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2016 Ford Explorer review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

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)

Price
Year

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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.

Finally, Explorer Sport and Platinum trims have a great turbo 3.5L V6 engine that puts out 365 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. 

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. 

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

The 2016 Ford Explorer is a mid-priced SUV that is reliable and spacious. Customers like the car for its comfort and roominess.
3
1
2
Above Average

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 Explorer

Ford 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

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