When Ford refreshed its midsize SUV lineup, the 2016 Ford Explorer Sport EcoBoost emerged as a serious option for buyers wanting three-row practicality paired with aggressive acceleration. Underneath its muscular exterior styling and darkened trim pieces lies a twin-turbocharged V6 engine that changed what families expected from a standard utility vehicle. If you're looking at this specific model on the used market, understanding its precise capability, power delivery, and inherent mechanical quirks will help you make a smart purchasing decision.
The primary intent for buyers researching this vehicle centers on hard performance numbers, real-world fuel economy, and mechanical reliability. This review breaks down what the 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine delivers, how the chassis handles daily driving, and what common issues you should inspect before handing over your money.
Engine Specs and Powertrain Architecture
The heartbeat of the Sport trim is a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 engine. Unlike the base naturally aspirated V6 or the smaller four-cylinder EcoBoost options available in lower trims, this powerplant pumps out 365 horsepower at 5,500 RPM and 350 lb-ft of torque starting low down at 3,500 RPM.
Power routes through a six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission paired exclusively with an intelligent four-wheel-drive system. This setup features Ford's Terrain Management System, letting you dial in specific modes for normal driving, mud, sand, or snow via a center console knob.
- Displacement: 3.5 liters (213 cubic inches)
- Induction: Twin parallel turbochargers with direct injection
- Horsepower: 365 hp @ 5,500 RPM
- Torque: 350 lb-ft @ 3,500 RPM
- Drivetrain: Intelligent Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)
Real-World Performance and Handling
Numbers on paper only tell half the story. Weighing in at roughly 4,900 pounds, this SUV is heavy, yet the twin-turbo setup masks that mass effectively. Throttle response is brisk, and maximum torque arrives early enough to pull away from stoplights with genuine authority. Independent road tests from its launch era clocked the zero to sixty sprint at roughly 5.9 to 6.2 seconds, which was exceptionally quick for a three-row family hauler of that era.
Ford gave the Sport a unique suspension tune compared to standard Explorers. Stiffer springs, firmer dampers, and a thicker rear stabilizer bar reduce body roll significantly through tight corners. Steering is heavy and direct, giving you a better sense of connection to the road than you'll find in softer crossovers. The ride quality is undeniably firm. If you live in an area with badly broken pavement or deep potholes, you'll feel those impacts inside the cabin much more than you would in a Limited trim riding on smaller wheels.
Towing Capacity and Utility
Families buying a large SUV often need to pull trailers, boats, or campers. The vehicle comes standard with a Class III trailer tow package.
- Maximum Towing Capacity: 5,000 pounds
- Maximum Tongue Weight: 500 pounds
- Payload Capacity: Approximately 1,623 pounds
That 5,000-pound limit easily handles small utility trailers, pop-up campers, or lightweight boat setups. When towing near its ceiling, the twin-turbo engine maintains highway speeds effortlessly without screaming at high RPMs, though your fuel economy will drop sharply under load.
Fuel Economy Realities
Forced induction gives you V8-like power from a smaller displacement engine, but fuel economy rarely matches a standard four-cylinder. The Environmental Protection Agency rated the vehicle at 16 mpg in city driving and 22 mpg on the highway, yielding a combined average of around 18 to 19 mpg.
In real-world commuting, keeping your foot heavy on the throttle will quickly drop those numbers into the low teens. The turbochargers spool up eagerly whenever you demand rapid acceleration, which burns extra fuel. If you do mostly highway cruising at steady speeds, hitting the mid-20s is achievable.
Interior Comfort and Technology
Inside, the cabin features unique dark-themed trim, contrast stitching, and heavily bolstered front seats designed to keep you planted during spirited cornering. Second-row legroom is generous, though the third-row bench is best reserved for children or short trips.
Infotainment duties are handled by the SYNC system. While early iterations of MyFord Touch received heavy criticism for unresponsiveness, Ford rolled out software updates that improved stability. If you're buying a used model today, check if the previous owner upgraded or replaced the screen unit with aftermarket support for modern smartphone integration.
Cargo space measures 21 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to over 80 cubic feet with all rear seats folded flat. The flat load floor makes sliding bulky furniture or camping gear straightforward.
Common Mechanical Issues to Watch For
Buying a pre-owned turbocharged vehicle requires careful inspection of specific mechanical wear points.
- Water Pump Wear: Like many transverse V6 engines from this era, the water pump is internally mounted. If the water pump seal fails, coolant can leak directly into the engine oil, leading to catastrophic bearing failure. Listen closely for weeping coolant and check service records for preemptive replacements.
- Turbocharger Oil Lines: The turbochargers operate under high heat. Inspect the feed and return oil lines for caking, weeping, or active leaks.
- Exhaust Manifold Warping: Some owners report warped exhaust manifolds leading to a faint ticking noise on cold startups that disappears once the metal expands.
- Suspension Bushing Wear: Because the chassis is tuned stiffly and carries significant weight, control arm bushings and struts can wear out prematurely, resulting in clunking over bumps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 2016 Ford Explorer Sport require premium fuel?
You can run regular 87 octane fuel safely because the engine computer automatically adjusts timing. However, to unlock the absolute maximum horsepower and torque ratings specified by Ford, using 93 octane premium fuel is recommended.
How does the Sport trim differ from the standard Explorer?
The Sport adds the 3.5-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 engine as standard, upgrades to intelligent four-wheel drive with terrain management, incorporates a sport-tuned suspension, and features distinct 20-inch wheels, blacked-out exterior grille work, and unique interior trim.
What is the cargo capacity with all seats folded?
With both the second and third rows folded flat, you get approximately 81.7 cubic feet of total cargo volume, providing ample room for large hauling tasks.
Can you add a trailer hitch if one isn't installed?
The Sport trim comes standard with the Class III trailer tow package, meaning the heavy-duty hitch receiver, wiring harness, and engine oil cooler are already built in from the factory. You don't need to install an aftermarket hitch.
