Review: 2016 Ford Explorer Sport

Seems like Ford has put every bit of technology and comfort they could lay their hands on this time in their most beloved pet: the Explorer. Enhanced parking assist system, adaptive cruise control, blind spot warning, lane keep assist, massaging front seats, dual panel panoramic moon-roof, wood and aluminium trims among others, and revamped looks; ‘Athletic’ is how Ford describes the refreshed 2016 Explorer.
The latest Avatar of the Explorer offers more technology and is better looking than it has ever been. On the exterior the cross-over has got a new more prominent front grille, standard LED with LED signage lighting, new hood, new fenders, new fog lamps, new skid plate element which adds a nice bit of SUVness to the car.
The styling on the Sports model goes one step further, with blackened theme. The blackout treatment on the LEDs and taillights, and 20-inch rims is unique to the Sport. The blacked-out A-pillars and pulled-forward C- and D-pillars also make for a great design, complimented further by the embossed ‘Explorer’ on the bonnet, just above the grille. Though the looks are quite dashing and as Ford says “quite refreshing”, they do Evoque... err I mean evoke memories of a certain other very popular SUV, especially the grille and the embossed name.
We decided to try the Explorer Sport - even though it falls short of the Limited version on the features list; as we wanted to experience the new EcoBoost engine that the sport variant packs. The 3.5L turbo-charged, direct injection V6 is claimed to deliver V8 performance and the fuel economy of a V6. The EcoBoost engine also churns out a healthy 365bhp and 470nm torque compared to the naturally aspirated 3.5L V6 in the Limited version churning out 290bhp and 345nm torque.
The best thing about the Explorer is its compactness: Not at all gigantic giving you the jitters in tight parking spaces or the busy nooks. Still on the inside it is surprisingly spacious. The driver and front passenger seats have so much leg space that you might need to move the seat forward but never backwards; same for the middle seats. Even the third row in the rear has got enough leg room to accommodate two full grownups comfortably.
The Ecoboost engine doesn’t make the hefty Sport any faster as such. Rather it is the refinement it delivers on. The healthy 365bhp moves the Explorer along with such ease and smoothness in any situation that being behind the wheel is an utter delight.
The Explorer is a comfortable joy ride in the city, with its compact frame. The engine is very responsive, and the seating position perfect giving you wide elevated view of the matters on the road.
A most exciting feature on the Explorer is the enhanced parking assist system, with Parallel, Park Out, and Reverse Perpendicular systems. Activate the system and the car finds a parking spot and parks itself on its own. You control the accelerator and brakes, as per the assist’s command, but not the steering. The steering is guided by the park assist. However, the feature is only available on the Limited variant (we dearly missed it on the Sport, although had fun with it in the Limited variant later on).
The Explorer isn’t intended to be your regular rock crawler. It is a capable back-road runner which could overcome the natural obstacles with utter ease. Smooth, granulated, or the rutted mud the Explorer remains unfazed.
The explorer employs a terrain-management AWD system that adjusts parameters based on conditions, governing four modes; Normal, Snow, Sand and Mud settings. The intelligent ‘Terrain Management System’ reassesses driving conditions about 20 times faster than the blink of an eye — providing precise handling and traction.
It 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.
Hitting the Yiti beach, we engaged the Sand mode and the Explorer powered through the sandy trails with the same casualness as displayed on the open highway. The new Explorer benefits from an improved suspension for better handling and a quiet cabin, enabling a comfortable ride even when the going gets tough (or rough).
Featuring sport tuned suspension; the Explorer Sport offers a more dynamic driving experience with adjustments to the steering and some stiffening of the dampers and springs. The Explorer Sport also sports a towing capability of 2.25 tonne.
Interior changes help enhance quietness in the cabin. There are new door seals, and an enhanced sound package that features engine subframe mounts specially tuned to reduce vibration. Acoustic glass is used on the windshield and front doors.
The coddling accoutrements feature aluminium and ash trim on the instrument panel and doors (sportier carbon fibre trims in the Sport version), a wood-and-leather-covered heated steering wheel, leather dashboard, climate controlled first row seats with 10 way power front passenger seat with power recline and lumbar, dual-panel moonroof, Smart USB ports for faster charging, a 10.1-inch digital screen in the instrument cluster, and a stunning 500-watt 12 speaker Sony audio system. The Limited version also has the front-seats massaging function.
Boot space is also ample in the Explorer with the third row PowerFold 50/50 split-folding bench seat. At the touch of a button, it folds flat for additional cargo room and a level load floor. The hands-free power liftgate could be opened or closed simply with a movement of the foot within the range of the rear bumper’s sensors while holding the key fob in the pocket.
Scoring highly on the safety front, the 2016 Explorer also comes with a third-row safety canopy, front passenger knee airbag, and rear outboard inflatable seatbelts, in addition to front, front-side and side curtain airbags. Blind spot warning is available with adaptive cruise control with forward collision warning and brake assist. Enhanced parking assist, lane keeping assist, and lane departure warning are only available in the Limited variant.
The Explorer Limited version also features a 180-degree front camera and a front side-view camera that “peeks” around corners at blind intersections and the like, plus washer-fluid sprayers for the front and rear cameras.
The refreshed 2016 Explorer has almost everything you wanted in an SUV. Conquer the rugged trails with much ease with Explorer Sport, or step up to the Limited version and get absorbed in luxury-car-like levels of comfort and convenience, massaging your back and hindquarters as you munch up the endless miles in utter serenity; your call.
Tech Specs
2016 Ford Explorer
Explorer Limited / Explorer Sport
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive (std.) / Intelligent 4WD (opt.) Intelligent 4WD
Engine Type
3.5L Twin independent Variable
Camshaft Timing (TiVCT) V6/ 3.5L Twin Turbocharged, Direct Injection Ecoboost V6
Transmission
6-speed SelectShift Automatic
Horsepower
290 @ 6500rpm/365 @ 5500rpm
Torque
255 @ 4000rpm/350 @ 3500rpm
Fuel Economy (kmpl) EPA-Estimated Ratings
(Actual mileage will vary)
6.5 city - 9.65 hwy - 7.65 combined (4WD)/ 6.5 city - 8.85 hwy - 7.25 combined
Authorised Dealers
Arabian Car Marketing Co. LLC
+968 2457 9719/23/25
+968 9926 4193