It won’t be “all new” in 2016 but the world’s best selling SUV over the last 25 years, the Ford Explorer, will have new technology, a new engine, and a new trim level to entice buyers.

The new Explorer will have a new 2.3-liter EcoBoost^® engine under the hood delivering at least 270 horsepower and at least 300 lb.-ft. of torque. Wih the added power, drivers can expect 12.5 percent more horsepower and 11 percent more torque over the current 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine. It improves highway passing times 10 percent at speeds between 55 mph and 75 mph.

Also, for the first time on the Explorer, the four-cylinder EcoBoost can be paired with available tow package and intelligent four-wheel drive with Terrain Management System^™which reassesses conditions about 20 times faster than the blink of an eye, providing precise handling and traction. Each of the trim levels comes equipped with a six-speed SelectShift Automatic transmission.

Added technology enhancements in the 2016 model include:

• Front and rear cameras with wide-angle lenses and a washer
• Enhanced active park assist with perpendicular park assist, park-out assist and semi-automatic parallel parking
• Smart-charging USB ports in the front and rear
• Hands-free liftgate
• Industry-exclusive 500-watt Sony Audio System
• Active Grille Shutters on the upper and lower fascia which close at highway speeds to reduce drag. At low speeds, the shutters open to deliver airflow to cool the powertrain.
• Air curtains – Standard air curtains create a high-pressure region of air that impacts the outer surface of the wheels and tires. The result is airflow held close to the vehicle body, minimizing drag.

These current Explorer features provide a foundation for innovations on the 2016 model:

• Adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support
• Lane-keeping system
• Blind Spot Information System (BLIS^®)
• Cross-traffic alert
• Auto high-beams
• Inflatable rear safety belts

With the 2016 model year, Ford will offer an all-new Platinum series offering upgrades to both the Explorer exterior and interior.

“Bringing Explorer Platinum to market is a natural extension of the Explorer lineup, giving our customers even more of what they want,” said Matt Zuehlk, Ford Explorer brand manager. “There’s a market for more upscale SUVs, as 90 percent of today’s Explorer Sport buyers purchase the most expensive package available. That’s a strong signal customers are ready for Platinum.”

The new Explorer features five trim series. These are:

• Base – 3.5-liter V6 engine with six-speed SelectShift Automatic, LED low-beam headlamps, LED taillamps, 18-inch aluminum wheels in sparkle silver paint and rearview camera with washer
• XLT – 3.5-liter V6 engine with six-speed SelectShift Automatic, heavy-duty front and rear brake calipers, fog lamps, LED signature lighting, 18-inch five-spoke aluminum wheels with sparkle silver paint, leather-wrapped steering wheel and reverse sensing system
• Limited – 3.5-liter V6 engine with six-speed SelectShift Automatic, premium 20-inch aluminum painted wheels, ambient lighting, cargo net, heated steering wheel, multi-piece satin chrome with Rosewood film accent appliqués, perforated leather-trimmed seats, heated and cooled front row seats, 12-speaker Sony Audio System, front and rear 180-degree camera with washers, and hands-free liftgate
• Explorer Sport – 3.5-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V6, intelligent four-wheel drive with Terrain Management System, sport-tuned suspension, trailer tow package, Explorer badge on hood, fascia-integrated dual exhaust tips, 20-inch wheels, perforated leather-trimmed seats with red accent stitching, multi-piece satin chrome with carbon fiber interior appearance inserts and 12-speaker Sony Audio System
• Platinum – 3.5-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V6, intelligent four-wheel drive with Terrain Management System, dual-panel moonroof, satin chrome lower bodyside cladding insert, satin chrome mirror caps, 20-inch wheels, adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support, real wood accents and unique stitching on steering wheel, 500-watt Sony Audio System, leather-wrapped door and console armrests, leather-wrapped instrument panel and upper door trim, Nirvana leather seats, all-digital instrument cluster, enhanced active park assist with park-out assist and perpendicular park, and lane-keeping system

On the exterior of all trim levels of the 2016 Explorers, designers went rugged, positioning the grille and LED headlamps higher, adding a new closed-off lower roof rack with channels that cascade rainwater off the vehicle and a new rear spoiler, and visible heat-sink structures for cooling the LED headlamps.