MomMomOnTheGo and crew recently tested out a 2016 Ford Explorer Sport. This vehicle does just about everything, but drive itself. It is great for a big family or a family that needs to pack a lot into the vehicle.
The vehicle that gave us room to roam reminds us that there is always room to grow and #ExploreMore. Building on 25 years of performance and innovation, the new 2016 Explorer combines cutting-edge technology with EcoBoost® efficiency. For those looking for a dynamic driving experience, the Explorer Sport is a perfect match. Powered exclusively by the 365 hp twin-turbocharged, direct-injection 3.5L EcoBoost® engine, the Explorer Sport makes for an exhilarating ride no matter where you’re off to.
Featured Technologies: For 2016, the Explorer comes packed with more innovation than ever, providing the power of choice and customization, allowing you to be in control of your driving experience.
Featured Technologies on this model: Dual-panel Moonroof with Power Sunscreen and Adaptive Cruise Control.
1. ATHELETIC LOOKS
Always a standout, the Explorer Sport’s headlights and taillights feature stylish blackout treatments, matching the 20-inch aluminum wheels with machined face and painted pockets. The uniquely styled Ebony Black leather-trimmed interior with Red accent stitching and carbon sport accents signal the Explorer Sport’s powerful capability.
2. MAKE AN INFORMED APPROACH
At slow speeds, Explorer helps you see around corners, down alleys and even while you’re pulling out of parking spots, thanks to the available Front 180° Camera with Washer tucked into the grille. Just press a button on the instrument panel to engage, and get a full-colour look at what’s happening in front and to the front sides of
your vehicle.
3. INTELLIGENT 4WD
Available Intelligent 4WD optimizes powertrain and braking systems, allowing the vehicle to deliver the right amount of traction to match the driving conditions. The 4WD System also includes Hill Descent Control™10 which lets you set and maintain a constant speed while traveling downhill.
4. BLIND SPOT INFORMATION SYSTEM
Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) with Cross-Traffic Alert uses sensors to detect traffic in a driver’s blind spot, providing a visual warning if vehicles are detected. Cross-Traffic Alert audibly warns the driver of vehicles approaching from either side when backing out of a parking space with obstructed views.
5. SAFETY FIRST
Collision warning with brake support will alert you if it senses a potential collision with the car in front of you. A heads-up display, which simulates brake lights, flashes on the windshield. If you don’t react in time, the brakes will pre-charge and increase brake-assist sensitivity to provide full responsiveness when you do brake. Using sensors in the grille, Adaptive Cruise Control detects traffic slowing and decelerates in response. The pre-set speed resumes once traffic has cleared. Finally, inflatable second-row outboard safety belts help reduce the risk of injury while providing support to the head and neck in the event of an accident.
6. FOOT-ACTIVATED HANDS-FREE POWER LIFTGATE
With the Intelligent Access key in your pocket or purse, just kick your foot under the bumper and the available Foot-Activated Hands-Free Power Liftgate automatically opens — making it easier to load and unload cargo. You can also adjust the liftgate height, which is helpful for lower overhangs. Photo Credit: Ford
7. AVAILABLE DUAL-PANEL MOONROOF WITH POWER SUNSCREEN
Feel the heat of the sun on your face or wisps of fresh air against your skin while you drive with the available Dual-panel Moonroof with Power Sunscreen. With two large glass panels, the Moonroof can be vented by pressing the TILT button or fully opened by pressing the SLIDE button – giving you control over how much sun you soak up while you drive.
8. POWERFOLD® THIRD-ROW SEAT
Gone are the days of struggling to fit hockey bags into the trunk of your vehicle. With the Powerfold® third-row seat, you have the ability to adjust seat space to suit your lifestyle needs. Whether it be keeping seat backs in the upright position, lowering seat backs for carrying cargo with flat load floor, or tumbling seat backs and cushions for tailgate rear-facing seats, all can be done with the simple push of a button.
Photo Credit: Ford
9. LIVE LIFE OUT LOUD
If you can’t live without your music, the available Premium Audio System by Sony® is indispensable. It delivers crisp sound through 12 speakers and a rear subwoofer, producing 390 watts of fun and making every journey a musical one.
10. STAYING CONNECTED
SYNC® with MyFord Touch® allows drivers to interact through voice control, a touch screen tap or a conventional button. You can even ask your car for restaurant suggestions by saying “I’m hungry.” When paired with SYNC®, “Do Not Disturb” blocks incoming phone calls or text messages. Calls are diverted to voicemail and text messages are saved on the device for later viewing. Drivers can still make voice-activated outgoing calls, and SYNC 911 Assist® is always on in case of emergency.
Photo Credit: Ford
I was extremely impressed with everything the the Ford Explorer Sport had packed into it. We had a third row of seating and could venture off for a family trip with everyone fitting comfortably into the vehicle.
I had been exploring vehicles with the third row of seating and was finding that many of the SUV’s third rows were not very comfortable. The Ford Explorer has incorporated that third row of seating and has done it with style and comfort. The 2016 Ford Explorer has the best third row of seating that I have found in an SUV to date.
What I really loved about the third row of seating was that at a push of a button you could stow it away, have it out, put one away and have one out. It was very simple to set it however you needed it based on the occupancy of the vehicle.
Everything in the 2016 Ford Explorer Sport was electronic. The vehicle could heat the seats and steering wheel. Okay that seems to be coming a standard feature in more and more cars these days, but the Explorer also could give the driver and front passenger a massage. Yep a massage! I have to admit though that I found the massage setting somewhat distracting while I was the driver. I did enjoy it as the passenger though.
I loved how the pedals adjusted for the driver. Vehicles come standard of course with adjustable seats and usually steering wheels. In the Explorer, you could adjust the pedals as well to ensure you were really comfortable in the captain’s chair. 🙂
The Ford Explorer had sensors all around the vehicle including a back up and front camera system. The vehicle provided an audible warning if you were getting too close to an object in any direction.
During our testing trial of the Explorer, I only had the opportunity to drive it for one of the seven days. I ended up with a concussion during our trial period with the Explorer and sidelined for driving for awhile. I did enjoy the drive and comfort of the vehicle during the one day that I was allowed to drive. For the rest of the trial, I got to be co-pilot which allowed me the freedom to play with the controls, such as the GPS, seat settings, sound system, full length sunroof, and more.
Honestly, there really are just too many options on the 2016 Ford Explorer Sport to list and go through. What I can say is that there was not one thing that I found myself wishing that they had included.
Best of all and probably the most important thing about any vehicle for us, is the ability to fit everyone and all the sports gear into the vehicle. Here is a quick shot to show you that there is more than enough room in the 2016 Ford Explorer Sport.
In the photo the third row of seating is stowed away. The back has all the gear needed for a lacrosse player and a coach as we were off to a lacrosse practice. You can see that all the we have in the vehicle hardly touches the available room.
In the photo you can also start to get a feel for how long and big the vehicle is. This really is a great vehicle to have for anyone that wants comfort, and the ability to carry a lot of passengers and a lot of gear. I could see our family getting away for a camping trip and having enough room in the Explorer that we could fit everything and everyone into it, comfortably.
Since our trial, I have been paying attention to the cars I see on the road, and I am noticing a ton of Ford Explorer Sports out there and now I understand why. The Explorer is versatile both in its appeal to owners and to what it provides.
To find out more about Ford products, make sure to visit them here….
Disclosure: MomMomOnTheGo was provided product for the purpose of conducting this review. As always, MomMomOnTheGo only supports companies, products, and services that she loves.
