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Forward Lighting
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Exterior Lighting
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Interior Lighting
2016 Ford Explorer Headlight Bulb Size
Ford raised the bar with the 2016 Explorer by introducing the Platinum trim, pushing the three-row SUV into luxury territory alongside the Chevy Traverse and Honda Pilot. The 2016 Ford Explorer headlight bulb size is H11 for the low beams, 9005 for the high beams, and H11 for the fog lights. Base and XLT trims use halogen projector housings, while the Limited and Sport feature factory HID assemblies.
The 2016 model also brought Sync 3 infotainment, a welcome upgrade from the older MyFord Touch system. But no matter how modern the dashboard feels, dim halogen low beams undermine the driving experience on dark roads. Installing 2016 Ford Explorer LED headlights brings the lighting technology in line with the rest of the vehicle — bright, white, and confidence-inspiring on late-night drives home from the lake or early-morning runs to the airport.
Upgrading 2016 Explorer Headlights: LED and HID Compared
For the 2016 Explorer, LED headlight kits offer the path of least resistance. The H11 LED bulb plugs directly into the factory low-beam connector, and the 9005 LED handles the high-beam side. There is no wiring to cut, no relay to add, and no housing modification. You flip the headlights on and get a full-strength 6000K white beam immediately — no warm-up period, no flickering, no fuss.
HID xenon kits are designed for Explorer owners who tow boats, campers, or trailers after dark and need the deepest possible beam throw. The ballast for each side is compact enough to mount behind the headlight housing, and the extra installation time is minimal. Once lit, the xenon arc produces a dense, far-reaching beam that makes highway towing at night noticeably less stressful.
HID Nation backs every kit with a lifetime warranty and ships every order free of charge, so upgrading carries zero financial risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
What headlight bulb size does the 2016 Ford Explorer use?
The 2016 Ford Explorer uses H11 bulbs for the low beams, 9005 bulbs for the high beams, and H11 bulbs for the fog lights. Base and XLT trims have halogen projectors, while the Limited, Sport, and the new-for-2016 Platinum trim use factory HID headlights. Aftermarket LED or HID conversion kits fit the halogen-equipped trims without modification.
Can I upgrade the 2016 Explorer headlights to LED without voiding my warranty?
Aftermarket LED headlight bulbs are a simple bulb swap and do not modify the vehicle's wiring or electrical system. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act prevents a dealer from voiding your warranty solely because you installed aftermarket bulbs. Thousands of 2016 Explorer owners run LED headlights with no warranty issues whatsoever.
Does the 2016 Explorer Platinum already have LED headlights?
The 2016 Explorer Platinum, Limited, and Sport trims came with factory HID (xenon) headlights, not LED. The Base and XLT trims received standard halogen projector housings. If your Explorer has halogen bulbs that produce a warm yellow light, it is eligible for LED or HID upgrade kits that plug directly into the H11 low-beam and 9005 high-beam sockets.
Will LED headlights improve towing visibility on the 2016 Explorer?
Significantly. When you are towing a trailer, the added weight shifts the beam pattern slightly upward, but LED bulbs produce enough output to maintain strong road coverage. The wide, bright beam from an LED upgrade helps you see lane markings, road signs, and hazards earlier — which is exactly what you need when steering a loaded three-row SUV down a dark two-lane highway.