Ordering Soon, but Engine MPG?

[ExCrystal]

Hi all,

Just signed up here because I am going to order a 2016 Explorer very soon!

I currently drive a 2012 Chevrolet Camaro 2LT RS 45th Anniversary edition, which has been wonderful the past 3 years; however, it is time to move on. I've always wanted a SUV (as my first car was a Equinox), and the Ford Explorer caught my eye.

I'm planning on ordering a 16 Explorer Limited (Shadow Black/Blue Jeans) with 4WD, equipment group 303a, and possibly 2nd row bucket seats. The only question is which engine?

In reality, I don't mind which engine this car will have. The current model year 2.0 ecoboost FWD calls for 20/28, but I have read that many owners do not achieve the advertized MPGs. Lincoln's current MKC has the 2.3L ecoboost with AWD and it's rated at 18/26.

I am wondering if these numbers will be somewhat the same when put in the 16 Explorer even if the Explorer is a bit heavier 18/26?
Also, equipment group 303a adds a 3.51 axle. I am not too sure about what this means. The order form says this is available on the 2.3L ecoboost, so does 303a add the ecoboost engine to the Limited? Any clarification would be helpful.

Either engine i4 or V6 will be fine, but the added MPGs will be helpful when commuting to and from college. My current Camaro calls for 18/29, which it does achieve when cruising, and when I'm not having fun .

Thanks,
Gabe

 

[LukerDooker]

Consensus on this board is that i4 cant pull this truck like you would expect & regret at the i4;
MPG difference too low to even worry about comparing the 4 to 6, most are trying to see if they are getting the advertised MPG as it is on whatever model they have.

 

[ExCrystal]

Consensus on this board is that i4 cant pull this truck like you would expect & regret at the i4;
MPG difference too low to even worry about comparing the 4 to 6, most are trying to see if they are getting the advertised MPG as it is on whatever model they have.

Hi there--thanks for replying!

What engine is your Limited?

Too bad Ford hasn't released any more info on the 2.3L yet.

 

[LukerDooker]

3.5l v6 tivct

 

[ExCrystal]

3.5l v6 tivct

Cool. Is it FWD or 4WD? And how are the MPGs?

 

[LukerDooker]

Its AWD, hiway driving has been limited, but in 1 trip went right to 22mpg in 300 miles. When hiway is 2/3 and local is 1/3, it gets about 18-20 mpg.
Local is ok, it gets around 15mpg.
More hiway would prob realize better than 22 but so far have not driven so much hiway.

 

[Sgt1411]

Do not consider the I4, go V6 for sure.

No comparison, as was stated earlier the improvement on MPG isn't as noticeable due to how much harder it has to work.

You will be happy with V6.

Also consider the 4WD as opposed to the FWD, big drivability difference. Drive both before you decide for yourself.

 

[tinner]

I agree with Sgt. Test drove the I4 on a very windy day here and it felt like the e brake was on when going into the wind. When I got back in my 13 Limited did not have that feeling. V6 all the way.

Just my opinion.

 

[ExCrystal]

I agree with Sgt. Test drove the I4 on a very windy day here and it felt like the e brake was on when going into the wind. When I got back in my 13 Limited did not have that feeling. V6 all the way.

Just my opinion.

Do you think it might feel different since the new 2.3L is a bit more powerful than the prev 2.0L? I know not much can be said as they aren't out in the world yet.

 

[tinner]

Don't want to speculate on a 4 banger that I personally have no interest in. The only 4 cyl. engines I'm interested in is my dune buggy and motorcycle.

Only you can answer your your question if it fits your needs. Test drive and compare.

Good luck

 

[ExCrystal]

Don't want to speculate on a 4 banger that I personally have no interest in. The only 4 cyl. engines I'm interested in is my dune buggy and motorcycle.

Only you can answer your your question if it fits your needs. Test drive and compare.

Good luck

Welp, due to saving money, I chose to go with a Black '15 Limited AWD, fully-loaded. Picking her up at 5pm EST!

 

[Rubberhead]

Will the new I4 be available with 4WD?

I went from a 4.6L 2003 to the 3.5L 2014. I don't care what they say the new non-turbo V6 doesn't have the power the old 4.6L or even the old 4.0L had.

 

[ExCrystal]

Will the new I4 be available with 4WD?

I went from a 4.6L 2003 to the 3.5L 2014. I don't care what they say the new non-turbo V6 doesn't have the power the old 4.6L or even the old 4.0L had.

Hi there!

Yes, according to Ford's order guide, the 2016 model will be available with 4WD in both i4 and v6 models .

I wound up going with the 15 v6 4wd. Again it's up to you, but many have posted MPGs falling short of the EPA -- seems to be with the limited trim level.

Good luck!

 

[japes]

Power numbers are out for the new engine - The 2.3L will probably be even with the V6 and may even feel more peppy it has almost 50more ft/lb of torque at 1,000rpm lower, and its peak hp is also at a 1,000rpm less.


3.5L Ti-VCT V6 6-speed SelectShift® Automatic 290HP @ 6,500 255ft/lb @ 4,000rpm
2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 6-speed SelectShift® Automatic 270HP @ 5,500 300ft/lb @ 3,000rpm
3.5L EcoBoost® V6 6-speed SelectShift® Automatic 365HP @ 5,500 350ft/lb @ 3,500rpm

 

[ExCrystal]

Power numbers are out for the new engine - The 2.3L will probably be even with the V6 and may even feel more peppy it has almost 50more ft/lb of torque at 1,000rpm lower, and its peak hp is also at a 1,000rpm less.


3.5L Ti-VCT V6 6-speed SelectShift® Automatic 290HP @ 6,500 255ft/lb @ 4,000rpm
2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 6-speed SelectShift® Automatic 270HP @ 5,500 300ft/lb @ 3,000rpm
3.5L EcoBoost® V6 6-speed SelectShift® Automatic 365HP @ 5,500 350ft/lb @ 3,500rpm

Yes, Japes. I am curious to see the EPA for the 4WD 2.3L. Maybe I'll trade up in 1-2 years if the engine gets better MPGs in the Limited models (w/ bigger wheels) than the current engine.