The 2015 Ford Explorer AWD FFV 3.5L V6 gets 19 MPG combined, which isn’t top-of-the-line for fuel economy, but a reasonable trade-off for those who want space, capability, and the flexibility of E85 fuel. This Explorer appeals to families needing three-row seating who prefer a more rugged, truck-like look than many crossovers. It’s a vehicle for both weekend adventures and school runs, which affects its fuel economy. Buyers in colder areas often choose all-wheel drive, accepting the MPG decrease for better security in winter.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2015 Ford Explorer AWD FFV are 17 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. The city number shows the impact of urban driving, where the Explorer’s weight and all-wheel-drive system require more gas to accelerate. The highway MPG, while better, reflects the large size and constant all-wheel-drive, meaning continuous driveline power loss. A front-wheel-drive 2015 Explorer gets slightly better fuel economy, but the AWD version is still popular, especially in areas with bad weather.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2015 Ford Explorer AWD FFV at $2,300. This calculation is based on 15,000 miles per year, a mix of city and highway driving, and average fuel prices. It’s a good way to compare running costs of different vehicles, but individual costs will change based on location, driving habits, and fuel type, especially since this Explorer can run on E85.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates provide a standard comparison, but actual fuel economy can vary. Aggressive driving, heavy loads, and frequent all-wheel drive use will lower MPG. However, drivers who accelerate gently, maintain consistent highway speeds, and avoid idling can often get close to or better than the EPA numbers. Using E85 fuel will lower your mileage substantially since it has less energy than gasoline. Drivers who tow with the Explorer should expect MPG to go down too.

How it compares

The 2015 Ford Explorer’s fuel economy is average for its class. A 2015 Toyota Highlander AWD with its 3.5L V6 gets about 20 MPG combined, slightly better. The Honda Pilot, known for its efficiency, gets similar numbers. The Chevrolet Traverse, another spacious three-row SUV, is often close but sometimes lower than the Explorer. These differences can add up over a year. However, Explorer buyers often consider styling, features, and brand loyalty, not just MPG. Compare EXPLORER MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration and braking are critical for better fuel economy in the 2015 Ford Explorer AWD FFV. The 3.5L V6 works best with a light foot, minimizing quick starts and stops, which will reduce fuel consumption. Imagine you’ve got an open coffee cup on the dash; smooth driving saves gas.

Regular maintenance, including tire inflation and oil changes, is essential, and underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and burn more fuel. Old or dirty engine oil can lower efficiency too. A well-maintained vehicle runs more efficiently. Find all Ford fuel economy data on our site.

Minimize idling whenever possible, because modern engines burn fuel even when stopped, and long idling times can affect MPG. If you expect to be stopped for more than a minute or two, turning off the engine is usually better. This is important during cold starts because idling makes warm-up take longer and increases fuel use.

Consider your cargo. The heavier the load, the harder the engine works, and the more fuel it uses. Remove unnecessary items, especially heavy ones you rarely use. Decluttering the Explorer can improve fuel economy, especially on longer trips.