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2016 Ford Explorer

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OEM Interior Primary
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Used Car Price Range
$13,950 - $20,000
$13,950 $20,000
Select a Trim
Select a Trim
2016 Base 4dr Front-Wheel Drive
most popular
Price:   -  From $31,050
2016 Base 4dr 4x4 Price:   -  From $33,050
2016 XLT 4dr Front-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $33,400
2016 XLT 4dr 4x4 Price:   -  From $35,400
2016 Limited 4dr Front-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $41,300
2016 Limited 4dr 4x4 Price:   -  From $43,300
2016 Sport 4dr 4x4 Price:   -  From $43,500
2016 Platinum 4dr 4x4 Price:   -  From $52,970
Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

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Overview

The Ford Explorer has evolved with the times -- what was once a two-row truck-based SUV is now a three-row car-based crossover.

What's New for 2016

The Explorer has undergone a significant refresh that includes new exterior and interior design, and lots of new technology. There's also an all-new engine that delivers a great balance of power and fuel economy.

Ford Explorer

Choosing Your Ford Explorer

In base form, the Explorer's standard engine is a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 290 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque, all delivered to the front wheels through a six-speed auto transmission. Fuel economy is rated at 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway -- both numbers drop by 1 mpg with optional all-wheel drive. There are also two optional engines:

  • A new 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder cranks out 280 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. It uses a slightly revised version of the six-speed automatic transmission, and is available with front- or all-wheel drive. Expect 19/28 mpg city/highway with front-wheel drive and 18/26 mpg with all-wheel drive.
  • A 3-liter EcoBoost V6 making 365 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque is also mated to a six-speed automatic, but you can only get it with all-wheel drive. This engine turns in EPA fuel-economy numbers of 16 mpg highway and 22 mpg city.

Then there are five trim levels from which to choose:

Ford Explorer

Base

At $30,700, the Base doesn't have a lavish list of standard equipment. Some of nicer features include hill-start assist and automatic headlights, but most buyers will find what they're looking for in the XLT.

Ford Explorer

XLT

The price for an XLT jumps to $33,400, but brings a more premium feel thanks to upgraded cloth seats, SiriusXM, push-button start, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shifter. It also grants access to option packages with features like Sync, MyFord Touch, dual-zone climate control, leather upholstery and heated front seats.

Ford Explorer

Limited

It's a big leap to $41,300, but the Limited comes with upgrades that range from 20-inch wheels to a hands-free liftgate, voice-activated navigation, power-folding third-row seats and leather upholstery. This is also the level at which a host of driver assists like lane departure warning and rear cross-traffic alert become optional.

Ford Explorer

Sport

The Sport has the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, a re-tuned chassis, 20-inch machined aluminum wheels, exclusive perforated leather upholstery with red accent stitching, heated and cooled seats, unique floor mats, illuminated doorsill plates, and a high-gloss black grille. It's priced from $43,300, and has a $4,300 option package with features like voice-activated navigation, hand-free tailgate and a heated steering wheel.

Ford Explorer

Platinum

The range-topping $52,600 Platinum is new for 2016 model year, and comes only with the 3.5-liter V6 EcoBoost and sport-tuned suspension. Think of it like a Sport that's fully loaded with additional luxury items.

CarsDirect Tip

Most buyers will find the right balance of price and features in a moderately optioned XLT or Limited. The Sport and Platinum can get pricey, but may be a good option for buyers who want performance-oriented luxury without the luxury badge.

Get your price on a Ford Explorer »

Read our review on the Ford Explorer »

Ford Explorer
author image
Automotive Editor
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Expert Review

Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

author image
Contributing Editor

The Ford Explorer may be responsible for starting the SUV craze, and arrives in showrooms for 2016 with updated sheet metal and some new turbocharged power.

Pricing and Equipment

If one vehicle can take the credit for igniting America's SUV passion, it's the Explorer. Offered with front- or four-wheel drive, the redesigned for 2016 Ford Explorer extends the long and healthy life of the brand’s midsize SUV with three-row seating for six or seven passengers.

There are no fewer than three available engines:

  • The base 3.5-liter V-6 produces 290 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque.
  • A new-for-the-model turbocharged 2.3-liter inline-four generates 280 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque.
  • A powerful twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 creates 365 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. All Explorers with this engine have standard four-wheel drive.

And buyers choose from five trim levels:

  • The $31,050 Base model includes Ford’s SYNC infotainment system and 18-inch painted aluminum wheels.
  • The XLT starts at $34,400 and features signature LED lighting, pushbutton start, and a rear sensing system.
  • The Limited adds a heated steering wheel, a hands-free lightgate, and a power-folding third-row seat. Prices start at $41,300.
  • The Sport features Ford’s powerful twin-turbo V6, 20-inch aluminum wheels, four-wheel drive and more. It's priced from $43,500.
  • The top-trim Platinum package retails for $52,970 and also gets power from the twin-turbo V6. It includes a dual-panel moonroof, a premium Sony audio system, unique 20-inch aluminum alloys and much more.

Performance Pros

Ford Explorer

Ford has re-energized the Explorer for the 2016 model year with a pair of the manufacturer's finest EcoBoost engines.

  • The old 2-liter has been replaced with the Mustang's 2.3-liter inline-four, which adds 40 horsepower to the formula. While not the most exciting combination of the line, it offers excellent gas mileage at 19 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined (slightly lower with four-wheel drive) and provides meaningful go-power once you're rolling.
  • The base 3.6-liter V6 is less efficient, but offers similar performance numbers and saves $995 on the sticker price.
  • The top-spec twin-turbo V6 is wonderfully powerful -- some outlets have recorded sub-6-second times to 60 mph -- and still uses regular unleaded gas.
  • Ford’s six-speed automatic transmission provides smooth, crisp shifts.

Performance Cons

  • The top EcoBoost V6 is only available with four-wheel-drive
  • The 2.3-liter EcoBoost offers great power but feels slower than it is off the line. You mash the throttle and wonder if you're really feeling 310 pound-feet of torque or not. Buyers may be just as happy with the excellent V6 that comes standard.

Interior Pros

Ford Explorer
  • Seating for up to seven with notably comfortable front seats -- dropping to a six-passenger configuration brings equal comfort to second-row captain's chairs.
  • The Explorer’s wrap-around interior design is attractive, and the use of real aluminum and wood accents brings a level of richness to the Platinum trim that rivals some luxury brand offerings.
  • The modern tech features that Ford has loaded onto the Explorer, especially in the higher trim levels, are excellent.

Interior Cons

  • Passengers might complain that the standard second-row bench seat lacks the comfort of the front-row beauties. Padding seems a little thin, and the middle seat is more of a "plus one" than a true third passenger option.
  • The third row is even shorter on space -- it should probably be reserved for small children or unwelcome adult passengers whom you feel deserve to be taught a lesson.

The Most Pleasant Surprise

The power of the twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 combined with the grip of Ford’s four-wheel drive system turns the Explorer into a hot rod for grown ups with up to five kids.

The Least Pleasant Surprise

The pros of the small 2.3-liter EcoBoost are outweighed by the cons of additional cost when compared to the standard V6 and so-so performance when compared to the amazing performance of the EcoBoost V6.

The Bottom Line

Ford Explorer

For individuals looking for a time-tested and relatively affordable midsize SUV, the Explorer continues to be an excellent choice. For families who need comfortable seating and cargo space for four, the Explorer is a top pick -- but larger families may want to investigate the Explorer’s big brother Expedition or strike out and explore other segment competitors altogether.

Read Less

Specs & Features

Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
Standard: 3.5L V-6 / 290 HP / 255 ft.lbs.
Available: 2.3L I-4 / 280 HP / 310 ft.lbs.
Transmission
6-spd SelectShift w/OD
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
17 / 24 / 20 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
7
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Mechanical Specs
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
Standard: 3.5L V-6 / 290 HP / 255 ft.lbs.
Available: 2.3L I-4 / 280 HP / 310 ft.lbs.
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined
17 / 24 / 20 Mpg
Brakes
4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension
Strut
Rear Suspension
Independent Multi-link
Spare Tire And Wheel
Compact Steel
Fuel Tank
18.6 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type
Regular Unleaded / Premium Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank
$71
Dimensions & Capabilities
Maximum Cargo Volume
80.7 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume
152 Cu.ft.
Exterior Length
198.3 "
Exterior Width
78.9 "
Exterior Height
70.0 "
Front Headroom
41.4 "
Rear Headroom
40.6 "
Front Legroom
42.9 "
Rear Legroom
39.5 "
Front Shoulder Room
61.5 "
Rear Shoulder Room
61.0 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight
4,443 Lbs.
Wheel Base
113 "
Turning Radius
19.6 '
Exterior Features
Door Count
4 Doors
Wheels
18.0 " Silver Aluminum
Paint
Clearcoat Monotone / Metallic Monotone
Exterior Mirrors
Dual Power Remote Convex Spotter
Bumpers
Body-colored
Grille Moldings
Metal-look W/chrome Surround
Rear Spoiler
Lip
Exhaust
Stainless Steel With Chrome Tailpipe Finish
Interior Features
Seating
Passenger Capacity
7
Seat Trim
Cloth
Front Seat Type
Bucket
Heated Front Seats
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls
8-way (6-way Power)
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls
4-way
Front Armrests
8-way (6-way Power)
Rear Armrests
Rear Seats
60-40 Split-bench
Radio & Infotainment
Radio
Am/fm, Seek-scan / Am/fm/satellite, Seek-scan
Speakers
6
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity
Convenience Features
Steering Wheel Type
Telescopic Tilt
Climate Control
Cruise Control
With Steering Wheel Controls
Sun Roof
Rearview Mirror
Day-night
One Touch Open Window
Driver And Passenger
Tinted Windows
Deep
Vanity Mirrors
Dual Illuminated
Remote Keyless Entry
Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets
4
Safety Features
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Front Impact Airbags
Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags
Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag
Passenger
Passenger Side Impact Airbag
Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Front
Anti-Lock Brakes
4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning
Blind Spot Sensor
Lane Departure Warning
Autonomous Cruise Control
Pedestrian Detection
Driver Attention Alert
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams
Adaptive Headlights
Parking Sensors
Rear
Security Systems
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable
Securilock
Warranty
Bumper To Bumper Months Miles
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Major Components Months
60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months
Roadside Assistance Months
60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Corrosion Perforation
60 Months / Unlimited Miles
Accessories Months
36 Months / 36,000 Miles

Used 2016 Ford Explorer for Sale

8 vehicles found within 50 miles of your area
Ford
Sport Utility 4D
Color: Silver
Price

$13,950

Mileage

102,386 mi

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AutoBoyz (29 mi)

Phone: (714) 786-6603
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Color: Shadow Black
Price

$14,457

Mileage

118,605 mi

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AutoNation Ford Torrance (8 mi)

Phone: (888) 208-0474
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Platinum
Color: Gray
Price

$15,800

Mileage

126,293 mi

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City Fine Cars (22 mi)

Phone: (818) 416-7229
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$16,995

Mileage

79,835 mi

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Sam's Motors (26 mi)

Phone: (949) 577-0235
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