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Serving Warner Robins, Macon, and Dublin
The large-size SUV market caters to families who need lots of vehicle space for the kids and cargo. Of course, the SUV must also offer acceptable gas mileage and a somewhat smooth ride. For many years, the Ford Explorer has met with approval from those desiring plenty of cargo volume, good handling ability, and better-than-average fuel economy.
The current Explorer model is available in several different trims, each with its own set of optional add-ons and special packages. Two of these trims – the Explorer Limited and Explorer Sport – offer different sets of standard and optional features. Both come equipped with a powerful V6 engine, and a turbocharged 2.3L EcoBoost engine is available on the Limited. The package options vary, so it’s important to look closely at what each trim has to offer.
The standard engine on the 2016 Explorer Limited is a 3.5L engine that produces a total of 290 horsepower. Front-wheel drive is standard, but you can opt for the all-wheel-drive version if you plan on doing a lot of off-road driving. The optional 4-cylinder turbocharged engine produces less horsepower but gets the vehicle up to speed nicely. The Sport trim comes with a similar 3.5L engine, but this one produces a total of 365 horsepower. Transmission is 6-speed automatic, and buyers can choose between front- and all-wheel drive. Steering and handling on both trims are extremely responsive, but the Sport trim comes with a more sport-tuned suspension that makes for an even quicker vehicle response.
Stability and traction control are standard on both the Limited and Sport trims. Trailer-sway control is also included. The airbag complement includes a front-seat side, a front passenger knee bag, and full-length side curtain airbags. Ford’s innovative curve control is a nice addition to the safety features for 2016. This system monitors speed as the vehicle begins to corner, and it applies slight deceleration as needed. The rearview camera is standard equipment on both trims, and an optional 180-degree front camera is optional. The all-wheel-drive Limited has a stopping distance from 60 mph to 118 feet, and the Sport trim equipped with performance tires goes from 60 mph to zero in just 108 feet, one of the shortest distances in this entire vehicle class.
The 2016 Explorer Limited comes with 20-inch wheels, power-folding exterior mirrors, heated second-row seats, and a hands-free power liftgate. An upgraded navigation system and a 12-speaker stereo system are also standard. This stereo includes an HD radio, and the entire entertainment system is controlled via the driver interface and 8-inch touchscreen. The Sport trim comes with a specialized sport-tuned suspension, the afore-mentioned front-view camera, power-adjustable pedals, and driver memory settings. Adaptive cruise control is optional on both trims, and buyers of the Limited and Sport can also choose to add a dual-panel sunroof as well as second-row captain’s chairs. The trailer tow package is optional on the Limited and standard on the Sport trim. The Equipment Group 301A for the Limited includes active park assist and multi-contour front seats, while the Equipment Group 400A for the Sport trim includes standard Terrain Management System and perforated leather-trimmed seats.
It’s a big decision to make regarding the choice of Explorer trims. Both the Limited and Sports offer one of the most extensive package purchase options of any full-size SUV. Contact Five Star Ford Warner Robins to schedule your own personal test drive and vehicle inspection. Once you’ve seen the two trims up close, the decision of which one fits the bill becomes much easier to make.
All figures are EPA estimates. Actual mileage may vary.
