The base engine, as was true in 2015, is a 290-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 that makes 255 pounds-feet of torque. Overall, the Explorer looks good and does what Ford said it needed to do: retain its SUV-ness. Base models have black plastic handles and a gray grille Ford Explorer XLT models have body-colored door handles and a lighter gray grille Limited models have chrome door handles and a bright silver grille the Ford Explorer Sport models have gloss-black door handles and a grille with gloss-black bars and Platinum models have satin chrome door handles and grille. Ford said the subtle changes were deliberate, as data show Explorer buyers preferred the “SUV-ness” of the previous version to wagon-like crossover styling.įrom the outside, the easiest way to distinguish the trim levels is to look at the door handles and grille. Despite the list of changes, the Explorer still resembles the previous model, it’s just a bit more sculpted. In back, the liftgate and taillights are new. I also saw an Explorer Platinum, but it was not available for road tests.įord says everything in front of the A-pillar is new: hood, fenders, headlights, grille and fog lights. I drove XLT, Limited and Sport versions of the Explorer, as well as all three available engines in the hills outside San Diego. The higher-priced Platinum trim competes with vehicles such as the GMC Acadia Denali and Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit. Compare them here, though note that specs for the Pilot are not available as of this writing. The Explorer’s competitors include the Toyota Highlander, the redesigned-for-2016 Honda Pilot, the Chevrolet Traverse and the Dodge Journey. Those are the major changes for 2016, and you can compare the 2016 to the 2015 here. There’s also a new high-end Platinum trim level in addition to the base, XLT, Limited and Sport trims. The seven-seat Explorer’s front end has been restyled, and there’s a new turbocharged, 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine available the previous turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder has been dropped. The 2016 Ford Explorer is pleasant to drive and offers an improved interior and engine option, but getting the most out of Ford’s improvements will cost you. Ford’s 2016 redesign of the Explorer is largely successful, having focused on a few areas that really needed improvement or outright replacement. The field of SUVs with three rows of seats is crowded, so when automakers roll out redesigned models, they have to get it right or the competition will eat them for lunch.