2016 Ford ExplorerThe Globe and Mail
The vehicle
The Ford Explorer, the best-selling SUV in the United States for 25 consecutive years and a top seller in Canada, gets a makeover for 2016. Ford is also introducing a 'Platinum' trim to compete with other SUV makers in the luxury segment.
Signature feature
The re-model is highlighted by an optional 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine that boosts horsepower and torque over the prior four-cylinder.
What else is new
Front and rear wide-angled lens cameras with washers; park assist with a perpendicular, park-out and partly automatic parallel functions (car takes over the steering wheel, driver stays in control of the gas pedal and brake); a liftgate that kicks into gear automatically when the driver kicks below the rear bumper; a 500-watt Sony system that will soon be installed in other Ford models; air curtains over the tires and grille shutters that close at highway speeds to cut drag.
Two smart chargers installed at back of rear console for the kids to charge the tablet ; 180-degree camera in front to provide vision when easing out of parking structures and like blind spots; rear camera; Class 2 towing capability of 3,000 pounds; snow driving mode in the 2.3-litre; improved interior quiet; refined steering and handling; adjusted arm and foot rests.
Under the hood
The standard engine is a 3.5-litre V-6.
On front-wheel drive in the base model, highway fuel efficiency is rated at 8.4 litres/100 km and 12.6 city; on AWD, it's 9.1 and 13.1.
The 2.3-litre EcoBoost produces 280 horsepower at 5,500 rpm - 40 hp or 17 per cent greater than the current engine, and 310 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,000 rpm on premium fuel. The engine is "available" on the base, XLT and Limited series.
The Sport and Platinum editions are equipped with a twin-turbo EcoBoost V-6. Fuel economy decreases.
When can I buy it?
Within the next couple of weeks; the vehicle should be in showrooms by early June.
The base model AWD retails for $35,899 - $3,000 more than front-wheel drive.
The XLT all-wheel drive is $39,899; Limited AWD, $47,799; Sport, $50,399.
The Platinum series being introduced to the line addresses the market's lusty appetite for luxury SUVs. For $58,399 in Canada, this one includes a 3.5-litre EcoBoost V-6 and in the interior, Nirvana leather front seats, brushed aluminum and ash wood on door and instrument panels, and leather-wrapped heated steering.
Cool quotient
3.5 stars (out of 5)
In Ford's old-reliable SUV, it'll be interesting to see if the Platinum series takes off in a competitive segment.
Editor's note: Watch for a road test of the vehicle next week.
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