The 2016 Ford Explorer represents a significant milestone in the evolution of the modern American SUV. Arriving as a major mid-cycle refresh for the fifth generation, this model year brought substantial updates to the exterior styling, interior refinement, and powertrain options. Standing at a decade-long vantage point, the 2016 Explorer remains a frequent sight on the used market, offering a blend of traditional SUV ruggedness and car-like crossover comfort. For those evaluating this vehicle as a practical family hauler or a budget-conscious adventure rig, understanding the nuances of the 2016 updates is essential.

The Design Evolution of the 2016 Refresh

When Ford introduced the 2016 Explorer, the goal was to reinforce its "SUV-ness." While many competitors were leaning into softer, more wagon-like silhouettes, the 2016 Explorer moved in the opposite direction. Designers overhauled everything in front of the A-pillar, including a higher, more defined hood, a restyled grille, and more angular LED headlamps. The result was a more premium, sophisticated appearance that helped the vehicle age remarkably well.

Identifying the different trims of the 2016 Ford Explorer is largely a matter of looking at the accents. The base models feature functional black plastic handles and a gray grille. Moving up to the XLT, you get body-colored door handles and a light gray grille. The Limited trim adds a touch of class with chrome handles and a bright silver grille. For those seeking a more aggressive look, the Sport trim incorporates gloss-black bars and matching handles. The flagship Platinum trim, a new addition for 2016, stands out with its distinctive satin chrome finish on the grille and handles.

Engine Options and Performance Dynamics

The 2016 Ford Explorer offered one of the most diverse engine lineups in its segment, catering to different priorities, from fuel efficiency to raw towing power.

The Standard 3.5L Ti-VCT V6

The baseline for the Explorer experience is the 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6. Producing 290 horsepower and 255 lb-ft of torque, this engine was the workhorse of the lineup. It provides steady, predictable power that is more than adequate for daily commuting and highway cruising. In its front-wheel-drive configuration, it delivers an EPA-estimated 20 mpg combined, though that drops slightly to 19 mpg when equipped with all-wheel drive.

The 2.3L EcoBoost: The Efficiency Play

One of the biggest headlines for 2016 was the replacement of the old 2.0-liter turbo with a more potent 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine. This engine produces 280 horsepower and, more importantly, 310 lb-ft of torque. Unlike the previous four-cylinder model, the 2.3L version could be paired with all-wheel drive and a proper towing package, allowing it to pull up to 3,000 lbs. This engine offers a punchier feel at lower RPMs, making it excellent for navigating city traffic while maintaining a respectable 28 mpg on the highway in front-drive trim.

The 3.5L Twin-Turbo EcoBoost: The Performance King

For those who prioritize performance, the Sport and Platinum trims come exclusively with the 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6. With 365 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque, this engine transforms the Explorer into a genuinely fast SUV. In independent testing, it could propel the vehicle from zero to 60 mph in roughly 6.3 seconds—an impressive feat for a vehicle of this size. This engine is standard with all-wheel drive and delivers a 5,000-lb towing capacity, making it the clear choice for families with boats or trailers.

Luxury Redefined: The Platinum Trim

2016 saw the birth of the Platinum trim, Ford's attempt to bridge the gap between mainstream SUVs and luxury cruisers. The interior of the Platinum model is wrapped in premium Nirvana leather, featuring precisely quilted stitching and real brown ash swirl wood accents. This trim level also includes a class-exclusive 500-watt Sony audio system with Clear Phase and Live Acoustics technology, aiming to provide a concert-like listening experience.

Beyond the materials, the technology in the 2016 Explorer was cutting-edge for its time. Ford replaced the controversial touch-sensitive panels on the dashboard with actual tactile buttons, a move praised by drivers for improving ease of use while driving. The Platinum trim also features Active Motion multicontour front seats with massage functions, helping to reduce fatigue during long road trips.

Terrain Management and Capability

The 2016 Ford Explorer isn't just a mall crawler. When equipped with Intelligent 4WD, it features Ford's Terrain Management System. This system allows the driver to turn a dial to match the driving conditions, optimizing traction across four specific modes:

  1. Normal: Best for everyday driving on dry or wet paved roads.
  2. Snow, Gravel, Grass: Optimizes control on slippery surfaces by adjusting throttle response and transmission shifts.
  3. Sand: Allows for more aggressive wheelspin to prevent the vehicle from getting bogged down in soft surfaces.
  4. Mud, Rut: Allows for a specific amount of tire spin to maintain momentum.

Additionally, the system includes Hill Descent Control, which regulates speed on steep declines so the driver can focus entirely on maneuvering the vehicle.

Interior Utility and Passenger Comfort

The 2016 Explorer is a three-row SUV designed to accommodate up to seven passengers. The flexibility of the seating arrangements is a highlight, with 60/40 split-folding second-row seats and 50/50 split-folding third-row seats. In higher trims like the Limited, Sport, and Platinum, the PowerFold third-row seat is standard, allowing users to stow the seats flat with the push of a button.

When all seats are in use, there is 21.0 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row. Folding all rear seats opens up a cavernous 81.7 cubic feet. However, it is worth noting that while the Explorer is spacious, the third-row legroom can be tight for taller adults, and the footrest for the driver was redesigned to be somewhat narrow, which some might find less comfortable over long distances.

Safety Technology for the Family

Safety was a core focus of the 2016 update. The vehicle comes standard with stability and traction control, trailer sway control, and an array of airbags, including a front passenger knee airbag. Ford also introduced Curve Control, a system that monitors the speed at which a vehicle enters a corner and can automatically apply the brakes if it detects the car is going too fast for the turn.

Available advanced safety features include:

  • Forward Collision Warning: Standard on Platinum and optional on Sport/Limited.
  • Lane-Keeping Assist: Helps prevent the vehicle from drifting out of its lane.
  • Blind Spot Information System (BLIS): Includes cross-traffic alert to assist when backing out of parking spots.
  • Enhanced Active Park Assist: This system can assist the driver in both parallel and perpendicular parking maneuvers, and even help pull out of a tight spot.

Long-Term Considerations: A Decade Later

Looking at the 2016 Ford Explorer from the perspective of 2026, there are several factors for potential owners to consider. The shift to tactile buttons in 2016 remains a significant benefit for usability. The 2.3L EcoBoost has proven to be a solid middle-ground engine, though it’s important to check for consistent maintenance records on any turbocharged vehicle of this age.

Common wear-and-tear items to inspect on a ten-year-old Explorer include the suspension components and the operation of the hands-free liftgate. The Sync system, while capable, may feel dated compared to modern 2026 interfaces, though it supports many essential functions like voice-activated navigation and hands-free calling.

Competitive Landscape of the 2016 Era

When it was new, the 2016 Explorer faced stiff competition from the redesigned Honda Pilot, the Toyota Highlander, and the Chevrolet Traverse. Compared to these rivals, the Explorer was often cited as having the most "planted" and secure driving dynamics. While the Traverse offered more raw cargo volume and the Highlander was praised for its hybrid efficiency, the Explorer stood out for its towing capacity and the sheer performance of the Sport and Platinum trims. Its ability to balance rugged off-road modes with a quiet, comfortable highway ride remains its strongest selling point.

Summary of Key Specifications

  • Base Engine: 3.5L V6, 290 hp, 255 lb-ft.
  • Optional Engine: 2.3L EcoBoost, 280 hp, 310 lb-ft.
  • Performance Engine: 3.5L EcoBoost V6, 365 hp, 350 lb-ft.
  • Transmission: 6-speed SelectShift automatic.
  • Towing Capacity: Up to 5,000 lbs (with Class III package).
  • Seating Capacity: 6 or 7 passengers.
  • Cargo Space: 21.0 cu. ft. (behind 3rd row), 81.7 cu. ft. (max).

The Verdict: Who Should Buy a 2016 Explorer?

The 2016 Ford Explorer continues to be a compelling choice for those who need a versatile, powerful, and well-equipped family SUV without the high price tag of a newer model. Its standout features—the high-output EcoBoost engines, the refined Platinum interior, and the robust Terrain Management System—provide a level of capability that many newer crossovers struggle to match.

For a driver who prioritizes a commanding view of the road, towing ability, and a comfortable ride for six or seven people, the 2016 Explorer remains a high-value contender. While modern vehicles have moved toward more gears and smaller displacement engines, the 2016 Explorer’s straightforward 6-speed automatic and various V6 options offer a level of mechanical familiarity that many used car buyers find reassuring. If you can find a well-maintained Limited or Platinum trim, you are getting a vehicle that, even a decade later, offers a premium experience that rivals much newer competition.