When Ford built the current Explorer, they set themselves a rather high goal, stating that it “challenges higher-end SUVs like BMW X5 and Audi Q7”. The Explorer is not a bad car, but it’s not quite there yet. Well, the Los Angeles Auto Show has brought us the 2016 Ford Explorer and it looks like the revamp makes a clear step ahead.
The exterior styling doesn’t try to hide the fact that this is a facelift. Then again, the Explorer already had an appealing appearance, so the changes only come to build on that. Still, it’s a bit bizarre that the headlights somehow remind us of those on the Jeep Grand Cherokee, at least when it comes to the overall silhouette.
A 2.3-liter Ecoboost
Nonetheless, the story goes much deeper than that under the hood. The big novelty is a 2.3-liter Ecoboost that replaces the 2015 model’s 2.0-liter unit. The unit delivers 270 hp and 300 lb-ft and if you really want to talk numbers we’ll mention the 13 percent power premium and 11 percent torque boost doesn’t affect the efficiency. Still, we’ll have to wait for the EPA numbers.
The 2.3-liter EcoBoost can be had on the entry-level, XLT and Limited models. While this is optional, the standard engine remains unchanged, namely a naturally-aspirated 3.5-liter V6 delivering 290 hp and 255 lb-ft. The song also remains the same when it comes to the Sport and the new Platinum trim levels, which are powered by a 3.5-liter Ecoboost with 365 hp.
The lavish side
Speaking of the Platinum, this sees the Explorer falling in line with its competitors, as Jeep already offers the Summit, while GMC has the Denali. On the outside, a set of 20-inch wheels and aluminum trim lead the premium assault.
However, the greatest changes appear to have been made on the inside. The four individual seats have an air of elegance to them, while the Nirvana leather spread around the cabin is claimed to be the softest one the Blue Oval has ever used. Oh and those speakers on the doors are also a nice touch, reminding us of premuim European stuff, such as the S-Class. They are connected to a 500-Watt Sony audio system.
Since we mentioned the cabin, we have to explain the center stack now features conventional buttons - it seems Ford has listened to the complains about the disturbing MyFord Touch interface.
Ford didn’t miss the occasion to brag about the Explorer being top-class SUV metal once again, with the car’s Chief Engineer, Arie Groeneveld, stating: “It's a tall order, but we're aiming to build the best SUV in the world."
The 2016 Ford Explorer is set to land in summer 2015, and we’ll put the aforementioned claim to the test as soon as possible.
In his quest to bring you the most impressive automotive creations, Andrei relies on learning as a superpower. There's quite a bit of room in the garage that is this aficionado's heart, so factory-condition classics and widebody contraptions with turbos poking through the hood can peacefully coexist. Full profile
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