2016 Ford Explorer Platinum Review

What better way to test the new Explorer Platinum than by taking it on a road trip?
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AutoGuide reviews the latest new cars with test drives, car comparisons and shootouts plus coverage of breaking auto industry news, auto shows, rumors and spy photos. Help shop for your new car with informative car buying tips and car recall news, and be entertained with feature stories, Top 10s and car review videos.

[@noriegajon]

I just bought one. Traded in my 2012 Tahoe LT and test drove a Yukon Denali, Tahoe LTZ, Range Rover Sport, Toyota Highlander and Nissan Pathfiender. With all the bells and whistles, the new Ford Explorer Platinum was an excellent ride for the money spent.

[@seth4321]

Brilliant review. Great to see the Explorer in its zone: out in the back country. Great camera work by the team too.

[@MiguelPerez-nk2wu]

Are you guys gonna be at the Texas Fair for the new f250 or not? I would really like info on it

[@DevPack]

Did he just do s family vacation by himself?

[@misosoup1336]

DevPack lol

[@farism5313]

Amazing review plus u showed us another beautiful side of the country

[@epicnessx3291]

this was greate review loved the quick little cut scenes lol

[@seinsmeld13]

Good review Hoser.

[@dustinhart0915]

Very nice vehicle. Wishing had $50,000 on it but I think I would go for the sport. How off road worthy is it now that it's not body on frame?

[@BellaB2B]

I got ford explorer but dunno while climbing the hill engine getting heat something like overheating mine 2.3ecoboost

[@cchast3]

Great review!

[@castnight6980]

wow increible video, keep like this! well done!

[@stevejoel100]

does this car compete with the Infiniti QX60?

[@brucec43]

Sometimes people just want a nice luxurious ride from a mainstream brand so they don't stand out and get the wrong kind of attention in some areas. People with money will often drive "down market" for this reason.

[@Tully3674]

Good review BUT with all the traveling the reviewer did with the Explorer, would have liked to hear what mpg _HE_ got during his drive. EPA estimates (of 16/22) often doesn't equate to "real world" driving.

[@AutoGuide]

+Tully3674 We wanted to, but during filming there is too much starting, stopping and idling to get an accurate number. We have the Explorer again in two weeks for a comparison test and will have real world numbers for you then.

[@Tully3674]

+AutoGuide.com Those are the numbers that would interest many - especially those living in NY, LA, Chicago, Philly; wherever traffic exists.

[@leafowner]

+AutoGuide.com Honestly this car has really impressed me, and with the amount of money you will be saving over a Range Rover, or A BMW 5 series with all the Extra options, that even if it does say 12-14 MPG city and 16-18 Highway I would still happily Lease it for 36 months :D What I am really interested in is How does it drive in Traffic on the highway with the Adaptive cruise control in Auto mode ???? does it shut down under 20MPH like the 2014 Ford Fusion ???

[@philtripe]

+Tully3674 i got 18.7(same as the 2014 5.0 f150) in the standard v6 2014 explorer with the normally aspirated v6 (direct injection is still on my "do not buy" list) and if you ask me it s looks are typically ford bad! but the driving experience more than makes up for the awkward looks( i hate the rear ends visor despite the fact it came in handy here in the sw and cali area) and those 255, 20's (hankooks) handle as well as you would ever need

[@trailgnomeadventures5691]

It name of that town is just Jackson Wy. the "hole" is the name of the ski resort several miles down the road. He had a map...did he not look at it?

[@Tigger0067]

I really like the way you guys review cars. I'm middle class but can afford a new car probably ever 4-5 years and I don't like to buy crap...so thanks for reviewing vehicles that a normal family can afford...we are talking family vehicles..I have an old boxter im turning into an scca car...

[@TekNeez]

Good review. Still not as sweet work like Dinali. Btw the music there at the end is mad dope. Who did it? Should have a CD. At least be on soundcloud.com

[@brucec43]

Skidpad .83g on cheap all season tires. Slap on some summer rubber and it's in the range of some sport sedans. Not that it handles like them, but it won't slide off the road or understeer like crazy on the first turn.

[@wonderwall135]

want to compare to the mazda cx-9 when it comes out

[@SupremeDon]

why you guys don't do 2015 Volkswagen Touareg?

[@LewisMarroquin]

We had the opportunity to have an article published by MyFord online Magazine about our 2015 Ford Explorer Sport trip to Grand Teton and Yellowstone a few months ago. The Ford Explorer coupled with the 3.5 Ecoboost is an excellent choice. My family enjoyed our Wyoming adventure taking our Explorer Sport off roading in the Teton National Forest without a problem. The all wheel drive worked great. Personally I like the exterior of the 2015 versus the 2016 as the new body now looks a bit conservative, however if I could, I would go for the platinum for the cool tech. I am a nature photographer and when I travel domestically, I rely on the Ford Explorer and do recommend it, just check out our published article titled National Park Explorer on myford magazine and Ford tweet titled this is what happens when @lewismarroquin takes a Ford Explorer into the Wyoming Wilderness.

[@brucec43]

I agree the initial design looked better in sport trim. The front and wheels were better.

[@lizandrolopez2739]

Does the Ford Explorer Platinum only come in the white leather interior?

[@Lucky8s]

+lizandro lopez I believe there's ebony coloured leather as well. Don't quote me on that though.

[@TheNajSD]

+lizandro lopez Yes, the cloth interior is left for the lesser models. I love cloth. Their loss.

[@kaisiaki8401]

yes there is an ebony option

[@ekazeg24]

For some reason I really like this Crossover. I'm more of a body on frame type of guy... my favorite vehicle is the 2015 GMC Yukon Denali but I still like this Explorer

[@misosoup1336]

Gordon its an SUV not a crossover

[@brucec43]

If I didn't have to make high speed 9 hour trips frequently a Denali would be my choice, but they aren't dynamically as grippy and stable at speed. Taller due to the frame, and even heavier.

[@GRUPOKHORFAN]

i bought the new platinum.. excellent car... lot of tech.. so calm and fast for a heavy one.... but the mpg is bad so bad i drive it for long distance trips and i need to fill it up twice and usually a normal suv stays for 1 full tank... but still its a gd car

[@kaisiaki8401]

yeah it is bad but it actually is the same as the chevy traverse dodge durango gmc terrain and acadia it is bad but actually that is a avrage for american vehicle makers

[@mercedescl]

I don't really get Platinum trim. There are not that many features to justify the addtional cost from lower trims.

[@singellamamama1368]

my dream car

[@LOLBTLOLBT]

This car will depreciate so fast

[@mrburgermaster]

I'm tempted to buy a lightly used one in the future from a snobby soccer mom.

[@LJV3NOM]

buy it next year and it'll go for 35'000

[@brucec43]

Actually not really. Resale values are strong vs ACTUAL selling prices. MSRP is for suckers on American brands. They will swear for days they can't sell it to you cheap, then you find out some guy got $12,000 off.

[@troybballin14]

it needs to assist drivers into the right lane when doin 70 on the highway

[@KB-bh9hp]

Fords are great,most reliable cars my family has owned,more reliable than new hondas/nissans/subaru's by far

[@MeetTheGays]

Puff the Magic Dragon doubtful

[@JohnConnor636]

My dad always seemed to have a Ford, never heard of him talking about any problems.

[@surajbokal798]

I like this explorer

[@TheSuperMotoHooligan]

You go on holidays with your autoguide shirt?

[@AutoGuide]

+TheSuperMotoHooligan Mike has a limited wardrobe

[@TheNajSD]

+TheSuperMotoHooligan It's not a shirt. It's a body tat.

[@brucec43]

He does if he wants them to pick up the tab.

[@VivekVaidya]

This is nice!

[@foadrightnow5725]

Looks awfully similar to a Range Rover Evoque. I like it!

[@bengan1061]

I tip my hat to Ford. well done

[@yashthenginkai3701]

who was driving the car on 5:41. does it have autodrive or something like that

[@AutoGuide]

+YaSh TeN All camera tricks

[@brask310]

+YaSh TeN as mentioned before, camera trick. Look closely at the head rest on the drivers side. There is some blurring, which leads me to believe there is definitely some editing done there :)

[@soaprice2]

+YaSh TeN I'm guessing a guy in a tight green suit. lol.

[@sadeyes9407]

an Alien drivinv it

[@TheNajSD]

+YaSh TeN Look at the reflection in the window. :)

[@heyitsterrezach5277]

That car is so nice I would buy when it is expensive I subscribe you

[@ambushnfsmostwanted2881]

Wow, Nice car: Ford Explore. I like Ford Explore. Because the car is strong and heavy.

[@skirmich]

Ford Explorer? More like "We used to own Land Rover BITCH"

[@philtripe]

so you can set the cruise control and lane assist and go into the back and take a nap!

[@Toyota4Life]

massaging seats in a ford explorer..... let that sink in for a minute

[@CKDC8]

+Toyota4Life Im sure those arent going to break after warranty and be $4000 to replace!

[@TheNajSD]

+cjc90 If it's a front-body "massaging" seat, I'd pay double. Such luxuries die once you get married.

[@brucec43]

Then you'll have what the vast majority of competitors have, non-massaging seats. And it's a weak compressor, some tubing, and bladders. It won't be four grand.

[@CrysisDa]

I want this car!! But i live in Germany :/

[@tuolumne9]

That is not a luxury car interior. The fact that Ford is selling the "brushed aluminum logo" tells you everything. They put some quality materials on an otherwise middle of the road plebeian interior.

[@brucec43]

It's pretty feminine to get hung up on interior materials quality beyond the point where they're decent. I drive an X5 and the Explorer Platinum interior looks fine to me.

[@Xingularity]

I currently drive a 2012 Explorer XLT. I love the car but still have a bad taste in my mouth over My Ford Tough and SYNC 2. The fact that it will abandoned with no chance of upgrading when SYNC 3 comes out is really making me think of looking elsewhere when the time comes to buy a new car...

[@Xingularity]

***** I have no complaints. The car is big but doesn't feel big, it is sturdy and nimble. I just got back from a family trip to Niagara Falls from Miami and I enjoyed the drive. I have had cars that you feel like you were beaten up after a few hours of driving. Not so with the Explorer.

[@Lucky8s]

+J. José Rivera Torres I don't understand. Why are you going to look elsewhere just because you can't upgrade your current MFT to Sync 3?

[@Xingularity]

WuWei Xu I am contemplating looking elsewhere not because I can't upgrade, but because I don't feel like waiting a few more years for functionality that may never be delivered. Because they promised so much functionality with SYNC2 that they never delivered. Things like calendar synchronization, over the air updates are just a few. So here I am 3 years later and instead they had to cut back features just to get SYNC2 to run stable. Think of those that bought their explorers first year back in 2010. 5 years of waiting with nothing but broken promises. Many of them will not by another Explorer. I have been one of the lucky few but others have had to replace their APMs multiple times to fix lock ups, restarts, freezes. and many other problems.

[@TheNajSD]

+WuWei Xu Not everyone is loyal to a brand. Competition is important. Always look at other options!

[@staticshock1646]

5:43 if that car was driving itself for real, mind blown. Because Ford doesnt do that kind of stuff

[@CMD1132]

Nice looking however I would put my money towards a 4Runner or aTahoe

[@whitewaterkayaker]

For 55k you can get a fully loaded Acura MDX w/ SH-AWD. I'd take that over a Ford any day.

[@bluecement]

+Matt Lady this has more features than the mdx. panoramic roof, much more powerful engine. more tech features like park assist. only thing mdx has is full speed cruise control.

[@whitewaterkayaker]

I'd also say the MDX has reliability and a more prestigious badge. I like the Explorer, but Ford has to work on their reliability.

[@fread51]

+Matt Lady LMAO you picking that Acura MDX for the name plate not for what it can do i sucker is born everyday

[@fread51]

Matt Lady LMAO but your not buying a better vehicle you fucking moron if you heard how car salesmen talked about people like you it would make you sick

[@Lucky8s]

+Matt Lady Unfortunately, an Acura badge these days is hardly something to brag about. I'd take this Explorer.

[@mickblock]

6:10 this vehicle can almost drive itself and we're talking about how the sunvisor can swing out to the side? 0_o

[@arnab1978]

Okay , one thing , its a 4wd and not an AWD , and there is a big difference between the two. If you are doing a car review it is very important to get these things right. 4wd involves a locking differential and AWD provides power to all wheels at ALL times . There are different versions of the AWD system but you get the gist

[@arnab1978]

+Robert James Thats exactly what I said , you have to lock the rear differential in a 4wd system. AWD does provide power to all wheels all the time , that's why its called an ALL WHEEL DRIVE system. There are different versions of AWD , intelligent AWD transfers power when slippage is detected. Symmetrical AWD on subarus supply power to all four wheels at all times. There are plenty of good information available on the two systems you may want to refer to them

[@jericho8417]

My dad is gonna buy Mitsubishi Monterro Sports or Ford Exlorer 2016 he said just for us

[@anthonymennella9219]

0 to 60 in 6 seconds not fast ?

[@aayonce4]

So these cars don't make any better mpgs than their V8 counterparts

[@lancebenedictcabrera6118]

how deep is the water wading??????????????

[@shark2232]

I like the S3, but if you are willing to spend this kind of $ an M235i is the better choice. I've driven both.

[@RavMan26]

haah loved the whos driving part

[@JGriff-pp3ym]

Jeep Grand Cherokee has had most of those features in a lower trim package and at a cheaper price. I would love to see a head to head.

[@XxMetalGorxX]

well done ford

[@Sportprodigy]

I see like 7 explorers every time I make a trip

[@TheNajSD]

+I.IV.III B That's a pretty specific number.

[@Sportprodigy]

+TheNajSD its an estimate 😹

[@TheNajSD]

Maybe they're Government vehicles keeping tabs on you. You're not on a watch list or something, right? I only mention this because I am on a few. :)

[@sharkeisha2225]

Lexus LX 2016 is the best... I hate when every car try's to copy the Range Rover

[@arnab1978]

If you remember Ford used to own the Range Rover before they sold it to Tata Motors

[@jvlixn]

why don't reviewers ever show the lights... that's a big deal for me. This one has some weird shaped fog/accent lights. i would like to see how they look on. Also, the fact that cops drive these cars is a turn off...

[@SophisticatedAss]

if you can afford a 50,000+ suv, why not go with the luxury brand.

[@SophisticatedAss]

The price for an Acura MDX is around 55,000. An Infiniti QX60 is around 56,000, etc. The list goes on and on, and oh yeah the 2016 new Audi Q7 is about to have the same price tag. So why would someone spent over 50,000 for an American junk.

[@SophisticatedAss]

+DontUSASme well don't get me wrong explorer is a great car but with a price tag over 50,000 is just unreasonable. It's not like the AMG version of a Benz.

[@SophisticatedAss]

Well you can certainly get a well equipped MDX with similar price with much higher value. As for the german side, the GLK will no longer be available in the future. They will replace it by the GLC line.

[@SophisticatedAss]

Thank you for agree me on that, I am sure the majority of the consumers will look at the MDX side instead of the Platinum Explorer.

[@MrFlyboygully]

+SophisticatedAss because of cost to fix a car of a luxury rand in america in cali alone it can run you up wards of 1000 for a headlamp or tail lamp to replace it . i had a range they are expensive to care after ford and american cars are more easily to maintain cost wise

[@sadeyes9407]

i need to start saving money..50,000 dollars is a long way to go...

[@audiwankenobi361]

well it's definitely relegated to the realm of a crossover but it's still really cool and I'd buy my wife one if she wanted it.

[@Lucky8s]

+Audiwan Kenobi Will you marry me? I want a Ford Explorer as a gift.

[@audiwankenobi361]

HAHAHA!....you made me blush!

[@TheNajSD]

+Audiwan Kenobi I'm all in for polygamy. Count me in too!

[@audiwankenobi361]

No dudes are invited!

[@willysanchez5642]

wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@herczeus9341]

I hate family road trips and tourist traps.

[@ianblanco9918]

How do you do? You're A Good Friend. bite-sized control What's happening, guys. !!

[@dssanthony]

who was driving? you didn't really leave the driver's seat while moving did you?

[@AutoGuide]

+Walter White No, it's some camera trickery

[@dssanthony]

just out of curiosity, is that literally possible? Cruise control on, lane assist on and crawl to the back seat? I wonder if like on a riding mower, if the seat senses no weight, the motor stops. You know someone is going to do this if its actually possible right?

[@BTC909]

+Walter White It's a video overlay. Watch the center console.

[@dssanthony]

Ivan Vojt i see it!

[@iansoderlund3539]

Bruh.

[@DocWolph]

The CUV that should have been a Lincoln.

[@DustinB855]

love the explorer but it's not an explorer anymore. Once they went unibody it should of been called something different

[@MrLathor]

That is definitely too much money for what it is. A fine 40-45 grand car. Many are premium SUV's that are both more capable and are more efficient, and cost similar money.

[@JaiCush]

Who's driving?

[@Lucky8s]

+Andre Alvarez Camera tricks.

[@aayonce4]

The car is mundane if not in top trim sad. Honda always has better value you get a more pleasing car in base trim

[@aric0913]

Platinum trim and Ford skimped on the headlights, can't give customers projectors AT LEAST?

[@dmo4205]

+ARIC TING They look like regular halogens, but they are LED's.

[@Joselson14]

+Dwight Mouzon Still... HID's would look better.

[@MrNicholg]

For that price, it better come extra pickles.

[@sage11x]

How? How did you let this happen? How did you not let the skinny guy review this thing?? It's the PLATINUM!! I fired up the video just to see all the inventive and ridiculous ways the skinny man was going to reference PLATINUM! You really dropped the ball here auto guide.

[@dkpirie]

The front is such a copy of Range Rover they should sue Ford. What is it with Ford, they also are copying Aston Martin grill on some models..

[@Lucky8s]

+Derek Pirie Ford owned Aston Martin and Range Rover, therefore many design cues came from them. Remember, Ford sold their stake in those companies, but not the designers.

[@dkpirie]

WuWei Xu Remember Ford sold Aston Martin in 2007 and Land Rover (not Range Rover as you state) in 2008 - some 7 and 8 years ago, so they are well past the time they could copy/steal the designs from brands they used to own. Also please realise that these cars were designed and still are designed by British designers based in each respective company in Britain, they were never designed by Ford. Therefor it is a disgrace that Ford should be mimicking these Brands designs. Hope this helps you understand NO design clues came from Ford - I can't understand why you made that up.

[@Lucky8s]

Derek Pirie I can't understand why you're in denial. You're literally saying that Ford, the parent company, had no influence in Land Rover at all. Are you seriously assuming that no designers from Ford or Land Rover got promoted or exchanged? Gerry McGovern joined Land Rover as director of advanced design in 2004, but he was part of Ford prior to that. Do you think his time at Ford didn't influence the design of the current Land Rover cars? It's funny, because everyone is criticizing Ford for copying, but no one criticizes Land Rover for copying Ford. Your ignorance is unreal.

[@dkpirie]

.

[@dkpirie]

WuWei Xu Your level of Ignorant goes to new levels. First of all know this - Ford was shit for all the luxury brands it bought, best thing Ford did for all brands concerned was to sell them off. During Ford ownership they brought out 2 crap new Jaguars with a small budget and produced the worse cars under the Jaguar badge. Look how they miss managed their own business. You comments are so childish and ridiculous. How could anyone say Land Rover copied Ford when the new Range Rover design came out in 2013, five years after being sold, and Ford's copy is just out now. It doesn't take too much intelligence to see who copied who. Also, and this bit is obviously beyond your ability to apply logic and common sense, but why would two Luxury British brands like Aston Martin or Land Rover copy low end, mass market Ford? YOU are in Denial to think that, and just plain stupid to post it.

[@momounes338]

Amazing car, but who really drives the car while you were in the third row seat!!!, is it really drove itself!!

[@jackfrost9736]

Amazing car but MPG sucks bad ecoboost more like twin turbo I wonder why they even bother with eco burns more than my V8

[@BrooklynBound4]

Headrests and sun visor? Is he serious about that?

[@SConsoni]

Such Range Rover Very Evoque! Wow

[@sex14]

looks like a Range Rover!

[@aquaboy1650]

Thats a Range Rover Vogue? Lol

[@ejaazidris1649]

Why does it look like a Range Rover? Past Ford relation

[@BF3blog]

$55K for an Explorer? A few grand more and you can get the Range Rover Sport.

[@jollyroger2012]

a similar bill in yearly maintenance

[@10293]

BF3blog B.S that money gets you a Range Rover sport, unless you live somewhere with whacko pricing.

[@RomainSandt]

This new front make it look like an ersatz of Range Rover, and since the tail lights shape didn't change... it exagerate the "last minute copy" impression. Wich is idiotic since Ford can design cars. Saddly since they sold Jaguar, land Rover et mostly Aston Martin they seem to miss so much those brands they copy them. Next year they will copy Mazda and Volvo.

[@troybballin14]

quieter than the eco boost mustang? lol

[@taylor1212eminem]

obviously ford made a range rover sport knockoff

[@bluecement]

the conclusion left a lot more to be desired

[@barrymacinnis4547]

I heard the build quality on these sucks.

[@galatiel77ify]

55 grand for an Explorer? Really?

[@Lucky8s]

+M Danahey For the top trim with all the features, sure. Its price is on par with that of a fully loaded Honda Pilot.

[@brucec43]

Have you priced a BMW, Lexus, Audi, or Mercedes 3 row crossover recently?

[@steveortez2613]

Don't buy this vehicle with the SYNC system it sucks the next generation SYNC 3 is not available on Explorer sport

[@kanob6440]

A big ass Taurus...

[@What-ei5nz]

Boy, the fuel economy sucks! I mean, when will automakers wake up and realize they need to make their tank SUV's more fuel efficient. I'm sure it can be done. It's like, they just don't care. They could give this car an all Aluminum body like the F-150 and since they're charging that much money, make a hybrid model! Come on Ford, it's not the 90's anymore.

[@TheNajSD]

+Jawan Favors A hybrid SUV? Lolololafsh;12h4wfr9asfdj

[@What-ei5nz]

+TheNajSD yeah, a hybrid suv. You know like the Toyota Highlander Hybrid or Toyota Rav4 hybrid. Or maybe like the upcoming Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. It can be done because it has been done. Ford is just not with the times.

[@TheNajSD]

+Jawan Favors What is the purpose? You mean, a truckish styled minivan? That's not an SUV. SPORT UTILITY VEHICLE. Call it an HUV. Hybrid useless vehicle. Those things can't even tow a turd let alone drive you through tough terrain.

[@kingriderone]

The Kia Soranto are you crazy you compare the handling to the Kia. That's not ever close my mother in-law has the kia and it sucks, you don't know what your talking about. The explorer platinum is the best SUV on the market

[@mertz313]

No way in hell it's the best SUV on the market lmfao

[@dot.s9140]

Nobody I mean nobody should buy a ford this expensive. They don't hold there value at all because there's to many printed up. To many models in there line up.You would be a fool to pay over 60k after financing. Only within a year or 2 your up side down. I see people bashing on people saying go luxury there right because of value holding. The more rare you see a car determines it's value for resale. I used to drive a ford a long time ago they are good for 2 years then they start falling apart. Engine starts to tick loud then everything in the cabin starts to rattle, plastic glue starts coming off and cheap plastic bolts they use.They have a bad name for a reason. Ford still has these problems today in all there cars they build there a short cut company. You've been warned.......

[@starssisamazing]

+AutoGuide.com

[@Louhasnocash]

"Mild" facelift

[@RomanM803]

grand Cherokee still better. come on Ford step up your game

[@Jonathan-tb6fm]

16 city and 22 highway wtf rather have my 2001 Tahoe and have a v8. Ford why the hell is this a small engine with no mpg.

[@alextran8188]

actually that's not bad.. our 2012 Honda Pilot has a 3.5L V6 with the J series engine gets about 18 mpg highway

[@BTC909]

If you intend to spend this much coin wait until My Ford Sucks is gone.

[@Ford_Raptor_R_720hp_V8]

+Ivan Vojt *The all new Sync 3 comes in 2016.*

[@romanelk1]

vov :)