Not every three-row SUV needs a long option list to be useful. This 2027 Ford Explorer Active gets the fundamentals right: real family space, strong everyday technology, standard towing equipment, heated front seats and the flexibility to handle the week without feeling like you bought more vehicle than you need. Carbonized Gray Metallic keeps the exterior clean and understated, while the Light Dark Space Gray cloth cabin is made for daily use.

For Wesley Chapel and New Tampa families, the layout may be the biggest reason to choose it. The third row folds 50/50, so one side can stay available for a passenger while the other opens cargo room for groceries, sports bags or luggage. A power liftgate makes that space easier to use, tri-zone electronic temperature control lets the cabin be managed for different rows, and the front seats are heated for cooler Florida mornings. The driver gets a power seat, smart-charging USB ports handle everyday devices, and 12-volt powerpoints add another practical source of power.

The 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder works with Fords 10-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. EPA estimates are 20 MPG city, 28 MPG highway and 23 MPG combined, a useful balance for someone who may spend the workweek around Land O Lakes or Tampa and still put real highway miles on the Explorer. Six selectable drive modes let the vehicle adapt to different conditions, while the standard Class III Trailer Tow Package and Trailer Sway Control add useful capability when a trailer or weekend equipment needs to come along.

The technology is substantial even without stepping into a higher trim. A 13.2-inch center display is paired with a 12.3-inch cluster display, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto keep familiar phone functions accessible without plugging in every time. Ford Digital Experience brings Google Maps and access to the Google Play Store into the vehicle. A 5G modem and Ford app capability support connected functions, and this Explorer includes a one-year Ford Connectivity trial plus a one-year Security Package.

Around Zephyrhills traffic, a crowded New Tampa parking lot or the school pickup line in Wesley Chapel, Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ and the rear-view camera help take some of the work out of everyday driving. Keyless entry with push-button start, AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control, a driver knee airbag, Safety Canopy side-curtain airbags, LATCH child-seat anchors, a perimeter alarm, tire-pressure monitoring and SOS Post-Crash Alert System add useful layers of convenience and protection.

Florida ownership also puts a premium on the small things. Heated power mirrors with approach lamps help with visibility, rear privacy glass is useful with passengers and cargo, LED headlamps and taillamps keep the lighting modern, and the 18-inch silver-painted aluminum wheels give the Carbonized Gray exterior a balanced look. Parks Plus adds protection that fits the environment here, including paint and fabric protection, rain repellent and headlight protection.

Every new vehicle from Parks Ford of Wesley Chapel includes our Lifetime Powertrain Warranty, adding long-term ownership value beyond the initial purchase.

This Explorer Active makes sense for the buyer who wants the space and capability of an Explorer without turning the vehicle into a collection of extras. It is comfortable for the New Tampa commute, flexible enough for a family in Land O Lakes, and ready for the longer run north through Dade City or Brooksville when the plans stretch beyond the neighborhood.
Price includes $1,395 dealer added accessories.