The V-6, in contrast, provides a traditional and strong engine note that didn't seem nearly as quiet as the 365-hp 3.5 EcoBoost engine we drove in the Sport model, which had a more sensitive throttle tip-in. The 2.3 sends a slightly muted growl into the cabin, though it can occasionally drone. What distinguishes the 2016 Explorer V-6 from the 2.3 EcoBoost model isn't just the way the two models deliver their power (linearly on the V-6 versus with just a little turbo lag on the 2.3 EcoBoost), but with the engine sounds. Even so, it should provide a much more livable driving experience than the 2.0 EcoBoost engine ever could, though many buyers may still balk at the idea of paying extra for less horsepower. This is still not a quick vehicle - if you're looking for power, head straight to the expensive Sport and Platinum models, which come standard with all-wheel drive and the 365-hp 3.5 EcoBoost engine. In the regular V-6 and the 2.3 EcoBoost, response to wide-open-throttle inputs aren't immediate but acceptable, and in the four-cylinder Explorer, you'll feel a boost of power at around 20 mph. One note: the front-drive Explorer 2.3 EcoBoost gets low-rolling-resistance tires the model we drove was equipped with all-wheel drive. That's still 2,000 pounds off the 3.5-liter V-6 as well as the 365-hp 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 we've come to enjoy in various Ford and Lincoln applications, but it might be just enough to justify the $995 upgrade charge to get the Explorer's EPA-estimated 18-19/26-28 mpg city/highway, compared to the volume-oriented V-6's 16-17/23-24 mpg and the all-wheel-drive-only 3.5 EcoBoost's 16/22 mpg. Until we can track- and Real-MPG-test the 2016 Explorer 2.3 EcoBoost, one thing's for sure: Ford finally feels confident in the Explorer's four-cylinder powerplant to offer it with all-wheel drive and a towing package good for a maximum rating of 3,000 pounds. Although most Ford Explorer customers will still head straight for the 3.5-liter V-6 with 290 hp and 255 lb-ft of torque, the newly available turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine has 280 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, or 40 hp and 40 lb-ft more than the outgoing 2.0-liter, which helped a 2012 Explorer hit 60 mph in a Motor-Trend-tested 9.2 seconds.

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