Ford completely overhauls the 2016 Explorer

The Ford Explorer is fighting in a crowded and incredibly competitive section of the automotive market, going up against vehicles such as the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Durango, GMC Acadia, and Nissan Pathfinder. It’s also a highly profitable section, however, which is why Ford is rearming the Explorer to better deal with its competition, according to Autoblog.

“The Explorer has been fundamental to Ford’s success,” Jim Farley, the American automaker’s global marketing chief, told reporters at a briefing in advance of the updated SUV’s debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show, as quoted by Bloomberg. “It has been a huge contributor to our financial results.”

On the outside, the 2016 Explorer shares just the roof, doors, and glass with its predecessor. The vehicle’s headlights include Ford’s first LED low beams as standard and optional signature eyebrow lighting, and they’re joined by a new grille opening and lower fog lights. The back end of the vehicle features newly integrated exhaust tips, reshaped D-pillars, and a more sculpted tailgate with a subtle spoiler up top, according to USA Today.

Inside, the touch screen center-console have been scrapped and replaced by regular push buttons for audio and climate controls. This announcement was met with audible cheers when from the journalists at the unveil event when designer Chris Svensson announced this change, which came in response to the plethora of negative customer feedback over the old design.