The 2015 Ford Explorer’s four trims lack nothing on the used lot. However, consumers seeking the best experience should either opt for the luxury of the Limited trim, or the brute horsepower and performance of the Sport.
Key Points
- The 2015 Ford Explorer is offered in four trim levels, from the meat-and-potatoes Base and XLT trims, to the luxury offered by the Limited trim, and the big power of the Sport.
- Three engines are available in the 2015 Explorer, including a naturally aspirated 3.5L V6, a fuel-efficient 2.0L EcoBoost inline-four, and a 365-horsepower 3.5L EcoBoost V6.
- Enjoy practical features on Explorer Base, like standard traction and stability control, keyless entry, and 18-inch wheels. Upgrade to XLT for optional MyFord Touch with Bluetooth, parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and more.
- Though each model offers something for everyone, the Limited and Sport trims best represent the 2015 Explorer’s potential in the midsize crossover market.
2015 Ford Explorer Base Delivers Plenty of Practical Features Despite Being Entry-level Trim
The lowest trim level on the 2015 Ford Explorer is, fittingly enough, the Base. The trim level does offer quite a lot to consumers out of the gate, though. For one, a front-wheel-drive or optional four-wheel-drive setup is on the table, as are two engine choices: a 290-hp 3.5L V6, and a 240-hp 2.0L EcoBoost four-cylinder. Either engine is linked to a six-speed automatic, the only transmission available across the entire range.
From there, enjoy cloth seats, an AM/FM/CD system with MP3 capability and an aux jack, 18-inch aluminum wheels, rear HVAC with separate controls, and keyless remote entry add plenty of value to the Base level. Safety features like electronic stability and roll stability controls, rear child safety locks, dual-stage airbags up front, and more airbags throughout the cabin give occupants plenty of protection on the road. The admission price isn’t too bad, either: $15,951 to $18,370, per Kelley Blue Book’s Fair Market Range.
2015 Ford Explorer XLT Goes the Extra Mile with MyFord Touch, Offers a Number of Tech Add-ons
For a little more money, though, the 2015 Ford Explorer XLT trim adds a few more items consumers might desire in the midsize crossover. For starters, Bluetooth connectivity and parking sensors. Then, there’s the infotainment system. The XLT comes with Microsoft Auto 4.0-based Sync with MyFord Touch (a.k.a., Sync 2), housed within the eight-inch touchscreen built into the center console. The system is found in four optional tech packages for the XLT.
More tech features include a rearview camera, SiriusXM satellite radio, auto-dimming rearview mirror, premium nine-speaker sound, 911 assist, and inflatable rear seat belts. Blind-spot monitoring and cross-traffic alert are optional safety features, while an appearance package places the Explorer name upon the hood, and 20-inch machined aluminum wheels on the corners. The KBB Fair Purchase Price for a 2015 Explorer XLT is $19,480.
2015 Explorer’s Limited Trim Brings Out the Luxury with Heated Leather Seats, 20-inch Alloy Wheels, and Optional Power Liftgate
From the XLT trim, two paths lay before those interested in a 2015 Ford Explorer. Those who seek luxury shall find it in the Limited trim level. Say goodbye to cloth seats. Instead, leather is the name of the game, with the front seats also receiving heat and tons of adjustability (10-way for the driver, six-way for the passenger), including four-way adjustable head restraints.
Meanwhile, the sound system gets a major upgrade in the Limited trim, in the form of a Sony 12-speaker system with HD Radio and SiriusXM satellite radio. A set of 20-inch painted aluminum wheels come standard. Option packages include items like a power liftgate, power tilt and telescoping steering wheel, power-folding third row, and rain-sensing wipers. Active park assist and lane-departure/lane-keep assist are among the shortlist of optional safety features on the Limited trim. Expect to pay around $19,550 to $22,509 on the used lot for example with 96,066 miles on the odometer, per KBB.
2015 Ford Explorer Sport Features 365-hp 3.5L EcoBoost V6, Aggressive Styling, and Sport-tuned Suspension
If more firepower is desired over luxury, though, the 2015 Ford Explorer Sport is the only trim to choose. The Sport is set apart from the rest of the line by offering a single powertrain combo: a 3.5L EcoBoost turbocharged V6 sending all 365 horsepower and 350 lb.-ft. of torque to all corners. The Explorer Sport reaches 60 mph from a standstill in 5.9 seconds, blowing the doors off its competition on the merge lane, the Dodge Durango R/T with all-wheel drive.
Aside from running all of the day’s errands in a flash, the 2015 Ford Explorer Sport looks the part, too, with blacked-out body trim and grille, and a set of 20-inch machined aluminum wheels with painted pockets (in black, of course). Sport-tuned suspension and stainless steel exhaust with polished tips complete the sporty package. Those seeking to hustle the family from point to point on big road trips can expect to pay a KBB Fair Market Range of $20,494 to $23,597 for a good model on the lot.
Every 2015 Ford Explorer Trim has its Advantages, but the Limited and Sport Offer the Most for Consumers
While every trim level of the 2015 Ford Explorer offers something for everyone, the Limited and Sport trims are the best options to consider, as they offer the most bang for the buck. The only decision to make at that point is which trim is the right trim: the luxury of the Limited, or the speed of the Sport.
Photos: Ford
