- New Sinister Package adds black 21-inch wheels, dark-edged ST badges.
- The $1,695 bundle on MY27 Explorer also includes amber running lights.
- Power comes from the same 400 hp bi-turbo V6 fitted to the regular ST.
Ford’s CEO has said he wants to focus on delivering vehicles that appeal to our emotions, not just our wallets. That easily done on something like the Mustang, but the new 2027 Explorer ST Sinister Package shows how a sprinkle of that same thinking can work on more practical machinery.
The package doesn’t Raptor-ize the performance SUV, but it does give it a more aggressive presence. For your $1,695, you get gloss-black 21-inch wheels, darkened ST badges, and distinctive amber running lights that make the front end stand out after sunset.
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According to Ford, the package is intended as a tribute to the enthusiast community that has embraced the Explorer ST since its launch. The automaker says owners have spent years personalizing their SUVs with black wheels, dark trim, and subtle styling tweaks, and the Sinister Package essentially brings that aftermarket-inspired look into the official catalog.
Under the hood though, there are no upgrades, which is hardly a surprise considering the modest price. In fact, the latest ST’s bi-turbo Ecoboost V6 only makes 385 hp (390 PS), down from 400 hp (406 PS) in MY25.
SUVs Hit The Track
Ford is also using the announcement to bring back something that you don’t normally associate with big family SUVs. Buyers of new 2026 and 2027 Explorer ST models will receive access to the Explorer ST Experience, a one-day driving school designed to help owners explore the capabilities of their SUVs in a controlled environment.
The program is scheduled to launch in fall 2026 and will travel to locations around the United States. Ford hasn’t detailed the curriculum yet, but the goal is to give owners an opportunity to experience the ST the way Ford‘s engineers intended. But it might also give them a taste of what it’s like to be a cop in hot pursuit, given how popular Explorer-based Interceptors are with America’s police forces.
