Ford deletes roof rails on three 2027 Explorer trims

Ford is removing the roof rack side rails from three trims of the 2027 Explorer, according to a May 23 report by Ford Authority. The outlet said the change is a "slick roof conversion" that deletes the standard side rails and gives those versions of the midsize SUV a cleaner roofline. The report did not identify the three trims. Ford had not publicly listed the affected versions in material available online as of May 24. The change centers on a visible exterior detail rather than a powertrain or cabin redesign. On Ford Explorer models sold in recent years, the side rails have served as the mounting points for clamp-on cross bars and other roof-carrying accessories offered through Ford's parts and accessories channels. ### Which part is Ford deleting? Ford Authority said the deleted component is the Explorer's standard roof rack side rails. The rails run front to back along the edges of the roof and allow owners to add cross bars for cargo boxes, bikes and other rooftop gear. Ford's accessories listings for the current Explorer show clamp-on cross bars for 2020-2026 models, and Ford's parts catalog separately lists roof side rail components for Explorer applications. Those listings show the rails are not just decorative trim; they are part of the vehicle's roof-mounted cargo setup. ### What does "slick roof conversion" mean here? Ford Authority used the phrase "slick roof conversion" to describe the update. In practice, that means the affected 2027 Explorer trims would have a roof without the raised side rails that appear on many current Explorer variants. The report did not say whether Ford will replace the rails with different trim pieces, make the rails optional, or pair the change with any other exterior revisions. Ford Authority's item described only the deletion of the standard side rails on three trims. ### Which Explorer trims are affected? Ford Authority said three trims are affected, but it did not name them. Ford also had not posted a public 2027 Explorer trim-by-trim equipment breakdown that could be reviewed online as of May 24. That leaves the trim list, and whether the change applies to lower-volume or higher-volume versions, unresolved for now. No pricing impact was disclosed in the report. ### Does this change how owners carry cargo on the roof? Ford's current Explorer accessories catalog matters because the existing roof setup supports add-on cross bars for 2020-2026 models. If the 2027 slick-roof versions arrive without side rails, owners of those trims may need a different accessory solution or may lose the ability to use the current rail-mounted setup. Ford Authority did not say whether Ford plans a new rack system for the slick-roof trims. Ford's public accessories pages currently emphasize rail-compatible roof products for recent Explorer model years rather than a rail-free factory configuration. ### Has Ford dealt with roof-rail issues on Explorer before? Ford said in a May 10, 2021 recall notice that certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles had roof rail covers that could detach while driving. That recall involved older Explorer vehicles and roof rail covers, not the 2027 product change reported by Ford Authority. The earlier recall does show that roof-rail hardware on the Explorer has been a distinct vehicle component with its own service and safety history. Ford Authority's May 23 report, however, described the 2027 update as a design and equipment change, not a recall or repair action. ### What should buyers watch for next? Ford's next public step will likely be a 2027 Explorer order guide, configurator update or accessories release that identifies the three trims and shows whether any alternate roof-carrying hardware is offered. Ford Authority's May 23 report remains the public starting point until Ford publishes trim-level equipment details or dealer ordering information.