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2016 Ford Explorer Platinum Adds Luxury Atop Toughness

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2016 Ford Explorer Platinum

2016 Ford Explorer Platinum

Ford will be rolling out the new Platinum trim for the 2016 Explorer next month, bringing an extra touch of luxury to an SUV that has been the epitome of rugged resolve for more than a quarter-century. And while the 2016 Ford Explorer doesn’t want for much of the rough-and-readiness that has made it a staple of both on- and off-road driving, the Explorer Platinum masks it just a little bit beneath a shiny veneer.

“For 25 years, Explorer has shaped what people expect from an SUV,” said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president and chief technical officer, Global Product Development. “With this new Explorer Platinum, we’re raising expectations.”

Video: 2016 Ford Explorer Running Footage

The Explorer Platinum adds multi-adjustable Nirvana leather front seats and a 500-watt Sony® Audio System complete with Clear Phase™ and Live Acoustics™ technologies. Materials used to enhance the sense of luxury from the inside include aluminum and ash wood, which are utilized in appliques on door and instrument panels alike. The steering wheel is wrapped in wood and leather, and Nirvana leather also wraps the instrument panel, console armrests, door bolsters, and upper door trim. The Explorer Platinum is also the first Ford vehicle to feature a brushed-aluminum Ford oval logo in the center of the steering wheel.

Beneath the hood, the Explorer Platinum is powered by a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 that generates 365 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. Exterior features include signature lighting surrounds, dual-panel moonroof, silver-painted front and rear skid plate elements, and 20-inch wheels.