2016 Ford Explorer

At a Glance

Pricing $30,700 - $52,600
Drive Types FWD, AWD
Engines 2.3l I4 T, 3.5l V6, 3.5l V6 T
Transmissions A6
Fuel Economy 16-19 (city), 22-28 (highway)

The Ford Explorer is a hall-of-fame vehicle. The original Explorer helped to define the SUV segment and for years sold in numbers that no modern SUV or crossover could duplicate. In 2011, Ford reinvented the Explorer. Like all but the largest SUVs, the Explorer is now a unibody vehicle with a FWD-biased drive system. The new Explorer is longer and wider than before with a more spacious interior for seven passengers. By comparison, the Honda Pilot is slightly smaller, but the Chevrolet Traverse is slightly larger. Under the hood, most models equip a 290-bhp 3.5l V6 that has more power than competitive V6s and nearly matches the output of the prior generation's V8. Ford also equips the Explorer with an unusual 2.0l turbocharged four-cylinder (FWD only) promising increased fuel economy. Ford offers the Explorer in three trim levels ranging from about $30,000 to well over $40,000, ensuring that there is a model for every taste and budget.

Model/Trim/Package Engine Original MSRP
Explorer 3.5l V6 (290-bhp) A6 FWD $30,700
Explorer 2.3l I4 T (280-bhp) A6 FWD $31,695
Explorer 3.5l V6 (290-bhp) A6 AWD $32,700
Explorer 2.3l I4 T (280-bhp) A6 AWD $33,695
Explorer XLT 3.5l V6 (290-bhp) A6 FWD $33,400
Explorer XLT 2.3l I4 T (280-bhp) A6 FWD $34,395
Explorer XLT 3.5l V6 (290-bhp) A6 AWD $35,400
Explorer XLT 2.3l I4 T (280-bhp) A6 AWD $36,395
Explorer Limited 3.5l V6 (290-bhp) A6 FWD $41,300
Explorer Limited 2.3l I4 T (280-bhp) A6 FWD $42,295
Explorer Limited 3.5l V6 (290-bhp) A6 AWD $43,300
Explorer Limited 2.3l I4 T (280-bhp) A6 AWD $44,295
Explorer Sport 3.5l V6 T (365-bhp) A6 AWD $43,300
Explorer Platinum 3.5l V6 T (365-bhp) A6 AWD $52,600