⚠ Does Your Explorer Have A Gasoline Particulate Filter (GPF)?
If you have a 2026 or newer Ford Explorer, your vehicle may be equipped with a GPF. Here are 3 ways to tell for sure:
Check the "Vehicle emission control information" sticker under the hood. If the sticker has the letters "GPF" on it like the example shown below, your Explorer has a GPF.
Check your build date. If your Explorer has a 3.0L EcoBoost and was built after mid-April of 2026 ("Job 2"), it has a GPF.
You can look underneath your Explorer for a large canister with pressure/sensor lines on the exhaust system. That's the GPF.
The yellow highlighted area that says "GPF" indicates your vehicle has a gasoline particulate filter.
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2020–2027 Ford Explorer ST 3" Front Pipe Back Exhaust System — Black Coated
Upgrade your Ford Explorer ST with a full 3" front pipe back exhaust system engineered for maximum flow, a deeper exhaust tone, and true everyday drivability — from the catalytic converters all the way to the tips.
Also fits 2020–2027 Ford Explorer Platinum models equipped with the 3.0L EcoBoost. The system uses the factory hanger locations and exits through the factory rear valance with no modifications required, making it a true direct bolt-on for both Explorer ST and 3.0L Platinum owners.
Unlike a traditional catback, this system runs 3" tubing from the front pipes back, giving the Explorer ST's turbocharged 3.0L EcoBoost engine a more aggressive sound profile and a more responsive driving experience with improved exhaust flow. Under acceleration, the tone is deep and throaty. At cruise, it stays refined and comfortable — exactly what True Helmholtz Technology is built to deliver.
At the core of the system is our True Helmholtz Technology, a proprietary resonance-tuning design that targets and smooths out the low-frequency exhaust frequencies that cause cabin fatigue on long drives. The result is a sound profile that feels intentional — commanding under throttle, relaxed when you're not pushing it.
Constructed from mandrel-bent T304 stainless steel throughout, this Explorer ST exhaust system is built for long-term durability and corrosion resistance. The tubing features a mill finish, the front muffler carries a matching mill finish, and the rear Helmholtz chambers are finished in brushed stainless for a premium look under the vehicle.
The system connects directly to the OEM catalytic converters and downpipes, mounts using factory hanger locations, and is designed to fit the OEM rear valance on both the Explorer ST and 3.0L Explorer Platinum with no cutting or welding required. Emissions are not affected — the front pipes install after the factory catalytic converters.
Finished in an aggressive black coating, the dual 4" angle cut tips add a stealthy, blacked-out look that complements any Explorer ST build. Also available in polished stainless and carbon fiber tip finishes.
Fits 2020–2027 Ford Explorer ST 3.0L EcoBoost
Also fits 2020–2027 Ford Explorer Platinum 3.0L EcoBoost models
Full 3" front pipe back system for maximum exhaust flow
Mandrel-bent T304 stainless steel construction throughout
True Helmholtz Technology for a refined, fatigue-free exhaust note
Deep, aggressive exhaust tone under throttle, refined at cruise
2020-2027 Ford Explorer ST - 3" Catback Exhaust w/ Coated Tips has a rating of 4.9 stars based on 148 reviews.
Overall rating: 4.8783784 / 5 from 148 reviews.
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Reviews
3” GPF exhaust
"I put the 3” GPF exhaust on my wife’s ST last weekend. The fit and finish is outstanding! Color coding the bags makes the install super easy. It took a bit of time to get everything level and the tips where we wanted them but over all it was about an hour and a half for the install. The sound is great! It’s not as loud as I was expecting from online videos but all of those were non GPF cars. I’m assuming the GPF is restricting air flow and sound. It’s super quite at cruising speed and only loud when you want it to be."
— Kenneth G. (5/5)
3” Cat Back
"The exhaust installed easily and was very adjustable. Fit like a glove. I was initially concerned about getting the 3” instead of the 2. 5” and am glad I got the 3” although it is louder from the sound clips, it is relatively quiet compared to other exhausts I have had. But it comes alive when you put your foot down and definitely no drone. 80mph is quiet as a church mouse until you put the pedal to the metal. Very happy with this exhaust."
— Laurence W. (5/5)
The on going delema of tge exhaust i want
"Some of it is my fault and UPS's fault. I ordered none gpf cat back for 2026 without knowing i needed the gpf cat back. Ive been going through the process of sending the exhaust back and exchanging for the right exhaust for my car. Now the return is lost in ups. I also had to pay for the return. And I still dont have the exhaust. Its all been painful to be honest."
— Luke L. (2/5)
Explorer 3” exhaust
"Exhaust sounds amazing. Wouldn’t go with a different exhaust. Quality is top tier!"
— Steven M. (5/5)
"I love my thermal exhaust; it gives my Explorer ST that roar when pulling up to some other cars. Even got a couple pops and bangs from my stock downpipes when down shifting at higher rpms."
— Donovan (5/5)
Perfect sound. No drone on highway.
"After trying a few different exhaust options I finally bought the one I should have purchased from the start. Sounds amazing. Loud when you want it to be, not when you don’t. 10/10."
— Adam H. (5/5)
Dissapointing
"I’m very disappointed. I decided to remove the factory exhaust because I didn’t like the sound, but the result is basically the same unpleasant sound—just louder. Honestly, it almost sounds like a small diesel engine at certain RPM. I’m really disappointed with the result. I’m going to remove the pipes and look for another option. $2,000 straight in the trash."
— Francois P. (5/5)
Ford Explorer ST
"Easy to install, great product… Sounds amazing"
— David A. (5/5)
Purrs like a pony
"Had to update our 14' V6 mustang for our growing family, we love the sporty feel of the explorer ST but missed the sound of our old mustang. This bridges that gap perfectly. Its a little louder than expected but not obnoxious. 2025 Explorer ST Stock down tubes, 3" cat-back only."
— Jason K. (5/5)
Really good sounding exhaust.
"Me and my friend put the exhaust on today. It took us an hour and a half. The sleeve clamps are awesome. Rotate the rear exhaust to get perfect tip fit. Put it on piece by piece and no problem. Started it up and boom -sounds great."
— Brandon D. (5/5)
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