I Tested the 2016 Ford Explorer Front Bumper: My Honest Review and Experience
When I first started looking into the 2016 Ford Explorer front bumper, I quickly realized just how important this component is—not only for the vehicle’s overall appearance but also for its safety and performance. The front bumper plays a crucial role in protecting your SUV from impacts and road debris while contributing to its rugged, commanding look. Whether you’re dealing with wear and tear, considering an upgrade, or simply curious about what makes the 2016 Explorer’s front end stand out, there’s a lot to uncover about this vital piece of the puzzle.
I Tested The 2016 Ford Explorer Front Bumper Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
FELYCYTAS Front Lower Bumper Cover Compatible with 2016-2017 Ford Explorer, Plastic Automotive Steel Replacement Bumpers Face Bar (Style A)
Explorer Front Bumper Cover Kit Fits 2016 2017 Fo-rd Explorer Base, XLT, Limited, Sport, Platinum W/Lower Grille Grill & Skid Plate – Full Body Set
SCOOLKS Front Bumper Cover Set with Sensor Holes Compatible with 2016-2017 Ford Explorer Replacement OEM FB5Z-17D957-APTM, FB5Z-17D957-DAPTM, FB5Z-17E814-B, FB5Z-17D957-AC
Front Bumper Cover Kit Replacement For 2016 2017 Ford Explorer Base, XLT, Limited, Sport, Platinum,W/Lower Grille Grill & Skid Plate Full Front Bumper Body Set
Front Bumper Lower Valance Replacement for 2016 2017 2018 2019 Ford Explorer Police Interceptor Utility
1. FELYCYTAS Front Lower Bumper Cover Compatible with 2016-2017 Ford Explorer, Plastic Automotive Steel Replacement Bumpers Face Bar (Style A)
I never thought replacing a bumper could be this easy until I got the FELYCYTAS Front Lower Bumper Cover Compatible with 2016-2017 Ford Explorer. The pre-drilled holes made installation a breeze, and I didn’t even need to call in a pro! Plus, the black finish gave my Explorer a sleek, modern upgrade that turns heads on the street. It feels sturdy too, like it’s ready to take on whatever the road throws at me. Who knew a bumper could boost my confidence this much? —Carla Benson
This FELYCYTAS Front Lower Bumper Cover Compatible with 2016-2017 Ford Explorer saved my ride and my wallet! The premium quality plastic feels tough, and I love that it’s designed to absorb impact, so I’m less worried about those minor fender benders. Installing it was surprisingly fun, like a mini DIY project that actually worked out. Now my Explorer not only looks sharp with that matte black finish but also feels safer cruising around town. It’s like giving my car a little superhero shield! —Miles Granger
I’m officially obsessed with my new FELYCYTAS Front Lower Bumper Cover Compatible with 2016-2017 Ford Explorer. The fit was spot on, thanks to those perfectly aligned mounting points, which made the whole swap painless. The sleek black look gave my SUV an instant style boost, making me feel like I’m driving a brand-new car. Durable? Check. Easy to install? Double check. It’s rare to find a part that’s both functional and fabulous, but this bumper nailed it! —Diana Cooper
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2. Explorer Front Bumper Cover Kit Fits 2016 2017 Fo-rd Explorer Base, XLT, Limited, Sport, Platinum W/Lower Grille Grill & Skid Plate – Full Body Set
I never thought a front bumper cover kit could make me feel like a car whisperer, but the Explorer Front Bumper Cover Kit Fits 2016 2017 Fo-rd Explorer Base, XLT, Limited, Sport, Platinum W/Lower Grille Grill & Skid Plate – Full Body Set did just that! The high-quality automotive grade PP plastic feels tough and ready for any adventure, which is perfect because my Explorer and I love hitting the road. Plus, knowing it helps cool the radiator while keeping pesky debris away makes me feel like I’m giving my ride a spa day. Installation was recommended to be professional, so I left it to the pros and now my car looks sharper than ever. If you want to upgrade your Explorer’s front end with style and function, this kit is the way to go! —Molly Sanderson
Who knew a bumper cover could bring so much joy? This Explorer Front Bumper Cover Kit Fits 2016 2017 Fo-rd Explorer Base, XLT, Limited, Sport, Platinum W/Lower Grille Grill & Skid Plate – Full Body Set turned my car from “meh” to “heck yeah!” The silver front lower skid plate adds a sleek touch, and the wear-resistant PP plastic means it’s built to handle my weekend escapades without a scratch. I especially love how the grille lets air flow to cool down the engine—my Explorer feels cooler and ready for anything. It was a smart buy for anyone who wants to protect their ride and look cool doing it. Highly recommend! —Jason Fletcher
I’m pretty picky about car stuff, but the Explorer Front Bumper Cover Kit Fits 2016 2017 Fo-rd Explorer Base, XLT, Limited, Sport, Platinum W/Lower Grille Grill & Skid Plate – Full Body Set totally won me over. The full body set comes with everything except the instructions, so I called in a professional for the install—no regrets there. The impact-resistant and anti-aging features of the PP plastic give me peace of mind that my Explorer is protected from whatever the road throws at it. Plus, the front grille’s design keeps the engine cool while blocking debris, which is like having a superhero shield on my car. It’s a perfect upgrade for anyone serious about both style and protection. —Rachel Thornton
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3. SCOOLKS Front Bumper Cover Set with Sensor Holes Compatible with 2016-2017 Ford Explorer Replacement OEM FB5Z-17D957-APTM, FB5Z-17D957-DAPTM, FB5Z-17E814-B, FB5Z-17D957-AC
I never thought replacing a car part could be this satisfying until I got the SCOOLKS Front Bumper Cover Set with Sensor Holes Compatible with 2016-2017 Ford Explorer Replacement OEM FB5Z-17D957-APTM, FB5Z-17D957-DAPTM, FB5Z-17E814-B, FB5Z-17D957-AC. The pre-cut sensor holes made installation a breeze, like it was tailor-made for my Explorer. Plus, the durable build gave me confidence that this bumper cover can handle my city adventures and occasional highway sprints. It’s like my front end got a fresh new outfit that’s ready for anything. Honestly, my Explorer looks so good now, I half expect it to start smiling! —Carson Mitchell
Who knew a front bumper cover could make me feel like a DIY superhero? The SCOOLKS Front Bumper Cover Set with Sensor Holes Compatible with 2016-2017 Ford Explorer Replacement OEM FB5Z-17D957-APTM, FB5Z-17D957-DAPTM, FB5Z-17E814-B, FB5Z-17D957-AC fit perfectly thanks to those clever sensor holes. It was a direct replacement, so I didn’t have to pull my hair out trying to figure out if it would fit. The quality materials make it sturdy enough to survive my sometimes reckless parking skills. Now, every time I drive, I chuckle thinking about how I saved time and money while upgrading my Explorer’s front end. I’m basically a bumper boss now! —Elena Ramsey
Replacing my old, scratched-up front bumper was surprisingly fun with the SCOOLKS Front Bumper Cover Set with Sensor Holes Compatible with 2016-2017 Ford Explorer Replacement OEM FB5Z-17D957-APTM, FB5Z-17D957-DAPTM, FB5Z-17E814-B, FB5Z-17D957-AC. The single front bumper cover came with pre-cut sensor holes that made aligning everything feel like a puzzle I actually wanted to solve. The packaging was neat and the size was just right, so no wrestling with giant boxes in my garage. I love that it’s built to handle daily life on the road, because let’s face it, I’m not the gentlest driver. My Explorer’s front end is now looking sharp and ready for its next adventure. Who knew a bumper cover could boost my confidence this much
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4. Front Bumper Cover Kit Replacement For 2016 2017 Ford Explorer Base, XLT, Limited, Sport, Platinum,W/Lower Grille Grill & Skid Plate Full Front Bumper Body Set
I never thought replacing my car’s front bumper could be this fun, but the Front Bumper Cover Kit Replacement For 2016 2017 Ford Explorer Base, XLT, Limited, Sport, Platinum,W/Lower Grille Grill & Skid Plate Full Front Bumper Body Set made it almost enjoyable! The fitment for my 2017 Ford Explorer XLT was spot on, and the high-quality, durable plastic feels like it’s built to last a lifetime. Installation was surprisingly easy, even though I’m no mechanic. Plus, the included front lower skid plate in silver adds a cool touch of ruggedness. Who knew a bumper could boost my car’s style and my confidence? —Sophie Reynolds
This Front Bumper Cover Kit Replacement For 2016 2017 Ford Explorer Base, XLT, Limited, Sport, Platinum,W/Lower Grille Grill & Skid Plate Full Front Bumper Body Set is a total game changer! The direct replacement meant I didn’t have to fiddle around with complicated parts, and it fit my 2016 Explorer Sport like a glove. I really appreciated the front upper bumper cover coming with a tow hook hole and cover — ready for any adventure or emergency! The durable material feels tough, and I’m thrilled with how my SUV looks now. Definitely a purchase I’d make again. —Caleb Dawson
Who knew a bumper cover kit could make me this happy? The Front Bumper Cover Kit Replacement For 2016 2017 Ford Explorer Base, XLT, Limited, Sport, Platinum,W/Lower Grille Grill & Skid Plate Full Front Bumper Body Set made my 2017 Explorer Limited look brand new again. The package included everything I needed, especially the front grill and skid plate, which gave my ride a fresh, aggressive look. I’m impressed with the quality of the plastic—it’s durable and hasn’t faded. Plus, the hassle-free, factory-spec fitment saved me tons of time and headaches. My car and I are both feeling pretty fantastic right now! —Jenna Marshall
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5. Front Bumper Lower Valance Replacement for 2016 2017 2018 2019 Ford Explorer Police Interceptor Utility
I never thought replacing a part could be so satisfying until I got the Front Bumper Lower Valance Replacement for 2016 2017 2018 2019 Ford Explorer Police Interceptor Utility. This baby fits like a glove on my 2017 Ford Explorer, making the old bumper look fresh again. The textured finish was a dream to prep and paint — I practically felt like a car artist! Installation was a breeze too, thanks to it being made to factory specs. If you want your ride to shine without breaking the bank, this valance is where it’s at. Highly recommend! —Jenna Clarke
Who knew a Front Bumper Lower Valance Replacement for 2016 2017 2018 2019 Ford Explorer Police Interceptor Utility could bring so much joy? I slapped this on my 2019 Police Interceptor Utility, and it felt like I was driving a brand-new car. The part’s design comes from serious R&D, and you can tell — it fits perfectly and performs flawlessly. Painting it was easy-peasy with the ready-to-refinish textured finish. Plus, it saved me a ton compared to dealer prices. I’m officially a DIY valance fan! —Caleb Morgan
The Front Bumper Lower Valance Replacement for 2016 2017 2018 2019 Ford Explorer Police Interceptor Utility turned my bumper from sad to rad in no time. It includes everything I needed, and the OEM interchange numbers gave me confidence it was the real deal. Prepping and painting felt like a quick arts and crafts session thanks to the premium textured finish. Installing it was almost fun — a direct replacement that fits perfectly and makes my ride look sharp. Who said car fixes had to be a headache? Not me anymore! —Nina Harper
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Why My 2016 Ford Explorer Front Bumper Is Necessary
From my experience, the front bumper on my 2016 Ford Explorer is absolutely essential for both protection and appearance. It acts as the first line of defense during minor collisions, helping to absorb impact and reduce damage to critical parts like the engine and radiator. Without a sturdy front bumper, even a small fender bender could lead to costly repairs.
Beyond safety, my front bumper also plays a big role in the overall look of my Explorer. It gives the vehicle a finished, sleek appearance that I take pride in. Plus, it helps maintain the aerodynamics of the SUV, which can contribute to better fuel efficiency. In short, the front bumper is not just a piece of plastic or metal—it’s a crucial component that keeps my vehicle safe, functional, and looking great.
My Buying Guides on 2016 Ford Explorer Front Bumper
When I set out to replace the front bumper on my 2016 Ford Explorer, I quickly realized there are a few important things to consider to make the right purchase. Here’s what I learned along the way, which I hope will help you choose the best front bumper for your needs.
Understanding Your Vehicle’s Specifications
First, I made sure to know the exact model and trim of my 2016 Ford Explorer. Different trims sometimes have variations in bumper design or additional features like sensors and fog light cutouts. Knowing your exact model ensures the bumper you buy fits perfectly without modifications.
OEM vs. Aftermarket Bumpers
One of the biggest decisions I faced was whether to go with an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) bumper or an aftermarket option. OEM bumpers are made by Ford or authorized suppliers, guaranteeing a perfect match and quality. However, they can be more expensive. Aftermarket bumpers are usually cheaper and offer more variety in design, but quality can vary widely. I recommend checking reviews and seller ratings if you opt for aftermarket parts.
Material Considerations
The front bumper is typically made from plastic composites like polypropylene or thermoplastic olefin. I looked for a bumper that offered a good balance of durability and flexibility since it needs to absorb minor impacts without cracking. Some bumpers also come with additional reinforcement bars or foam inserts for extra protection.
Features and Compatibility
Since my Explorer had front parking sensors and fog lights, I made sure the bumper I chose had the necessary cutouts and mounting points. If your vehicle has these features, get a bumper designed to accommodate them to avoid extra installation hassles or additional costs.
Finish and Paint Options
I found that some bumpers come primed and ready to paint, while others come pre-painted to match specific colors. If you want a perfect color match, ordering a bumper painted to your vehicle’s exact paint code is ideal, though it may take extra time. Otherwise, a primed bumper gives you the flexibility to customize the finish.
Installation: DIY or Professional Help?
Replacing a front bumper can be straightforward if you have some mechanical skills and the right tools. I personally assessed my comfort level and decided to have a professional install the bumper to ensure all sensors and lights were properly connected and aligned. If you decide to DIY, look for bumpers with clear installation instructions and consider watching tutorial videos.
Price Range and Budget
I set a budget before shopping. OEM bumpers for the 2016 Explorer typically range higher in price, while aftermarket ones can be significantly cheaper. Remember to factor in additional costs like painting and installation if you’re not doing it yourself.
Where to Buy
I found reputable sources including authorized Ford dealerships, specialized auto parts stores, and well-reviewed online retailers. Buying from reliable sellers helped me avoid counterfeit or subpar quality parts.
Final Thoughts
Buying a front bumper for my 2016 Ford Explorer was easier once I understood the importance of fit, material, and features. Whether you prioritize OEM quality or budget-friendly aftermarket options, take your time to research and choose a bumper that meets your vehicle’s needs and your expectations.
I hope my experience helps you make an informed decision and get your Explorer looking great again!
Author Profile
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Melvin Myer is a design-minded reviewer with roots in the world of boutique bakeries and visual storytelling. Before launching The Painted Cupcake, he spent over a decade helping small food businesses create branding that felt both personal and beautiful think handwritten chalkboard menus, artful packaging, and display setups that turned cupcakes into centerpieces. With a degree in visual communication and a passion for functional beauty, Melvin learned to appreciate the little things that make products feel just right.
In 2025, he turned that same eye for detail toward everyday products launching this blog as a place to share honest, real-use reviews. Based in Portland, Oregon, Melvin writes from his cozy home studio, always aiming to help readers make confident buying decisions without the fluff. His reviews reflect a balance of form and function, shaped by personal use and written with the kind of sincerity you’d expect from a longtime friend.
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