Pros: Broad range of available safety features; impressively quiet cabin; good fuel economy with EcoBoost 4-cylinder engine
Cons: Finicky MyFord Touch control interface; tight second-row seat; feels a bit cumbersome in close quarters; prices rise quickly as options are added
CG Says: For 2015, the Ford Explorer gets standard 18-inch wheels on its base model and an appearance package for XLT models. Explorer is a very nice 7-passenger crossover that unfortunately competes with several other very nice 7-passenger crossovers. Regrettably perhaps, Explorer’s most memorable feature may be the MyFord Touch control interface that has frustrated our testers. Overall though, this Ford does a good job balancing the rugged attributes of an SUV with the more car-like dynamics expected of today’s crossover vehicles. The same is true for most of its rivals though, and they often cost less.
| Class | Midsize SUV |
| Body Style(s) | 4-door wagon |
| Passenger Count | 7 |
| Drive Wheels | front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive |
| Manufacturer | Ford |
| Nation of Manufacture | USA |
| Base Prices | 2WD Base: $30,600 AWD Base: $32,600 2WD XLT: $32,900 AWD XLT: $34,900 2WD Limited: $38,100 AWD Limited: $40,100 AWD Sport: $42,670 |
| Base Engine 3.5-liter V6 |
| Horsepower 290 |
| Std. Transmission 6-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 17 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 23-24 |
| Optional Engine turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower 240 |
| Std. Transmission 6-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 20 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 28 |
| Optional Engine turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 |
| Horsepower 365 |
| Std. Transmission 6-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 16 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 22 |
