2016 Ford Explorer XLT 4WD: Specs And Features

Nov 16, 2025 by Alex Braham 47 views

2016 Ford Explorer XLT 4WD: Specs, Features, and More

Hey there, gearheads and SUV enthusiasts! Ever wondered what makes the 2016 Ford Explorer XLT 4WD tick? Well, you're in luck! We're diving deep into the specs, features, and everything else that makes this a popular choice for families and adventurers alike. The 2016 model year brought some exciting updates and improvements, making it a solid contender in the mid-size SUV market. So, buckle up, and let's explore what the 2016 Ford Explorer XLT 4WD has to offer!

Unveiling the 2016 Ford Explorer XLT 4WD: A Comprehensive Overview

Alright, guys, let's get down to brass tacks. The 2016 Ford Explorer XLT 4WD is a versatile SUV that blends practicality, comfort, and capability. Ford has a long-standing reputation for building reliable vehicles, and the Explorer has consistently been a strong player in its class. This particular XLT trim, with its four-wheel-drive (4WD) system, is designed to tackle various terrains and weather conditions. This makes it a great choice for those who love to explore off the beaten path or simply need a vehicle that can handle the challenges of winter weather. The Explorer XLT offers a comfortable ride, a spacious interior, and a decent list of standard features, making it a well-rounded package for daily driving and weekend getaways.

The 2016 model year saw some updates to the Explorer's design and technology, which improved its overall appeal. The XLT trim strikes a nice balance between affordability and features. You'll find a comfortable interior with plenty of space for passengers and cargo, making it a great option for families. The 4WD system enhances its off-road capabilities and provides added security in slippery conditions. It’s also worth noting that the Explorer XLT offers a range of engine options, providing a bit of flexibility to suit different driving preferences. Whether you’re looking for fuel efficiency or a bit more power, there is likely an engine option that fits your needs. Overall, the 2016 Ford Explorer XLT 4WD is a capable and well-equipped SUV that offers a lot of value for its price. Let's delve into the details to understand what makes it a favorite among SUV buyers. We will start with its engine options, since this is an important part of any car.

Engine and Performance Specifications

Let's get under the hood, shall we? The 2016 Ford Explorer XLT came with a few engine options, giving buyers some choices based on their needs. The standard engine was a 3.5-liter V6, which provided a good balance of power and fuel efficiency. If you wanted more oomph, there was also a turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine available. This engine offered a significant increase in horsepower and torque, making the Explorer feel a bit more peppy on the road. For those who needed even more power, there was a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine available on higher trims, which delivered impressive performance and towing capacity.

Here’s a breakdown of the engine options and their key specifications:

3.5-liter V6: This engine produced around 290 horsepower and 255 lb-ft of torque. It was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. This engine provided smooth and reliable performance for everyday driving. Fuel economy was respectable for a vehicle of its size.
2.3-liter EcoBoost I4: This turbocharged engine generated approximately 280 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. It also came with a six-speed automatic transmission. The EcoBoost engine offered better fuel economy than the 3.5-liter V6, while still providing good acceleration. This was a great option if you wanted a balance of performance and efficiency.
3.5-liter EcoBoost V6: The most powerful engine option, this turbocharged engine delivered about 365 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. It was also mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. This engine was perfect if you needed extra power for towing or spirited driving. The EcoBoost V6 offered strong acceleration and a confident driving experience.

The 4WD system, available on the XLT trim, added to the Explorer's versatility. It enhanced traction and stability on various road conditions. It allowed the vehicle to handle snow, mud, and other challenging terrains with ease. The Explorer's performance was also helped by its suspension system, which provided a comfortable ride quality. The steering was responsive and precise, giving you a sense of control behind the wheel. The brakes were also effective, ensuring safe stopping distances.

Interior and Exterior Features

Moving inside, the 2016 Ford Explorer XLT 4WD offered a comfortable and functional cabin. The interior was designed to accommodate up to seven passengers, with two rows of seating and a third-row option. The seats were supportive and offered good legroom and headroom, even in the rear. The materials used inside were of good quality, and the overall design was modern and appealing.

Here's a look at some of the key interior and exterior features:

Exterior Features: The exterior of the Explorer XLT featured a stylish and aerodynamic design. It had a bold front grille, sleek headlights, and a muscular stance. The XLT trim came with a range of standard features, including alloy wheels, roof rails, and automatic headlights. There were also several optional features available, such as a power liftgate and a panoramic sunroof.
Interior Features: Inside, the Explorer XLT came equipped with a host of features. These included a touchscreen infotainment system, a rearview camera, and a premium audio system. Other features include power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The interior was also designed to be practical, with plenty of storage compartments and cupholders. The cargo space was generous, providing ample room for luggage and other items.
Technology Features: Ford equipped the Explorer XLT with a variety of technology features to enhance the driving experience. The touchscreen infotainment system provided access to navigation, entertainment, and other vehicle functions. The rearview camera made parking and maneuvering easier. Other tech features included keyless entry, push-button start, and a premium sound system. Some models also came with advanced safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assist.

Safety and Reliability

When it comes to safety, the 2016 Ford Explorer XLT 4WD had a strong reputation. Ford has a history of prioritizing safety, and the Explorer was well-equipped to protect its occupants. The vehicle received good safety ratings from both the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). These ratings indicate the vehicle's ability to protect passengers in the event of a crash.

Here’s a breakdown of the safety features and reliability aspects:

Safety Features: The Explorer XLT came standard with a range of safety features, including airbags, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control. These features are designed to help prevent accidents and protect occupants in the event of a collision. Some models also came with advanced safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. These features use sensors and cameras to monitor the vehicle's surroundings and provide assistance to the driver.
Reliability: The reliability of the 2016 Ford Explorer XLT 4WD was generally considered to be average. Like any vehicle, it's subject to the occasional issue, but overall, it's considered to be a reliable SUV. Regular maintenance and proper care are essential to ensuring that the vehicle stays in good working condition. It's always a good idea to research any specific model before purchasing to understand its potential issues.
Safety Ratings: The 2016 Explorer XLT received good crash test ratings from both IIHS and NHTSA. This indicates that the vehicle is designed to protect occupants in a variety of crash scenarios. These ratings should give you peace of mind knowing that the vehicle is designed to keep you and your loved ones safe on the road.

Why Choose the 2016 Ford Explorer XLT 4WD?

So, why should you consider the 2016 Ford Explorer XLT 4WD? Well, there are several compelling reasons. It’s a well-rounded SUV that offers a great combination of features, performance, and practicality. The 4WD system enhances its capabilities, making it suitable for a variety of driving conditions. The interior is spacious and comfortable, providing ample room for passengers and cargo. The XLT trim offers a good balance of features and affordability, making it a great value proposition.

Here’s a summary of the benefits:

Versatility: The Explorer XLT is a versatile SUV that can handle everything from daily commutes to weekend adventures.
Comfort: The interior is comfortable and spacious, with plenty of room for passengers and cargo.
Capability: The 4WD system enhances the vehicle's traction and stability.
Features: The XLT trim comes with a good array of features.
Value: It offers a good value for the price, providing a lot of features for the money.

If you're looking for a reliable, capable, and comfortable SUV, the 2016 Ford Explorer XLT 4WD is definitely worth considering. It's a great option for families, adventurers, and anyone who needs a versatile vehicle that can handle a variety of driving conditions. Be sure to do your research, check out reviews, and take one for a test drive to see if it's the right fit for you. The 2016 Ford Explorer XLT 4WD is a solid choice. You will like it!