LOS ANGELES – Blasphemy; heresy; tragedy. It’s what many fans cried when Ford’s iconic Explorer SUV moved from a truck to a car-based platform for 2011.
Of course, the number of those traditional SUV buyers have been far outweighed by modern crossover buyers who prefer more room and better fuel economy to bushwhacking, off-road capabilities. This means the latest, fifth-generation Explorer has been a sales success for Ford in a crowded, mid-size crossover segment filled with the likes of the Honda Pilot, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Nissan Pathfinder — to name only a few.
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So, for 2016, Ford has applied a relatively major refresh to its popular Explorer, including updated exterior styling, upgraded interior, larger base engine and a new Platinum topline model.
Illustrating the extent of the 2016 Explorer’s exterior design changes, Ford says only the old model’s roof and glass remain, as the new versions receive new front and rear styling and a revised D-pillar.
Inside, the old Explorer’s generally-hated capacitive-touch centre-console controls have been replaced with much more functional buttons for the audio and climate controls. New high-tech goodies include a revamped Active Park Assistant, Ford’s hands-free, foot-sensing liftgate opener and standard rearview and optional front cameras with 180-degree views and a lens washer that Ford says is an industry first.
Finally, under its hood, the 2016 Explorer replaces last year’s 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder gas engine with a larger, 2.3L unit. It makes an estimated 270 horsepower and 300 pound-foot of torque — or 30-hp and 30 lb-ft over the 2.0 turbo.
