What to Know About the 2027 Ford Explorer for Oakland, CA Commutes

Ford of Oakland - Why the 2027 Ford Explorer ST-Line Makes Sense for Berkeley, CA Drivers The 2027 Ford Explorer® ST-Line is a smart choice for Berkeley, CA drivers who want a three-row SUV that feels modern, useful, and stylish without moving into a full performance trim. Berkeley driving can mean a little bit of everything in one week: tight neighborhood streets near the hills, family trips across the Bay, grocery runs, campus-area traffic, and longer highway routes toward Marin, the Peninsula, or the Tri-Valley. In that mix, the ST-Line hits a practical sweet spot. It keeps the responsive 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 engine, offers the spacious Explorer cabin, and adds technology and design upgrades that are easy to appreciate every day. What makes the ST-Line especially compelling is how naturally its features support real ownership. This is not a trim that only looks good on paper. The 360-degree camera can make a real difference when parking in compact garages or maneuvering along crowded commercial streets. The B&O® Sound System by Bang & Olufsen® with 10 speakers, including a subwoofer, turns routine drives into a better listening experience. The unique cloth-trimmed front- and second-row seats with red stitching add visual character without making the cabin feel too delicate for family use. For Berkeley shoppers who want capability, comfort, and a little personality, the ST-Line brings the right mix. A Three-Row SUV That Still Fits Daily Bay Area Life The Explorer® ST-Line gives you the flexible seating and cargo capacity expected from a midsize three-row SUV. Like the Active model, it offers up to 85.8 cu ft of maximum cargo volume, which is valuable for shoppers who want room for sports gear, luggage, home projects, musical equipment, school items, or weekend supplies. Standard second-row captain’s chairs make it easier for passengers to access the third row, and available seven-passenger seating gives shoppers another option if an extra seat matters more than the center aisle. That flexibility matters in Berkeley because a vehicle often has to serve more than one purpose. A weekday commute might be followed by a hardware store stop, a ride-share pickup for family, or a drive to a trailhead in the East Bay hills. The ST-Line handles those shifts with a cabin that is roomy but not excessive, refined but not overly complicated, and practical enough for families who need an SUV to work hard during normal routines. Why ST-Line Is More Than an Appearance Package Many shoppers first notice the ST-Line because of its sport-inspired look, but the trim’s appeal goes deeper than design. The 360-degree camera is one of the most useful upgrades in the lineup because it gives a clearer view around the SUV when space is limited. That can help in parking lots, near curbs, and around low obstacles that are easy to miss from the driver’s seat. For Berkeley drivers, where parking precision is often part of daily life, that single feature can become a favorite very quickly. The audio upgrade is another meaningful difference. The B&O® Sound System by Bang & Olufsen® includes 10 speakers and a subwoofer, giving podcasts, navigation prompts, playlists, and calls a richer, more polished sound. It is a comfort feature, but it also changes how the SUV feels during everyday use. A vehicle that sounds better, parks more confidently, and looks more distinctive is easier to enjoy over the long term. Parking confidence: The 360-degree camera helps with tight spaces and curbside maneuvering. Cabin personality: Red stitching gives the first and second rows a sport-inspired look. Better audio: The B&O® Sound System adds depth for music, calls, and podcasts. Explorer utility: Three-row seating and generous cargo capacity remain core strengths. Power and Confidence Without Overcomplication The ST-Line uses the 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 engine, which is standard on all Explorer trims except ST. With 300 hp, this engine gives the SUV strong everyday response for merging, climbing grades, and moving confidently with passengers on board. It is a good match for Berkeley drivers because it provides the power needed for freeway transitions and hillier streets without requiring the higher-output personality of the ST. Rear-wheel drive is standard, and available Intelligent 4WD gives shoppers another layer of confidence. For drivers who often head beyond Berkeley toward regional parks, coastal routes, or mountain roads, Intelligent 4WD can be an appealing option. The ST-Line does not try to be the off-road-focused Tremor® or the performance-centered ST, and that is part of its strength. It stays focused on the kind of driving most SUV owners do every week: commuting, errands, family trips, and occasional longer travel. Technology That Supports the Driver The 2027 Explorer® lineup features the Ford Digital Experience, which brings familiar digital functionality into the vehicle in a way that supports the drive rather than distracting from it. In the ST-Line, that modern technology pairs well with Ford Co-Pilot360® driver-assist features. These systems are designed to help drivers feel more aware and confident, especially in traffic-heavy areas and on longer highway routes. For Berkeley shoppers, the technology story is not only about having a large screen or a long feature list. It is about reducing friction during normal use. Clearer views while parking, easy access to connected features, helpful driver-assist systems, and strong audio all add up. The ST-Line feels like a vehicle designed around everyday convenience, not just showroom appeal. Who Should Choose the 2027 Explorer ST-Line? The ST-Line is best for drivers who want a more expressive Explorer but do not need the specialized equipment of Tremor®, Platinum™, or ST. Tremor® is excellent for shoppers who prioritize off-road hardware such as a Torsen® limited-slip rear axle and off-road-tuned suspension. Platinum™ is the choice for premium features like heated, ventilated, massaging front-row seats with leather inserts and BlueCruise. ST is the performance model with the standard 3.0L EcoBoost® engine, sport-tuned suspension, and performance brakes. ST-Line sits between everyday practicality and premium specialization, which makes it especially easy to recommend. Choose ST-Line if: You want sport-inspired design with practical three-row space. Choose ST-Line if: You value parking support from a 360-degree camera. Choose ST-Line if: You want upgraded audio without moving into a luxury-focused trim. Choose ST-Line if: You prefer balanced performance from the 2.3L EcoBoost® engine. Frequently Asked Questions: Does the 2027 Ford Explorer ST-Line have three rows? Yes. The 2027 Explorer® ST-Line includes three-row seating, with standard second-row captain’s chairs and an available second-row bench seat for shoppers who want seven-passenger capacity. How much cargo space does the Explorer ST-Line offer? The 2027 Explorer® ST-Line offers up to 85.8 cu ft of maximum cargo capacity, giving it strong flexibility for family needs, errands, luggage, and larger items when the rear seats are folded. Is the ST-Line the same as the Explorer ST? No. ST-Line has sport-inspired design and useful technology upgrades, while ST is the performance-focused model with a standard 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 engine, sport-tuned suspension, and performance brakes. Why is the ST-Line a good fit for Berkeley, CA? Its combination of three-row room, responsive EcoBoost® power, 360-degree camera technology, and upgraded B&O® audio makes it well suited to Berkeley’s mix of tight streets, hill routes, freeway travel, and busy daily schedules. The Smart Middle Ground in the Explorer Lineup The 2027 Ford Explorer® ST-Line succeeds because it does not try to be everything at once. Instead, it gives Berkeley drivers a confident three-row SUV with the style, sound, visibility, and space that make daily driving easier to enjoy. It is more distinctive than the base Active, more everyday-focused than Tremor®, less luxury-centered than Platinum™, and more approachable than the performance-driven ST. For many shoppers, that middle ground is exactly where the smartest choice lives. *Image may not be actual model Request more 2027 Ford Explorer information

Ford of Oakland - Is the 2026 Ford Explorer Better for Family Driving Around Livermore, CA Than the 2026 Toyota Highlander? For many SUV shoppers, the most common question is straightforward: which three-row model feels better for family driving, the Ford Explorer or the Toyota Highlander? Both vehicles are respected choices with spacious cabins, available all-wheel drive, strong safety content, and practical cargo flexibility. The difference comes into focus when you look at how each SUV supports daily life beyond the basic checklist. Around Livermore, CA, family driving can mean a mix of freeway commuting, school drop-offs, weekend sports, shopping trips, and longer routes across the Bay Area. In that kind of routine, the Explorer SUV stands out because it adds stronger available performance, advanced driver-assist technology, and a wider range of personalities across its trim lineup. The Highlander SUV is a sensible family vehicle, especially for shoppers who value hybrid availability and seating for up to eight. Still, the Explorer SUV feels more rewarding for drivers who want a three-row SUV that does more than move people from one stop to the next. Its available 3.0L EcoBoost® engine can deliver up to 400 hp, while its standard 2.3L EcoBoost® engine gives the lineup responsive turbocharged performance from the start. Add available Ford BlueCruise hands-free highway driving, available 85.8 cu ft of cargo space, and a 5,000-lb towing capacity when properly equipped, and the Ford becomes a strong choice for families who want utility with extra confidence. How the Explorer SUV Fits Family Driving Family driving is rarely just one type of driving. A good SUV needs to feel easy in parking lots, calm on the highway, flexible when plans change, and comfortable for passengers of different ages. The Explorer SUV is built around that kind of versatility. Available seating for up to seven passengers gives families room to bring kids, friends, relatives, or coworkers along, while the cargo area can expand quickly when extra luggage, sports bags, music equipment, or home project supplies need space. The Highlander SUV also offers three rows, but Ford gives cargo-focused shoppers an advantage with its available 85.8 cu ft maximum cargo volume. Comfort also matters during repeated daily use. The Explorer Platinum™ can include heated, ventilated, massaging front-row seats with leather inserts, while the ST-Line adds unique durable cloth-trimmed seats with red stitching for a sportier cabin feel. The Highlander offers refined trims with SofTex® or leather-trimmed seating, along with an available panoramic moonroof, so it is certainly comfortable. The Ford advantage is how well the cabin combines comfort with a more modern and engaging atmosphere. Available ambient lighting, the Ford Digital Experience, and an available B&O® Sound System by Bang & Olufsen® with 10 spe,akers including subwoofer help make the cabin feel more personal. Performance Makes a Daily Difference Many shoppers compare three-row SUVs by seating and cargo space first, then realize performance has a major impact on daily satisfaction. The Highlander’s 2.4L turbo engine produces 265 horsepower and 310 lb.-ft. of torque, which is adequate for many routines. The Explorer SUV, however, offers a broader performance range. Its 2.3L EcoBoost® engine is responsive, and the available 3.0L EcoBoost® engine offers substantially more power for confident merging, passing, and hill climbing. That added strength is not only about speed. With a full cabin and cargo loaded for a family outing, a more powerful SUV can feel smoother and less strained. Drivers who regularly use I-580 or connect to other busy Bay Area corridors may appreciate how the Explorer delivers power with less hesitation. The ST model adds sport-tuned suspension and performance brakes with red-painted brake calipers, creating a more athletic choice for drivers who want a family SUV that still feels exciting from behind the wheel. Power advantage: The Explorer SUV offers an available 400 hp engine, while the Highlander gas engine is rated at 265 horsepower. Towing confidence: Both SUVs can tow up to 5,000 lbs when properly equipped, but Ford pairs that capability with stronger available engine output. Driving character: Explorer ST and ST-Line trims give shoppers a sportier feel than the Highlander lineup. Technology and Driver Assistance Technology is another reason the Explorer SUV is so appealing for family use. Ford Co-Pilot360® technologies focus on helping you feel more confident behind the wheel, and Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist+, including Adaptive Cruise Control, is included on key Explorer models. Available 360-Degree Camera technology is especially helpful when fitting into tight spaces, lining up in busy lots, or maneuvering near curbs and obstacles. The biggest technology differentiator is available Ford BlueCruise. This hands-free highway driving assistance feature helps accelerate, brake, and steer on compatible highways while you keep your eyes on the road. For drivers who spend time on long freeway stretches, that feature can reduce fatigue and add a more relaxed feel to routine travel. The Highlander includes Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+ and offers features such as Panoramic View Monitor on select trims, so Toyota brings useful safety technology. Even so, the availability of BlueCruise gives Ford a meaningful edge for shoppers who want advanced highway support. Capability Beyond the Commute Families often buy a three-row SUV for ordinary routines, then quickly put it to work for road trips, outdoor gear, towing, or home improvement projects. The Explorer SUV handles that kind of expanded role well. Its 5,000-lb towing capacity when properly equipped supports small trailers, recreational gear, or other weekend equipment. Available Intelligent 4WD adds confidence when traction needs change, and selectable drive modes help tune vehicle response to different conditions. The new Tremor® model takes that capability even further. It can be equipped with the available 3.0L EcoBoost® engine and adds off-road-tuned suspension with increased ride height, underbody protection with front and rear deflector plates, and a Torsen® limited-slip rear axle. The Highlander offers Multi-Terrain Select on AWD models, including modes such as Mud & Sand, Rock & Dirt, Snow, and Normal, which is helpful. However, the Ford Tremor® trim brings more dedicated hardware for drivers who want an SUV with genuine adventure-ready character. Which SUV Should Families Choose? If maximum passenger count and hybrid availability sit at the top of your list, the Highlander deserves consideration. It is practical, well-equipped, and known for smooth family transportation. If your family wants stronger available power, more cargo room, advanced hands-free highway driving availability, and a model range that includes sporty and rugged choices, the Explorer SUV is the better fit. It feels less like a basic people mover and more like a flexible SUV built for drivers who enjoy the journey as much as the destination. Ford of Oakland, serving San Francisco, Livermore, and Berkeley, CA, can help shoppers compare Explorer trims and decide which configuration best matches daily needs. The Active trim is a smart foundation, ST-Line adds a sportier style, Platinum™ elevates comfort, Tremor® expands off-road confidence, and ST delivers the boldest performance personality. That range gives Ford shoppers a major advantage: instead of adapting to one version of family transportation, you can choose an Explorer SUV that suits your preferences from the start. Frequently Asked Questions: Is the Explorer SUV more powerful than the Highlander SUV? Yes. The Explorer SUV offers an available 3.0L EcoBoost® engine with up to 400 hp, while the Highlander gas engine is rated at 265 horsepower. That gives Ford a clear advantage for drivers who want stronger acceleration and passing confidence. Which SUV has better cargo flexibility? The Explorer SUV offers available cargo volume of up to 85.8 cu ft, giving it an advantage over the Highlander for shoppers who frequently fold seats for gear, luggage, sports equipment, or larger household items. Does the Explorer SUV offer hands-free highway driving? Yes. Available Ford BlueCruise is a hands-free highway driving assistance feature that can help accelerate, brake, and steer on compatible highways while you keep your eyes on the road. This is a major technology advantage for many commuters. Is the Highlander still a good SUV? Yes. The Highlander is a practical and comfortable three-row SUV with available hybrid powertrain choices and Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+. The Explorer SUV is the stronger recommendation for shoppers who prioritize performance, cargo space, technology, and trim variety. Request more 2026 Ford Explorer information

Ford of Oakland - BlueCruise Confidence for Berkeley, CA Commutes in the 2026 Ford Explorer BlueCruise has changed the way many drivers think about daily driving, and in the 2026 Ford Explorer® it feels especially well matched to the demands of Berkeley, CA commutes. Between I-80 congestion, the shifts in pace along Ashby and University, and longer stretches through the Maze, a hands-free highway driving system available on compatible roads can take the edge off. This is not about replacing your attention—we always recommend staying alert and engaged—but about adding a sophisticated layer of assistance to help your Explorer accelerate, brake, and steer within its lane while your eyes remain on the road. What BlueCruise Brings to the 2026 Explorer Think of BlueCruise as an advanced co-pilot on compatible stretches of highway. When conditions are met, the system can enable hands-free driving to help you maintain a consistent speed, steer smoothly, and keep safe following distances. In the Explorer, that support pairs naturally with the SUV’s refined road manners and strong foundation—rear-wheel drive with available Intelligent 4WD—so the drive feels composed and confident even as traffic ebbs and flows between Berkeley, Emeryville, and Oakland. Hands-free assistance: BlueCruise helps with acceleration, braking, and steering on compatible highways Driver focus: Your eyes stay on the road while the system helps reduce fatigue on longer drives Trim availability: Equipped on select trims with included plan periods and available elsewhere Works with: Ford Co-Pilot360® and Co-Pilot360 Assist+ features for a broader safety net BlueCruise complements features you may already rely on, such as Adaptive Cruise Control through Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist+, and available 360-Degree Camera technology for parking structures along Shattuck or Telegraph. The net effect is an Explorer that can flex with your day—from house-to-campus drop-offs to a quick tunnel run out toward Orinda—while minimizing friction in the places you feel it most. Comfort That Fits Berkeley Life Technology is only part of the story. Comfort in the 2026 Explorer shines on both short and long routes. Available massaging front seats in Platinum™ transform gridlock moments into a more relaxed experience. The B&O® Sound System by Bang & Olufsen® available on ST-Line bathes the cabin in rich, balanced audio—ideal for catching a podcast between Downtown Berkeley and the Marina. And with up to 85.8 cu ft of cargo space, you have room for band equipment, sports bags, and a week’s worth of groceries without reshuffling the cabin. Seating flexibility: Up to seven passengers with adult-friendly front and second rows Cargo capacity: Up to 85.8 cu ft for gear, projects, and weekend plans Premium touches: Available heated, ventilated, massaging front seats on Platinum™ Audio upgrade: B&O® Sound System by Bang & Olufsen® with 10 speakers on ST-Line If you prefer a more athletic feel, the Explorer ST adds a performance edge with the available 3.0L EcoBoost®, sport-tuned suspension, and performance brakes. Or, if your weekend includes trailheads and gravel access roads, the Tremor® model brings a Torsen® limited-slip rear axle, off-road-tuned suspension, and underbody protection to help you get to your spots with confidence. BlueCruise and Real-World Driving in Berkeley Berkeley drivers see a bit of everything—tight turns near the Hills, freeway sprints toward Richmond or Oakland, and corridor traffic on San Pablo. BlueCruise steps in where it can help most: compatible highway segments that connect your day. The result is a driving experience that feels less taxing and more consistent. Combined with the Explorer’s composed ride and rear-drive balance, you get an SUV that never feels out of place, whether you are navigating the University area or setting out on I-580. We also appreciate how neatly the technology integrates with the rest of the Explorer’s systems. The Ford Digital Experience helps you stay connected to your day without pulling attention from the street, and the available 360-Degree Camera supports precise maneuvers when the parking gets tight. Together, these features make the Explorer feel like a smart, well-rounded tool for busy lives. Frequently Asked Questions: How does BlueCruise differ from traditional cruise control? Traditional cruise control holds speed. BlueCruise, on compatible roads and when conditions are met, can assist with acceleration, braking, and steering to enable hands-free driving while you keep your eyes on the road. Do I still need to pay attention when BlueCruise is active? Absolutely. BlueCruise is a driver-assist technology, not a replacement for driver attention. You remain responsible for safe operation at all times. Which Explorer trims include BlueCruise? BlueCruise is equipped on select trims with included plan periods and is available on others. Your product specialist can walk you through which configuration best fits your needs. Is BlueCruise useful in Berkeley traffic? Yes—on compatible highway segments, BlueCruise can help take the strain out of stop-and-go patterns and longer stretches, making your drive feel more consistent and less tiring. What if I prefer performance or off-road capability? The Explorer ST emphasizes performance with an available 3.0L EcoBoost® and sport-tuned components, while the Tremor® focuses on off-road readiness with a Torsen® limited-slip rear axle, underbody protection, and an off-road-tuned suspension. When you’re ready to explore the 2026 Explorer with BlueCruise, our team is ready to help you select the trim and features that make the most sense for Berkeley driving. We are Ford of Oakland, serving San Francisco, Livermore, and Berkeley, and we will make sure you find the right balance of technology, comfort, and capability for your daily routes. From there, the steps are simple: browse our current Explorer inventory, schedule a test drive, and use our trade and financing tools to streamline your visit. Whether your priorities are a calmer commute, maximum versatility, or a blend of both, the 2026 Explorer is built to elevate your everyday experiences around Berkeley. Request more 2026 Ford Explorer information