2016 Ford Explorer Debuts With 2.3 Liter EcoBoost, New Features

The Ford Explorer helped define the SUV segment in the early 90s, and today the Blue Oval revealed the latest iteration of its globe-trotting top-seller. The biggest change for the 2016 Ford Explorer is the addition of the 2.3 liter EcoBoost engine, which can be paired with a tow package for the first time.

The 2.3 liter EcoBoost debuted last year on the Lincoln MKC and then the 2015 Ford Mustang, offering up to 310 horsepower in the iconic sports car. Offering 270 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque, it offers 13% more horsepower than the 2.0 liter EcoBoost it replaces, but should still offer up to 28 MPG. Active Grille Shutters are a new part of the fuel economy equation, another carryover from the 2015 Mustang, though those seeking more power can find it in the 3.5 liter EcoBoost V6 with 365 ponies on tap.

Ford has also introduced the new Platinum trim level for buyers wanting to go all-in with every feature and option, including the four-wheel drive Terrain Management System and dual-moonroof. Naturally it gets the range-topping EcoBoost V6, and for 2016 Ford has reworked the Explorer’s look ever-so-slightly, and soccer moms/NASCAR dads will benefit from a new external camera system and self-parking features that make parallel parking jitters a thing of the past. There’s also an increased emphasis on luxury on the inside for these top-end models, which makes Lincoln feel all the more redundant.

Not a bad look for the Explorer if you ask me, but I’m still waiting for Ford to plug in one of its hybrid systems to its larger vehicle lineup. There also isn’t mention of weight lightening or increased aluminum usage. I guess we’ll have to wait for the next redesign for that.

2015 Ford Expedition Goes EcoBoost As Well

The 2015 Ford Expedition doesn’t look much different, but under the hood is a 3.5 liter EcoBoost engine driving the body-on-frame SUV into the 21st century. Just don’t expect a whole lot more “innovation” from Ford’s biggest people mover.

There’s only so much you can do with a dated design and a decade-old architecture, with many of the Expedition’s underpinnings dating back to the last major update in 2007. Yes, it’s been almost 7 years since the Expedition got any meaningful updates, though the 2015 model does bring some sizable changes, including the addition of an engine from the EcoBoost family.

Gone is the tried-and-true 5.4 liter V8 engine, with the 3.5 liter EcoBoost V6 becoming the sole motor choice for this mega-mover. Ford expects the EcoBoost engine to deliver better fuel economy and similar performance to the outgoing V8 engine. The only transmission option is a six-speed automatic, leaving drivetrain options limited to all of one.

Ford has made an effort to further update the Expedition with luxury features like dual 4.2” LCD screens on the gauge cluster, blind-spot alert, and push button start systems. Basically the Expedition is following in the footsteps of the Lincoln Navigator, which got a similar makeover last month, but with an even less-dramatic change to the exterior styling.

The only real significance here? Two of Ford’s biggest vehicles no longer have a V8 option. Is Ford preparing truck buyers for a future sans the mighty V8?

Source: Ford