Review: 2016 Ford Explorer Limited
15 December 2017, Neil Parkhi
Introduction
The Ford Explorer is Ford's Mid-Size SUV. The version here was introduced at the 2014 Los Angeles International Auto Show and had a lot of design changes, one of Land Rover’s former designers is who designed this vehicle, so it may look similar to a Land Rover. There were a lot of exterior changes for the 2016 Explorer. The top of the line Platinum version was added as well.
Heritage
The first generation Ford Explorer was introduced in March in 1990 for the 1991 Model year. It was available in a 2 or 4 door version the time. There was XL, which was replaced with XLS, XLT, the Sport model available only on the 2 door, and the Eddie Bauer Edition. The second generation and third generations had the same trim levels, however the two door model was discontinued. The fourth generation added some new safety features, including an auxiliary port. There also was a Sport Trac version for 2007 which had a V8 option. There also was the Sport Trac Adrenalin concept vehicle which had a Supercharged Modular V8 engine. At the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Ford introduced the Ford Explorer America Concept. This concept was meant to reduce some weight and increase driveability, and even be more fuel efficient. It was designed to fit up to 6 passengers and had either an EcoBoost inline 4 cylinder or V6. The fifth generation Explorer came out in 2011, and starting with that vehicle, manufacturing for the United States moved to Chicago. The Louisville plant in Kentucky converted to be manufacturing cars based on Ford’s global C platform, which included the Ford Focus, C-Max, or Ford Escape, which known as the Ford Kuga in Europe.
Review
In terms of capabilities, the Explorer is indeed a great SUV. It has tons of capabilities and is reasonably priced. It is an SUV a lot of people have and love to buy. Most definitely an SUV that is worth the money.
Specifications
| Steering and Transmission | |
|---|---|
| Steering Type | Speed Proportional, Electric Assist, Rack and Pinion Power Steering |
| Transmission Type | 6-Speed Automatic |
| Gear 1 Ratio | 4.48 |
| Gear 2 Ratio | 2.87 |
| Gear 3 Ratio | 1.84 |
| Gear 4 Ratio | 1.41 |
| Gear 5 Ratio | 1.00 |
| Gear 6 Ratio | 0.74 |
| Reverse Gear Ratio | 2.88 |
| Wheels and Tires | |
| Front Wheel Type | 20 inch 5 twin spoke alloys |
| Rear Wheel Type | 20 inch 5 twin spoke alloys |
| Front Tire Type | 255/50R20 |
| Rear Tire Type | 255/50R20 |
| Front Brake Type | Disc |
| Rear Brake Type | Disc |
| Suspension | |
| Front Suspension Type | Independent MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension Type | Independent-Multi Link |
| Suspension Features | Stabilizer Bars, Coil Springs, Gas Pressurised Shock Absorbers |
| Dimensions | |
| Length (in, mm) | 198.3in, 5037mm |
| Width (in, mm) | 78.9in, 2004mm |
| Height (in, mm) | 70in, 1778mm |
| Wheelbase (in, mm) | 112.8in, 2865mm |
| Weight (lb, kg) | 4629lb, 2100kg |
| Engine Specifications | |
| Engine Type | 3.5 litre Double Overhead Cam 24 valve V6 |
| Power (bhp, PS, kW) | 290bhp, 294PS, 216kW @ 6400RPM |
| Torque (lb-ft, Nm) | 255lb-ft, 346Nm @ 4000RPM |
| 0-60 mph (0-97 kmph) | 6.3 seconds |
| Drivetrain | All Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Tank Size (gal, L) | 18.6 gallons, 70L |
| Fuel Type (AKI, RON) | 87 Octane/AKI Petrol (92 RON) |
| City Fuel Economy (mpg, kmpL) | 16mpg, 7kmpL |
| Highway Fuel Economy (mpg, kmpL) | 23mpg, 10kmpL |
| Cargo Specifications | |
| Cargo Space (ft3, L) | 21ft3, 595L |
| Cargo Space with 3rd Row Seats Folded (ft3, L) | 43.9ft3, 1243L |
| Max. Cargo Space (ft3, L) | 81.7ft3, 2313L |
| Price Range | |
| U.S. Dollars | $43,300 |
| Canadian Dollars | $55,643 |