2016 Ford Explorer: More Competitive Than Ever
Ecologists can’t stand ‘em and environmentalists absolutely hate ‘em. And yet, SUV sales are doing quite well. In fact, sales are climbing in several countries and across all continents. This is even the fastest-growing of all categories, with an 80% increase since 2008. SUVs now account for 19% of all vehicle sales. In Europe, full-size SUVs have gained 12% while their mid-size counterparts have enjoyed a 72% jump. The stats are even more spectacular in China, where sales of Ford SUVs have skyrocketed by 485% since 2008. In that country, the Everest and Edge are in high demand. This can be explained by the fact that SUVs are something of a status symbol in China.
In the U.S., Ford is the biggest fish in the pond and the Explorer is the category leader. It holds the title of the most-sold SUV over the past 25 years, and one is sold every two minutes! What is more, it is the only SUV to have been on the country’s bestseller list since 1990. To maintain its spot on the podium, Ford is releasing a brand-new Explorer, which should hit showrooms in June 2015 as a 2016 model.
Evolution, not revolution
The new model is more of an evolution than a full-blown revolution. The esthetic and mechanical changes are actually fairly minor. The vehicle’s planners were primarily focused on making it more consistent and competitive.
That explains why the latest edition includes five innovative solutions. First, there’s the MyKey technology, which allows you to customize the vehicle’s driving parameters. Then there’s the front parking assist system. And the 180-degree front and rear cameras. Oh, and lest we forget the side sensors that warn the driver of any obstacles beside the car. Last but not least, there’s the USB port for charging smart devices.
The modifications to the body are nothing drastic, and yet they effectively manage to refine the vehicle’s silhouette. The most notable changes include new headlamps, updated A pillars, a more sculpted hood and redesigned D pillars. The overall appearance is also enhanced thanks to some subtle tweaks here and there, plus the new grille.
Inside the vehicle, the indicator dials are now all digital, and there is a selection of quality materials to choose from to create a more sophisticated ambiance. Ford also made some changes to the sound system and A/C. Oh, and a luxurious Platinum version has been added to the line. The Platinum rivals the Grand Cherokee Summit and the GMC Acadia Denali.
Tried and true EcoBoost
More than ever before, Ford management is sure of its EcoBoost engines, which use turbochargers to get extra power from their medium-displacement capacity. Two of Ford’s existing three EcoBoost engines will be offered on the 2016 Explorer. The only naturally aspirated mill is a 290-hp 3.5-litre V6. It’s available on the base, XLT and Limited trims only. Another EcoBoost with the same amount of displacement and 365 horsepower is offered on the Sport and Platinum trims. And although last year’s second EcoBoost engine was a 2.0-litre four-cylinder that delivered 240 horsepower and 270 lbs.-ft. of torque, it has been replaced by a 2.3-litre engine that produces 270 horsepower and 300 lbs.-ft. An intelligent all-wheel drive system is now on the menu, which make sense when you consider that 65% of buyers opt for AWD. It will be offered on the Base, XLT and Limited models.
Overall, it’s a smart update to the vehicle that makes it more competitive. Emphasis is on the Platinum trim and the new 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine.