If you're searching for a capable, feature-loaded SUV with serious performance credentials, this 2016 Ford Explorer Sport for sale at Madera Auto Center in Chowchilla, CA is worth a very close look. Finished in a sleek Shadow Black exterior, this three-row SUV combines the utility families need with the kind of turbocharged power that separates the Sport trim from the rest of the Explorer lineup. With 112,765 miles on the clock and all-wheel-drive confidence, this is a truck-tough SUV that still has plenty of road ahead of it.
About This 2016 Ford Explorer Sport
The 2016 Ford Explorer Sport is not your average family hauler. Ford positioned the Sport trim as the performance-oriented choice in the Explorer family, and it shows in every detail — from the blacked-out exterior trim to the sport-tuned suspension. This particular example comes dressed in Shadow Black, giving it an aggressive, cohesive look that turns heads on the highway and in the school pickup line alike.
With just over 112,000 miles, this Explorer is well into its stride. The Explorer Sport is widely regarded as a model that holds up well into high mileage when properly maintained, and at this price point, it delivers tremendous value for Central Valley buyers who want capability without a new-vehicle payment.
2016 Ford Explorer Sport Performance and Engine
Under the hood of this Explorer Sport lives Ford's 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 — a twin-turbocharged engine that produces 365 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque in Sport trim configuration. That's more power than many full-size trucks, packaged inside a three-row SUV that seats up to seven passengers.
Paired with a 6-Speed Automatic transmission with Ford's Select-Shift capability, you get smooth everyday cruising plus the option to take manual control of gear selection when you want a more engaged driving experience. The 4WD drivetrain means this Explorer is equally at home on rain-soaked Central Valley roads, dirt paths out toward the foothills, or dry freeway miles between Chowchilla and anywhere else you need to be. This is a powertrain combination that genuinely earns the Sport badge.
Ford Explorer Sport Features and Interior
The Sport trim takes the already well-equipped Explorer and elevates it with a suite of premium and performance-focused features. Buyers stepping into this cabin will find sport-bolstered seating, a larger touchscreen with Ford's SYNC infotainment system, and available features including dual-zone automatic climate control, a power liftgate, and Ford's MyFord Touch interface.
The Sport also receives unique interior trim details that distinguish it from base and XLT models — expect darker interior accents, exclusive gauge cluster styling, and the kind of premium feel that makes everyday commuting feel like an event. Three rows of seating give families the flexibility they need, while the cargo area behind the third row handles grocery runs and weekend gear with ease.
Ford Explorer Reliability and Ownership
The 2016 Ford Explorer has a strong ownership reputation, particularly in the EcoBoost V6 Sport configuration. Owners consistently praise the powertrain's longevity when routine maintenance — oil changes, spark plugs, and coolant service — is kept current. The 6-speed automatic in this generation is known to be durable and responsive, without the hesitation issues found in some rival SUVs of the same era.
Common ownership advice for this generation includes monitoring the PCV system and ensuring the intercooler is in good shape — both straightforward maintenance items. The 4WD system is mechanically robust and well-suited to the varied terrain throughout Madera County and the broader San Joaquin Valley. Buyers who do their homework on this year and trim consistently report satisfaction with long-term value retention.
Why Buy From Madera Auto Center in Chowchilla, CA
Madera Auto Center has built a reputation throughout Chowchilla and the greater Madera County region as a straightforward, no-pressure dealership that takes pride in the vehicles on its lot. Shoppers throughout the Central Valley choose Madera Auto Center because the team puts transparency first — whether you're a first-time buyer or trading up from a vehicle you've driven for years.
Located right in Chowchilla, in the heart of Madera County, the dealership is convenient for buyers throughout the surrounding communities. The team works hard to make the buying process simple, honest, and efficient, so you can drive home confident in your purchase.
Financing a Used Ford Explorer Near Chowchilla
Worried about financing a used SUV in the current market? Madera Auto Center works with a range of lenders to find solutions that fit a wide variety of credit profiles. Whether you have excellent credit, are rebuilding, or are buying a vehicle on your own for the first time, the finance team is committed to finding a payment structure that makes sense for your situation.
Buyers throughout Chowchilla and across Madera County appreciate that the finance process here is transparent — no hidden fees, no last-minute surprises. Call 559-566-2886 to speak with the team directly, or come in to get pre-qualified before you even set foot in the vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2016 Ford Explorer Sport a good buy?
Yes — for buyers who want genuine performance SUV capability at a used-vehicle price, the 2016 Explorer Sport stands out. The twin-turbocharged 3.5L EcoBoost V6 produces 365 horsepower, which is class-leading for the era, and the Sport trim adds suspension tuning and premium appointments that make it a compelling choice over base Explorer models.
How many miles is too many for a 2016 Ford Explorer?
With proper maintenance history, the 2016 Ford Explorer — especially the EcoBoost V6 in Sport trim — is known to run reliably well past 150,000 miles. At 112,765 miles, this example is in a sweet spot: enough miles to have depreciated significantly in price, but still well within the reliable service life of the platform. Ask about the vehicle history report at the dealership.
What does the Explorer Sport trim include over the base model?
The Sport trim adds the more powerful 3.5L EcoBoost V6 (versus the base 2.3L four-cylinder), sport-tuned suspension, unique exterior badging and blacked-out trim, sport-bolstered front seats, and enhanced interior styling. It also comes standard with 4WD where lower trims offered only front-wheel drive.
Is 4WD important on a used Ford Explorer in California?
For Central Valley and foothill driving, 4WD adds meaningful capability — particularly during winter rain events, off-pavement driving in rural Madera County, and mountain passes heading toward Yosemite. Even if you spend most of your miles on paved roads, 4WD provides confidence and helps with resale value.
What should I check before buying a used 2016 Ford Explorer Sport?
Request a full vehicle history report and inspect the PCV system, intercooler condition, and coolant levels — these are the areas most often flagged in high-mileage EcoBoost V6 Explorers. Also confirm the 4WD transfer case engages smoothly and that the infotainment system functions correctly. A pre-purchase inspection by a trusted local mechanic is always a smart step.
Serving Chowchilla and Surrounding Areas
Madera Auto Center, located in Chowchilla in Madera County, is proud to serve car shoppers from across the Central Valley and surrounding communities. Buyers regularly make the drive from Los Banos, Merced, Fresno, Turlock, and Visalia to shop the inventory here — and it's easy to see why. The combination of quality used vehicles, honest pricing, and a low-pressure sales environment makes Madera Auto Center a destination worth the drive.
Whether you're coming in from the San Joaquin Valley floor, heading down from the foothills, or just passing through on Highway 99, this 2016 Ford Explorer Sport in Shadow Black is ready for a test drive when you are.
Contact Madera Auto Center Today
Don't let this 2016 Ford Explorer Sport pass you by. Shadow Black, 4WD, and a powerhouse 3.5L EcoBoost V6 — this is one of the more compelling used SUVs available in the Chowchilla area right now. Call Madera Auto Center at 559-566-2886 to ask about availability, schedule a test drive, or start the financing conversation today.
The team at Madera Auto Center in Chowchilla, CA is ready to help you drive home in confidence. Stop by, ask questions, and take this Explorer Sport for a spin — you'll understand immediately why the Sport trim has such a loyal following among California SUV buyers.