2016 FORD EXPLORER PLATINUM
Price: $58,599 Add-ons: $1,690 (freight & PDI), taxes, licensing Type: full-size SUV Propulsion: front-engine, fourwheel drive Cargo: 1,115L (2,314L behind first row) Tow-rating: 5,000 lbs. Engine: 3.5L EcoBoost V6 Transmission: 6-speed automatic Power/torque: 365 / 350 Fuel consumption (city / highway L/100 km): 14.9 / 10.7 Brakes: 352 mm vented disc (front) / 343 mm vented disc (rear) Tires: Hankook ventus S1 noble2 P255/55R20 Standard features: Premium Sony audio system, dual-panel moonroof, 20-inch alloy wheels, enhanced active park assist, foot-activated hands-free liftgate, power-folding split third row seats and more Accessibility: Easy and straightforward thanks to high ground clearance Competition: Chevrolet Traverse, Nissan Pathfinder What’s best: Abundant power, refined cabin, lots of room What’s worst: Long and heavy, no Sync 3 (yet) Most interesting: Third row seats are motorized on Platinum trim Website: ford.ca Looks: Handsome and contemporary, but still cuts a commanding, powerful profile. Interior: Comfortable and cavernous, with impressive design detail and use of quality materials. Performance: For a long and heavy vehicle, the Explorer Platinum has a surprising amount of get up and go. Technology: With this trim you get lots of everything: 500-watt stereo, front and rear cameras, a full suite of collision mitigation tech and the list goes on. What you will like about this car: The Explorer delivers an abundance of technology, power, roominess and comfort. It’s not inexpensive by any stretch, but delivers a lot of vehicle for the money. What you won’t like about this car: If you’re at all concerned about space limitations, the Explorer might not be the ideal choice. It’s a big vehicle that can be tricky to park. The lack of Sync 3 is also disappointing, although it will arrive eventually. Rating: Ford has done a nice job of keeping the Explorer current with a refresh that keeps an aging design from looking too old. Not the sexiest of Ford’s SUVs, but a good option for those in the market for a roomy seven-seater with plenty of power, technology and comfort.