ENGINES & SPECS
2015 Ford Explorer Fuel Economy & Gas Requirements
Compare Ford’s U.S. EPA 2015 Explorer fuel-economy ratings across all three engines and both drivetrains
Confirm the vehicle's engine, trim, drivetrain, market and equipment. The exact procedure may differ, even within the same model year.
2015 Explorer reference
| Engine / drivetrain | City / hwy / combined (US mpg) | Combined approx. L/100 km |
|---|---|---|
| 2.0L EcoBoost FWD | 20 / 28 / 23 | 10.2 |
| 3.5L V6 FWD | 17 / 24 / 20 | 11.8 |
| 3.5L V6 AWD | 17 / 23 / 19 | 12.4 |
| 3.5L EcoBoost AWD | 16 / 22 / 18 | 13.1 |
U.S. EPA estimates, with US-gallon mpg; L/100 km are simple mathematical conversions for comparison, not official Canadian EnerGuide figures.
Fuel use varies substantially
The 2015 Explorer’s three engines and available drivetrains do not share the same official fuel-economy result. A 2.0L EcoBoost FWD is rated more efficiently than the standard 3.5L V6 in Ford’s brochure, but a turbocharged engine’s real-world consumption depends on driving style, load, terrain and weather.
Official U.S. figures
Ford’s U.S. brochure lists 20 city / 28 highway / 23 combined mpg for the 2.0L EcoBoost FWD, 17/24/20 for the 3.5L V6 FWD, 17/23/19 for the 3.5L V6 AWD and 16/22/18 for the 3.5L EcoBoost AWD. These are U.S. gallons, not Imperial gallons, and Canadian EnerGuide ratings use a different testing and reporting system.
Why an AWD XLT may use more fuel
The 3.5L V6 AWD version has a slightly lower highway and combined rating than the FWD version. Additional driveline hardware, tire choices and vehicle load can influence efficiency. The comparison is useful for understanding factory ratings; it does not predict the consumption of one particular used Explorer.
Which gasoline should you buy?
Use the fuel octane and ethanol guidance in the owner’s manual and the vehicle’s fuel-filler labeling. Ford’s published EcoBoost power ratings may be specified using premium test fuel, but that is not the same as saying every 2015 Explorer requires premium. Avoid guessing based on whether the engine has a turbocharger.
Calculating your actual fuel consumption
For a realistic L/100 km number, record litres added at a consistent fill level and kilometres travelled: litres divided by kilometres multiplied by 100. Track several tanks rather than one short journey. U.S. mpg can be converted to L/100 km using 235.215 divided by mpg, but do not confuse that conversion with official Canadian ratings.
What makes fuel use increase?
Underinflated tires, misfires, dragging brakes, roof cargo, repeated cold starts, sustained high speed, winter fuel and extensive idling all contribute. A sudden large change deserves diagnostic checks rather than assuming the 3.5L V6 is simply inefficient.
Comparing costs fairly
Use your local fuel price and your measured L/100 km for budgeting. The EPA numbers are standardized laboratory estimates; they are better for comparing configurations than promising a particular owner’s annual fuel bill.
Related engine concerns
If fuel use rises with a check-engine light, rough idle or reduced power, scan for codes before replacing oxygen sensors or other parts. Fault codes narrow investigation; they do not by themselves prove the failed component.
A simple real-world calculation
If you add 58 litres after driving 420 kilometres, the measured result is 58 ÷ 420 × 100 = approximately 13.8 L/100 km. One tank can be distorted by idling, short trips or inconsistent fill levels. Average several tanks and note the season before deciding the Explorer has developed a problem.
Check mechanical causes of a sudden increase
Compare cold tire inflation with the door placard, check for a stuck brake, look for overdue maintenance and scan any active warning codes. Winter temperatures, short journeys and all-wheel-drive configuration can increase consumption without a fault. Do not replace sensors based on fuel economy alone.
Comparing real fuel use fairly
Compare several fill-ups rather than one short trip. Record litres added, distance travelled, tire pressure, trip conditions and whether towing or roof cargo was involved. Winter starts, low-speed traffic and AWD use can substantially change results. A sudden unexplained increase paired with a warning light should be diagnosed rather than attributed only to weather.
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.