Topic: Road Trip: 2016 Ford Explorer

[Autos_Editor]

Road trips and ambition
Read More...

[Solstice2006]

There’s the tailgate for example. A “wave-your-foot” activated unit that opens up whenever you do the hokey-pokey close by.

Another bugbear of SUV driving suburbanites is parking – no matter, the Explorer will do that for you if you like, even parallel parking. There’s lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot detection and parking aids plus a back-up camera. Even the third-row power folds. The steering is light and easy but not too vague, the engine more than sufficient. Everything that’s hard to do, the Explorer makes easier in a very calculated way.

Even the seats are well-balanced. They’re supportive without being intrusive, wide without being wallowy. I am completely unfazed as the miles roll by underneath

I have no problem with First Drives, in a Road Trip format.  But there is so little information about the Explorer.  On the last page, a small little paragraph.  Even after driving on empty for a while, you don't tell us how many gallons you put in...

[Sir Osis of Liver]

Nice article. I enjoyed it. 

[JacobBlack]

I have no problem with First Drives, in a Road Trip format.  But there is so little information about the Explorer.  On the last page, a small little paragraph.  Even after driving on empty for a while, you don't tell us how many gallons you put in...

Sorry about that.
Our first, "First Drive" piece is here: http://www.autos.ca/first-drives/first-drive-2016-ford-explorer-platinum/
It has all the info you're looking for.

This one really should have been labelled "Road Trip" - and in fact we'll change that now.

[Fobroader]

Very well written article Jacob!!! I am a huge fan of roadtrips....I would rather hear about that then the Explorer. Its an SUV on a highway, only thing I want to hear is that it didn't break down.

[KD]

Nice read!  Well done!

[safristi]

Hi Ace..ya shoulda coulda had 'en OUTBACK.. ..........enjoyed the trip...............

reminded me of my yoof in Africa driving down the Karoo's as a kid heading for Xmas at Durban

 bored after my comic books were read and Dad commenting on the spectacular scenery....3 day trip
 from N Rhodesia
 also had an Hi_Ace camper thru Europe for 4 months..the best of times...

[Noto]

Oh Jacob...you and a camera...you kill me. 
...did Maddy come along, or did you just find some of her toys in your luggage so that 'daddy wouldn't be lonely on his trip.'?  Too cute.

and to celebrate Ford had organized an epic, six-leg, six-week adventure complete with its own hashtag #ExploreMore (because Twitter)

...did you not see Subaru's epic, 5-continent, 60,000 mile, 12-month adventure?

Its path begins from scorching wastelands through freezing mountains to plains at the end of the earth.This is not only a demonstration. It is a challenge to a dream.

I think there was a twitter thing, but the website is now removed since that happened in 2014.

Check out the youtube videos though...(there are 12 in sequence in this link):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWVAn8ZONLI&list=PLOsAXNJzBWc-jYKqIeGrWknCbDZsDHx3c

Anyhoo...

I feel a surge of empathy for my old man, trying to share his excitement with me all those years ago. “It’s all brown,” I used to mutter to him. I miss brown.

What an amazing article, Jacob - keep it as one of your great ones for submissions.  Not much about the Explorer, but that's the point.  It's an easy-to-live-with ride that takes care of you, even when you neglect to give it the sustainence it needs to keep you going. 

[See3PeeO]

Entertaining read - thanks Jacob.  I have 10,000 km of road trips coming up before the end of the year.  No co-pilot but my dog and 50 podcasts.  Can't wait.

[ktm525]

So at what speed does the limiter kick in at? Can you defeat the nannies and hang the rear?  I assume this is the 3.5L Eco Booooost?

[johngenx]

I'll take mine in black.  With white doors.

[Fobroader]

I'll take mine in black.  With white doors.

Dark blue with black steelies.

[JacobBlack]

So at what speed does the limiter kick in at? Can you defeat the nannies and hang the rear?  I assume this is the 3.5L Eco Booooost?

What limiter?
No, sadly.
Yes.

[Robin2]

In-laws have 2014-15 (can't remember model year) - 1st year of eco boost.  When I visit, I drive it and for a bigger vehicle, it drives very well....  very planted compared to my subbie (wrx) and wife's santa fe.  For bigger / full size SUV, it's decent on gas.

one thing I noticed.... rust is already on the inside of the doors at bottom..... paint is very soso..... 

not an issue for inlaws as they change vehicles every 3-5 years as with their business (write off).