This is the all new Ford Explorer (a lot of things
were modified and/or added). It comes with a more refreshed look than all
previous models. Taking its cue from the 2015 model, the Explorer is becoming
more and more like the Range Rover SUV with every other passing year. This is a
habit that Ford Motor Company formed starting from the year 2011 with the
introduction of the 2011 Explorer, I guess Ford just has a thing for the Range
Rover. Looking on the brighter side though, it might also be Ford’s way of
saying “ hey guys, if you can’t afford the Range Rover you can always find succor
in the Explorer. It’s much cheaper”. That said, lets get down to business.
OVERVIEW
“Ford wanted to, and definitely did make a statement
with the 2016 explorer by bringing a new pleasantness into its driving” some
experts said. The seven-seat Explorer’s front has been restyled and
now offers an improved interior and engine option, thus, the Explorer
offers a quiet cabin and a solid ride. As a result of dropping the 2.0-litre four-cylinder
engine, a new 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine has been introduced.
There are five trim levels available for the 2016
Ford Explorer. They include:
The Base trim level, the XLT, Limited, Sport and a new
high-end Platinum trim level.
ENGINE
A V-6 engine is standard in the Ford Explorer 2016
edition. This engine is a 290-horsepower 3.5-litre V-6 that produces up to 255
pounds-feet of torque. As mentioned earlier, the new 2.3-litre four-cylinder
turbocharged (“EcoBoost” in Ford terms) engine that produces 290 horsepower and
310 pounds-feet of torque can be had as a $995 option. The engine (as with
previous models) comes with a Six-Speed automatic transmission. Some critics
say that this combination is well executed.
Customers who want even more power can opt for the
Explorer sport which offers a 365 horsepower turbocharged V-6 engine that
produces up to 350 pounds-feet of torque which some critics say is very good
for an SUV of its size and more fun to drive too.
The base
3.5-liter V-6 engine gets 17/24/20 mpg on city/highway/combined journeys
respectively with front-wheel drive and 18/26/21 mpg with all-wheel drive. The
turbocharged 3.5-litre V-6 which is available in the sport version gets
16/22/18 mpg at its only all-wheel drive option. The SUV zooms from 0 – 60 mph
in 6.0 seconds flat.
INTERIOR
AND CARGO
The interior offers nice(often regarded by some
critics as premium) styling that covers the full length of the SUV (Yes!!
Including the rear, which is usually left out).
The base level generally has good quality trim pieces.
The higher the trim levels the more upscale the trim materials and design. The
Platinum model therefore has the most luxurious and upscale interior of the
lot. The cargo area, some critics say, is ample due to the flat loading floor
but they also quickly add that the front seats are quite uncomfortable as well
as that the rear seats are cramped.
Standard features in the Ford Explorer include Ford's
voice-activated Sync system, a rearview camera, a USB port and MyKey, which
allows parents to set speed and audio level restrictions for young drivers.
Optional features include front and rear parking sensors, a front wide-view
camera, a 12-speaker Sony audio system, satellite radio, dual-zone automatic
climate control,
heated front seats that are also ventilated and power-adjustable,
navigation system, parallel and perpendicular park assist, lane departure
warning, blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control and
the MyFord Touch infotainment system with an 8-inch touch screen.
Overall, the Ford Explorer seems to be a wonderful SUV to
have on the road with a beautiful exterior and comfortable interior. Here are a
few comments from car critics:
“...In all models, even the Sport, the Explorer's ride is
very good. It remains composed and predictable over rough pavement...The
Explorer is the nicest to drive of its mainstream competitors, offering a
composed ride and dynamics that encourage you to push the vehicle...” cars.com
“... the chasis absorbs nearly all of the bumps and
potholes in the city... overall the car didn’t feel huge on the road either which
is another bonus...” AutoWeek.
“...Feels bigger than it is behind the wheel; limited
second-row space for child seats; third-row legroom can be tight...” Edmunds.com
PRICE
Starting
MSRP: $31,050–$52,970.
COMPETITORS
Top five competitors in the midsize
SUV market include:
1. Dodge Durango
Price:
$31,490 - $44,890
2. Honda Pilot
Price:
$30,750 - $42,500
3. Hyundai Santa Fe
Price:
$31,045 - $36,895
4. Toyota Highlander
Price:
$30,665 - $51,240
5. Mazda CX-9
Price:
$30,865 - $37,505.
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