Los Angeles, CA – The Ford Explorer is currently in its fifth generation that began in 2011. It was time for a little refresh and the Los Angeles Auto Show provided the setting for the global debut of the 2016 model year Explorer. But before we head to the show on the 19th, Ford put on an exclusive press preview for a select group of journalists at an industrial location in Los Angeles.

In the global landscape of the auto industry, it's well known that utility vehicles are the fastest growing segment, up 88 per cent since 2008. Furthermore, almost one in four Ford global vehicles sold are an SUV with Ford projecting that percentage to surge to 29 per cent by 2020.

With that information, the Explorer (one of Ford's top-selling models in its SUV roster) has a big role to fill in the upcoming years and therefore, a lot of attention has been made to better it from all angles. And we're not just talking exterior and interior design – that comes with the territory. The 2016 refreshed Explorer will feature a new engine, more technology and a new upscale Platinum series.

As in almost all Ford vehicles, special attention was paid to improving fuel economy through the use of their new EcoBoost engines. The 2016 Explorer will have 3.5-litre V6 engine as its base, as well as two optional EcoBoost engines that include the 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 and a brand-new 2.3-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder that is found on the new Ford Mustang and Lincoln MKC. That new 2.3-litre engine allows 4WD capabilities, something that couldn't be had in the outgoing 2.0-litre.

The 2.3-litre EcoBoost is a step-up from the 2.0-litre in terms of overall performance. It's up 30 horsepower (270 hp) and 30 lb.-ft. of torque (300 lb.-ft.) without compromising any fuel efficiency. Fuel economy numbers for the Explorer have not yet been revealed, but we should expect it to be close to the 11.9L/100 km in the city and the 8.5L/ 100 km on the highway that's found in the 2015 model.

Ford has provided the 2016 Explorer with the gauntlet of technology. Available technology includes an enhanced park assist that performs not just parallel parking, but perpendicular parking and a park out function along with side sensors. Additionally, the Explorer receives Intelligent 4WD with a terrain management system that will constantly monitor how much torque is needed and adjust accordingly. Ford has installed an added 4WD program in the gauge cluster for drivers to follow along through the seamless changes into 4WD.

If that's not enough, the Explorer will have an industry-first 180-degrees front and rear cameras that come with a camera wash, as well as some exclusives that include a PowerFold third-row seat and inflatable rear safety belts.

As you can tell, a lot was packed into the Explorer, but a large focus went towards the interior. Premium and authentic materials were the call to elevate the mid-size SUV. Christopher Svensson, Ford's Design Director even made a point to call the Explorer's leather, the “softest leather found in any Ford.”

If premium touches get you excited, look no further than a new Platinum edition that will raise the luxury bar of the Ford brand. Ford has created this special trim level due to 90 per cent of Explorer purchases coming from the top trim. The Platinum series comes with a unique grille, signature LED lights, 20-inch wheels, a dual-panel moonroof and satin chrome details throughout the exterior body such as on the side mirrors and roof rack. 

On display was a Platinum Explorer and the inside resembles something you would find from a luxury automaker, but at a more affordable price. Most items come standard including real ash wood and that soft-stitched leather with a first-ever brushed aluminum Ford oval on the steering wheel. Furthermore, there's an exclusive digital instrument cluster and special 500-watt Sony sound system that can only be found with this trim level.

The 2016 Ford Explorer will go on sale throughout North America in the summer following the launch of the Ford Edge in the Spring. Canadian base pricing will start at $32,499 for the base V6 in FWD with the top Platinum trip starting at $57,999.