Ford redid the Explorer for the 2011 model year, so a 2016 refresh is actually somewhat overdue. The latest model has been unveiled at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show, and now includes a new range-topping Platinum model. The most obvious change is to the front and rear styling, but it's not so great a change that the Explorer becomes unrecognizable.
Related: More 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show coverage
The same overall silhouette remains, and the doors, roof and windows all carry over unchanged. But the nose and fenders are new, bringing the new Explorer's style more in line with the boxier, more angular look of the 2015 Ford F-150 pick-up. The LED headlights and foglights up front are bright and distinctive, and the large 20-inch wheels of the new top-trim Platinum series look quite good.
Inside, the new Explorer looks pretty much like the old one, but the devil is in the details.
Gone are the touch-sensitive instrument panel controls, replaced by good old buttons. We applaud Ford for listening to feedback from customers and media alike, and reverting to a control system that may be a bit more expensive than a touch-sensitive panel, but which adds tactile feedback that just can't be substituted.
Ford says that the front seats have been redesigned for more comfort and expanded rear leg room, while the door armrests have been moved inboard so that they're not quite so far from the vehicle's occupants. But the seats still feel ridiculously small compared to competitor vehicles, or even to Ford's own Flex crossover. The repositioned armrest is noticeably more comfortable, however.
The model Ford chose to display to the media is the new Platinum trim level, which sits above the Sport and Limited trims. The instrument panel, doors, armrests and more are wrapped in real leather. Real wood and real aluminum trim also compliment the interior, as does the new fully digital gauge cluster.
This version is meant to compete with expensive near-luxury models like the Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit and GMC Acadia Denali, and I think it certainly gives both of those models a run for their premium SUV money. It looks, feels and smells quite upscale inside. Unfortunately, given the oddly shaped and sized front seats, it's not quite as comfortable as the Grand Cherokee or Acadia (or Dodge Durango or Toyota Highlander, for that matter).
Given that it's been five years since we saw a major change for the SUV that Ford insists is not a crossover, one might expect a more significant update, but the company is confident that the current version really only needs some tweaks to maintain its competitiveness. Given the success of the latest Explorer and the addition of the truly nice Platinum model, they may not be wrong.
Cars.com photos by Evan Sears
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