New for 2016
The 2016 Ford Explorer is substantially refreshed with new styling, a newly-available EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, and more tech features.
Even Better with Age
The Ford Explorer was one of the first modern SUVs, and it’s defined the segment ever since. Debuting as a traditional body-on-frame truck, it recently made the shift to a car-based crossover platform. For 2016, the Explorer’s evolution continues with some notable upgrades.
The Explorer gets an extra dose of style, efficiency, and technology for the new model year, ensuring that it will continue to define the segment it helped create.
Powertrains and Performance
The Explorer may be a fairly large crossover SUV, but thanks to available engines from Ford’s EcoBoost line, it won’t crush you with high fuel bills.
For 2016, Ford added a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder EcoBoost engine to the Explorer lineup. This engine is shared with the Mustang and Lincoln MKC, and produces 280 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque in the Explorer.
The four-cylinder engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, with a choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. With front-wheel drive, it gets an EPA-rated 22 mpg combined (19 mpg city, 28 mpg highway)*, while the all-wheel drive version gets 21 mpg combined (19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway*.
This mighty mite of an engine shares the lineup with two V6s that carry over from the 2015 Explorer. A naturally-aspirated 3.5-liter V6 produces 290 hp and 255 lb-ft of torque, channeled to the front wheels or all four through a six-speed automatic transmission.
With front-wheel drive, this V6 gets an EPA-rated 20 mpg combined (17 mpg city, 24 mpg highway)*, while with all-wheel drive the figure is 19 mpg combined (16 mpg city, 23 mpg highway)*.
There’s also a twin-turbocharged EcoBoost 3.5-liter V6, just like the one offered in the sporty Taurus SHO and several other Ford and Lincoln models. It boasts 365 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque, and like the other Explorer engines, it’s mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
Available only with all-wheel drive, the EcoBoost V6 lives up to its name with an EPA-rated 18 mpg combined (16 mpg city, 22 mpg highway).
Features and Trims
The 2016 Ford Explorer is a five-door, seven-seat midsize crossover SUV. It’s available in five trim levels, starting at $30,700**.
The base model comes standard with features like a multifunction steering wheel, leather-wrapped shift knob, rearview camera, Ford’s MyKey and Sync tech, USB port, LED taillights, 18-inch alloy wheels, rear spoiler, and cloth seating surfaces.
One step up from the base model is the Explorer XLT, which incorporates all of its applicable standard features, and adds pushbutton start, leather-wrapped steering wheel, Sirius XM satellite radio, chrome body accents, dual exhaust tips, fog lights, and LED headlight signatures.
The next model in the hierarchy is the Explorer Limited, which adds dual-zone automatic climate control, ambient lighting, auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated steering wheel, power tilt/telescoping steering column, power-adjustable pedals with memory, 12-speaker Sony audio system, voice-activated navigation, and Ford’s Sync with MyFord Touch infotainment system.
Ford also offers the Explorer Sport, which features unique interior and exterior styling, including high-gloss black trim, a model-specific grille design and wheels, and perforated leather trim with red accent stitching.
The top Explorer model is the Platinum, which boasts all of the features of the other models (where applicable), plus a dual-panel moonroof, Sony premium audio system with Clear Phase and Live Acoustics, quilted leather trim, and other features.
Exterior/Interior
The 2016 Ford Explorer features sleek, modern exterior styling that also nods to the model’s rough-and-tumble truck heritage. The grille is now bolder and more upright, while standard LED taillights and optional LED accent lighting and fog lights help the Explorer stand out both day and night.
Certain models also get their own styling elements, such as the blacked-out grille and trim on the Explorer Sport, and the satin chrome of the Explorer Platinum.
Changes to the interior were based on feedback from customers, Ford says. In response to what it heard from its customers, Ford focused on detailing and trim to give the interior a more upscale feel, and added more buttons to supplement the infotainment touchscreen.
Safety
Standard safety equipment on the 2016 Ford Explorer include anti-lock brakes, AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control, traction control, hill start assist, SOS Post-Crash Alert system, and a full array of airbags.
Optional features include inflatable rear outboard seat belts, hill descent control, blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and parking sensors.
Bottom Line
The 2016 Ford Explorer remains a segment-defining vehicle.
Be sure to contact us online or visit our Gullo Ford of Conroe - The Woodlands to schedule a test drive.
*EPA estimates. Your mileage may vary depending on driving habits and conditions.
**Prices list are the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price for the vehicle and options chosen by you. These prices do not include transportation, taxes, title, other options, dealer installation costs, or other charges.
