2016 Ford Explorer

The 2016 Ford Explorer comes at a starting price of $31,050. The Explorer competes with rivals such as the Honda Pilot, Buick Enclave, and the Dodge Durango. In this review of the 2016 Ford Explorer, we discuss the good and the bad, and help you decide whether it's worth your money. 

The 2016 Ford Explorer is now offered in five trims. The top of the line Platinum trim is new for 2016 that adds high end features with a high end price that is over $50,000. The base Ford Explorer starts at $31,050 in FWD configuration, and for just $2,000 one can equip the Explorer with AWD. However the Sport and Platinum trims come with AWD as standard. The following table gives an overview of all the trims and features offered with the 2016 Ford Explorer.

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If you’re considering getting the 2016 Ford Explorer home, we suggest going for the Limited trim configured with AWD. The AWD Limited trim offers a host of features like power adjustability, heated and ventilated seats, front and rear view camera along with exterior chrome accents. The added benefit of AWD gives the explorer immense off-road ability as well. The trade-off, however, remains the slightly compromised fuel economy. 

The 2016 Ford Explorer comes with a 3.5L V6 under the hood, which puts down a healthy 290 horsepower, along with 255-foot pounds of torque. The 2016 model year Ford Explorer sprints from 0 to 60 MPH in just 6.4 seconds, which makes it pretty quick for an SUV of its size. The Explorer is offered with a 6-speed automatic gearbox, which stands sophisticated and well-optimized. 

The powertrain feels fairly athletic, while the engine is competent enough for powerful highway overtakes and comfortable city driving. There’s minimum engine noise, and the entire powertrain barely shows signs of ageing, despite the slightly dated design. All in all, there’s little to complain about the 2016 Ford Explorer’s engine performance and powertrain capabilities. 

The 2016 Ford Explorer takes 14.6 seconds to complete a quarter-mile. However, the only thing that is hard to like is the braking performance which is on the lower end of the spectrum as the Explorer takes 127 feet to stop from 60 miles per hour. Among the competition, the 2016 Dodge Durango makes the most power, albeit by a small margin over the Ford. The Buick Enclave, on the other hand, offers the highest torque output. 

The 2016 Ford Explorer offers respectable fuel economy. The base V6 Ford Explorer delivers 17 MPG in the city, and 23 MPG on highways, The result is a combined EPA rating of 20, which is still impressive considering that this is a three-row SUV meant to haul seven passengers and tow as well. These figures further go down slightly, when the Explorer is equipped with AWD. The 2016 model year Ford Explorer also offers pretty decent driving range, owing to its large 18.6 gallon fuel tank. 

Among the competition, the Honda Pilot offers the best fuel economy, and stands at par with the otherwise performance-centric Dodge Durango. The Honda and the Dodge also offer higher highway economies than the Ford by a significant margin. The Buick Enclave stands as the poorest performer in this regard, with the 2016 Ford Explorer offering a somewhat balanced value proposition. 

The 206 Ford Explorer offers an incredibly roomy first and second rows of seating, but gets pretty tight for adults by the time you reach the third row. Other than that, the interior has ample features like power adjustable seats, 60-40 split second row and 50-50 split third row. There’s a generous use of high-quality materials in the cabin, along with some premium trim inserts and fancier options in the top-end Limited trim. 

The Ford Explorer also comes with a good deal of user-friendly features, spot-on ergonomics and impressive visibility. Higher trims fetch you comfort features such as ventilated seats and a leather steering wheel. However, getting a similar treatment on lesser Explorers might cost you quite some money. All in all, Ford has certainly done an impressive job keeping the Explorer’s interior usable, practical, neat, and organized. 

Comparing the competition, the 2016 Ford Explorer has the greatest headroom and legroom to offer in the front row. The second row seating situation is also dominated by the Ford Explorer, which offers ample space for upto 3 adults. However, the Honda Pilot comes with the most headroom in the third row, while the Buick Enclave offers the most legroom. The Enclave also has the greatest amount of cargo space on offer. Some of the highlight interior features offered with the 2016 Ford Explorer include:

• Power-Adjustable Seats. 
• Leather Steering Wheel. 
• Dual Front Cup Holders. 
• Optional Captain Seats.
• Ambient Lighting.
• Dual-Panel Sunroof. 
• Leather Upholstery. 

2016 Ford Explorer Infotainment

The 2016 Ford Explorer is offered with a good deal of technological aids, which keeps you engaged and entertained throughout your trip. Ford offers a basic 4.2-inch display as standard with the 2016 model year Explorer. On higher trims, you get a much better 8.0-inch infotainment unit, however, devoid of smartphone integration. You can play music via Bluetooth Audio Streaming, or via USB or Aux. There’s a SiriusXM Radio on offer, while Ford offers you the option for upgrading to a premium Sony sound system. Some key infotainment features offered with the 2016 Ford Explorer include: 

• Standard 4.2-inch Display. 
• 8.0-inch Infotainment Screen. 
• USB and Aux Support. 
• Bluetooth Audio Streaming. 
• Optional Sony Sound System. 
• SiriusXM Satellite Radio. 
• CD Player

For most part, the Explorer follows a boxy design language with straight flowing lines. The front fascia feels more aggressive and edgy as compared to the rear fascia which is more subtle. The Platinum and the limited trim enhances the exterior design by adding chrome accents and larger wheels. The tall stance gives the Explorer a commanding road presence as well, matching that with the looks the Explorer, in terms of looks, seems like a more rugged vehicle as compared to its rival like the Honda Pilot.

Among the competition, the Dodge Durango stands as the heaviest car in the lot. The Buick Enclave measures the longest, while also being the widest in the lot. The Enclave also boasts the greatest height among the competitors, while the Ford Explorer comes with the greatest ground clearance. The Dodge Durango has the longest wheelbase on offer, while that offered by the Honda Pilot measures the shortest. Some highlight exterior features offered with the 2016 Ford Explorer include:

• Chrome Front Grille.
• 19-inch Alloy Wheels. 
• Mirror Turn Signal Indicators. 
• Roof Rails. 
• Chrome Door Handles. 
• Optional Privacy Glass. 
• Dual-Exhaust Setup. 
• Skid Plates. 

The 2016 Ford Explorer stands as an incredibly safe SUV. The 2016 model year Ford Explorer has received a flawless 5-Star Safety Rating by the NHTSA, while the IIHS has acknowledged the Explorer’s safety merit with “Good” scores in most of the critical aspects. The Explorer is based on a stiff platform, which promotes crash safety and occupant protection during impact. Some key safety features offered with the 2016 Ford Explorer include:

• Advancetrac w/Roll Stability Control Electronic Stability Control (ESC) And Roll Stability Control (RSC)
• Terrain Management System ABS And Driveline Traction Control
• Side Impact Beams
• Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Seat-Mounted Side Airbags
• Front And Rear Parking Sensors

The Explorer is a big and bulbous three-row SUV that looks more aggressive than any of its competition. On the inside, it is comfortable and practical with ample space to carry a family along with the luggage. But because of the competitors offering more practical options with affordable pricing, the Explorer’s charm stands challenged. All in all, the 2016 Ford Explorer offers an impressive alternative to some of the best three-row SUVs in the market, and we highly recommend considering it for your next purchase.