2016 Ford Explorer Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

3.53/5 Average
97 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

The 2016 Ford Explorer gets revised exterior styling, a new engine option, updated safety features and a new top-end trim level.

Pros:
  • Abundant high-tech features
  • Upscale cabin
  • Expected improvement in fuel economy from new turbo engine.
Cons:
  • Less cargo room than many rivals
  • Third row only seats two passengers.
  • Current model feels big behind the wheel

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 97.00
  • My Back Hurts - 2016 Ford Explorer
    By -

    The "drivers seat is a nightmare" compared to sitting in my 2010 model. It is comparable to sitting on a wooden box and I am uncomfortable even on short drives. The adjustments do not help. The seat cushion is about 6 inches to short which leaves my legs in the air and puts pressure on my back. I feel discomfort almost immediately. What a shame that somebody thought it was a good idea to ruin the excitement of having a new car. I dont even care about the other options. I cant get past how uncomfortable it is. What a mistake.

  • $50k SUV worth $35K - 2016 Ford Explorer
    By -

    So the truck is 4 months old with 5700 miles. 2 weeks ago I took it for a long road trip up to Michigans UP, I was actually pretty happy with the trucks performance and overall comfort of passengers and cargo space. However, there are a few things that are popping up and are annoying me. MPG is low but then again I didnt expect it to be great ( it is a big and heavy vehicle) I average 18MPG in combine driving and 21 on the HWY. Not too bad considering Chicagos traffic and me driving a bit on an aggressive side. Interior drivers side floor sill trim is coming loose at the corner. Leather steering wheel starts to peel at the top which is crazy considering the car is only 4 months old. Looks as others had similar complaints. SYNC crashed 3 times ( other then that it really isnt all that bad as people complained about) Front seats suck.... they are too narrow and with stupid bolster so close it digs into my leg driving me crazy. Im 511 about 190lbs. At the end of the day $50k paid for something that really looks as it belongs on $35k cars. Wanted to go back to FORD but now Im starting to regret it.

  • 2016 Ford Explorer Sport - 2016 Ford Explorer
    By -

  • Finally, the Platinum is here! - 2016 Ford Explorer
    By -

    The Platinum trim, new for 2016, combines all the bells and whistles of the Limited with the power and excitement of the Sport. It adds some really high-end interior finishes and some handsome 20" wheels to the offerings of the Limited, and it truly is the definition of luxury. The ride and handling are superb, and the acceleration is smooth and exhilarating. It is REALLY fun to drive. After months of research, I chose this over other similar vehicles because it had exceptional power (365HP versus 290HP for most all competitors, which you can REALLY feel) and it has more total technology offerings than any of its 2016 3rd row vehicle competitors--without escalating into the true luxury vehicle segment (like a Volvo or BMW). Its counterparts in 2016 lacked at least one (but usually many more) features such as adaptive cruise, pre-collision warnings, power-fold seats, lane keeping assist, parking assist, front camera, power-folding mirrors (with auto-fold), rain sensing wipers, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, intelligent access (based on proximity with key on your person), remote engine start, adjustable pedals, and door keypad entry. Yes, this is an expensive vehicle. But, it truly compares more with a higher-end model, like a Cadillac or Lincoln, than it does with its true competitors (GMC, Toyota, etc.) in this segment. If you are looking for THE BEST 3rd row SUV for a great value (meaning, not luxury vehicle), this is it. If you just want the cheapest 3rd row SUV, then this is obviously not your market. But, if this is your market, or even if youre looking in the luxury market, this may just be the vehicle for you--unless other manufacturers make some pretty decent changes in 2017. I am thoroughly impressed and extremely happy with my purchase.

  • 2016 Ford Explorer Sport - 2016 Ford Explorer
    By -

    Above the average price of an SUV. I love all the room the driver seat has, and power the sport has. I also love the rear seats that fold on their own. Too much to list.

  • 2016 Explorer - 2016 Ford Explorer
    By -

    Just purchased a 2016 Explorer and had the following problems within 200 miles and Ford will not repair stating it is normal. 1. Clunk in driveline. 2. Smell of Gas 3. Knock in Engine 3.5 Twin Turbo. 4. Seat covers coming off. 5. Tran slipping

  • 2016 Ford Explorer Sport 401A - 2016 Ford Explorer
    By -

    I purchased my Ford Explorer Sport in June 2016 because I travel a lot and needed more space and reliability. As of now, almost Sept Ive put in over 9,000 miles by myself! So I definitely have some input with long hours spent in the vehicle & I LOVE my Explorer. First Id like to start with a couple cons that are high on my list. I hate the pedals! The brake is significantly higher than the gas pedal which makes it very uncomfortable when transitioning to the brake, especially when traveling long distances. The pedals are adjustable but they move simultaneously. My suggestion for future models is that each pedal have separate adjustment capabilities for better comfort. While the leather seats are very stylish they arent the most comfortable. What I do love about the seats is that they offer adjustable lumbar support and after hours spent in the vehicle, the heated seats really comes in handy for any back pain! Youre also able to adjust the height of the seats, which I often have fully extended to compensate for the high brake pedal. The GPS often gives last minute signals which has occasionally caused me to miss turns & exits. Ive noticed with the 2017 model they have changed theyre GPS, offering zoom capabilities which the 2016 does not offer. It would also be great if the vehicle offered different route options such as Google maps, so that you could see the different options on the map prior to choosing. I find myself using both google map from my phone and the vehicles GPS simultaneously to avoid errors or unnecessary routes. Enough with cons... At the end of the day, I couldnt be happier about my purchase! If I had the option to do it again, even if offered the 2017 model at the same price, Id choose the 2016 model I have today. Though the SUV appears smaller than some SUVs on the outside, the inside feels very spacious & overall comfortable. When driving, I literally feel like Im driving a sports car. I handle tight turns and u-turn in this SUV better that I did with my previous sedan car! The ride is very smooth & the blind spot detection is remarkable! Not even after having my Explorer for a full month, I was rear ended... No body damage! The tow package cover took most of the damage and the only thing that needed to be replaced was the lower black portion and exhausted cover due to a few scratches. Im constantly complimented on this vehicle, it really stands out. In my personal opinion the gas mileage is great & it takes me no more to fill the tank than it did my previous car, about $40 total give or take. I almost forgot to mention, the clarity of the front & rear cameras are amazing, better even than some more expensive vehicles Ive been in. I hoped this review helps. I tried to touch on some of the things that I havent seen mentioned quite as much.

  • Found on Road Dead - 2016 Ford Explorer
    By -

    I own at 2016 Ford Explorer. I was on my way to Chattanooga, TN last week when the wrench light came on and the SUV lost its ability to travel over 3 miles per hour. It had 4,800 miles on the odometer when this incident occurred. This incident occurred approximately 35 miles from Chattanooga at 1:40 p.m. I called Ford roadside assistance and they are about the most useless group of people on the planet. Making a long story short, it took over 3 1/2 hours to have a service truck dispatched to take me to tow me to the nearest dealer. I arrived at the dealership about 6:50 p.m. The Ford roadside assistance people offered no assistance in helping me to obtain a rental car. Ultimately, I was left stranded at a closed dealership and had to take a $50 cab ride to the airport to rent a car. The problem with the SUV ended up being the throttle plate. It is very troubling to me that Ford is selling an automobile that they know can at any time leave you stranded by the side of an interstate. Even more troubling is the fact that when this happens, you are basically on your own. Ford roadside assistance is a joke and the people that I dealt with could not have cared less about my situation. The National Transportation Safety Administration should require an immediate recall of the 2016 Ford Explorer. If they fail to do so, eventually this problem is going to end in tragedy for someone.

  • Shame on Ford! Faulty Throttle- Dangerous! - 2016 Ford Explorer
    By -

    I have a 2016 Explorer with about 15,000 miles on it. Last week when I was coming home from the beach driving over the Robert Moses bridge, the car lost power.The wrench light came on with a message to check the manual. Somehow I managed to cross lanes to get into the right lane. However, there was no safe lane to be in. Cars are driving at a speed between 65-75 mph. There was the railing and the ocean below!! I had my son and his two friends in the car. I was terrified we were going to get hit and go into the ocean! I had my hazard lights on but I think it was difficult for drivers to see in the daylight. Cars had to swerve to avoid hitting me or stop short when unable to get in the middle lane. Luckily no one was hurt, but this could have easily turned out differently. When I brought the car in to be serviced the sales department seemed to be aware of the problem. Turns out the throttle needed to be replaced. Ford needs to correct this problem before someone is seriously injured or killed! Now Im afraid it will happen again.

  • Posh and Vroom, Vroom! - 2016 Ford Explorer
    By -

    I was hesitant about spending $50k on a Ford Explorer. I looked at Lexus and Range Rover pre owned... The 2016 Platinum Ford Explorer blew the other two away in every way. I love my car. My husband has a Land Cruiser Range Rover, mine is much better (electronics, 3 USB ports that charge in 1/2 time, the stereo rocks, the engine, the massaging chairs, I could go on and on).

Great Deals Near You
  • Loading cars...

Selected Edmunds.com visitor vehicle reviews

Edmunds.com Visitor Vehicle Ratings and Reviews are the property of Edmunds.com, and may not be reproduced or distributed without the consent of Edmunds.com. Edmunds© is a trademark of Edmunds.com, Inc. Edmunds.com, Inc. is not affiliated with this website or app.

Powered By Edmunds

× Estimated monthly payments based on 3.9% APR, 60 month financing, and 20% down payment. Tax, tags, title, administration fees, and license fees are not included in price or payment. Subject to approved buyer credit. Actual purchase terms may vary.

Payment calculations are sourced by EveryAuto.com and may not reflect actual dealer financing terms.

Send Us Feedback ×


Locating Vehicles In Your Area