There are times when a luxury vehicle can be all pomp and circumstance and lack true everyday functionality, and then there are times when a true sport utility vehicle falls short on style and leaves plenty of luxury to be desired. Fortunately, the 2016 Ford Explorer Platinum Edition doesn’t fall short of style or function and puts other “luxury” suvs to shame.
The Explorer Platinum features a premium leather interior with metal and real woodgrain accents, as well as a distinctive front grille. It’s packaged beautifully from the front to the rear, and at first sight the new Explorer would appeal to luxe loving soccer moms moreso than the active male counterparts of Explorer models past.
Draped in a “blue jeans” hue (that’s Ford’s official name of the deep blue exterior color) the shade that shines bright during the day and shines stealth-like at night. As a former Ranger Rover owner, I was really excited to experience the tech advances that the Explorer has to offer from the inside out.
From the outside, its hard to believe that the 2016 Ford Explorer Platinum comes equipped with seating for six, but if that amazes you – just wait and see what the transformable cargo space has to offer. (I may or may not have had a field day transporting furniture buys for my new home in this suv.)
The Explorer Platinum features efficient front/rear LED lamps that illuminates late night snack runs or crack of dawn road trips. The optional hands-free, foot-activated rear liftgate reacts to the touch of a foot under the bumper which is one of my favorite features (you know, its hard opening a trunk with a hand full of shopping bags.)
The rear storage space absolutely blew me away! The third row transforms at the push of a button and the second row is just as easy to store.
Two-weeks worth of groceries, 15 large photo frames and a small accent table were able to fit with ease in the 81.7 cubic feet of ample cargo space. As a matter of fact, it was sometimes hard to believe that I was driving such a large capacity suv. From behind the wheel, it felt more like a crossover on the road until I looked over my shoulder to reveal two additional rows of passenger space.
Every seat was clothed in Nirvana leather with quilted inserts, and extras like a 500-watt Sony audio system, the two-panel moonroof and multiple USBs to keep everyone charged up and running on the road. Available second-row USB ports will charge personal devices at twice the speed of previous USB ports, according to Ford.
Leather decorates the dashboard and steering wheel of the new Explorer, as well as the seats, accented with contrast stitching. Touches of real wood adorn the steering wheel and other points on the interior as well. The MyFord Touch interface adds to the luxe platinum interface, as it adds a high-res touchscreen to the center console, plus two additional screens for the gauge cluster.
Other amazing features also include a 110-volt outlet, driver memory settings, power-adjustable pedals, a navigation system, ventilated front seats, a power-adjustable and heated steering wheel and the blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert safety features.
From the inside out, the 2016 Ford Explorer Platinum edition is a smooth ride filled with luxe features that any driver would enjoy. Retailing just under $53,000, this could be a luxe alternative to competitor suvs like the GMC Acadia or Toyota Highlander. Want to learn more? Discover the all new 2016 Ford Explorer Platinum edition online at Ford.com and get social on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram today!
