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4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
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Overall Rating
The base model of the new Ford Explorer is priced at $30,700 and this goes all the way up to $43,100 for the top-end “Sport” model.
The 2015 Ford Explorer looks rather fresh despite being carried over from last year. The Explorer doesn’t compare well against the more versatile and roomy competitors. But this Ford SUV still manages to perform well in terms of sales, mostly due to its luxurious cabin and multitude of features. The base model of the new Ford Explorer is priced at $30,700 and this goes all the way up to $43,100 for the top-end “Sport” model.
If you don’t care for more performance then go with the XLT trim as it gets keyless entry and a better infotainment system. This trim comes with 18” alloys and does not disappoint in any means. However, if performance is your thing, go with the high-end sports trim itself.
XLT 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
XLT 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
XLT 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
Sport 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 6A)
XLT 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
The base model of the new Ford Explorer is priced at $30,700 and this goes all the way up to $43,100 for the top-end “Sport” model.
The 2015 Ford Explorer looks rather fresh despite being carried over from last year. The Explorer doesn’t compare well against the more versatile and roomy competitors. But this Ford SUV still manages to perform well in terms of sales, mostly due to its luxurious cabin and multitude of features. The base model of the new Ford Explorer is priced at $30,700 and this goes all the way up to $43,100 for the top-end “Sport” model.
The Explore comes loaded with features, right from the base trim. However, Ford is offering the Explorer in a few more trims to ensure that it suits different customers. There are 4 trims in total, which are base, XLT, Limited, and Sport. The table below shows the different features available with each trim.
Model |
Base |
XLT |
Limited |
Sport |
---|---|---|---|---|
Price |
$30,700 |
$33,000 |
$38,200 |
$43,100 |
Key Features |
18-inch alloy wheels |
Adds to the Base |
Adds to XLT |
Adds to Limited |
automatic headlights |
upgraded brakes |
20-inch wheels |
Different 20-inch wheels |
|
rear privacy glass |
The keyless entry code pad |
keyless ignition and entry |
sport-tuned suspension |
|
six-way power driver seat |
Ford’s Sync Infotainment Interface |
power-adjustable pedal |
front sport seats |
Almost all the basic features that a person considers as important can be found in the base trim, but as we go into the higher trims, we can see a mix of features that improves comfort, convenience, and performance.
We Recommend
If you don’t care for more performance then go with the XLT trim as it gets keyless entry and a better infotainment system. This trim comes with 18” alloys and does not disappoint in any means. However, if performance is your thing, go with the high-end sports trim itself.
The refined engine offered with the Explorer ensures superior refinement inside the cabin. The standard turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine makes 240 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. Unlike most modern-day SUVs, the Explorer is quite the opposite. It has lower visibility and makes getting in and out of tight spots that much harder. This car also gets more powerful engines which makes it move faster and tow stronger.
Even though an SUV the Explorer handles better than most of its competition. It can easily carve into corners with minimum body roll and can even be compared with sports wagons. The steering feels light for an SUV, this steering set-up also makes the movement in tight urban spaces and parking spaces that much easier.
Model |
Ford Explorer |
Honda Pilot |
Dodge Durango |
---|---|---|---|
MSRP |
$30,700 |
$29,870 |
$30.495 |
Engine |
Regular Unleaded V-6 3.5 L |
Regular Unleaded V-6 3.5 L |
Regular Unleaded V-6 3.6 L/220 |
Drivetrain |
FWD |
FWD |
RWD |
Transmission |
6-speed automatic |
5-speed automatic |
8-speed automatic |
Power |
290hp@6,500rpm |
250hp@5,700rpm |
290hp@6,400rpm |
Torque |
255lb-ft@4,000rpm |
253lb-ft@4,800rpm |
260lb-ft@4000rpm |
0-60 mph (seconds) |
7.5 |
7.6 |
6.2 |
Quarter-mile (mph) |
91 |
89 |
95 |
Top Speed (mph) |
151 |
140 |
135 |
All these cars have been similarly specced with the Honda being the lowest producer of power at 250hp. In 0-60 acceleration tests, The Dodge Durango has the best timing of 6.2s. The highest Topspeed belongs to the Ford Explorer at 151MPH.
The Ford Explorer offers 20 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway with its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine making 240 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque, which has good performance as well. It has good performance when compared to the fuel efficiency it offers.
Model |
Ford Explorer |
Honda Pilot |
Dodge Durango |
---|---|---|---|
MPG (City) (mpg) |
20 |
18 |
19 |
MPG (Highway) (mpg) |
28 |
25 |
27 |
MPG (Combined) (mpg) |
24 |
21 |
23 |
Fuel Capacity (gallon) |
18.6 |
21 |
24.6 |
Range (City/Hwy/Combined) |
NA |
NA |
NA |
When compared with the competition the Explorer has the best in class gas mileage. The competitors keep up with the Explorer with almost similar MPG figures. However, the Durango has the biggest tank and with its mileage, it will certainly have a better range than the rest of the competition.
The Ford Explorer is capable of seating 7 people. The interior is refined and doesn’t have any disturbances from the outside. The suspension also masks any undulations from uneven surfaces.
The materials used inside are of high-quality and the design ensures better ergonomics to the user as well. In the top-end trim, the interior is slightly different from other trims and gives it a more sporty appeal.
Model |
Ford Explorer |
Honda Pilot |
Dodge Durango |
---|---|---|---|
Seating Capacity |
7 |
8 |
7 |
Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in) |
41.4/61.3/40.6 |
40/61.5/41.4 |
39.9/58.5/40.3 |
Rear Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in) |
40.5/61/39.8 |
39.8/62.2/38.5 |
39.8/58.3/38.6 |
Cargo Capacity (cu-ft) |
21 |
18 |
17.2 |
The Honda Pilot offers seating for 8 and has the best legroom in the front row. While the Ford offers the best headroom in all rows and the best in class legroom in the rear row as well. The Ford also manages to offer the best cargo capacity as well. Some of the interior features are:
The Explorer doesn’t come with a great infotainment system. It is slower to respond and the clumsy layout makes it that much harder to use.
The other features of the Explorer’s infotainment system include a touch screen, USB port, Bluetooth, and other usual features. Some of these features are:
The 2015 Ford Explorer looks like a modern-day badass, it has strayed far from the regular aesthetics of American SUVs.
It has more flowing edges and lesser curves negotiating with the eyes of the viewer. From the looks of the car itself, it gives you a soft-roader vibe, rather than that of a mean off-roader.
Model |
Ford Explorer |
Honda Pilot |
Dodge Durango |
---|---|---|---|
Curb Weight (lbs) |
4432 |
4299 |
4713 |
Length (in.) |
197.1 |
191.4 |
201.2 |
Width (in.) |
78.9 |
78.5 |
75.8 |
Height (in.) |
70.4 |
70.7 |
70.9 |
Ground Clearance (in.) |
7.6 |
8 |
8.1 |
Wheelbase (in.) |
112.6 |
109.2 |
119.8 |
The heaviest car in the segment is the Honda and it gets closely followed by the Ford and Dodge. However, the rest of the dimensions are almost similar to each other. Durango has the highest ground clearance of 8.1” and the lowest ground clearance is claimed by the Explorer at 7.6”. Some of the exterior features are:
The new Ford Explorer continues to follow the legacy of Ford cars in safety as well. It has been tested by the IIHS and NHTSA, and it performed well in both tests. The 2015 Ford Explorer scored the rating of Good for all the tests, except for the small overlap front test. It is worth mentioning that it performed poorly in the side tests. From NHTSA, it managed to acquire a five-star rating for overall safety. Some of the safety features are:
The Ford Explorer is a great vehicle to own, it has a great interior and exterior. The available engines offer efficiency and refinement along with great power. It has also been priced right. The downside would be clumsy infotainment and supposedly cramped rear row seating. If you are serious about this purchase you should consider the reliability of the vehicle as well. The 2015 model has a reliability rating of 78 out of 100, which even is not among the best in class is still considered as good.