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- New Explorer introduces more smart technology, improved comfort and expanded range
- Available for the first time with powerful yet efficient 2.3 EcoBoost and 3.5 EcoBoost V6* engines, and proven 3.5 Ti-VCT V6
- Intelligent four-wheel drive with Terrain Management System, option of front-wheel drive with 2.3 EcoBoost
Base, XLT, Limited and Sport* (*Depending on individual markets)
The 2016 Ford Explorer is now available in left-hand drive markets in Sub-Saharan Africa, bringing more smart technologies, improved performance and efficiency, as well as greater all-round capabilities to this popular model, a statement issued in Lagos on Monday has said.
As America’s top-selling sports utility vehicle (SUV) for the past 25 years – with more than 7 million sold in the United States alone – the Explorer has a formidable reputation that will reach even greater heights in its updated form.
“The Ford Explorer helped define how the world thinks about SUVs,” said Rob Johnston, Regional Manager Sales and Marketing, Ford Customer Services Division for Sub-Saharan Africa. “It is the centrepiece of Ford’s global utility vehicle line-up because it delivers an ideal combination of form and function.”
Introduced in 1990 as a 1991 model in the US, Explorer featured generous interior space customers were looking for, and was engineered specifically for people seeking adventure for their families and a way to express their individuality. For a quarter century, Explorer has reigned as one of America’s best-selling SUVs.
Ford Explorer is built in North America at Chicago Assembly Plant, as well as in Venezuela and Russia, and is sold in markets across the globe.
“Customers love Explorer, and they expect it to continue to lead the way in innovation, performance and fun,” said Arie Groeneveld, chief engineer for the new Explorer. “That’s the challenge we embraced when we set out to build the best SUV in the world.”
More innovation equals greater performance, more fun
Even more smart technology – that’s what customers will get with the new Ford Explorer. It offers more technologies than previous models, features that enhance the driving experience.
New technologies available for 2016 (depending on model specification) include:
- Front and rear cameras with washers: Both have wide-angle lenses and come equipped with a washer – a class-exclusive, segment-first feature
- Enhanced active park assist with perpendicular park assist, park-out assist and semi-automatic parallel parking: The system uses ultrasonic sensors and electric power-assisted steering to help drivers with parallel parking and perpendicular parking manoeuvres. Enhanced active park assist includes park-out assist to help a driver pull out of parallel parking spots. The system controls the steering wheel, while the driver operates the accelerator and brake pedals, and shifts the vehicle into gear
- Smart-charging USB ports: Located in the front and rear of the vehicle are USB ports able to charge smart devices up to two times faster than conventional ports
- Hands-free liftgate: A customer need only kick his or her leg below the centre of the rear bumper to open or close the liftgate
- Active Grille Shutters: Upper and lower fascia openings close at highway speeds to reduce drag. At low speeds, the shutters open to deliver airflow to cool the powertrain
- Air curtains: Standard air curtains create a high-pressure region of air that impacts the outer surface of the wheels and tyres. The result is airflow held close to the vehicle body, minimizing drag
The following features, while not new for Explorer, are also available on the 2016 model:
- Adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support: Uses radar to detect moving vehicles directly ahead and changes the cruising speed if necessary
- Lane-keeping system: Automatically detects left- and right-hand road lane markings using the front camera system. A vibration in the steering wheel alerts the driver if the vehicle begins to drift out of the intended lane. The system can also provide steering torque to help guide the vehicle back into the lane if needed
- Blind Spot Information System: BLIS® uses radar to trigger a warning when another motorist is in the driver’s blind spot
- Cross-traffic alert: Uses radar to help alert drivers to oncoming traffic when backing out of a parking space
- Auto high-beams: Using windshield-mounted cameras, the feature automatically switches between high-beam and low-beam settings when oncoming traffic is detected
- Inflatable rear safety belts: Introduced on 2011 Explorer as an industry-first feature, the belts deploy an airbag over the torso and shoulder of an outboard passenger to help distribute crash forces over up to five times more area than a traditional safety belt. Spreading forces over a larger area helps reduce pressure on a passenger’s chest, and helps control head and neck motion
New EcoBoost engines
Capability – that’s what customers will get even more of with the new Explorer, thanks to the introduction of two all-new EcoBoost engines for the 2016 models, delivering unrivalled performance matched to outstanding fuel efficiency.
The 2.3-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder engine is rated at 280 horsepower at 5 500 r/min and 310 lb.-ft. of torque at 3 000 r/min on premium fuel. Compared to the 2.0-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder it replaces, the new 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine delivers an additional 40 horsepower and 40 lb.-ft. of torque – an increase of 17 percent and 15 percent, respectively.
At launch, the 2.3-litre EcoBoost is available on the Limited model only, with front-wheel drive and a smooth-shifting six-speed SelectShift Automatic transmission. With the new powerplant, highway passing time – from 55 mph to 75 mph – improves by 10 percent.
The 2.3-litre EcoBoost benefits from technology that optimises performance. It employs an active oil control system to optimize pressure when less fluid is needed. An active wastegate controls boost more precisely during light load operation to help save fuel. A higher compression ratio results in more efficient fuel combustion.
The notable improvement in horsepower and torque comes with no significant reduction in fuel economy. The front-wheel-drive Explorer retains its EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 28 mpg highway.
“The new Explorer isn’t giving up its reputation as a leader in highway fuel efficiency – which is especially key for customers who want a vehicle that is also a capable trail warrior,” said Groeneveld.
An exciting new range-topping engine is added to the Explorer for 2016 as well (initially for Angola and Senegal only, in Explorer Sport specification). Based on the engine used in the mighty F-150 Raptor, the 3.5 EcoBoost V6 produces an impressive 365 hp at 5 500 r/min, along with 350 lb.-ft. of torque at 3 500 r/min, to deliver truly exceptional performance.
The standard 3.5-litre Ti-VCT V6 engine continues to do duty in Base, XLT and Limited models, with 290 horsepower at 6 500 r/min and 255 lb.-ft. of torque at 4 000 r/min. It is paired with a six-speed SelectShift Automatic transmission.
Intelligent four-wheel drive: Ready for any adventure
Explorer’s intelligent four-wheel drive with Terrain Management System™ reassesses conditions about 20 times faster than the blink of an eye – providing precise handling and traction.
Intelligent four-wheel drive continuously monitors wheel speed, throttle position and steering
wheel angle to determine vehicle conditions and driver intent. The system then determines the optimal amount of front and rear torque for the given conditions to prevent slip from even occurring, which helps keep the vehicle sure-footed on virtually any terrain.
In sand, grass or gravel mode, the antilock braking system changes its pulse rate, which allows material to build up in front of the wheels, acting as a doorstop of sorts to help slow momentum. To help maintain efficiency, in most steady-state cruising conditions the new Explorer equipped with intelligent four-wheel drive seamlessly and quickly transfers torque between the front and rear wheels.
A newly refined, intelligent four-wheel-drive gauge display shows power being distributed to front and rear wheels under all conditions – from heavy four-wheel-drive system usage to when the system is not transmitting power at all.
For added convenience, the Terrain Management System automatically defaults to normal mode whenever the vehicle is started to ensure it’s ready for normal driving conditions.
Using a dial located on the centre console, the customer can shift on the fly, selecting from four terrain management modes – normal, snow, sand or mud – to set how the engine, transmission, brakes and four-wheel-drive system will operate. A fifth setting is for navigating hills.
Comfortable and capable
The new Explorer benefits from an improved suspension for better handling and a quiet cabin, enabling a comfortable ride even when the pavement turns to dirt.
Ford completely retuned the Explorer chassis to clearly differentiate the driving experiences offered by the Base, XLT and Limited models compared to the range-topping Sport.
The suspension uses MacPherson construction with an isolated subframe and 32-millimetre stabilizer bar at the front, while an independent multilink rear setup uses a 22 mm stabilizer bar.
Explorer Sport customers looking for a more dynamic driving experience will benefit from unique steering gear, front and rear springs, struts and rear dampers.
Explorer also features a tower brace that provides additional stiffness between strut towers. The tower brace for Explorer equipped with four-wheel drive is three millimetres thicker for even more stiffness – providing better control and a smoother ride on rugged terrain.
The new Explorer, with standard 18-inch and available 20-inch wheels, offers new tyre options for improved ride and handling while still reducing road noise in the cabin.
Interior changes help enhance quietness in the cabin. There are new door seals, and an enhanced sound package includes engine subframe mounts specially tuned to reduce vibration, as well as a specially tuned exhaust for the 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine. Acoustic glass is used on the windshield and front doors on XLT and higher trim levels.
New look
Rugged – that’s the word that inspired the designers creating the look of the new Ford Explorer. Exterior styling updates – such as positioning the grille and LED headlamps even higher, adding a new closed-off lower roof rack with channels that cascade rainwater off the vehicle and a new rear spoiler – also improve aerodynamics.
The 2016 Explorer features more robust headlamps, with available LED signature lighting, standard LED low-beams and available LED fog lamps.
Visible heat-sink structures for cooling the LED headlamps are a meaningful detail. These radiator-like grilles are typically hidden behind the light cluster, but on Explorer they are part of a complex headlamp design that puts innovation on display.
Interior design changes reflect desires customers expressed through Ford consumer research, which shows one in five Explorer Sport customers previously owned a luxury vehicle. Changes include a higher-mounted, wrapped and stitched door armrest, real buttons to replace touch-sense buttons on the infotainment system and more refined detailing throughout.
Feature-rich equipment levels
In line with the range-topping status of the Ford Explorer, all of the specification grades boast a comprehensive level of standard luxury and convenience features.
On the safety side, all models boast AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control, traction control, Trailer Sway Control, as well as Hill Start Assist and ABS brakes. Second-generation driver, front passenger and side airbags are fitted, along with an integrated knee airbag in the glove box door. A third-row safety canopy is included at the rear, linked to the Rollover Sensor. This is complemented by the standard Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), SecuriLock® Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) and SOS Post-Crash Alert System.
Additionally, four-wheel drive models incorporate Ford’s Terrain Management System, Hill Descent Control, plus front and rear recovery hooks.
The Base model boasts second and third-row privacy glass, along with black detailing for the door handles, wheel lips, and roof rack side rails. Body-colour bumpers, rear spoiler and 18-inch alloy wheels add a touch of class, along with the dual chrome exhaust tips and LED tail lamps. A rearview camera aids parking manoeuvres.
Inside the spacious cabin, occupants enjoy climate control with auxiliary controls at the rear. Cloth trim is used for the seats, with the driver’s side offering eight-way power adjustment. The second row is a 60/40-split fold-flat bench, with a 50/50-split folding third row seat enhancing the Explorer’s versatility.
The steering wheel features controls for the cruise control as well as the audio system – the latter using Ford’s award-winning SYNC® multimedia system with radio, CD, MP3 and USB connectivity, plus Bluetooth with Voice Control and a 4.2-inch LCD screen.
In XLT specification, the Explorer is distinguished externally by means of body-coloured door handles, fog lamps, LED signature lighting, as well as chrome and silver accents.
The interior is also given a more upmarket treatment with optional leather trim. The driver’s seat has 10-way power adjustment, with 6-way powered control for the front passenger seat.
Keyless remote unlocking is linked to the integrated perimeter alarm, Intelligent Access with Push-Button Start, and a reverse-sensing system.
Ford MyKey allows owners to program additional keys with restricted functions for the audio volume, speed limiter and fuel warnings. Four convenient 12-volt power points are provided, including one in the rear cargo area, for powering devices.
SYNC with MyFord Touch® is optionally available as part of the Driver Connect Package, providing an eight-inch LCD screen, smart charging multimedia USB port, a powerpoint in the Media Hub and SD card reader. This is combined with a premium audio system with nine speakers, dual-zone climate control, 10-way power passenger seat, auto-dimming rear-view mirror and front Park Aid.
The Explorer Limited stands out further with a new bright-silver painted grille with chrome bars, Powerfold® mirrors with autofold function, plus driver’s memory setting with Integrated Spotter Mirror. The eye-catching look is further enhanced with chrome door handles and roof-rack side rails, and 20-inch premium painted aluminium wheels.
The luxuriously appointed cabin boasts adjustable pedals with memory, ambient lighting, bright door-sill scuff plates, cargo net, a heated steering wheel with tilt and telescopic adjustment, Satin chrome with Rosewood film accent appliques, climate controlled front seats and a useful PowerFold third row seat.
This is bolstered by a premium Sony 12-speaker audio system, dual second-row charging USBs, a hands-free liftgate, Remote Start System, and even a 180-degree front camera with washer.
The Limited can be made even more exclusive with a range of optional stand-alone features, and an equipment package that includes Enhanced Active Park Assist, Lane Keep System, Blind Spot Information System, Inflatable Rear Safety Belt pack, rain-sensing wipers, auto high-beam headlamps, and multicontour front seats with Active Motion.
Topping the Explorer range is the dynamic Sport model, powered by the advanced 3.5 EcoBoost V6 engine. It is equipped with a sport-tuned suspension, Trailer Tow Package and a non-slip rear axle.
With its bold execution, the Sport stands out with the ‘EXPLORER’ badge on the hood, high-gloss black detailing, a unique blackout treatment on the headlights and tail lamps, and exclusive machined-aluminium 20-inch wheels with painted pockets.
The theme is echoed in the cabin too, which features perforated leather seats with red accent stitching, satin chrome with Carbon sport details, floor mats with unique badging and lighted door sill scuff plates in front.
As with the Limited, a range of equipment packages and individual options are available, including a DVD headrest system and a dual-panel moonroof.
Model range (varies according to market):
Base
- 5 Ti-VCT V6 FWD Auto
- 5 Ti-VCT V6 4WD Auto
XLT
- 5 Ti-VCT V6 4WD Auto
Limited
- 3 EcoBoost FWD Auto
- 5 Ti-VCT V6 4WD Auto
