The second-row split bench is what changes the personality of this 2027 Ford Explorer ST-Line. Instead of building the cabin around captains chairs, this one gives you broader passenger flexibility with E-Z Entry while keeping the sportier ST-Line look and equipment. For a family moving between Wesley Chapel, New Tampa and Land O Lakes, that can be more useful than another appearance option.

Avalanche Gray gives the exterior a clean, modern tone, and the 20-inch ebony-machined aluminum wheels sharpen the stance without making the Explorer look overdone. A black mesh grille, ST-Line badging, LED headlamps, LED fog lamps and LED taillamps carry the theme through the body. The power liftgate, rear privacy glass and remote start are the features you notice after a few weeks of school pickups, grocery runs and loading gearnot just during the first walk-around.

Up front, both driver and passenger get power seating, while heated front seats and a heated premium leather-wrapped steering wheel make cooler mornings more comfortable. Red stitch accents give the Onyx cabin the right amount of ST-Line personality. Smart-charging USB ports keep devices handled, and the rotary shifter helps keep the center area cleaner and easier to use.

The dashboard is where this Explorer feels especially current. A 13.2-inch center display runs Ford Digital Experience with Google Maps and the Google Play Store, while a 12.3-inch digital cluster puts driving information directly ahead. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, and the B&O sound system uses 10 speakers for a noticeably more substantial audio experience. The 5G modem supports Ford app functionality, and this vehicle includes a one-year Ford Connectivity trial along with a one-year Security Package.

That technology is especially useful in the places this Explorer will actually live. The 360-degree camera makes a crowded New Tampa parking lot or tighter Wesley Chapel driveway much easier to judge from the drivers seat. Keyless entry with push-button start and remote start cut down on the small daily hassles, while six selectable drive modes let you adjust the Explorers response as road and weather conditions change.

Power comes from the 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 and 10-speed automatic transmission with rear-wheel drive. It is a strong fit for the highway-heavy driving common around Tampa Bay, but this ST-Line is not limited to commuting. The Class III Trailer Tow Package and Trailer Sway Control add flexibility for a small boat, utility trailer or recreational gear when a weekend around Zephyrhills, Dade City or Brooksville calls for more than passenger space.

Parks Plus protection works quietly in the background. Paint protection helps preserve the Avalanche Gray finish through Florida sun and road exposure, rain-repellent treatment is useful when a Tampa Bay storm rolls in without warning, and headlight protection adds another layer for a front end that will see plenty of highway miles.

The Parks Ford Lifetime Powertrain Warranty is included with this new Explorer from Parks Ford of Wesley Chapel, adding long-term ownership value without needing to dominate the sales pitch.

What makes this ST-Line appealing is not one oversized package. It is the way the equipment fits together: more flexible second-row seating, a sportier exterior, useful towing capability, excellent camera coverage, strong connected technology and the comfort features families actually touch every day. That makes it an easy fit for a New Tampa commute, a Land O Lakes family schedule or a longer weekend run north. Price includes $1,395 dealer added accessories.