2016 Ford Explorer — Full Specifications
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Running gear matters most — before anything else, UK: check tyre prices at TirendoUS: check wheel & tyre prices at WheelHero for this car's fitment.
The 2016 Ford Explorer is an SUV offered with 3 engines (2.3L 4-cyl turbo, 3.5L 6-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl turbo). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 26 mpg (UK) / 22 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 22–26 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Ford Explorer workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2015 Ford Explorer: Fuel economy slips from 28 to 26 mpg (UK) combined on the most efficient configuration. EPA lists new engine options for 2016: 2.3L 4-cyl turbo. No longer listed: 2L 4-cyl turbo. It carries the same 5★ overall NHTSA rating.
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo · 3.5L 6-cyl · 3.5L 6-cyl turbo |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Automatic (S6) |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | SUV |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 26 combined / 23 urban / 32 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 22 combined / 19 city / 27 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 255 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 4 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $3,050 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 7 configurations for the 2016 Ford Explorer across 3 engines (2.3L 4-cyl turbo, 3.5L 6-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl turbo). Combined fuel economy ranges from 18 to 22 mpg (US), or 22 to 26 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 25 | 21 (18/26) | 266 | $3,200 |
| 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 | 22 (19/27) | 255 | $3,050 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 23 | 19 (16/23) | 295 | $3,550 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 23 | 19 (16/23) | 295 | $3,550 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 20 (17/24) | 281 | $3,350 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 20 (17/24) | 281 | $3,350 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 22 | 18 (16/22) | 304 | $3,700 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
Owner Essentials for the 2016 Ford Explorer
Running Costs: 2016 Ford Explorer
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2016 Ford Explorer at 26 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,399 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $3,050 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Planning a road trip? Grab a road trip packing list. Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2016 Ford Explorer Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 15 safety recall campaigns that include the 2016 Ford Explorer (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Structure (4), Suspension (3), Seats (2). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Structure — campaign 26V448000, reported 14 July 2026. Risk: A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Equipment — campaign 25V685000, reported 10 October 2025. Risk: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
- Structure — campaign 25V347000, reported 23 May 2025. Risk: Door trim that detaches while driving can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Structure — campaign 24V031000, reported 19 January 2024. Risk: A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Showing the 4 most recent of 15 campaigns.
Owners have filed 2478 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Ford Explorer. The most-reported areas are Structure (594), Steering (533), Unspecified (442). Complaints include 39 reported crashes, 14 reported fires, 59 reported injuries. That is well above the median of 733 complaints across the 17 Ford Explorer model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2016 Ford Explorer
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Body structure (4 recall campaigns · 594 owner complaints) — Inspect for corrosion and for subframe or body-panel damage, especially underneath.
- Steering (533 owner complaints) — Check for play, noise or heavy steering, and ask whether any steering recall work was done.
- Engine (385 owner complaints) — Listen for unusual noise on a cold start, check for warning lights and ask for the service records.
- Suspension (3 recall campaigns) — Listen for knocks over bumps and check tyre wear for signs of alignment problems.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
How does the Ford Explorer compare to similar SUVs? SUVs in our database average around 27 mpg (UK) combined — this model sits close to that average, within 1 mpg. This comparison is based on 1824 SUVs in our dataset.
Ford models in our database average about 28 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2016 Ford Explorer's 26 mpg is 2 mpg below that make average.
Of the 17 Ford Explorer model years we cover, the 2016 ranks 12th for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (26 mpg UK combined, against a high of 29 mpg). See every Ford Explorer year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2016 Ford Explorer
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2016 Ford Explorer have?
EPA lists 3 engines for the 2016 Ford Explorer: 2.3L 4-cyl turbo, 3.5L 6-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl turbo. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 2.3L 4-cyl turbo with a automatic (s6).
What is the fuel economy of the 2016 Ford Explorer?
The most efficient configuration returns around 26 mpg (UK) combined, or 22 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 22 to 26 mpg.
How much does the 2016 Ford Explorer cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $3,050 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2016 Ford Explorer have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 5 stars, with 5 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2016 Ford Explorer have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 15 safety recall campaigns that include the 2016 Ford Explorer (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Structure (4), Suspension (3), Seats (2). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2016 Ford Explorer?
Among the 2,478 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Structure (594 complaints), Steering (533 complaints), Unspecified (442 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
Is the Ford Explorer's fuel economy good for an SUV?
It returns around 26 mpg (UK) combined, against a same-body-style average of roughly 27 mpg among the SUVs we track.