2016 Ford Explorer review
Ford Explorer highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Great choice of engines
- Comfortable interior
- Impressive cargo space
Cons
- Third-row space is tight
- Can feel large to drive and park
- All-wheel-drive is an optional extra
Mileage (EPA estimate)
16 city, 22 highway, 18 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
Do-it-all family SUV
The Ford Explorer has been setting the bar for the family SUV for decades. In fact, it established the class back in the early 1990s. Fast forward to 2016, and Ford has continued to update the Explorer with a refreshed exterior and interior and a host of great engine and trim options. The standard engine is a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 290 horsepower. The Explorer has a new optional turbocharged 2.3L, making 270 horsepower for 2016, which is also a bit more mpg-focused than the V6. Check out the optional turbocharged 3.5L V6 engine with an impressive 365 horsepower if you want more power.
All Ford Explorer years
What is new for the 2016 Ford Explorer?
- The Explorer is available in a new trim called the Platinum.
- Explorer trims have been upgraded with Sunroof(s), Heated Steering Wheel, A/C Seat(s), Automated Cruise Control, Automated Parking, Blind Spot Monitor, Lane Departure Warning, Panoramic Sunroof, Power Hatch/Deck Lid, and Navigation System as standard equipment this year.
- Running Boards features are now available as options on select trims.
- The Sport trim now comes with Memory Seat(s) and Smart Key as standard equipment.
- The XLT trim now comes with Rear View Camera and Smart Key as standard equipment.
- The Base trim now comes with Rear View Camera and Bluetooth Technology as standard equipment.
- The Limited trim now comes with Vinyl Seats and Power Folding Third Row as standard equipment.
5 reasons to buy the 2016 Ford Explorer
1. Lots of standard features
There are a ton of great trim levels to choose from, but you won't be disappointed in the base model of the Explorer. It has standard exterior features like 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights, LED taillights, rear privacy glass, and handy roof rails. Inside, you'll find stuff like a rearview camera, cruise control, air-conditioning, rear climate controls, a 60/40-split second-row seat, a 50/50-split third-row seat, and a six-way power driver seat.
2. Great engine options
For the 2016 model year, the Explorer has three engine options. The standard engine is a 3.5-liter V6 that puts out 290 horsepower and 255 lb-ft of torque (Base, XLT, and Limited). A new option for 2016 is a turbo 2.3L four-cylinder engine (optional on Base, XLT, and Limited) making 270 horsepower that gets an EPA-estimated 22 mpg combined city/highway.
3. Optional packages
Take a look at the XLT, and you'll find some significant upgrades to the base model. Search our lots for the Equipment Group 201A package, which adds a larger touchscreen (eight inches vs. the standard 4.2 inches), dual-zone automatic climate control, remote start, an eight-way power passenger seat, and a nine-speaker sound system. Meanwhile, the 202A package includes all that plus leather upholstery, heated front seats, and front parking sensors.
4. Interior space
Your next road trip needs a nicely sized traveling companion for hauling people and gear. In addition to seating seven, the Explorer has 21 cu-ft of space behind the third row, expanding to a maximum of 80.7 cu-ft of space. So whether it is a fun camping holiday or an epic road trip, the 2016 Explorer has you covered.
5. Sport and luxury
The 2016 Explorer has a sporty side, it's even called the "Sport". With the largest 365 horsepower engine, it's already quick, but it also has trim-specific 20-inch wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, and more. Or, if you want more luxury and comfort, check out the Explorer Platinum. It has everything the lower trim levels have, plus things like upgraded leather upholstery, a dual-panel sunroof, aluminum and wood interior trim, and a premium Sony® audio system.
Shop with your budget in mind
Ratings & reliability
Customer ratings
4 out of 5
41 customer reviews| 5 Stars | 24 |
|---|---|
| 4 Stars | 5 |
| 3 Stars | 5 |
| 2 Stars | 0 |
| 1 Star | 7 |
RepairPal gave the Ford Explorer an overall reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Ford Explorer 23rd out of 32 among Midsize SUVs.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Ford ExplorerFord Explorer features and specs
Base 2WD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Bluetooth Technology
- CD Audio
- Cloth Seats
- Cruise Control
- Fold-Away Third Row
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Air Conditioning
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Side Airbags
- Sync System
- Third Row Seat
- Traction Control
- Turbo Charged Engine
- Bluetooth Technology
- Full Roof Rack
- Parking Sensors
- Rear Entertainment System
- Running Boards
- Tow Hitch
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
2.3L
Horsepower
280
Torque (ft-lbs)
310
Engine type
Turbo Gas
Fuel capacity
18.6
Wheelbase
112.8"
Overall length
198.3"
Width
78.9"
Height
70"
Leg room
F 42.9"/M 39.5"/R 32"
Head room
F 41.4"/M 40.6"/R 37.8"
Front tires
P245/60HR18
Rear tires
P245/60HR18
Seating capacity
7
Max towing capacity
200/2000 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2016 Ford Explorer FAQ
The 2016 Ford Explorer is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- Platinum : 16 MPG City and 22 MPG Highway
- Base : 17 MPG City and 24 MPG Highway
- Limited : 17 MPG City and 24 MPG Highway
- XLT : 17 MPG City and 24 MPG Highway
- Sport : 16 MPG City and 22 MPG Highway
The Ford Explorer received a rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks the Ford Explorer as 22 out of 32 among Midsize SUV
The 2016 Ford Explorer has received an average 4.0 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2016 Ford Explorer, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2016 Ford Explorer Reviews.
The 2016 Ford Explorer has a maximum towing capacity of between 2000 and 5000 pounds, when properly equipped. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
Here is what's new for the 2016 Ford Explorer:
- Platinum
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Sunroof(s)
- A/C Seat(s)
- Automated Cruise Control
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We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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