Originally introduced for the 1991 model year as a midsize SUV->ke145 to replace the Bronco II,->ke4039 the Ford Explorer->ke342 quickly became one of the most popular utility vehicles in America. Sporting a traditional body-on-frame design and powered by a 4.0-liter V-6, the first-gen Explorer was replaced in 1994. New redesigns followed in 2000, 2005 and 2010, when the fifth-generation model was launched with a modern unibody platform. Designed by former Land Rover->ke46 designer Jim Holland, the fifth-gen Explorer was also the first iteration to ditch the boxy styling of its predecessor and received a host of new convenience features. The Sport trim level joined the lineup for 2013, but other than that the Explorer remained relatively unchanged in its first five years on the market. As we move onto a new model year, the current fifth-gen Explorer is getting ready to retire and make way for a facelifted version.

Launched at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show->ke211 and scheduled to go on sale in mid-2015, the revised Explorer boasts revised front and rear fascias and a somewhat new design language that adds more ruggedness to its sporty appearance. The new Explorer also received an updated interior, and, more importantly, a brand-new trim level with added luxury->ke505 and premium features. A brand-new engine is also on the table, as Ford decided to offer the 2.3-liter EcoBoost that debuted on the Lincoln MKC for the Explorer hoping to attract more fuel conscious buyers. Read all about it after the jump.

Updated 11/26/2014: Ford revealed prices for the new Explorer which was unveiled the other days at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show. Prices will range from $30,700 for the base version and up to $52,600 for the Platinum version.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2016 Ford Explorer.

2016 Ford Explorer

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2016 Ford Explorer
  • Engine/Motor: V6
  • Horsepower: 290
  • Torque: 255
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The Explorer was comprehensively revised for the 2016 model year, boasting brand-new front and rear fascias. Gone is the three-bar front grille seen on its predecessor, replaced by a more conventional piece with a honeycomb-like layout. The redesigned, rectangular headlamps are larger and positioned higher, with the turn signals moved to the outer side of the cluster. The fog lamps are also brand-new, with Ford ditching the small round units for massive, C-shaped lamps. They're also positioned higher, no longer sitting in the lower apron. All told, the Explorer is bolder and looks more rugged up front.

Changes are more subtle around back, where the Explorer retains its familiar taillights, bumper shape and rear glass. While similar in shape, the taillights are a tad smaller and carve into the tailgate. The latter has also been redesigned, carrying a more stylish appearance. When viewed from the side, the SUV showcases only a few nips and tucks, with most of the changes visible above the waistline. The new Explorer rides on standard 18-inch or available 20-inch rollers.

The brand-new Platinum trim, on the other hand, comes with a few exclusive features of its own, including unique lighting surrounds for the headlamps, a dual-panel moonroof, silver-painted front and rear skid plates and bespoke, machined 20-inch wheels with dark pockets. Around back, the integrated exhaust system includes a special shield that catches the soot so it doesn't collect around the tips. Talk about keeping things clean.

Side-by-side comparison

Interior

Inside, Ford focused on making the cabin more driver-oriented, but without changing its basic layout. Changes include a revised infotainment system with buttons in place of the touch-sensitive buttons from last year. A refined instrument cluster replaces the previous unit. The door armrests sit higher for improved comfort. Speaking of which, the new interior also benefits from enhanced quietness due to new door seals, engine subframe mounts designed to reduce vibration and acoustic glass on XLT and higher trim models.

Upgrades are more noticeable on the luxurious Platinum trim. The front seats are wrapped in Nirvana leather with special quilted stitching and micro-perforation. The same hide is used for the instrument panel, console armrests, door bolsters and upper door trim. Brushed aluminum and satin-finished Ash Wood inserts are spread throughout the cabin, while the leather-wrapped and heated steering wheel features a brushed-aluminum Ford oval badge, a first for production Ford vehicle. The 10-inch digital instrument cluster display marks yet another benchmark for a Ford automobile.

Also, the Explorer Platinum is the first Ford to receive a 500-watt Sony Audio System with Live Acoustics and Clear Phase, the latter a technology that eliminates sound dispersion throughout the cabin. Other standard features include enhanced active park assist, lane-keeping system, and rain-sensing wipers.

Drivetrain

The 2016 Explorer gets a brand-new engine in the form of a 2.3-liter, EcoBoost, inline-four. Shared with the Ford Mustang and the Lincoln MKC, the turbocharged four-banger replaces the 2.0-liter EcoBoost as the available engine for the base, XLT and Limited trims. Ford has yet to reveal output figures, but says the new powerplant will generate 12.5 percent more horsepower and 11 percent more torque over the previous EcoBoost four-pot. With the 2.0-liter rated at 240 ponies and 270 pound-feet, the 2.3-liter unit should crank out around 270 horses and 300 pound-feet of twist. According to Ford, "no sacrifice in overall fuel efficiency is anticipated" with the extra oomph.

The other mills are carried over from the current Explorer, meaning customers will get the same 3.5-liter V-6 as standard for the base, XLT and Limited models, and the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 for the Explorer Sport and the new Platinum series. Both the naturally aspirated and the EcoBoost six-bangers carry over unchanged, churning 290 horsepower and 255 pound-feet and 365 ponies and 350 pound-feet, respectively. Likewise, both mate to Ford's already familiar six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission.

Ford also offers a revised four-wheel-drive gauge display that shows power being distributed to front and rear wheels. The Terrain Management system offers four terrain modes, including normal, snow, sand or mud. The system automatically defaults to normal mode when the vehicle is started.

Drivetrain Specifications

Type

2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder

3.5-liter V-6 engine

3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6

Output

>270 HP

290 HP

365 HP

Torque

>300 LB-FT

255 LB-FT

350 LB-FT

Transmission

six-speed SelectShift Automatic transmission

six-speed SelectShift Automatic


Prices

Model

Price

Ford Explorer

$30,700

Ford Explorer XLT

$33,400

Ford Explorer Limited

$41,300

Ford Explorer Sport

$44,300

Ford Explorer Platinum

$52,600


Competition

Jeep Grand Cherokee

The current-generation Grand Cherokee goes all the way back to 2010, but Chrysler's best-selling SUV received a facelift for the 2014 model year, gaining revised fascias front and rear, updated technology and finer materials for the cabin, especially on the Overland and Summit trim levels.

Under the hood, the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine continued unchanged at 290 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, while a slight update increased the 5.7-liter V-8's output to 360 ponies and 390 pound-feet. A 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 joined the lineup with 240 horses and 420 pound-feet of twist, returning 22 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.

Lastly, a brand-new eight-speed automatic transmission was introduced as an option to each powertrain. The Grand Cherokee retails from $28,795 and goes all the way up to at least $50,995 for the Summit 4x4.

Dodge Durango

The Dodge Durango was also refreshed for the 2014 model, when it received a sportier stance, a new design trim, and "Racetrack" LED taillights, as well as a successful commercial campaign featuring Will Ferrel. Interior changes included a new steering wheel and a seven-inch TFT display borrowed from the Dart. The current Durango is motivated by the same engines found in the Grand Cherokee, except for the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6.

The 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 generates the same 290 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque in the base models, while the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 churns 360 ponies and 390 pound-feet. The latter features Dodge's Fuel Saver Technology with cylinder deactivation. Both mills are paired to a new eight-speed automatic transmission that improved fuel economy by up to nine percent.

The Dodge Durango retails from $29,795 before options. The range-topping Citadel model is priced from $40,995. Unfortunately, the Durango will not live to see the 2016 model year.

Conclusion

24 years since its introduction, the Ford Explorer remains America's best-selling SUVs and the company's second best-selling crossover after the Escape. Explorer sales have increased by nearly 10 percent in 2014 and it seems the revised version comes right on time to help Ford build on the momentum. Although it has lost some of its sporty appeal with the redesigned front fascia, the new Explorer is likely to attract new customers looking for a more rugged design, reminiscent of the previous-generation SUV. The new Platinum trim is a welcomed addition that bridges the gap between the Explorer and the more luxurious Lincoln MKT.