2016 Ford Explorer First Drive Review: New Style & Engine, Same Utility

( www.TFLcar.com ) The 2016 Ford Explorer is all new with a more modern shape and a new engine option. In this TFLcar first drive review, we find out how the new 2016 Ford Explorer drives and performs.
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[@dannytorres3215]

Love my ford explorer!!! love the way it drives.. FORD MAN HERE!

[@alvilla701]

Stop complaining about a car that looks like it was copied from another company, with so many car in the market they're going to be some similarities between one brand and another, as long as it looks good who cares

[@kc5077]

Also, Ford owned Aston Martin and Land Rover (and lost lots of money on them) and simply hired the designer, Ian Callum to Ford. If anything he's copying himself.

[@TFLcar]

FYI: Tim Holland was the lead design engineer on both the Range Rover and the Explorer when Ford owned Land Rover. That's in large part why both vehicles look alike we believe.

[@ddyracer7084]

IMO the ford explorer previous gen (pre 2016) came out several years before the rangie. So the range copied the explorer by the same designer. It even looks like it on the inside.

[@ddyracer7084]

Ddyracer D I meant to add that it (old explorer) looked a lot like the new one so yep not a copy

[@bgunzelite87]

You are so right I agree 100%

[@Fuscoooo]

i've rented the previous model several times when traveling for work. The Explorer is very roomy! Hopefully the new engine will give it more power. Other than that...its very comfortable for ling driving. I've taken from NYC to DC and it was a comfy drive.

[@nicologarcia]

I completely agree with you. Last Winter, my family rented a 3.5 V6 Limited 4WD and drove it from LA to Aspen, Colorado. And what a great vehicle it was! Cabin is extremely spacious, engine is powerful, ride is comfortable and the 4WD is very much snow-capable. :-)

[@fordmustang3684]

You can fold the second row seat down without having to move the driver seat by pulling on the tab on the second row headset which will result in it folding flat. Once the headrest is folded flat, you can then fold the second row flat or forward for access to the 3rd row without having to move the driver's seat forward. this worked on at least 2014 and 15 models, should work on this.

[@devincollie5734]

I like your reviews. It's what I look for amongst all other reviews no matter what reviews have more views. Always informative and simple no gimmicks.

[@kc5077]

Imagine it with the 2.7L ecoboost, that would be a real sweet spot.

[@J-W.-]

I think it would be faster than the 3.5 lol.

[@williamguo3010]

***** 2.7 Twinturbo is faster than the 3.5 Twinturbo? man im confused.

[@JesusSerranoFireandIce]

William Guo lighter and has torque at lower rpms, awesome combo!

[@ponygt6629]

***** Nope thats wrong, in the F-150 the 2.7 TT is almost 500 pounds ligter than the 3.5 thats why the 2.7 is faster, also the 3.5 is geared longer for wider torque band Remember the 3.5 TT is the engine thats gonna sport the new Rapor in 450 HP,500ft pounds and in Ford GT which is now rumored to have over 700 HP and over 600 ft pounds torque,so the 3.5 TT engine isa beast much like Nissan's 3.7l TT in GTR

[@ponygt6629]

Jonathan Altieri Ok, Ok man, I got it, See I was just sayn, dont think I was offensive there, I was just telling why the 3.5 TT was slower than the 2.7.

[@Daily98]

My dad's driving home from the dealership with our brand new 2016 Explorer right now...can't wait!

[@makandelrahim]

Andy Daily how is it?

[@Daily98]

Makan Delrahimnia Great vehicle. Have already taken it on many long road trips, towed our camper with it, and it's been handling the snowy winter with ease.

[@makandelrahim]

I heard sometimes it lose power? Is it true? Like on highway

[@Daily98]

Makan Delrahimnia There have been times where it's shutdown while driving. Fortunately the dealer said it was some kind of glitch that happens to other drivers too, and it's been fixed and hasn't happened again. Otherwise, sometimes it feels underpowered when accelerating quickly or shifting gears.

[@makandelrahim]

But it does the job? Do you feel safe?

[@Faisals_Adventures]

Roman is just obsessed with the foot activated lift gate. In every Ford SUV video, he is just amazed and overcome with sheer joy when the hatch "magically" opens.

[@dionamartin6236]

Great SUV! I own a 2016 xlt eco boost fully loaded and it drives great! Ford did good on this trim

[@xxxaznomegaxxx]

Just bought a used one today...can’t wait!

[@joemusic13]

I JUST PURCHASE THIS 2016 TRUCK AND REALLY ENJOY IT --IT HAS GREAT POWER AND MANY GREAT OPTIONS AS WELL

[@niclynch319]

Is there ample leg room in the drivers seat? Recently tested a town and country and leg room seemed cramped and I’m only 6’1”. Keep up the good reviews!

[@LarryC213]

I was surprised at how large and how heavy the Ford Explorer has become.

[@Sigrafix]

$50,000 for a 4 cylinder Explorer... LOL. I'm sure it's good but $50,000? wtf man..

[@J-W.-]

True but that chump change for the people that will be buying these, they're everywhere down here in Florida.

[@MaxXTVBlackBerry]

Sigrafix So, just because it's a 4 cylinder? $50k for a 300hp SUV with gadgets from luxury cars like the S-Class sounds fair to me. And you can still get the $30k base version if you want a new car without new tech.

[@aconfusedazn]

Sigrafix How does an engine's displacement or the number of cylinders have to do with its value? An Audi TT, Lotus Elise, MB CLA45 AMG all use 4 cylinder motors. Our old 93' V6 Explorer made around 160HP, the V8 made 215HP. So what's wrong with a 4 banger 270HP and 300lb/ft?

[@Nat-gh2tt]

Sigrafix The $50,000 Explorer would be the Platinum trim level that has the 3.5L Ecoboost twin turbo engine that has 365HP. When you compare the top of the line Explorer to luxury makes with the same features it actually is a pretty good deal.

[@Sigrafix]

Barbados Joe Eh no.. he said price as tested, $51,000 for this 2.3 Limited.

[@k3v015Mk]

Pretty sharp looking suv from the front. Really like the RR design cues, can't go wrong with that.

[@Centnl287NAve]

Love the backseat button assistance!

[@jrockjones7011]

just picked up one love it so far

[@makandelrahim]

Jrock Jones how is it?

[@faresattal881]

Thanks ,great video.

[@saik0pod]

Question does the explorer come with Hankook tires on all 2016 models , or is that what you added to that vehicle?

[@OneworldOnelove36]

That front camera feature would really help at the local Walmart. There is a huge bush blocking the view from the entrance/exit that comes from the highway and people are unable to see if a car is coming from their left. That feature would be very handy when going out that way.

[@JBB212]

the specs are wrong should be 280hp and 310 lb-ft tq instead

[@HALWG51]

Yes, I have one.

[@angelgjr1999]

Eco boost is slow. Older explorers are better. Does it have a girly CVT too?

[@Capttom555]

@@angelgjr1999 I owned a 1991, 2000, 2006 and now a 2016 2.3L ecoboost. The 2016 is way faster and more responsive than the previous 3.

[@angelgjr1999]

Tom Miller You are lying. There was no ecoboost in 2000 or 91. Base engine was a 4.0 V6. The sohc revved slow but made plenty of torque. I like it.

[@Capttom555]

@@angelgjr1999 Nice Angel!!! Calling me a Liar.... Real Class... I said I owned 3 other Explorers. Not 3 others EcoBoost engines. The 91 and 2006 were V6. The 2000 was a V8 and I can tell you from my experience, there was no appreciable difference in performance between the 3. The little 4 cylinder turbo charged engine however for me is a much pepper, more responsive and more fun to drive engine. I Like It!!! and that's my opinion.... But then "To Each His Own!!!" Certainly No Need for Name Calling....

[@Brownnproud91]

Great review

[@Brownnproud91]

Dam 8 years late came back to my comment

[@Minnvin]

I have a question I just bought this model when it shifts into new gear in normal mode it seems to hang little bit before changing gears is this normal

[@alpherols]

This car in my dreams all the time.

[@TheKillerace900]

is this good suv ? I'm a expedition owner ,going a step lower with the explorer

[@Paulose54]

The Fast Lane Car I know it was a quit drive, what's your impression on the 6 speed tranny? Tha's why i'm still debating betwen this and the grand cherokee V6 8 speed tranny

[@ScottXC91]

WHY does a family SUV have a sport mode? Can we just get over that already? Everyone is so hell bent on 0-60, how fast is it, will it corner fast? It's a damn SUV how about we worry about how spacious and comfortable it is.

[@BorisTerekidi]

+The Rider SUV stands for Sports Utility Vehicle :)

[@larrytooch6595]

an suv is not a fucking minivan. its a fast car dumbass. go back to your sienna

[@gamer6654]

go to minivans if you don't care about that stuff

[@Darion350]

+The Rider People like options in their cars. Some like stiffer suspension, sharper gearshifts, and quicker throttle response while others like a more soft and luxurious feel to their vehicle. Being able to change that on the fly with a touch of a button helps both kinds of people get what they want in the same vehicle. Besides, have you seen the Mercedes GLE 63? Now that's an SUV that likes to go fast. :P

[@bigbossjc4117]

RedShiftRider Sometime you need 0 to 60 in 4 seconds when you late getting your kids to soccer practice.

[@Dcc357]

2:34 Now that's a great place for cup holders. No need to worry about a sticky interior from spilled drinks.

[@EliteGamer_HD]

hahahahahahhahaha

[@goatmonkey2112]

Do all new Explorers come with Hankook tires now? I looked at the Ford website and the photos of the Explorer show some sort of generic tire with no name printed on them. I noticed that in your video and it made me remember the tire issues they had a few years ago.

[@1guyin10]

I like the somewhat more upscale appearance. Ford seems to have done a good job honing this design. That 2.3 EB seems to move it well, but I suspect it will be like the other EB engines - you will have to touch the fun stick gently or it will swill gas like a 73 Buick.

[@jakeaguila4524]

will it be the same variant that will be sold here in UAE? .. just asking...hope somone can help...thanks

[@reinaldorosario1096]

It has a very good look! I think you should focus on 3.5L ecoboost as it probably performs much better.

[@TheRealSmithFamily]

As a family vehicle, you should start showing how a rear facing car seat fits in them. I know on the previous generation, the front passenger seat had to be nearly all the way up to get a rear facing seat in behind it. That's a HUGE deal for this segment IMO! As a 6 foot man, there was NO way I could fit up front. Heck, I don't think a 5ft 8" man or woman could either.

[@9ibbi]

So good!!!

[@LewisMarroquin]

I hope Ford has finally corrected the common issue with the front passenger side window that tends to shutter and thump when lowered which becomes annoying and feels cheap, not refined. Its been an issue I have experienced in a 2013 Ford explorer I owned and my current 2015 Ford Explorer Sport. What I'm enjoying is the new black legacy license plates in California that look really nice on the white sport model and black tactical trim and rims. The new 2016 are nice and do like the new technology added, but find the front end of the 2016 too conservative for my taste, I like the slick styling of the now previous model. I did end up adding HID headlights as the halogen of the previous model seem too weak on the road. One thing I do love is the comfort, 3.5 Ecoboost and all terrain management. We had the opportunity to have my Explorer be featured in MyFord magazine during our Wyoming wilderness trip earlier this year. This is one vehicle I do plan on holding on to for many years.

[@kingneptune1971]

i wish they still made the explorer sports/coupe suvs, i miss those. why they stop making them?

[@goddfrey978]

With Ford Manufacturing coming to an end in Australia in 2016, do you think they will make a right hand drive Explorer and F150 for the Aussie market.

[@vette4life518]

Have you test driven the 2016 Explorer Sport at all?

[@dn157523]

nice ride

[@omarreyes5669]

Can you guys make a vidio the Xplorer Sport Trac

[@ChristopherWalkenPUA]

new pilot vs new explorer mashup !

[@jackfrost9736]

Christopher .WalkenPNW pilots rear end is so ugly

[@juan13gaga]

idk if i should get the Explorer or the Edge both are so nice

[@tdhk5000]

Could of talked about the new sync system. Curious about that.

[@tclsuperstar4298]

Nice review!!! Seems the front seat pad even shorter than the 2015 version?

[@abdulqodoosalsowail4486]

Does the new 2.3 i4 made of the same old 4.6 v8 parts ?

[@DrHogfan]

Just looked at and drove one of these. a little over 40k miles and $23K I thought this is a good deal. Then the Saleslady said "4 cyl". and I wanted to cry. It drove great and was so nice on the inside (and out). I'm still thinking about throwing down on it but am a lil worried about a long roadtrip. Has anyone experienced "limp mode" in overheated 4 bangers?

[@Mr.56Goldtop]

I talked with a guy just yesterday who was in a brand new 2016 and has owend passed models as well. He had a FWD model because in his opinion the FWD has a smoother ride than the AWD version. Any thoughts on this? I have driven a very low miles pre owned 2014 and it certainly felt like a truck. The ride was not very smooth at all, like the Edge.

[@Mr.56Goldtop]

The 2016 Edge has a very nice ride.

[@chikenarch]

Gosh! Cars have gotten so expensive.

[@mattdathew2794]

+Luis X Luis more engineers developing those smart features u crave!

[@SomeoneStoleMyHandle]

+Matt Dathew I don't crave them, last time I bought a new vehicle all the way back in 1994, I ripped 90% of the electronics out and deleted all the error codes. If I bought new now I'd do the exact same thing.

[@mattdathew2794]

Nickolas927 You're in dire need of a new vehicle. Are you telling me that u aren't missing the cushion comfort of new vehicles, more protections, fog lights, message boards, high MPG, longer repair periods, internet, GPS, phone connectivity, blue tooth, prestige. You are missing out...

[@SomeoneStoleMyHandle]

Matt Dathew I have a GPS plus I don't even use it... My seats are better than all the new trucks I've test driven, I get 15 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway, I have fog lights, LED headlights that are better than the ones on new cars, and a 300W light bar. My crumple zone is the vehicle that hits me or whatever I hit. Message boards? I HATE electronics in my engine, they burn out way too often for my tastes; plus I know how to work on my own vehicle. Only maintenance I've ever had to do on my truck in 155,XXX+ miles on my truck is regular oil changes every 4,000 miles, I replaced the seals and hoses at 100,000 and cleaned the excess carbon build-up out even though I didn't need to. Planning on rebuilding it at 180,000 to 200,000 and running it 800,000 more ;) Alsoin regards to Blue-tooth, STAY OFF YOUR DAMN PHONE WHILE DRIVING!

[@HareBrahs]

does this have any connection to the new xc90?

[@TheBasher-_-]

I love the Wraith and the Dawn so much.

[@hintsofblue]

Nice Suv seems like Ford has its act together

[@klocke7896]

I Would appriciate if y'all did'nt cust, other then that love yalls reviews. and the new Explorer is AWSOME

[@rollievaldez1546]

What color is it? Nice one

[@urbandecay4540]

Good looking vehicle!

[@genepatrick4232]

Really great SUV,Limited and Platinum,good job Ford.👌👍👌👍👌👍.

[@waseemalasady8307]

السيارات الامريكية اصبحت منافس جيد للسيارات اليابانية ونحن في العراق نحب امتلاكها خصوصا اليوكن والتاهو والفورد واغلب سيارات الدفع الرباعي وشكرامن العراق وسيم الاسدي

[@shyamaanil3266]

so many features

[@yasminebubteina]

I know this is about the explorer but that Rolls though 😍

[@DieselWeasel]

2:13 - You got the figures backwards. It's 280 horsepower, 310 ft-lbs torque.

[@simonbegue8118]

+RallyWolfie yes you're right

[@delosturner2344]

I know this might slow. Airbags on set-belts holding child sets in how does that work?

[@AmrSaleh90]

I still love my pathfinder 2015

[@GaMeOvErRules]

I feel like this whole entire video was just about the engine and how it looks like a Land Rover

[@marjunmacias3639]

Whats the mpg on the 2.3 L?

[@shane401]

I considered this and went with the Durango the other day. I didnt like the seat it felt narrow and to me the dash was better in the Durango as was the space with 3rd row up

[@btsadventures4310]

Durango dash has zero character compared to the Explorer's. Dodge has the most basic looking interiors on the market.

[@gmdrummerboy]

Most of the folks I know driving Explorers are using them like minivans. They just wanted something better looking without the minivan stigmata. I don't know why they pack these things with all terrain tech. Lol. It'll probably never get used by the Explorer community. They are getting way better looking over the years, though. Inside and out.

[@christianf.2025]

3.5 is the real 2013-2019 Explorer engine. 4cyl T comes from the Focus/ Fusion.

[@Peichen01]

So is it really fast and eco?

[@arongiorgioaurelio1360]

Can you review the ford everest 2016 titanium 4wd?

[@Lucky8s]

+aron aurelio I'm pretty sure they don't get that car in the States.

[@MaxXTVBlackBerry]

The airbag in the belt is not a unique feature by Ford, it was first introduced by Mercedes as 'Beltbag' in the new W222 S-Class

[@jackfrost9736]

Blackjack666 no it wasnt thats fords feature stop hating and making people think ford is stupid

[@GT-gt4bf]

It was first introduced on the Explorer.

[@MaxXTVBlackBerry]

GT7786 I didn't know that, admittedly. Looked it up and indeed, Ford was first to bring it to the market

[@jackfrost9736]

Blackjack666 OK dude just double check before you talk BTW the new sclass is game changing, my neighbor has it and he loves it

[@MaxXTVBlackBerry]

Jack Frost Will do! Yep love it too :) I had an Explorer XLT 4WD as a rental while I was in the US last year and likewise really enjoyed it. Spacious, comfortable, great mileage and bold looks.

[@KhalilKhalil-gg1mm]

Platinum review please! :)

[@mrberry7950]

2:37 went in to talk to my mechanic to schedule an oil change and he was working on a new explorer, he was pissed at how jammed together everything is under the hood. I can see why now.

[@adams1696]

is that the same engine in the ecoboost mustang?

[@hokansaman130]

Best car 💪😎

[@Route5Garage_5.0tbrd88]

I hate to say this but I just can't make myself like these. I remember the Ranger based Explorers that were true, rugged SUV's! These new Explorers are basically a mini van without the sliding doors for $10k more.

[@khalidhawari1306]

Is it facelift or new gen?

[@helenmacon1736]

Can you please do a vid of a town and country

[@srercrcr]

I'm not interested in power or turbos, but rather efficiency. My '14 XLT 3.5 liter has a 24 mpg hwy rating. My best so far.....30 mpg. That's more exciting than turbo lag!

[@epicshade3463]

I like the new Front end style. I thought the last one looked way to plain and like to many other SUVs and not of it own.Where yeah this shares some style from Land Rover but I like the look.This is the first Explorer I have liked sense the uni body change.

[@davva360]

I really like this vehicle but the prices of most vehicles is getting ridiculous. $50k for an Explorer, $60k for an F150! Trucks used to be the cheap option. About the only cars you can get cheap now are cars in the Focus or smaller range.

[@TheMetalmachine467]

I like the 3.5 twin turbo v6 better It runs good up and down mountains I like the passing power

[@frankfinda1754]

Can I know fuel type and fuel economy of this car?

[@notasolution]

Is the 2.3 the same engine from the turbo mustang or nah?

[@whoisit9230]

Yes, same engine.

[@milfordcivic6755]

Ford and all of their turbo engines...how well will those turbos be doing after 80-100K miles is the question I have.

[@maddawg0633]

Same questions

[@Rapido20]

Better than your crappy civic milford, police use ecoboost engined explorers and they hold up just fine

[@contagiouz989]

The sport is a waste of money for 2016. I got the platinum for about the same money and you cant find me a car with the driving assistance tech for anything less that takes regular gas, and costs $50 bucks for an oil change. Granted it costs the same as a discovery sport ($400 for oil change, mostly labor not parts). However the lane keeping aid (not warning but actually steers you) and adaptive cruise control, LED headlights, LED taillights, LED Fog lights, messaging seats, cooled seats, as well as heated rear seats are all features that are in a volvo xc90 (@64K), or Q7, MB GL series, or X5, which are all way more expensive with the same features and have a impracticable storage with 3rd row up. So again tell me why the explorer is a bad choice?

[@daritvix4737]

How much mpg is your car?

[@tireswing]

Disco Sport costs $400 for an oil change? Damn

[@alextran8188]

Yasser Syed the point of the sport, is for the faster engine, with 3.5l TURBO

[@contagiouz989]

Alex that is correct. However the platinum edition shares the same 3.5l twin turbo engine.

[@alextran8188]

Yes. But I'd think it's for those who don't like chrome, and all that stuff

[@thegoldenhorse3409]

well ford used to own range Rover, jaguar and some other brands

[@shyamaanil3266]

I have this car. It is really cool

[@makandelrahim]

SHYAMA ANIL how is it now?

[@wcjeep]

Does it have Sync3? When is Sync3 available?

[@1guyin10]

wcjeep As I understand it, the 2016 models will launch with the current version of MFT and the new system will come as a running change later in the model year.

[@whoisit9230]

Yes, maybe Sync 3 will be available for All 2016 Ford models.

[@brianng9245]

Nice car

[@billwilmington8284]

I know what you're saying to yourself. "50k for a Ford Explorer?" But the again a base Tahoe starts around 45k. Yeah they might not be in the same class, but 45k for a base Tahoe is a lot. But then again 50k for a fully upgraded Explorer is a bit pricey.

[@magnusarrive7289]

Nice car, sad we dont have it in sweden

[@ridarida-nc5jg]

my dad is going to buy one of these

[@captiantim1]

the seat go down so you can put your new transmission in there , my 2005 explore transmission died at 75000 miles.

[@sphelelemvemve890]

Wow nyc car

[@ctuan13]

That grill really makes the car look like it has an older style Cadillac front clip.

[@clearedfortakeoff4205]

I'm feeling blue when I hear this exhaust..... Why they changed the engine? Where is > 3.5 L

[@b.f.378]

I think the 2016 Explorer woulda looked better if it had the same grille that is on the Fusion and on other newer Ford models. The front of this one looks like a Subaru, but other than that, it's a great looking vehicle.

[@joedogg9836]

Ford figured copying Aston Martin's grille worked for their cars, so why not copy the Range Rover for their SUV? Whats next, are they gonna copy Jaguar next?

[@whoisit9230]

Ford can steal the design from those automakers because Ford owns those automakers before. And Ford owns 8% of Aston Martins today.

[@keeganlee98]

joedogg9836 Also, if you look up how they designed the 2013^ Fusion, they had no intention to make it look like a Jag or Aston.. That is just how it came out. There is a full video of it..

[@wasup9439]

company's that they have all owned

[@wasup9439]

+wasup lol

[@tigereese1975]

well when they have their team on payroll for years , I wouldn't really call it copying

[@Y10Q]

I am surprised they didn't put a 2 cylinder turbo. They know the world as we know it is ending in a couple of years, so they don't care that the 4 cyl 310hp engine won't last 4 years in that car.

[@UnderUrs69]

front end is almost identical to the last year of the freelander, but slightly wider.

[@danielschone9189]

If it feels like your in a commercial, then you know they dont lie.