# Exploring British Columbia in the 2016 Ford Explorer Platinum *By James Hills — Updated September 2020* Anyone can "drive somewhere" but to make an absolutely awesome road trip, you've got to combine a few things: friends, vehicle, and setting. It simply isn't enough to just strap in to a car and drive somewhere. The folks at Ford totally get this and developed an incredible route from Vancouver, British Columbia down to Albuquerque, New Mexico to showcase the stunningly awesome 2016 Ford Explorer. For the third part, "friends" ... well they invited a bunch of bloggers and other media people to drive the route along with them. While I had my pick of routes, the leg I chose was the first one - from Vancouver to Kamloops. For me, it had personal meaning as my Grandparents used to live in Vancouver and my Grandmother was born in Kamloops. As a kid, I had ridden these roads through the mountains and river valleys. Now it was my turn to sit behind the wheel and explore this amazing landscape as an adult! ### Alaska Words And Phrases That You Might Hear When You Visit Here are some Alaska words, slang terms, and phrases that you might hear when you visit Alaska. ManTripping [Read More](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/raq-uBJgoeJZV4c_6iBSUg.613) ### Best Walkie-Talkies for Cruises in 2026 The five best Walkie-Talkie for a Cruise Ship allows you to stay connected on a cruise ship and make your trip perfect fun. CruiseWestCoast [Read More](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/raq-uBJgoeJZV4c_6iBSUg.449) ### 21-Day Beauty of Vietnam, Cambodia And Thailand A 21-day cultural and beach tour through Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand, ideal for travelers seeking guided sightseeing plus relaxation. Viator (affiliate) $2,419.00[See Current Price](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/raq-uBJgoeJZV4c_6iBSUg.548) ### 4 Days Istanbul & Cappadocia with Cave Hotel + Optional Balloon A 4-day Istanbul and Cappadocia tour with cave hotel stay, ideal for travelers wanting UNESCO sites and fairy chimneys. Viator (affiliate) [See Current Price](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/raq-uBJgoeJZV4c_6iBSUg.1635) Promoted by FlowAds For those those of you who aren't familiar with the Ford Explorer, it is currently celebrating 25 years as one of the top SUV's in the country. It continues to define the space as the best-selling SUV in the US for all of those years. Just as with trucks there is the F-150 ... and everyone else, it's pretty much the same in this category. However, while I love the Ford Explorer, I apparently wasn't alone in that I never considered it to be a particularly fancy or almost "luxury" vehicle and so Ford decided to introduce the Platinum trim level. The 2016 Ford Explorer family starts at $31,050 with a choice of 3.5L V6 producing 290 hp (FWD or 4WD) or the optional 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 producing 280 hp (FWD only). On the other hand, Ford Explorer Platinum is powered by a [3.5L EcoBoost V6](https://www.ford.com/suvs/explorer/specifications/engine/) with Intelligent 4WD and that puts out 355 hp and comes standard with 20" wheels. Gas mileage is 16 city / 22 highway. ## Man Gear Pick of the Month September's Pick Amazon (affiliate) ### Kenyon City Grill Portable Stainless Steel Electric Grill Why we picked it: a grill you can actually carry to the campsite, the tailgate or the cabin without borrowing a truck. Stainless, no propane tank to wrestle, and hot enough to cook for four guys rather than reheat for one. [Check The Price](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/JmupE3hi_lUvAEW9PNdNwQ.2144) [August's Pick LiberNovo Maxis Electric Big and Tall Ergonomic Office Chair, Graphite 52cm $1,466.00](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/JmupE3hi_lUvAEW9PNdNwQ.2350) [July's Pick Powerful Propane Torch Gun, Adjustable Flame Thrower Gun, Kitchen Torch with Detachable Design, Flamethrower Blow Torch for BBQ, Searing Steak, Welding, Camping Charcoal Lighter(Tank Not Included) $41.99](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/JmupE3hi_lUvAEW9PNdNwQ.2397) [June's Pick OYASUMI Funny BBQ Man Hot Dog Holders, 4 PCS Reusable Stainless Steel Sausage Stands, Portable Hot Dog Roasters, Barbecue Grill Accessories for Camping & Party Gifts $14.98](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/JmupE3hi_lUvAEW9PNdNwQ.2396) Promoted by FlowAds ## What Makes in "Platinum" ... Platinum is as much a state of mind and how the features all come together as it is a simple list of features. While this is not meant to be a "luxury car" or replace the Lincoln MKX, the intent is to deliver an environment that makes you feel special. It takes an incredible utilitarian platform and adds customization that allow you to feel comfortable when you swap out your luxury car for the SUV to drive the kids around, haul the boat to the lake, or simply set off to explore the open roads with a few friends. ### Interior Design: The already incredibly spacious and comfortable cabin is almost completely wrapped in leather with quilted stitching to provide those little touches that you might otherwise only find on luxury vehicles at a much higher price point. Additionally, you'll find an almost notable absence of plastic and instead the Explorer Platinum features real aluminum and ash wood appliques on door and instrument panels and a wood and leather-wrapped heated steering wheel. Even the A-pillars are wrapped in fabric to give the driver and passengers a feeling that they aren't just "driving an SUV" but are riding in something special. ### Sound: Remember all those soft materials above? Well it also helps make interior sound dynamics extremely soft and comfortable for talking in normal voices while in traffic or jamming out to your favorite classic rock songs while hauling ass along gravel fire roads on a shortcut across a mountain pass. The speakers are all powered by the 500-watt Sony Audio System that is exclusive to the Platinum trim and offers advancements previously only found in high-end home audio systems, including Live Acoustics to recreate sound dynamics based on some of the world's greatest concert halls. Additionally it features Clear Phase to help eliminate sound dispersion throughout the vehicle and allow all passengers to enjoy the precise musical notes exactly as the artist intended. ### Technology and Other Features: There's simply too much to list here, so make sure you check out the official 2016 Ford Explorer Platinum page, but there is tons of cool stuff including enhanced active park assist, rain-sensing wipers, LED headlamps, self cleaning rear camera (no more having to wipe the mud or snow off it in the winter!, remote start, loads of USB and other power plugs, Class III towing package, adaptive cruise control and a Dual-panel moon roof. As we set off to conquer mountains the Explorer was a fantastic companion to make it happen. Whether it was navigating narrow drive-through lanes at Tim Horton's or avoiding parts of the road that had seen better days up high in the mountains the handling, power, and safety technology came together to make this an incredible ride. I can't wait to do more travels with this car in the future as there is certainly a lot more to explore out there! Top Picks Flow Voyages ### Book your next cruise with Heather at Flow Voyages Flow Voyages is a travel advisor specializing in cruises and resorts. [Contact Flow Voyages](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/m89_ce09d5G3KE-6XgLo4w.617) Promoted by FlowAds Details Written by: James Hills Published: 03 October 2015 Last Updated: 19 September 2020 ### 🚢Ready To Book A Vacation? Let us help you plan a cruise, all-inclusive resort, or tour for your next guys trip, family vacation, or romantic getaway. Click here to [**Book Your Next Vacation**](https://www.mantripping.com/vacation-planning.html). #### Which Style Of Amazon Cruise Should You Pick To Explore World's Largest River? 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