SPECIFICATIONS
2015 Ford Explorer Engines & Drivetrain Options
Compare the 2015 Explorer’s three engine families and understand what changes between FWD and AWD versions.
Confirm the vehicle's engine, trim, drivetrain, market and equipment. The exact procedure may differ, even within the same model year.
2015 Explorer reference information
| Engine | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 3.5L V6 | Naturally aspirated | Featured friend’s XLT |
| 2.0L EcoBoost | Turbocharged four-cylinder | Available on certain configurations |
| 3.5L EcoBoost V6 | Twin-turbocharged V6 | Performance-oriented version |
Check the exact engine, drivetrain, market and installed equipment against the manual and VIN before ordering parts or servicing fluids.
The three engine families
The North American 2015 Explorer was offered with a naturally aspirated 3.5L V6, a turbocharged 2.0L EcoBoost four-cylinder and a 3.5L EcoBoost V6 in applicable performance-oriented versions. A 2.3L EcoBoost specification from the refreshed 2016 Explorer does not belong in a 2015 maintenance guide.
Your XLT may not match another XLT
The XLT that inspired this website has the naturally aspirated 3.5L V6. Trim designation alone is not a substitute for verifying the engine and drivetrain. Look at the underhood identification and vehicle records before ordering filters, spark plugs or cooling-system parts.
Front-wheel drive versus AWD
Drivetrain layout affects underbody components and servicing. AWD versions include additional driveline equipment including a power transfer unit; a front-wheel-drive Explorer does not use the same PTU arrangement. Noise or fluid leakage guidance must always be separated by drivetrain.
Turbocharged engines deserve different service attention
EcoBoost engines use a different oil grade from the non-turbo 3.5L V6 in this model year. Turbocharging also changes underhood packaging and potential fault diagnosis. Parts guides and tutorials must match the exact engine, not simply say 2015 Explorer.
How to confirm configuration
The VIN, manufacturer information labels, official build information and service records are better references than the look of the grille or wheels. When ordering a replacement component, confirm engine displacement, induction type, transmission and installed options with the parts supplier.
Why the distinction matters
A correct oil grade, belt path, cooling-system component or towing rating depends on the exact mechanical package. This site presents common model-year information and calls out where an XLT V6 fact should not be applied to a Sport or another engine variant.
How to identify your engine correctly
Do not rely on a trim badge or a previous owner’s description. Review the under-hood emissions label, vehicle documentation and a VIN-based equipment report. The naturally aspirated 3.5L, 2.0L EcoBoost and twin-turbo 3.5L EcoBoost have different oil requirements, performance and available drivetrain combinations.
Why engine identification changes maintenance
Spark plugs, belt routing, cooling components and intake plumbing can differ materially between these engines. Even when a replacement part is advertised as fitting a 2015 Explorer, verify it against the actual engine and build information. A forum procedure for an EcoBoost engine should not automatically be applied to your friend’s naturally aspirated 3.5L XLT.
Confirming the engine without relying on trim badges
XLT badging alone does not identify the installed engine; the trim may have been offered with more than one powertrain. Use the emissions label under the hood and VIN-specific parts information, then verify whether the vehicle is front-wheel drive or AWD. Service intervals, belt routing, oil grades and some repair patterns differ by engine.
Identify the engine before ordering parts
The 2015 model year used the 2.0L EcoBoost, naturally aspirated 3.5L V6 and 3.5L EcoBoost V6 in different configurations. Engine labels, the VIN and official parts lookup are more dependable than trim badges alone. The XLT that inspired this website has the naturally aspirated 3.5L, but that does not establish what every XLT uses. Verify the engine for oil viscosity, spark plugs, cooling capacity and belt routing; several maintenance components are not interchangeable. Keep a copy of the engine designation in the service log so future parts orders are consistent.
Use the correct model-year manual and current service information. Stop if instructions or safety precautions are unclear, and use a qualified technician for work you cannot verify.
References and further reading
This independent guide is not endorsed by the vehicle manufacturer. Let us know if you spot an error.