“No issues with vehicle, though some of the controls on the steering can be switched around for easier use.”
2015 Ford Explorer: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 13, 2026
The 2015 Ford Explorer is mostly a carryover, and its biggest update is a new Appearance Package for the XLT trim. Other changes are limited to trim-specific equipment rather than a redesign or mechanical update.
About the 2015 Ford Explorer
5th generation Explorer (2011-2019), last pre-refresh year before the 2016 update.
Ford positions the Explorer as a three-row family SUV that blends everyday comfort with genuine road-trip utility. Its core appeal is seven-passenger seating, fold-flat cargo flexibility, available 4WD with Terrain Management, and stronger towing and powertrain variety than many mainstream rivals. In this generation, Explorer also leans a little more upscale than some competitors, with a quieter cabin and higher-end tech and trim available as you move up the range.
The 2015 Explorer is a three-row SUV ranging from a straightforward seven-passenger base trim to the comfort-focused Limited, which has leather seating, heated first- and second-row seats, and an 8-inch touchscreen. XLT adds useful everyday features such as rear parking sensors and heated mirrors, while Sport stands apart with a 365-hp twin-turbo V6, standard four-wheel drive, a sport-tuned suspension, and blacked-out exterior details.
What changed, by category
Styling
XLT gains a new Appearance Package, and the base Explorer replaces its prior steel-wheel setup with standard 18-inch painted aluminum wheels.
Towing equipment
Sport gains a standard Class III trailer tow package.
2015 Ford Explorer specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl EcoBoost 2.0L / V6, 3.5 Liter | 4-Cyl EcoBoost 2.0L / V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, EcoBoost, Twin Turbo, 3.5 Liter | 4-Cyl EcoBoost 2.0L / V6, 3.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd / Auto, 6-Spd SelectShift | Automatic, 6-Spd / Auto, 6-Spd SelectShift | Auto, 6-Spd SelectShift | Automatic, 6-Spd / Auto, 6-Spd SelectShift |
| Drivetrain | 2WD / 4WD | 2WD | 4WD | 2WD / 4WD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 17–20 mpg | 17–20 mpg | 16 mpg | 17–20 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 23–28 mpg | 24–28 mpg | 22 mpg | 23–28 mpg |
| Horsepower | 240–290 hp | 240–290 hp | 365 hp | 240–290 hp |
| Torque | 255–270 lb-ft | 255–270 lb-ft | 350 lb-ft | 255–270 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 80.7 cu-ft | 80.7 cu-ft | 80.7 cu-ft | 80.7 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 33.2 in | 33.2 in | 33.2 in | 33.2 in |
| Seats | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||
| Alarm System | ||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Hill Descent Control | ||||
| Inflatable Seat Belts | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Park Assist | ||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||
| Rear Parking Sensors | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| HID Headlights | ||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Roof Rails | ||||
| Tow Hooks | ||||
| Trailer Hitch Receiver | ||||
| Front DVD Entertainment System | ||||
| LCD Instrument Cluster | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Rear DVD Entertainment System | ||||
| SD Card Slot | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||
| USB Ports | ||||
| Video Input | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Cooled Seats | ||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||
| Memory Pedals | ||||
| Power Adjustable Pedals | ||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||
| Power Folding Rear Seat | ||||
| Power Folding Third Row Seat | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
| Third Row Seat | ||||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2015 Ford Explorer compared with the 2014 model?
The 2015 Explorer receives only small trim-level updates. XLT gains a new Appearance Package, Sport gains a standard Class III trailer tow package, and the base trim switches from steel wheels to standard 18-inch painted aluminum wheels.
Was the 2015 Ford Explorer redesigned?
No, the 2015 Ford Explorer was not redesigned. It is the final model year before the more substantial 2016 mid-cycle update, and its engines, cabin layout, body structure, and major safety technology largely carry over.
Did the 2015 Ford Explorer get a new engine?
No, the 2015 Explorer did not get a new engine. Most trims retain the 3.5-liter V6, front-wheel-drive non-Sport trims retain the optional 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, and Sport keeps its 365-hp twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6.
Which 2015 Ford Explorer trim gained standard towing equipment?
The 2015 Explorer Sport gained a standard Class III trailer tow package. Its 365-hp twin-turbo V6 and standard four-wheel drive otherwise carry over.
Is the 2015 Ford Explorer the last model before the refresh?
Yes, the 2015 Explorer is the last pre-refresh model year of this generation. Ford introduced the larger mid-cycle update for 2016.
2015 Ford Explorer Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2015 Ford Explorer.
4.2
2015 Ford Explorer
(256 reviews)
“I enjoy the new explorer but now that they are front wheel drive that is something that I have to get used to.”
“I loved the truck-based Explorers and drove them for over twenty years and hate this one which is essentially a car with 4-wheel drive.”