The 2016 Ford Explorer is certified across 7 configurations with 2.3L 4-Cylinder Engine, 3.5L 6-Cylinder Engine powertrain options. Available drivetrain layouts include Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive paired with Automatic (S6). EPA classified under the Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD / Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD size category.
Official laboratory certification specifications for each factory engine, transmission, and drivetrain permutation
| Configuration / Model | Engine & Displacement | Cylinders | Induction / Tech | Transmission | Drivetrain | Fuel System |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explorer FWD Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD | 2.3L 4-Cylinder Engine | 4 | Naturally Aspirated | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular |
| Explorer 2WD FFV Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD | 3.5L 6-Cylinder Engine | 6 | Naturally Aspirated | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | Gasoline or E85 |
| Explorer FWD Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD | 3.5L 6-Cylinder Engine | 6 | Naturally Aspirated | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular |
| Explorer AWD Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 2.3L 4-Cylinder Engine | 4 | Naturally Aspirated | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | Regular |
| Explorer AWD FFV Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 3.5L 6-Cylinder Engine | 6 | Naturally Aspirated | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | Gasoline or E85 |
| Explorer AWD Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 3.5L 6-Cylinder Engine | 6 | Naturally Aspirated | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | Regular |
| Explorer AWD Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 3.5L 6-Cylinder Engine | 6 | Naturally Aspirated | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | Regular |
Federal classification standards and standard active driver assistance system capabilities
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
2016 Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV FWD, 2016 Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV AWD
Evaluated under federal safety compliance standards.
Cross-reference fuel economy, safety ratings, owner defect complaints, and recall notices
Vehicle summary, key performance indicators, and primary reliability metrics.
EPA certified city/highway fuel economy, electric battery range, and annual fuel costs.
NHTSA 5-Star NCAP crash tests, rollover risk, and active driver assistance.
NHTSA consumer defect complaint filings by affected vehicle component.
Official safety recall notices, defect descriptions, and free dealer remedies.
Direct, deterministic answers synthesized from verified United States government databases for the 2016 Ford Explorer
The 2016 Ford Explorer is certified with 2.3L and 3.5L 4-Cylinder / 6-Cylinder engine options across factory configurations.
Certified specifications reflect official EPA emissions and fuel economy filings under 40 CFR Part 600.
Yes. The 2016 Ford Explorer is available with Front-Wheel Drive and All-Wheel Drive configurations depending on trim package.
Drivetrain layout affects vehicle curb weight, traction capabilities, and EPA-certified fuel economy ratings.
Factory certification records list Automatic (S6) transmission architectures for the 2016 Ford Explorer.
Transmission specifications represent factory certified equipment tested for emissions and fuel economy compliance.
Powertrain, transmission, drivetrain, and regulatory classification specifications on this page are derived directly from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) official laboratory certification registries under 40 CFR Part 600.
Local Production Store Compiled: August 2026 • Deterministic Audited Dataset • Zero Dynamic External API Runtime Latency.