Ford has sold more than 7 million Explorers in the USA, since its debut in 1991.
For 2016, Ford has added an all-new engine and a new trim level, Platinum, to the line-up.
The new engine is a 2.3L Ecoboost turbo 4cylinder and is available on the base, XLT and Limited trim levels.
Ford has yet to provide official figures but claims the new engine will deliver at least 270 hp and at least 300 lb.-ft. of torque, all without sacrificing efficiency.
The 2016 Ford Explorer will be available in 5 trim levels:
• Base: 3.5-liter V6 engine with 6-speed Automatic, LED low-beam headlamps, LED taillamps, 18-inch aluminum wheels in sparkle silver paint and rearview camera with washer
• XLT: 3.5-liter V6 engine with 6-speed Automatic, heavy-duty front and rear brake calipers, fog lamps, LED signature lighting, leather-wrapped steering wheel and reverse sensing system
• Limited: 3.5-liter V6 engine with 6-speed Automatic, 20-inch aluminum painted wheels, ambient lighting, cargo net, heated steering wheel, multi-piece satin chrome with Rosewood film accent appliqués, perforated leather-trimmed seats, heated and cooled front row seats, 12-speaker Sony Audio System, front and rear 180-degree camera with washers, and hands-free liftgate
• Explorer Sport: 3.5-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V6, intelligent four-wheel drive with Terrain Management System, sport-tuned suspension, trailer tow package, Explorer badge on hood, fascia-integrated dual exhaust tips, 20-inch wheels, perforated leather-trimmed seats with red accent stitching, multi-piece satin chrome with carbon fiber interior appearance inserts and 12-speaker Sony Audio System
• Platinum: 3.5-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V6, intelligent four-wheel drive with Terrain Management System, dual-panel moonroof, satin chrome lower bodyside cladding insert, satin chrome mirror caps, adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support, real wood accents and unique stitching on steering wheel, 500-watt Sony Audio System, leather-wrapped door and console armrests, leather-wrapped instrument panel and upper door trim, Nirvana leather seats, all-digital instrument cluster, enhanced active park assist with park-out assist and perpendicular park, and lane-keeping system
Speaking on the Platinum trim, Matt Zuehlk, Ford Explorer brand manager stated, “There’s a market for more upscale SUVs, as 90 percent of today’s Explorer Sport buyers purchase the most expensive package available. That’s a strong signal customers are ready for Platinum.”
When we look at the list of features in the Platinum level, mentioned above, a few really stand out as premium level fare.
An example is a leather wrapped dash; something only ever found on pricey SUV’s like Range Rover’s.
Other notable kit; the Sony 500-watt audio system, which makes its debut in the Explorer Platinum, and the park assist features which can help the driver to both pull into and exit a parallel parking spot.
The Explorer’s intelligent four-wheel drive with Terrain Management System, continuously monitors wheel speed, throttle position and steering wheel angle to determine the needed amount of front and rear torque to supply, providing precise handling and traction..
The system is controlled via a dial located on the center console. The system allows for shifts on the fly, selecting one of four terrain management modes – normal, snow, sand or mud – to set how the engine, transmission, brakes and four-wheel-drive system will operate.
The Platinum Explorer signals to the world that Ford can offer all the luxurious features offered by the high-end manufacturers at a fraction of the cost, and no doubt in a much more reliable vehicle.
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