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2015 Ford Explorer Oil Type & Capacity
Engine oil grades and refill capacities for the 3.5L V6, 2.0L EcoBoost and 3.5L EcoBoost, plus practical checking tips.
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 | Recommended grade | Refill capacity |
|---|---|---|
| 3.5L naturally aspirated V6 | SAE 5W-20 | 6.0 US qt / 5.7 L |
| 2.0L EcoBoost | SAE 5W-30 | 5.7 US qt / 5.4 L |
| 3.5L EcoBoost V6 | SAE 5W-30 | 6.0 US qt / 5.7 L |
Check the exact engine, drivetrain, market and installed equipment against the manual and VIN before ordering parts or servicing fluids.
Which oil belongs in your Explorer?
The naturally aspirated 3.5L V6 uses SAE 5W-20, whereas the 2.0L and 3.5L EcoBoost engines use SAE 5W-30. That difference matters: do not choose oil solely because another 2015 Explorer owner uses it. Identify your engine before buying supplies, and use oil meeting Ford’s specification for that engine.
Understanding capacity
The capacities shown here are engine oil refill figures from the North American 2015 owner’s manual, including the filter. They are not an instruction to pour the entire stated amount in without checking the dipstick. Start carefully, allow oil to drain back, measure on level ground, and avoid overfilling.
Checking the oil level
Park on level ground, switch the engine off and follow the waiting and dipstick procedure in Ford’s manual. Pull the dipstick, wipe it, fully reinsert it, and read the level again. Add approved oil in small amounts when necessary. A consistently dropping level, contaminated oil or signs of coolant mixing with oil calls for investigation.
Oil changes and the oil-life monitor
Follow the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor and the applicable maintenance schedule, never exceeding the specified maximum interval. Replace the filter during an oil change. Reset the monitor only after the change has actually been completed; resetting it early can hide overdue maintenance.
For our featured XLT
The XLT that inspired this site has the naturally aspirated 3.5L V6, so the applicable grade is SAE 5W-20 and the published refill quantity is 6.0 US quarts (5.7 litres). Other XLT vehicles may have different equipment, so check the engine label rather than assuming every XLT is identical.
When to get help
An oil pressure warning while driving deserves immediate attention. Safely stop, shut down the engine and investigate rather than driving to see whether the warning disappears. Low oil pressure is not the same thing as a routine oil-life reminder.
Choosing the right oil at the store
Look for both the SAE viscosity and the Ford performance specification on the bottle. Viscosity alone does not establish compatibility. Check the oil filler cap and the manual for the exact engine, and keep receipts showing the grade used. If a shop services the vehicle, have it record the quantity and filter part number. A small difference in apparent dipstick level after an oil change may be caused by the time allowed for oil to drain into the pan.
After the oil change
Inspect the drain plug and filter area for seepage after the engine has run, then check the level again on level ground using Ford’s procedure. Record the mileage and reset the oil-life monitor. A check-engine light or oil-pressure warning immediately after service needs diagnosis; neither should be dismissed as a routine maintenance reminder.
Checking an unexplained change in oil level
Oil level that rises instead of falling, looks milky, or smells unusually of fuel merits prompt attention. Note whether the symptom occurs after short trips, coolant loss, or recent service, and ask a shop to evaluate possible contamination. On the 3.5L V6, unexplained coolant loss deserves particular care because water pump repairs can be extensive.
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.