2016 Explorer Priced, Platinum Trim starts at $53,500

4863 Views 46 Replies 32 Participants Last post by CJH, Jan 23, 2015

nadepalma

Discussion Starter · Jan 17, 2015

2016 Ford Explorer Priced, New Range-Topping Trim Level Added
January 16, 2015
by Alexander Stoklosa

Ford’s heavily refreshed Explorer is due out soon, and so it’s time for the company to release official pricing for the stylish three-row family hauler. While the base Explorer rings in at the same $31,595, the mid- and upper-level XLT and Limited see $400 and $3100 increases, while the zesty Sport model’s MSRP rises by $200. The all-new, range-topping Platinum breaks new ground for the Explorer line by starting above $50,000. Full pricing, model-by-model, below:

Explorer: $31,595 (+$2000 for all-wheel drive); includes Ford’s 290-hp 3.5-liter V-6 with a six-speed automatic transmission, LED low-beam headlights, LED taillights, 18-inch aluminum wheels, Sync voice-operated infotainment system, a six-way power driver’s seat, fold-flat third-row seat, cruise control, and remote keyless entry. Options include Ford’s $995 285-hp turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine and $170 inflatable rear seatbelts.

CONTINUE AT CAR AND DRIVER

Images credited to and courtesy of Car & Driver

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nadepalma

Discussion Starter · #2 · Jan 17, 2015 (Edited)

So it starts around the same price, but gets very expensive at the top end. I know that some people will disagree, but $53K+ is an awful lot to spend on an Explorer. I know it will have all the bells and whistles, but I could spend that kind of change on a number of other products.

Car & Driver said:
The really big news in Explorer-land is the new Platinum trim, which marks new price territory for the Explorer. At over $53K, is an Explorer still worth cutting the check? That observation will have to wait for our first drive of the refreshed-for-2016 model, but in the meantime, it’s worth celebrating that the lesser Explorers’ optional EcoBoost four-cylinder can for the first time be paired with all-wheel drive. The old four wasn’t powerful enough to deal with the AWD Explorer’s mass—it was barely capable of keeping it together with the FWD Explorer’s mass—but the larger new turbo four pumps out a nearly as much horsepower as the base V-6 (285 compared to 290) and way more torque (305 lb-ft compared to a measly 255).

I didn't realize that the previous version of the EcoBoost was FWD only. The weight issue aside, that seems like it would have been a bad product-planning decision. I don't know what the take-rate on the EcoBoost model was, but I'm almost positive that it was artificially lower due to not being able to get AWD with the blown motor.

Car & Driver said:
As for the rest of the Explorer, well, it should prove as compelling as ever—especially the fun Sport model—and, as a bonus, it now looks even more like a Range Rover.

True; now looks even more like a Range Rover.

Bvonscott

· #3 · Jan 17, 2015

Doesn't really look like a range rover to me. Looks like an older explorer?

http://static.cargurus.com/images/s..._eddie_bauer_4wd-pic-7396995128464375266.jpeg

Reactions: 2

Butz

· #4 · Jan 17, 2015

That's a lot of money

BlackGTP

· #5 · Jan 17, 2015

Yes, a lot of money, but what else can you get that size for the money? Once you go German to get something that size you are going to be in a relatively stripped down model. So it comes down to a choice - badge or baubles?

osbornk

· #6 · Jan 17, 2015

nadepalma said:
I didn't realize that the previous version of the EcoBoost was FWD only. The weight issue aside, that seems like it would have been a bad product-planning decision. I don't know what the take-rate on the EcoBoost model was, but I'm almost positive that it was artificially lower due to not being able to get AWD with the blown motor.

It has been available with the 3.5 ecoboost but not the 2.0 ecoboost. The new 4 cylinder ecoboost is larger with more horsepower and torque.

Envoy4Life

· #7 · Jan 17, 2015

Did C&D really just learn this? MT posted this back at the Los Angeles Auto Show:

http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/...rts-31-595-explorer-platinum-53-495-a-187634/

bone

· #8 · Jan 17, 2015

Front end looks much like the ill-fated Freestyle. I, too, prefer the Sport model but actually I would buy a Flex over any Explorer.

Quixote88

· #9 · Jan 17, 2015

The top end is certainly more than I would pay for one, but choice is a good thing. I'm sure there are enough buyers who would opt for the top trim for Ford to keep offering it in the future.

LetsRace

· #10 · Jan 17, 2015

It is expensive, but I'm sure they will find buyers.

ChrisGinNC

· #11 · Jan 17, 2015

BlackGTP said:
Yes, a lot of money, but what else can you get that size for the money? Once you go German to get something that size you are going to be in a relatively stripped down model. So it comes down to a choice - badge or baubles?

Acadia Denali, Durango Citadel with the V8 is only in the mid $40's. Technically the Pilot and Highlander are also competition for this, I guess.

Reactions: 2

Cobaltss_King

· #12 · Jan 17, 2015

ChrisGinNC said:
Acadia Denali, Durango Citadel with the V8 is only in the mid $40's. Technically the Pilot and Highlander are also competition for this, I guess.

Yes its competitors are cheaper unless they will also see a price hike.

vanshmack

· #13 · Jan 17, 2015

Wow...That's not cheap.

By comparison, I built a loaded, AWD Traverse LTZ with every possible option, sans all dealer-installed stuff, and got it up to $51,565.

True, the Traverse is dated and doesn't offer some of the content, but it's an interesting comparison.

eaton53

· #14 · Jan 17, 2015

A fine combination of Bland and Ripoff.
I drove a loaded Jeep Grand Cherokee Hemi Summit yesterday that was about the same money.

Reactions: 1

69gtsdart

· #15 · Jan 17, 2015

And People use to say a Dodge Durango Citadel starting at $40,995 was Expensive....

ChrisGinNC

· #16 · Jan 17, 2015

69gtsdart said:
And People use to say a Dodge Durango Citadel starting at $40,995 was Expensive....

That's not really that far out of line considering it's Dodge's highest trim. I was surprised to find out a V8 with AWD was only around $46,000. I'm not a Dodge fan but that's a decent amount of vehicle for the money.

Reactions: 1

69gtsdart

· #17 · Jan 17, 2015

Just Think, a Extra 10K added on the Explorer's price could get you ina SRT Grand Cherokee

Reactions: 1

spd98

· #18 · Jan 18, 2015

BlackGTP said:
Yes, a lot of money, but what else can you get that size for the money?

The lambdas.

sepi

· #19 · Jan 18, 2015

Good gracious - over priced - for that money you can get a cramped Cadihack ATS and carry one other adult....

0fxxk0

· #20 · Jan 18, 2015

Bvonscott said:
Doesn't really look like a range rover to me. Looks like an older explorer?

http://static.cargurus.com/images/s..._eddie_bauer_4wd-pic-7396995128464375266.jpeg

All I see is a really really really expensive Taurus X/Freestyle and at $53k I'll go with a badge.

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