Ford's new 2016 Explorer Platinum is expensive... or is it? A competitor comparison

"WesBarton89 - The Way to Santa Fe" (wesbarton89) 09/01/2015 at 12:42 • Filed to: None

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Well, yes it is. But, it’s the top trim. It starts at $52,970, and fully optioned it reaches $59,161, a total of $6,191 in options. That’s a far cry from the $100 I paid for a 1992 Ford Explorer XLT back in 2011, which was almost fully loaded, missing only the sunroof and leather. This 2016 Platinum model is extremely luxurious, and it honestly appears to be hitting Lincoln levels of luxury.

It uses a type of upholstery known as ‘Nirvana Leather’, which I took to mean that it’s only comfortable if I’m wearing a plaid shirt, ripped jeans, with a bit of stubble on the face, and grown-out hair. Marble-mouth speaking, I hope is optional. In all seriousness though, that looks pretty sharp, and quite upscale. It’s still powered by a 3.5L Ecoboost V6 putting out 365 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque, and the transmission is a 6-speed auto. The Explorer is available in FWD and AWD. MPG figures are 16 city/22 hwy/18 combined.

It also boasts real wood and aluminum trim, as well as a 500-watt Sony stereo system. Is it worth the price? I don’t know. A lot of the mainstream, non-luxury oriented brands are playing hard in the luxury SUV market now. I think people will pay it. Let’s compare though.

The Explorer’s closest rival is likely the Durango on one end, and the Traverse on another. Chrysler doesn’t (yet) have a comparable SUV, and it’s more luxury-oriented anyways. GMC is also more blingy, and I’d prefer to compare the non-luxury makes models anyways, so Dodge and Chevy it is.

For the Durango, I’m going with the Citadel trim. It starts at $40,995. Fully optioned out, with the 5.7L HEMI V8 and 8-speed A/T, it tops out at $53,650. I chose the V8, even the though the Explorer has the V6, because the figures are similar. The HEMI puts out 360hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. Mileage figures are also fairly similar, at 14 city/22 hwy/16 combined. All options selected added $12,655 to the base MSRP.

So, fully loaded, the 2015 Dodge Durango Citadel is $680 more than the starting price of the 2016 Ford Explorer Platinum. It’s $5,511 less than the loaded Explorer Platinum. Base price to base price, Dodge undercuts Ford by $11,775! That’s a pretty big chunk of change for two similarly-equipped vehicles competing in the same class. Plus, in my own opinion, the Durango is the better looking vehicle, and it possesses the much-lauded UConnect infotainment system, plus a better transmission. Some features, as well as build quality may not quite be to the level of this top-tier Explorer, but that big of a price gap makes up for it I think.

Let’s look at the Traverse now. I’m honestly a little reluctant to include this one, because, IMO it’s not a true SUV, but it’s still considered the closest competitor.

We’re going to go with the LTZ trim, starting at $42,145. It’s down on power compared to the other two. We’re looking at a 3.6L V6 engine, putting out 288hp and 270lb-ft of torque, mated to a six-speed auto.

Gas mileage is similar to its competitors, at 16 city/23 hwy/19 combined.

With all options ticked, it comes out to $51,343, a difference of $9,198 from the base MSRP on the LTZ trim level. It starts out at $1,150 more than the Durango, and tops out at $2,307 less. As far as the Explorer is concerned, the Traverse starts out at $10,825 less, but once you add in features, it closes the gap a bit, and ends up with a difference of $7,818 with every feature and option available.

In my opinion, the Traverse is the model to avoid. It doesn’t offer much in the way of styling, and is generally pretty bland, but is better than it was pre-refresh. Power figures are noticeably less, while offering similar fuel economy numbers. The Explorer Platinum offers a massive amount of luxury, but boasts the highest price of the three. The Durango tops out slightly higher than the Traverse, but offers better styling, a more refined transmission, and better performance numbers without a significant hit in fuel economy on the V8 model.

So, going back to the original question, is the Explorer Platinum expensive for a mainstream luxury SUV? Yes, indeed it is. It’s thousands of dollars more than its competitors, but doesn’t seem to offer a huge amount more. Will people pay that much for it? Absolutely. Is it a good deal? I think it’s a bit too soon to know. It’s a better deal than the Traverse I’d say, but it’d be hard to choose this over the similarly equipped Durango.

HammerheadFistpunch > WesBarton89 - The Way to Santa Fe 09/01/2015 at 12:46

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This looks like pre-aged leather.

HammerheadFistpunch > WesBarton89 - The Way to Santa Fe 09/01/2015 at 12:48

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The traverse isn’t a true SUV but the explorer is?

They are both unibody transverse engined FWD based crossovers. The durango is closer to what I assume you mean by “true SUV” but its still unibody.

Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection > WesBarton89 - The Way to Santa Fe 09/01/2015 at 12:52

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Honestly I think the Explorer Platinum’s closest rival is actually the Acadia Denali or Enclave (top trim) which both start around $52k for the awd variants.

BigBlock440 > HammerheadFistpunch 09/01/2015 at 12:52

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Yeah, the Durango is the only one of the three that could arguably be considered an SUV.

Moves-Like-Senna > WesBarton89 - The Way to Santa Fe 09/01/2015 at 12:55

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Is it just me or is it only a few pennies more for a Range Rover Sport?

For Sweden > HammerheadFistpunch 09/01/2015 at 12:55

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gif game on fleek

WesBarton89 - The Way to Santa Fe > HammerheadFistpunch 09/01/2015 at 12:56

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I meant to hit on that in the original post. No, I don’t consider it a true SUV either, but for all intents and purposes, the three vehicles do compete against each other for the most part. But they’re all over $50k fully loaded and offer similar features, size, power, and fuel economy.

Captain of the Enterprise > WesBarton89 - The Way to Santa Fe 09/01/2015 at 12:57

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Its the Explorer Oppo deserves, but not the one it needs right now

WesBarton89 - The Way to Santa Fe > Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection 09/01/2015 at 12:59

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I thought about those, but didn’t include GMC, because it’s more dedicated to luxo-trucks. Ford and Dodge are less luxury-focused, so I chose Chevy instead, as it’s also less luxury-focused, where GMC naturally has more bells and whistles to start with.

Ash78, voting early and often > HammerheadFistpunch 09/01/2015 at 13:00

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Also, V8 and true RWD (or RWD-biased AWD with more of a real transfer case and low range, IIRC). You can’t..uh..”escape” that the Explorer will always be a FWD-biased car. And I’m not as impressed in person with the V6 Ecoboost as I had hoped to be.

WesBarton89 - The Way to Santa Fe > Moves-Like-Senna 09/01/2015 at 13:01

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Wouldn’t surprise me. Even the most basic level Porsche Cayenne starts out at less than what the Explorer Platinum tops out at. (Cayenne starts around $58k) Of course, Porsche and options, those numbers would hit the stratosphere pretty quickly.

HammerheadFistpunch > Ash78, voting early and often 09/01/2015 at 13:02

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Yeah, the transverse engine and RWD based layout is about the only reason I would consider is a “true suv” by the authors definition (my definitions of SUV are somewhat more loose). I haven’t driven the EB 3.5 in the explore[d] but I can say that you will never, EVER get close to those EPA numbers except on long highway drives without a load.

Wacko > WesBarton89 - The Way to Santa Fe 09/01/2015 at 13:03

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The Explorer’s closest rival is likely the Durango on one end, and the Traverse on another. Chrysler doesn’t (yet) have a comparable SUV, and it’s more luxury-oriented anyways. GMC is also more blingy, and I’d prefer to compare the non-luxury makes models anyways, so Dodge and Chevy it is.

oh no, size and look wise maybe, but the durango is RWD based from the same platform as the jeep GrandCherokee.

The closest rival for the explorer is and always was the Traverse, the nissan pathfinder and the honda Pilot. They are all FWD based awd* CUV

*AWD optional

WesBarton89 - The Way to Santa Fe > Captain of the Enterprise 09/01/2015 at 13:04

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That’s got a Durango front end with a Ford grille it looks like! But I kind of dig it.

Captain of the Enterprise > WesBarton89 - The Way to Santa Fe 09/01/2015 at 13:06

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Plus it’s actually body on frame and is based on the current ranger so it can actually do some off roading.

WesBarton89 - The Way to Santa Fe > Wacko 09/01/2015 at 13:07

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This is true, but I was mainly looking at American market, comparing models from the Big 3. This post would’ve been 10 times longer if I included rivals from foreign makes.

HammerheadFistpunch > WesBarton89 - The Way to Santa Fe 09/01/2015 at 13:09

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I sort of see your logic, but at the same time...If you are comparing these two you are definitely cross shopping the GMC with the Explorer

Wobbles the Mind > WesBarton89 - The Way to Santa Fe 09/01/2015 at 13:11

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I understand your use of the Traverse but due to Ford not having a middle brand like Mercury anymore, they are positioning the Platinum models as a kind of premium set up (hence it’s separate reveal from the actual release of the rest of the range).

In this way, they are ahead of the curve. I think we’ll see other two tier groups (Honda/Acura, Nissan/Infiniti, Toyota/Lexus) start doing the same thing since starting a new brand is expensive but creating a prestigious trim (GMC/Denali) is cheaper and simplier than creating even a subbrand (Land Rover/Range Rover, Hyundai/Genesis-Equus).

So don’t be afraid to place this against Buick and GMC since that is exactly what the model is for.

Dwhite - Powered by Caffeine, Daft Punk, and Corgis > WesBarton89 - The Way to Santa Fe 09/01/2015 at 13:11

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My parents bought an Explorer 3 years ago and other than a recall and Sync annoyances have had no issues at all over 60,000 miles. I really don’t trust an FCA product to do that.

Build quality is worth a higher price.

WesBarton89 - The Way to Santa Fe > HammerheadFistpunch 09/01/2015 at 13:12

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Yeah, that is a good point there. I wasn’t really thinking of the cross-shopping thing, just a price to price comparison on three vehicles in approximately the same class from the Big 3’s most mainstream brands.

Wacko > WesBarton89 - The Way to Santa Fe 09/01/2015 at 13:15

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I cross shopped all the 7 passenger CUV/SUV this spring.

I ended up buying a pathfinder. The Interior was it’s greatest selling point for me and the wife. I wanted a Flex, but she wanted nothing of it. So I said sure let’s try the pathfinder, thinking I’m gonna hate it and cross it off my list because of the CVT.

But to my surprise, the CVT works and feels great on the pathfinder. So I got SL with the tech package. The leg room in the back is incredible. even for the 3rd row

Patrick Nichols > WesBarton89 - The Way to Santa Fe 09/01/2015 at 13:16

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How would the import “non-luxury” competitors stack up? I’d assume you’d have to be looking at the Toureg, Pilot, 4Runner or Sequoia, Pathfinder or Armada, and CX-9?

Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection > Wacko 09/01/2015 at 13:20

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The 13+ pathfinder is definitely my favorite of the Japanese family SUVs, although the 16 Pilot is very good, the pathfinder puts van-levels of room in its space. Its low floor and comfortable seats make it a nice vehicle to eat up miles.

Wacko > WesBarton89 - The Way to Santa Fe 09/01/2015 at 13:21

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I also forgot the Toyota Highlander, and BTW, they are all made in the states.

WesBarton89 - The Way to Santa Fe > Patrick Nichols 09/01/2015 at 13:21

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Yeah, it would be a lot more research and time. I don’t mind the research part of it, it’s pretty fun to see what a similar price gets you across different makes. It’s just the time I don’t have right now. Maybe some time though, I can possibly get those in there.

Wacko > Captain of the Enterprise 09/01/2015 at 13:23

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dude does it got a HEMI?

WesBarton89 - The Way to Santa Fe > Wacko 09/01/2015 at 13:27

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This is true. Next comparo, I’ll add those in.

Wacko > Dwhite - Powered by Caffeine, Daft Punk, and Corgis 09/01/2015 at 13:28

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My buddy’s 2013/2014 explorer is constantly in the shop. had to change transmission, rad, AC and other electronics.. build quality ....

I joke with him, and ask him “have you driven a ford lately?” and he just responds Fuck you!

Wacko > HammerheadFistpunch 09/01/2015 at 13:29

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say recycled, sounds more eco to go with that boost.

boxrocket > WesBarton89 - The Way to Santa Fe 09/01/2015 at 13:31

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The Platinum trim is meant to go against GMC Denials or Buick on the gm side, and Chrysler on the Mopar/FCA side (but the Aspen is dead), so the Durango may not be the best comparison.

Why weren’t the Nissan Pathfinder/Infiniti QX60 (nee JX35), Honda Pilot/Acura MDX included?

Wacko > WesBarton89 - The Way to Santa Fe 09/01/2015 at 13:31

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you better,

boxrocket > HammerheadFistpunch 09/01/2015 at 13:32

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I’d take an AWD Explorer off-road before a Travesty/Acadia/Outlook/Enclave.

Dwhite - Powered by Caffeine, Daft Punk, and Corgis > Wacko 09/01/2015 at 13:34

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Sounds like when my Dad had a Maxima like 10 years ago. Only the Maxima was worse.

But yeah, I’d bet my parents bought the only 5 quality Ford products to go off the line in the last 12 years. Rest of em are garbage.

boxrocket > WesBarton89 - The Way to Santa Fe 09/01/2015 at 13:34

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In the absence of a Lincoln version of the Explorer, go as price-equivalent as you can. The Flex and MKT twins could have been used, but that’d be a different post entirely, haha.

Captain of the Enterprise > Wacko 09/01/2015 at 13:35

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No, its got a diesel

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > WesBarton89 - The Way to Santa Fe 09/01/2015 at 13:37

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For me the I wouldn’t even consider the Traverse due to three things,

1 It’s LOOKs tomuch like a bloated minivan

2. Brand Loyalty/Family history with Chevys.

3. The Mother Freaking Dodge Durango exists.

Of all the cars that ever showed up on our lot during my time, in sales at a Chrysler dealership, a 2014 Durango R/T is still my favorite. I sold it to a couple who married, and both had kids from previous relationships, and therefor needed to replace the wife’s CRV with something that could haul 6 people and all their crap. They rolled through the lot and the Redline Red 2 caught her eye, and they came inside to ask about it. As we went outside for a test drive, I mentioned that it was my favorite on the lot, and I had “taken it for a test drive” more then once. I told them I even named it “Clifford the Big Red Dodge”. I’ve bumped into them since, and they tell me Clifford is doing just great, and they’re still enjoying it. And man was that a fun truck. The ZF 8-Speed made it actually almost sporty and actually entertaining to drive. How many “Soccer Mom” rides can be described as “fun to drive”

As for the Explorer, I haven’t driven one since the 14 model year but, I was never very impressed by them. The only one I really ever liked was a PI with the 3.7 that I drove through 13” of snow(on the police spec tires mind you).

Wacko > Dwhite - Powered by Caffeine, Daft Punk, and Corgis 09/01/2015 at 13:39

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every make gives you lemons once in a while. Lately ford seams to be doing well quality wise though.

Textured Soy Protein > WesBarton89 - The Way to Santa Fe 09/01/2015 at 13:39

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You left out several 3-row CUVs with high prices from non-luxury brands:

Honda Pilot Elite - $47,300; no options available

Nissan Pathfinder Platinum - $43,985 base price; $45,685 with rear-seat LCD screens

Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited Platinum - $51,225; no options available

There are also the Chevy Traverse’s platform-mates:

Buick Enclave Premium AWD - $50,230 base; $54,195 w/ common options

GMC Acadia Denali AWD - $50,615 base; $53,350 w/ common options

Also you can option up these guys to quite similar prices as the fully-loaded Explorer:

Acura MDX SH-AWD with Advance and Entertainment Packages - $58,000

Infiniti QX60 AWD fully loaded - $57,295

And...pretty sure they’re not talking about that Nivrana.

WesBarton89 - The Way to Santa Fe > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 09/01/2015 at 13:43

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My mom almost bought a 2014 R/T. She’s the current owner of a ‘99, and I own both an ‘00 and an ‘02 Durango myself. She really wanted it, but just couldn’t justify the money right now, but may try again next year. I love the new Durangos. And I love that you named it Clifford, that’s awesome.

I hope we do end up getting one. I really think Dodge hit a goldmine with the Durango. And if there really is an SRT model in the works? YES PLEASE. Even if it does cost $75k+, people will buy it.

WesBarton89 - The Way to Santa Fe > boxrocket 09/01/2015 at 13:43

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That’s a good tip. And yeah, I could’ve gone that way, but yeah that would be totally different!

WesBarton89 - The Way to Santa Fe > Textured Soy Protein 09/01/2015 at 13:45

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Haha! I think you’re right about the Nirvana. And I was doing Big 3 only this time around. I’ll do one with other makes once I have more time.

WesBarton89 - The Way to Santa Fe > boxrocket 09/01/2015 at 13:47

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I was doing Big 3 for right now, and others when I have more time.

HammerheadFistpunch > boxrocket 09/01/2015 at 13:49

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okay. I’ve been off road in an acadia and an enclave, and they do just fine. They would both (the explorer and any lambda) get stuck by the exact same stuff.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > WesBarton89 - The Way to Santa Fe 09/01/2015 at 13:56

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I’d also love to see an SRT Durango. I got to ride in an SRT Grand Cherokee and it was amazing, amazingly stupid, but amazing. The boss wouldn’t let me drive it tho. I also want to see an ECOdiesel Durango, It’s in the GC so why not it’s big brother?

WesBarton89 - The Way to Santa Fe > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 09/01/2015 at 14:06

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Yeah, I’d also like to see an EcoDiesel Durango. It would make sense. Better fuel economy, good torque, and there really isn’t much selection in the US diesel SUV market. I mean, the Durango and the GC are on the same platform, so it shouldn’t take too much re-engineering to make it work.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > WesBarton89 - The Way to Santa Fe 09/01/2015 at 14:12

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Oh an I love Dodge rotary dial shifter. I know It’s not equally loved by all, but I think it’d great.

JR1 > WesBarton89 - The Way to Santa Fe 09/01/2015 at 14:39

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Best option for an American SUV. I love it. Although the Explorer is a close second.