2016 Ford Explorer | Consumer Guide Auto

2016 Ford Explorer Platinum

Pros: Broad range of available safety features; impressively quiet cabin; good fuel economy with EcoBoost 4-cylinder engine

Cons: Finicky MyFord Touch control interface; tight second-row seat; feels a bit cumbersome in close quarters; prices rise quickly as options are added

CG Says: The 2016 Ford Explorer has revised styling and suspension. Added this year is a new topline Platinum model powered by a turbocharged 3.5-liter V6. The available turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine has been replaced by a more powerful turbocharged 2.3-liter 4-cylinder unit. The new 4-cylinder is available with all-wheel drive, whereas the old four was front-drive only. Explorer is a very nice 7-passenger crossover that unfortunately competes with several other very nice 7-passenger crossovers. Regrettably perhaps, Explorer’s most memorable feature may be the MyFord Touch control interface that has frustrated our testers. Overall though, this Ford does a good job balancing the rugged attributes of an SUV with the more car-like dynamics expected of today’s crossover vehicles. The same is true for most of its rivals though, and they often cost less.

The Facts

Class	Midsize SUV
Body Style(s)	4-door wagon
Passenger Count	7
Drive Wheels	front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive
Manufacturer	Ford
Nation of Manufacture	USA
Base Prices	2WD Base: $31,050 AWD Base: $33,050 2WD XLT: $33,400 AWD XLT: $35,400 2WD Limited: $41,300 AWD Limited: $43,300 AWD Sport: $43,500 AWD Platinum: $52,970