Ford’s 2016 Explorer gets a macho makeover and more tech

By Stephen Edelstein November 20, 2014

If you’re wondering how the explosion of SUVs and crossovers came to be, much of the thanks (or blame) can be directed at the Ford Explorer. It was one of the first family-friendly utility vehicles and – with over 7 million sold in the U.S. to date – it continues to be one of the most popular.

To keep that popularity streak going, the 2016 Ford Explorer debuted at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show with some noteworthy updates.

This is a refresh, not a full redesign, but the Explorer does get a tougher-looking front end and LED lighting in place of the outgoing models for car-like styling. The LED’s heat sinks are actually visible, giving the lighting units a more technical look.

Underneath the massaged styling is a newly-available 2.3-liter turbocharged EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, the same one used in the 2015 Mustang and Lincoln MKC. it produces “at least” 270 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque, according to Ford.

The four-banger sits between a pair of carryover V6 engines in the Explorer lineup. The standard offering is a naturally-aspirated 3.5-liter mill with 290 hp and 255 lb-ft of torque, while Explorer Sport and Platinum models get a turbocharged EcoBoost 3.5-liter with 365 hp and 350 lb-ft. A six-speed automatic is the only available transmission.

The Platinum model is new for 2016, and sits at the top of the lineup. It;s loaded with features like a dual-pane moonroof and 500-watt Sony audio system, as well as 20-inch wheels and a full suite of electronic driver aids.

Every Explorer gets some additional tech for 2016, though.

New features include front and rear cameras with washers (which Ford says is an industry first), USB charging ports strategically positioned in the cabin, and Ford’s hands-free ljftgate.

The Explorer also gets an enhanced park assist feature that can now help a driver pull out of a parallel parking spots as well as pull into them (along with perpendicular spaces).

The 2016 Ford Explorer goes on sale next summer. Pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Stephen Edelstein

Contributing Editor

Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…

Cars

2021 Toyota Highlander vs. 2020 Ford Explorer

2020 Ford Explorer

Many families need a three-row SUV because it's a packaging solution that provides seating for more than five passengers, loads of cargo space, and strong towing capacity. Many also perform well off the beaten path thanks to the availability of all-wheel drive (AWD) and a raised ride height. The segment is growing and the competition is only getting hotter between these versatile vehicles. The Toyota Highlander and Ford Explorer are household names because of their long-running success in the SUV world. Redesigned for the 2020 model year, both SUVs now offer the latest in tech and safety, and each one has a hybrid variant. Those in the market for a three-row cannot overlook the Highlander and Explorer. But which one is right for you? Keep reading and we’ll help you decide.
Tech features
Toyota Highlander

Regardless of the trim you get, the Highlander and Highlander Hybrid come well equipped with lots of tech and driver-assistance features. The base, fleet-only L and LE trims come with an 8.0-inch touchscreen (the same as the Explorer), Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, SiriusXM satellite radio, and five USB ports. The upgraded infotainment system found in the Limited trim adds a navigation system and an 11-speaker JBL audio system. The top system (optional in the Limited and standard on Platinum) adds a large 12.3-inch touchscreen (larger than the Explorer's). There are two sizes for the digital instrument cluster screen; the two base trims get a 4.2-inch screen, but the others get a larger 7.0-inch display that's smaller than the Explorer's. Some other notable tech features include wireless smartphone charging, a rearview mirror camera, and a 10.0-inch head-up display.
Ford Explorer

Cars

Ford gives Boston Dynamics’ high-tech robot dog Spot a job

ford gives boston dynamics high tech robot dog a job spot

Ford is about to deploy two robot dogs at its Van Dyke Transmission Plant in Dearborn, Michigan.

Technology specialist Boston Dynamics recently started offering its "Spot" robot dog to industry for $75,000 a pop, though Ford is leasing the high-tech quadruped for its pilot program next month.

Cars

After two decades, the Ford Bronco returns with plenty of tech for the trail

2021 Ford Bronco family

The Ford Bronco was one of the original SUVs, but Ford discontinued it in 1996. Since then, SUVs have massively grown in popularity, so it was only a matter of time before Ford brought the Bronco back.

Current SUV popularity also means Ford could have phoned this one in and still sold herds of new Broncos, but that isn’t what the Blue Oval did. The 2021 Ford Bronco has the off-road capability fans expect, but it also boasts tech geared specifically toward outdoor adventure. It’s much more than a big dumb truck with a big screen slapped on.
Design
The new Bronco isn’t one vehicle; it’s three. Like the rival Jeep Wrangler, the 2021 Bronco will be available in two-door and four-door configurations, both with removable doors and roof. In addition, the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport is a smaller vehicle based on a different platform, but sharing exterior styling and some of the off-road tech of the larger Bronco. It’s pitched against the Jeep Compass and Renegade.