2016 Ford Explorer Limited: Efficient Family Hauler

The Ford Explorer is often referred to as the original sport utility vehicle that created the segment when it was introduced back in 1991. For those who don’t know, an SUV is generally defined as a utility vehicle or truck having a body-on-frame construction. This differs from a crossover vehicle which has a unibody construction similar to a car albeit with SUV features. In 2011 Ford changed the explorer to the latter, technically moving the vehicle into the crossover realm where is remains today. I was given the opportunity to test the Explorer Limited for a week and I couldn’t wait to see how it handled the rigors of family testing.

For 2016 the Ford Explorer receives a variety of upgrades but most importantly a new 2.3-litre Ecoboost four-cylinder motor making 280 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This is significant because the outgoing Ecoboost option was a paltry 2.0-litre making about 40 less horsepower that was not even recommended for towing. This new motor is rated to tow 3000 pounds and is available in conjunction with all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. I found it to be more than capable and moving the truck at all speeds and fairly decent on fuel consumption with a 13.9 L/100km observed rating. The Ecoboost motor comes as a $1000 option over the standard 3.5L ti-VCT V6 motor.

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Driving the Explorer is fun, easy and relaxing. I have to say Ford has made leaps of progress in the drivability department on almost all of their products compared to ten for fifteen years ago. Ask any modern Ford owner why they chose the brand and most will testify that the vehicle just drove so well. It’s one of those hard-to-quantify aspects that needs to be experienced in order to be described. I suppose it boils down to the perfect mix of steering response, throttle sensitivity, suspension damping braking performance and seat comfort.

SYNC with MyFord Touch remains one my favorite infotainment systems among all the brands. The screens are very intuitive and easy to navigate and well-placed steering-wheel mounted audio controls make the system all the more easy to use. Vehicle & trip date is controlled by way of separate steering wheel-mounted buttons and displayed on a screen next to the speedometer.

Ford had configured the Explorer to be able to hold seven although as we all know by now, the third row bench will be a struggle for adults. It sure was handy for my army of toddlers because three booster seats don’t usually work side-by-side. Being able to seat seven means carpooling with another family is possible. The extra row is easily accessible even with baby seats installed in the back seat and can be folded with the touch of a button on the Limited trim level. Also to note that cargo space with the third row in use was quite good thanks to a deep trunk.

Even you don’t opt for one of the higher trim, Ford has good standard equipment across the board including all-wheel drive at all levels. The $35,289 base model also gets paddle shifters, roll stability control, a backup camera, LED headlights & taillights, third row seating, the really cool capless fuel filler and steering-wheel mounted audio controls.

Adding $4000 brings you to the XLT which includes dual-zone climate control, the MyFord Touch infotainment system, premium audio with nine speakers, chrome moldings, automatic headlights, fog lights, front-rear parking sensors, an anti-theft system, electronic tire pressure monitoring, and an auto dimming rearview mirror.

The $50,189 Limited brings you into luxury territory with perforated, climate controlled front bucket seats, 20-inch wheels, push-button start heated steering wheel, leather sifter, power tailgate and beautiful LED daytime running lights.

The $53,289 Sport version receives all the Limited features plus intelligent four-wheel drive, unique hood badging, blacked-out taillights and sport wheels.

Finally the top-of-the-line Platinum will run you $60,889 and gives a dual-panel moonroof, machined-face wheels, rain-sensing wipers, wood trim on the interior and other luxury amenities.

The Explorer continues to sell well and remains a staple in the Ford lineup & the noticeable improvements made in 2016 should keep things fresh for several more years to come.