2016 Ford Explorer V (facelift 2016) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The 2016 Ford Explorer V facelift provides a generous luggage capacity of 595 liters (21 cubic feet) with all seats in place, which is quite practical for daily shopping, luggage for trips, or transporting sports equipment. When the rear seats are folded down, the cargo space significantly expands to 2313 liters (81.6 cubic feet), allowing for larger items or more bulky cargo to be transported efficiently. This spacious interior flexibility makes the Explorer highly versatile for families and adventurers alike.

The 2016 Ford Explorer V facelift sports a ride height or ground clearance measured at 211 mm (8.3 inches). This clearance strikes a balance between on-road comfort and off-road capability, providing the Explorer with the ability to manage moderately rough terrain, speed bumps, and snowy conditions without excessive risk of undercarriage damage. It’s a practical height for drivers looking for an elevated driving position and some off-road versatility.

The 2016 Ford Explorer V facelift’s dimensions suggest it can fit into most standard garages, but with important considerations. A typical garage width ranges from about 2400 mm to 3000 mm (94.5 to 118 inches), which accommodates the Explorer’s width of 1988 mm (78.3 inches) without mirrors. However, when including opened mirrors at 2291 mm (90.2 inches), it becomes tighter and may require folding the mirrors to 2095 mm (82.5 inches) for comfortable parking. The height of 1788 mm (70.4 inches) is generally well within the average garage door clearance. Careful measurement of your garage and mindful mirror positioning will ensure an easy fit.

The Ford Explorer V facelift has a width of 1988 mm (78.3 inches) excluding mirrors. When the mirrors are folded in, width increases slightly to 2095 mm (82.5 inches), making parking in tighter spots easier. In contrast, with mirrors opened for driving, the width extends further to 2291 mm (90.2 inches). This variation in width is important for the driver to note when navigating narrow roads or tight parking spaces, emphasizing the convenience of foldable mirrors for maneuverability.

The 2016 Ford Explorer V facelift comes equipped with two primary rim sizes: 18 inches and 20 inches, offering a balance between ride comfort and sporty aesthetics. The respective tire sizes are 245/60 R18 for the 18-inch rims and 255/50 R20 for the 20-inch rims. The 18-inch tires tend to offer a slightly softer ride and better durability on rough pavement, while the 20-inch tires enhance the vehicle’s road handling and visual appeal but might give a firmer ride. This choice allows owners to prioritize their driving experience based on personal preferences.

Compared to its predecessor, the 2011-2015 Ford Explorer IV generation, the 2016 facelift of the Explorer V maintained a very similar footprint in terms of length and width, with some subtle refinements for improved aerodynamics and styling. The older generation measured roughly 5034 mm (198.2 inches) in length and about 1981 mm (78.0 inches) in width, making the 2016 facelift slightly more compact in length by 15 mm but consistent in width. Height and interior cargo volumes saw minor improvements owing to interior packaging optimization. Overall, the facelift retained the spaciousness and practicality drivers expected while offering fresher design elements and updated technology.

When compared to similar midsize SUVs such as the Toyota Highlander, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Honda Pilot, the 2016 Ford Explorer V facelift stands out for its generous length of 5019 mm (197.5 inches) and wide stance of nearly 2 meters (78.3 inches). For example, the 2016 Toyota Highlander measures about 4870 mm (191.7 inches) in length, making the Explorer noticeably longer. Similarly, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is shorter at roughly 4828 mm (190 inches). This extra length and width translate into more interior space, particularly in the third-row and cargo areas, which gives the Explorer an edge for families requiring versatile space without stepping up to full-size SUV territory.

The 2016 Ford Explorer V facelift brought subtle yet effective improvements to interior space and comfort, enhancing the already roomy cabin from previous versions. While overall exterior dimensions remained largely consistent, the reconfigured seating layout and refined packaging allowed for better legroom, headroom, and shoulder room for passengers across all three rows. The enhanced ergonomics facilitated easier access to the third row and expanded cargo capacity when seats were folded. Modernized interior materials and a balanced dashboard design also contributed to a more spacious and premium feel, catering well to the demands of families and adventure seekers.

While exact curb weight varies by configuration, the 2016 Ford Explorer V facelift typically weighs around 2000 to 2200 kg (4409 to 4850 lbs), depending on trim and options such as all-wheel drive or different engines. This weight accounts for the robust body structure, safety equipment, and comfort features. The substantial mass contributes to stable highway driving and a solid feel but means that acceleration and fuel consumption are influenced accordingly. Ford balanced the Explorer's weight with efficient powertrains to offer both respectable performance and practicality for everyday driving and light off-roading.