Used 2016 Ford Explorer Limited for sale 

The 2016 Ford Explorer is available in five trims, namely Base, XLT, Limited, Sport, and Platinum. The base variant starts at a price of $31,050 and the top Platinum trim can go up to $52,970 which is much more expensive but adds multiple features to improve the luxurious feeling of the interior. The 2016 Explorer is available both as an FWD and AWD variant. 

We recommend

We recommend opting for the 2016 Ford Explorer XLT trim to get the best value for the money spent. At $33,400, this trim adds exclusive and class-leading features including an updated braking system, heated exterior mirrors, and a nine-speaker sound system. The availability of a driver connect package and the leather-wrapped steering wheel adds to the premium feeling on the inside. We, however, would choose the AWD variant for better driving performance. 

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The 2016 Ford Explorer is available in three engine options. The new one in the line-up is the 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-4 cylinder engine that generated 270 hp along with 300 lb-ft of torque. The other two engine options are both 3.5 liter V6, one naturally aspirated and another turbocharged. It is mated with a 6-speed automatic transmission that delivers the power to the front wheels as standard. 

The base V6 engine option is good for 290hp and 255lb.-ft of torque, while the higher Sport and Platinum trim features a higher-tuned variant which is good for 365hp and 350lb.-ft of torque.  While an all-wheel drivetrain is optional on the base and mid-level trims, it is available as standard on the 2016 Ford Explorer Platinum and Sport trim. 

The Ford Explorer is the most powerful in comparison and is followed by the Honda Pilot with 280 hp. The Mazda CX-9 finds itself at the bottom of the chart with 227 hp. All the vehicles have a 6-speed automatic transmission. The Mazda is available with a turbocharged inline-4 unit, while all other SUVs make use of a V6 unit. 

2016 Ford Explorer Acceleration

The 2016 Ford Explorer maintains aplomb acceleration performance throughout. Put it up against its competitors in the 60mph or quarter-mile run, and the full-size SUV emerges victorious. The 2016 Explorer can sprint from 0 to 60mph in 6.4 seconds, which is considered impressive for a vehicle that has gigantic proportions. In the 1/4-mile test as well, it clocks the quickest timing and records 14.8 seconds.

When compared to its competitors, the 2016 Honda Pilot is the closest competitor averaging 6.5 and 15.1 seconds in the 60mph and quarter-mile run, respectively. On the other hand, the 2016 Mazda CX-9 due to its low-powered turbocharged unit clocks 7.5 and 15.7 seconds in similar feats. However, it manages a top speed of 130 MPH, which is great for a vehicle of its stature. 

2016 Ford Explorer Ride and Handling

Even from its base variant, the 2016 Ford Explorer manages an affable level of performance that allows it to gain ground over its competitors. All three engine options have an inherent lively feeling to them and bestow great acceleration capabilities. To put it into perspective, the 2016 Explorer is the fastest and quickest SUV. It's an apt companion for daily drives and highway sprints, however, its maneuverability seems blemished due to its enormous proportions. While the competitors are easy to park in and out of spots, the Explorer's adaptable suspension system is a blessing in disguise that helps cater to all kinds of driving conditions. But if you are looking for the highest level of sophistication and athleticism, the Sport trim's sportier suspension will do that for you. All trims sport extremely tranquil cabins and outside noise is almost completely masked for a better riding experience. 

2016 Ford Explorer Braking Performance

The 2016 Ford Explorer features similarly-sized brakes of 12.8-inches both at the front and the rear. It features a 4-wheel disc brake setup and 4-wheel ABS to strongarm its performance potential. While decelerating from the 60 mph mark, the Explorer manages to come to a halt in 118ft, which is also the segment average. 

In comparison, the 2016 Honda Pilot and Mazda CX-9 also sport an almost similar braking setup. While the performance of the Mazda is not known, the lightest SUV, Honda can come down to a standstill from the 60mph mark in 117ft, the best in its class.

The massive 3.5-liter V6 engine is bound to gulp down fuel at a higher rate. The 2016 Ford Explorer provides a mileage of 16 mpg in the city which improves to 24 mpg on the highway. Thus we get a combined mileage of 18 mpg from the Explorer. It is not the best and the competitors provide better mileage. Even its fuel tank of 18.6-gallons is the least voluminous in the segment and consequently, the Explorer manages the lowest range of 316 and 446 miles in the city and on the highway, respectively. 

The Mazda CX-9 is the best in class when it comes to fuel economy. The Mazda provides a combined mileage of 24 mpg. It is followed by the 2016 Honda Pilot at 22mpg of combined mileage. The Pilot and Mazda also have a slightly bigger fuel tank of 19.5 gallons as compared to 18.6 gallons in the Explorer. In terms of range as well, the Mazda manages better performance averaging 418 and 532 miles in the city and on the highway, respectively. 

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The interior of the Ford Explorer is quite comfortable and spacious. The Explorer can accommodate up to 7 passengers inside its cabin while providing decent space for the front and second-row passengers. The third row can accommodate adults but are a bit restricted in space. The front seats are heated and ventilated and provide great comfort for long rides. 

In terms of design, the 2016 Ford Explorer interiors reflect the upmarket aura that the brand has aimed at. The dash setup looks clean and sophisticated, with the wooden insets just adding to its plushness. The steering-mounted controls provide easy access to the driver and are extremely useful. However, the infotainment system and central console in its design look lackluster and compromises on modernity. Nevertheless, its practicality remains unquestioned, with the ample storage space available on the inside and a combination of digital and analog clusters behind the steering wheel. 

The Honda Pilot can carry up to 8 passengers inside the cabin and thus have a slightly bigger passenger volume of 152.9 cu-ft. The Mazda CX-9 has the smallest passenger volume and thus suffers from the space available to the individual passenger. While the 2016 Ford Explorer and Honda Pilot have an almost similar amount of space for third-row occupants, the Mazda CX-9 does lag marginally behind in the aspect.

Some of the salient interior features of the 2016 Ford Explorer include:

• Cruise Control 
• Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel
• Interior Air Filtration
• Dual-zone Air Conditioning 
• Cloth and Leather Upholstery
• Leather-wrapped Steering Wheel (XLT trim and above)

How intuitive is the Infotainment System in the 2016 Ford Explorer?

The infotainment system in the 2016 Ford Explorer is equipped with all the standard features like Bluetooth connectivity, USB port, auxiliary audio input, and satellite radio. It also gets a 4.2-inch touchscreen display in the base variant, while the higher variant gets an 8-inch touchscreen display. While the system does lack defined intuitiveness, the provision of physical buttons unlike the outgoing model's touchscreen functioning gives the SUV a practical edge. 

Some standout infotainment features available in the 2016 Ford Explorer include:

• 4.2/8.0 inch touchscreen display
• Bluetooth
• USB
• Sony Premium Sound System (optional)
• Satellite Radio
• CD Player

2016 Ford Explorer Cargo Capacity

Perhaps, the cargo capacity of the 2016 Ford Explorer is one of its strongest suits. With all seats in an upright position, the SUV accommodates 21 cubic feet of space, which is the highest in the segment. Fold-down the middle and rear seats, and the 2016 Explorer opens up additional cargo space amounting to 43.8 and 50.7 cubic feet. The access to the cargo bed is easy, which is definitely an unsaid advantage.

The 2016 Mazda CX-9 has the lowest cargo capacity in all possible scenarios. It manages a maximum of 71.3 cubic feet of space. On the other hand, the Honda Pilot may not have excessive space behind its third row, but as you start folding the seats down, the SUV makes room for 83.9 cubic feet of cargo space, which is marginally higher than the 2016 Ford Explorer. 

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The 2016 Ford Explorer comes with minor enhancements in the exterior. The front grille gets a redesign to make it look more muscular and now the front gets LED headlights. The Explorer is the widest in comparison at 79 inches and is pretty long at 198 inches. It sits way up above the ground at 8 inches and has a wheelbase of 113 inches. 

 The 2016 Ford Explorer looks modern, muscular, and strappy; key ingredients you'd always find in a full-size SUV.  The unapologetic use of chrome throughout the body of the Explorer allows it to maintain an upmarket look. The use of roof rails and a standard rear spoiler give it a clean and refined look, and even from afar, it looks beefy.

The Honda Pilot is the lightest in the comparison and is also comparatively smaller in length. All the vehicles in comparison have a similar footprint on road and are difficult to maneuver in tight spaces. The 2016 Mazda CX-9 has the highest ground clearance of 9 inches which makes it more capable on off-road roads. The 2016 Ford Explorer is equally capable. 

The new Ford Explorer has received a perfect overall rating of 5-stars from NHTSA while the IIHS has provided a mixed result. The driver-side crash test gets a poor rating and has room for improvement. However, the 2016 Explorer is filled to the brim with advanced active and passive safety features, which speaks volumes about the brand's vision to prioritize safety. As standard, it comes equipped with a rearview camera, tire pressure monitoring system, and daytime running lights. 

Some other salient safety features of the 2016 Ford Explorer include:

• Airbags
• Stability and Traction Control
• Trailer Sway control
• Blind-spot monitoring system 
• Lane-departure warning 
• lane-keeping assist 

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2016 Ford Explorer vs 2016 Honda Pilot

The 2016 Honda Pilot and Ford Explorer are quite evenly matched. Even in terms of general setup and basic specifications on board, the two SUVs are indistinguishable. While the 2016 Explorer does gain the lead in raw acceleration, the Pilot manages to cover its ground when efficiency is concerned. Interior space on both SUVs is comparable, however, the Honda manages to seat an extra passenger, and even its safety scores are the best in the segment. Amongst the two, both SUVs are practical and the final choice will depend on the buyer's liking. 

2016 Ford Explorer vs 2016 Mazda CX-9

The 2016 Mazda CX-9 is the only SUV in the segment that uses an inline-4 engine. Though turbocharged, it averages lower outputs, and consequently, it's slower than its competitors. However, it is highly efficient and has a refined exterior and interior design. However, its third-row of seating is considerably constrained. Like the Pilot, the Mazda CX-9 has better safety ratings. Amongst the two options, we recommend the Ford Explorer for its rugged and brawny appearance and performance. 

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The Ford Explorer is a highly capable SUV. With its massive engines, the Explorer provides great performance. It is fairly quick but is low in fuel economy. The Explorer is huge from the inside and provides great space for all the passengers along with the best in class cargo volume. However, it does fall short on space for the third row of passengers and houses an irksome infotainment system. However, it checks all the right boxes with its practicality. Hence if you are looking for a full-sized SUV, the Ford Explorer is a great option.