Flash Drive

Flash Drive 2016 Ford Explorer

November 1, 2016 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2016 Ford Explorer Platinum 4WD

The Ford Explorer Platinum Edition is the most luxurious, best equipped version of the popular SUV.
The Ford Explorer Platinum Edition is the most luxurious, best equipped version of the popular SUV.

Engine: 3.5-liter V-6 gas Ecoboost turbocharged, 365 horsepower 350 lb-ft torque

Transmission: 6-speed automatic, four-wheel-drive

EPA Rating: 16 mpg city/22 mpg highway/18 mpg combined

Base Price: $52,970

As Tested: $54,760

Performance:

Very strong twin turbocharged Ecoboost V-6

Excellent acceleration

Smooth shifting 6-speed transmission

Paddle shifters

Console dial for auto, mountains, desert, and snow 4WD modes

Interior comfort and style and highlights of the Platinum Explorer. Front seats and heated and cooled along with a massage feature.
Interior comfort and style and highlights of the Platinum Explorer. Front seats and heated and cooled along with a massage feature.

Hill descent control

Tow mode button on dashboard

Trailer sway control

Pleasant highway ride

Confident bad weather/roads performance

Rain sensing wipers

Enhanced active parking assist

Lane keeping system

Comfort:

High luxury content for Platinum model

Almost stretch-out driver/front passenger legroom

Great headroom

Three temperature heated and ventilated front seats

Second row bucket seats are a welcome option.
Second row bucket seats are a welcome option.

Heated leather and wood steering wheel

Power massage and lumbar for front seats

Very comfortable front seats with soft headrests

Power tilt/telescopic steering column

Great second row knee, feet, and headroom

Second row HVAC controls

Two temp heated second row seats

Third row seating best for young or agile passengers

Excellent 500-watt Sony sound system

Big moonroof brightens interior

Medium second row floor hump

Utility:

10-inch digital infotainment display screen

Cargo space is quite ample with the rear seats folded down.
Cargo space is quite ample with the rear seats folded down.

Power tailgate, hands-free operation

Power folding third row seating

Good cargo space behind third row

Third row seats can fold or stow

Flat cargo deck

Medium size, but deep console bin

Full length, but shallow front door bins

Large, locking glovebox

Big reverse opening second row storage bin so third row can access

Two big seatback storage pouches

Shallow second row door bins

Minimal third row storage

WOW Factors:

Power massaging front seats

The 2016 Explorer is very off-road capable, but few owners use it that way.
The 2016 Explorer is very off-road capable, but few owners use it that way.

Powerful turbocharged V-6 engine

Very luxurious interior

Whines:

A little thirsty for gas

Greater tailgate height would be nice

Bottom Line:

The 2016 Ford Explorer Platinum pushes the well-established SUV farther into the luxury utility market. The upscale interior is a highlight, especially the great seats. Fit and finish are fine. The powerful Ecoboost V-6 performs very well except when it comes to passing gas stations. The Explorer is well equipped for off-road driving, but most owners will stick to paved roads.