What Is the 2015 Ford Explorer?
The 2015 Ford Explorer is a three-row SUV that seats up to seven and competes with the Toyota Highlander, Chevrolet Traverse and Honda Pilot. It's offered in Base, XLT, Limited and Sport trim levels. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is available.
What's New on the 2015 Ford Explorer?
The 2015 Ford Explorer now comes standard with 18-inch aluminum wheels in the Base trim, and the Explorer Sport has a Class III trailer hitch. An Appearance Package is now offered with the XLT trim that adds a dark gray grille and mirror caps, body-colored door handles, an Explorer hood badge, black cladding and 20-inch machined-aluminum wheels. Inside the vehicle are heated front seats, leather-trimmed upholstery with suede inserts, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, unique floor mats and the MyFord Touch multimedia system.
How Does the 2015 Ford Explorer Compare to Other Three-row SUVs?
The 2015 Explorer has more room in the third row than the Dodge Journey or Land Rover, as well as more overall passenger room than the Chevrolet Traverse and Nissan Pathfinder. While maximum cargo space is higher in the Chevrolet Traverse, the Explorer's power-folding third row folds flat into the floor, and the Traverse also offers similar performance and technology features. The Dodge Durango can be equipped with a powerful Hemi V-8 engine, and its V-6 and eight-speed automatic transmission provide better fuel economy than the Explorer. The Nissan Pathfinder also offers stronger fuel economy as well as better handling.
What Features in the 2015 Ford Explorer Are Most Important?
The 2015 Ford Explorer comes standard with a 290-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine and front-wheel drive. A 240-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder is available; the Sport model comes with a 365-hp, 3.5-liter V-6. All trim levels come with a six-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive can be added with the V-6 engine and includes Ford's Terrain Management System that adjusts the drivetrain to handle snow, mud, sand or pavement. The standard V-6 can tow up to 5,000 pounds, while the four-cylinder offers 2,000 pounds of towing capacity.
Standard features include 18-inch alloy wheels, dual exhaust tips, cloth upholstery, seating for seven, a 50/50-split folding third row, air conditioning and a CD stereo system with MP3 jack. Available features include 20-inch wheels, power liftgate, power moonroof, heated mirrors, MyFord Touch touchscreen, navigation system, LCD gauge screens, a Sony premium stereo, heated and cooled front seats, leather seats, power-folding third-row seats and second-row captain's chairs that reduce the seating to six.
As required in all new cars, the Explorer includes front airbags, an electronic stability system and antilock brakes. Standard safety features include side curtain airbags, side-impact airbags for the front seats, roll stability control and Curve Control. A backup camera, a blind spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning are all available.
Should I Buy the 2015 Ford Explorer?
Drivers who value plenty of cargo room behind the third row, extra headroom and strong National Highway Traffic Safety Administration safety scores will appreciate the Ford Explorer. In addition, the four-cylinder engine offers competitive fuel economy, while the Explorer Sport is a good option for performance-focused SUV buyers. However, the available MyFord Touch system could be easier to use, and the thick A-pillars reduce forward visibility. A cramped second row may be a challenge for taller passengers, and the third row is difficult to access.
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