exterior colors appear, while one existing color is dropped. The Tremor gains a Sun & Sound Package for the first time, and the panoramic fixed glass roof returns after a brief period where it was replaced by a regular fixed glass panel.
The 2027 Explorer doesn't have a single revolutionary change, but rather a collection of targeted updates. Some buyers will go for the V6 and new packages, while others simply want to delete the roof rails for a cleaner silhouette. Sometimes it's the small details that make a big SUV feel more personal.