The
Ford Explorer is America's SUV or crossover since went unibody in 2011. It is
popular visit almost any small town in America and you're sure to find and
explore over seven million customers can't be wrong. Ford Explorer 2016 it has
received a mild facelift. A more powerful base engine and a new top of the line
trim called the Platinum. This offering more power and more luxury. The new
platinum obviously also costs more money.
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2016 Ford Explorer platinum as mentioned the platinum version as luxury is not
even available in the limited version of the Explorer along with the power of
the sport. Think of it as an answer to GMCs Denali range of vehicles. Ford
claims one of the most important reasons people by the Explorer is exterior
appearance. So for the redesign in 2016, they play a pretty safe it just
modernize it in the front rear. While we're heading down the highway this gives
me a moment to talk about all the driving assist technology stuffed into the
Explorer platinum. Active Park Assist, adaptive cruise control, an active lane
keep system and rain sensing wipers are all included. But best of all the front
and rear cameras have built in washer jets. Now anyone who lives in the snowy
slushy felt like I do knows how important that will be in the winter. As the
cameras are always covered in dirt.
With
the Explorer being such a big heavy vehicle all of these assess do come in handy.
I've always been impressed with the full speed adaptive cruise control and for
2016 it's still great. I need to talk about the active lane keep. Photos
created a system that's more than just an on-off switch. What they allow you to
do is customize how you want it to operate. It can either just give you a warning
or giving you assist or give you both. On top of that you can set the level of
intensity from low to high and how does it work well pretty well. Driving
through gradual corners. I found that it's not overly aggressive and keeping
your lame. It also doesn't let you wander over the line before bringing back. Paired
with the adaptive cruise control really makes highway driving.
The
only way to get the EcoBoost v6 and the Explorer previously was to get the sport
model. But not everybody wanted the stiffer ride and aggressive styling of the
sport. So with the Platinum there's now another way to get that engine. The downside
is it is quite a bit more expensive starting at just under 54,000 dollars after
destination charges. Still a 3.5 liter v6 making 365 horsepower and 258 of
torque is welcome in an SUV that weighs almost 5,000 pounds. I wouldn't go as
far to say the Explorers fast, but the power feels more than enough for the
vehicle. Never wants to hit the gas and think I hope this car makes it up a
hill and I can imagine if you're loading up with six other people or you're
towing a trailer near the five thousand tow limit. You could really appreciate
that extra grunt. The rest of the drivetrain consists of a 6-speed automatic
transmission and all-wheel drive. Something of known about the 60 besides it
being smooth is when you're going down some more moderate hills. It will
actually down shift and hold the gear for you.
Even if you don't have the downhill
assist on. Big power big weight and all-wheel-drive does not mean good fuel
economy and officially the platinum version of the Explorer is rated at 16 miles
per gallon city and 22 on the highway. Although those numbers aren't great at
least it can run on regular fuel. although the Explorer platinum doesn't have
the stiffer suspension of the sport. Ford still wanted it to be able to handle
a corner. Largely due to its to 55 millimeter wide tires on 20-inch wheels. I
will say it handles better than say a Honda Pilot, but isn't quite as
responsive as a Kia Sorento. I find it's a lot like the Toyota Highlander. But
more importantly the ride is smooth and comfortable and ford claims this is the
quietest vehicle currently in their lineup. I can't disagree from behind the
wheel all outside noises are kept outside.
It's
fitting we're driving through Big Sky Country because the Explorer is big especially
inside. In fact that's one of the largest cargo areas in this segment and to
access it the Explorer now has for its foot waving technology that allows you
to open it hands-free. Second row passengers now enjoy more legroom up to
thirty 9.5 inches overall. There's still 33.3 inches back here. This is one of
the few three row crossovers that fits me in the third row. The only downside
is the Explorer set up this way is just a six passenger vehicle. as unlike some
other crossovers only to fit in the back. Where passengers are really pampered.
The dashboard seat armrest and upper door portions are all finished Nirvana leather
and no that doesn't mean they're styled with flannel and denim. real wood in
real aluminum can also be found in here and for the first time ever there's a
brushed aluminum Ford logo stuck in the middle of the steering wheel. Ford is really
paid attention to detail, things like the headrests that's adjustable front and
back and the Sun visors that can be pulled out to block the Sun area are great
little options.
Overall
I really like the look of the new explorer boys on the old model. It's not over
the top get it's really functional and looks classy. I've done a lot of driving
today and I really like the 10 inch display screen that's stuffed between the
analog gauges and keeping me entertained this whole time is the great 5 3rd
watch sony stereo system. It's just too bad yourself to operate it through
myford touch but it's days are numbered and soon. There should be sync free in
here. but best of all keeping me nice and loose on this long drive are the
massage front seats. They not only can be adjusted in intensity but you can
separate how much you want both your back and your box.
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