Originally introduced for the 1991 model year as a midsize SUV to replace the Bronco II, the Ford Explorer
quickly became one of the most popular utility vehicles in America.
Sporting a traditional body-on-frame design and powered by a 4.0-liter
V-6, the first-gen Explorer was replaced in 1994. New redesigns followed
in 2000, 2005 and 2010, when the fifth-generation model was launched
with a modern unibody platform. Designed by former Land Rover
designer Jim Holland, the fifth-gen Explorer was also the first
iteration to ditch the boxy styling of its predecessor and received a
host of new convenience features. The Sport trim level joined the lineup
for 2013, but other than that the Explorer remained relatively
unchanged in its first five years on the market. As we move onto a new
model year, the current fifth-gen Explorer is getting ready to retire
and make way for a facelifted version.Launched at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show and scheduled to go on sale in mid-2015, the revised Explorer boasts revised front and rear fascias and a somewhat new design language that adds more ruggedness to its sporty appearance. The new Explorer also received an updated interior, and, more importantly, a brand-new trim level with added luxury and premium features. A brand-new engine is also on the table, as Ford decided to offer the 2.3-liter EcoBoost that debuted on the Lincoln MKC for the Explorer hoping to attract more fuel conscious buyers. Read all about it after the jump.
Exterior
When viewed from the side, the SUV showcases only a few nips and tucks, with most of the changes visible above the waistline.
The
Explorer was comprehensively revised for the 2016 model year, boasting
brand-new front and rear fascias. Gone is the three-bar front grille
seen on its predecessor, replaced by a more conventional piece with a
honeycomb-like layout. The redesigned, rectangular headlamps are larger
and positioned higher, with the turn signals moved to the outer side of
the cluster. The fog lamps are also brand-new, with Ford
ditching the small round units for massive, C-shaped lamps. They’re
also positioned higher, no longer sitting in the lower apron. All told,
the Explorer is bolder and looks more rugged up front.Changes are more subtle around back, where the Explorer retains its familiar taillights, bumper shape and rear glass. While similar in shape, the taillights are a tad smaller and carve into the tailgate. The latter has also been redesigned, carrying a more stylish appearance. When viewed from the side, the SUV showcases only a few nips and tucks, with most of the changes visible above the waistline. The new Explorer rides on standard 18-inch or available 20-inch rollers.
The brand-new Platinum trim, on the other hand, comes with a few exclusive features of its own, including unique lighting surrounds for the headlamps, a dual-panel moonroof, silver-painted front and rear skid plates and bespoke, machined 20-inch wheels with dark pockets. Around back, the integrated exhaust system includes a special shield that catches the soot so it doesn’t collect around the tips. Talk about keeping things clean.
Gallery Ford Explorer
Side-by-side comparison
GalleryFord Explorer
Interior
The front seats are wrapped in Nirvana leather with special quilted stitching and micro-perforation.
Inside,
Ford focused on making the cabin more driver-oriented, but without
changing its basic layout. Changes include a revised infotainment system
with buttons in place of the touch-sensitive buttons from last year. A
refined instrument cluster replaces the previous unit. The door armrests
sit higher for improved comfort. Speaking of which, the new interior
also benefits from enhanced quietness due to new door seals, engine
subframe mounts designed to reduce vibration and acoustic glass on XLT
and higher trim models.Upgrades are more noticeable on the luxurious Platinum trim. The front seats are wrapped in Nirvana leather with special quilted stitching and micro-perforation. The same hide is used for the instrument panel, console armrests, door bolsters and upper door trim. Brushed aluminum and satin-finished Ash Wood inserts are spread throughout the cabin, while the leather-wrapped and heated steering wheel features a brushed-aluminum Ford oval badge, a first for production Ford vehicle. The 10-inch digital instrument cluster display marks yet another benchmark for a Ford automobile.
Also, the Explorer Platinum is the first Ford to receive a 500-watt Sony Audio System with Live Acoustics and Clear Phase, the latter a technology that eliminates sound dispersion throughout the cabin. Other standard features include enhanced active park assist, lane-keeping system, and rain-sensing wipers.
GalleryFord Explorer
Drivetrain
According to Ford, "no sacrifice in overall fuel efficiency is anticipated" with the extra oomph.
The 2016 Explorer gets a brand-new engine in the form of a 2.3-liter, EcoBoost, inline-four. Shared with the Ford Mustang and the Lincoln
MKC, the turbocharged four-banger replaces the 2.0-liter EcoBoost as
the available engine for the base, XLT and Limited trims. Ford has yet
to reveal output figures, but says the new powerplant will generate 12.5
percent more horsepower and 11 percent more torque over the previous
EcoBoost four-pot. With the 2.0-liter rated at 240 ponies and 270
pound-feet, the 2.3-liter unit should crank out around 270 horses and
300 pound-feet of twist. According to Ford, "no sacrifice in overall
fuel efficiency is anticipated" with the extra oomph.The other mills are carried over from the current Explorer, meaning customers will get the same 3.5-liter V-6 as standard for the base, XLT and Limited models, and the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 for the Explorer Sport and the new Platinum series. Both the naturally aspirated and the EcoBoost six-bangers carry over unchanged, churning 290 horsepower and 255 pound-feet and 365 ponies and 350 pound-feet, respectively. Likewise, both mate to Ford’s already familiar six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission.
Ford also offers a revised four-wheel-drive gauge display that shows power being distributed to front and rear wheels. The Terrain Management system offers four terrain modes, including normal, snow, sand or mud. The system automatically defaults to normal mode when the vehicle is started.
Drivetrain Specifications
| Type | 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder | 3.5-liter V-6 engine | 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Output | >270 HP | 290 HP | 365 HP |
| Torque | >300 LB-FT | 255 LB-FT | 350 LB-FT |
| Transmission | six-speed SelectShift Automatic transmission | six-speed SelectShift Automatic |
Prices
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