The family SUV has embraced the dark side. Ford has officially unveiled the 2027 Ford Explorer ST equipped with the all-new Sinister Package, giving the performance-focused SUV a more aggressive and intimidating appearance than ever before.
Despite being more than seven years into the life cycle of the current sixth-generation three-row SUV, Ford is proving that the Explorer still has plenty left to offer. Before an all-new generation arrives later this decade, the American automaker is turning up the excitement with a sinister new appearance package designed specifically for the Explorer ST.
Sinister Package Transforms the Explorer ST Into a Dark Family Beast
The optional package does exactly what its name suggests, giving the SUV an aggressive blacked-out look that commands attention on the road and transforms the practical family hauler into a more menacing performance machine.
Highlights of the Sinister Package
For fans of blackout styling, Ford has done most of the work already. The package includes:
- Massive 21-inch gloss black wheels wrapped in all-season tires.
- Darkened trim and badges for the ST emblems and exterior details.
- Amber daytime running lights that contrast dramatically against the dark exterior.
- Bright red brake calipers visible behind the black wheels.
- An illuminated Ford oval badge integrated into the front lighting system, making its debut on the 2027 model.
Ford notes that customers are not limited to black exterior paint. The Sinister Package can be combined with any of the official body colors available for the Explorer ST.
Familiar Twin-Turbo Power Remains
Under the hood, Ford has left the mechanical package untouched.
The 2027 Explorer ST continues to be powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 engine producing:
- 385 horsepower
- 563 Nm of torque
Power is delivered through a 10-speed automatic transmission, with standard rear-wheel drive and available intelligent all-wheel drive.
Explorer ST Popularity Continues to Grow
Ford says demand for the performance-oriented ST trim has been rising steadily.
Since its introduction for the 2020 model year, the ST represented around 16 percent of total Explorer sales. In 2025, however, more than one in every five Explorer buyers chose the ST model, allowing it to account for nearly 22 percent of all Explorer orders.
To further engage owners, Ford is relaunching its Explorer ST Experience program this fall. The one-day driving school allows owners of 2026 and 2027 Explorer ST models to learn advanced performance-driving techniques from professional instructors in a controlled track environment.
Pricing
Ford has already opened order books for the 2027 Explorer ST, with the Sinister Package available as an optional upgrade priced at $1,695.
Ford appears to be in no rush to replace the current Explorer. The SUV became America’s best-selling three-row SUV last year after demand jumped by 14.7 percent, reaching 222,706 units sold, helped in large part by the comprehensive facelift it recently received.
One important note: this Explorer ST is not related to the electric Explorer sold in Europe. The European model is a fully electric crossover developed in partnership with Volkswagen and built on the same platform as the Volkswagen ID.4.
