2015 Ford Explorer vs. 2016 Ford Explorer
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2015 Ford Explorer and 2016 Ford Explorer contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2015 Ford Explorer and the 2016 Ford Explorer.
When we compare the 2015 Ford Explorer's and the 2016 Ford Explorer's specifications and ratings, the 2015 Ford Explorer has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars and base engine power. The 2016 Ford Explorer has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency and interior volume. The 2015 Ford Explorer and 2016 Ford Explorer have the same overall quality score Based on this comparison of the 2015 Ford Explorer's and the 2016 Ford Explorer's specifications and ratings, the two cars are fairly comparable.
Pricing: A used 2015 Ford Explorer ranges from $6,998 to $18,207 while a used 2016 Ford Explorer is priced between $8,994 to $20,095.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate, the 2015 Ford Explorer and the 2016 Ford Explorer both lose 52.9 percent of their value.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Ford Explorer is 8.4 out of 10. Ford Explorer is ranked 4 out of 33 Best SUVs with 3 Rows based on its reliability, retained value, and safety ratings. Out of 31 Best Midsize SUVs, the Ford Explorer is ranked 4 and the Ford Explorer is ranked 4 based on its reliability, retained value, and safety ratings. The Ford Explorer is also ranked 7 out of 66 Best Crossover SUVs while the Ford Explorer is ranked 7 out of 66 based on its reliability, retained value, and safety ratings.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars' Reliability Rating for the Ford Explorer is 7.5 out of 10.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2015 Ford Explorer’s base engine makes 304 horsepower, and the 2016 Ford Explorer base engine makes 290 horsepower. The Explorer is rated to deliver an average of 14 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 428 miles. The Explorer is rated to deliver an average of 15 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 446 miles. This gives the 2016 Ford Explorer the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the 2015 Ford Explorer. Both models use ethanol, gasoline.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/midsize SUVs, the 2015 Ford Explorer has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room and rear shoulder room. The 2016 Ford Explorer has the advantage in the areas of front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room and rear shoulder room.
Safety Ratings: The Ford Explorer has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
30185
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
28869
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
20695 - 33975
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
31050
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
29055
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
20995 - 34010
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
12517
Price Range:
6998 - 18207
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
13806
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
9071 - 23650
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
706
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
130950
# Good or Great Deals:
279
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
14458
Price Range:
8994 - 20095
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
15346
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
9898 - 25828
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1099
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
120316
# Good or Great Deals:
431
Ford Explorer Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.4 / 10
Reliability:
7.5 / 10
Retained Value:
7.6 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Ford Explorer Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.4 / 10
Reliability:
7.5 / 10
Retained Value:
7.6 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2015 Ford Explorer
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
2.1
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.4 - 6.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.153
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2016 Ford Explorer
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
0.3
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
3.0
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.3 - 7.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.153
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
6.131737409018828
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
3.7
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.8 - 8.3
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
10.981682724199757
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
4.1
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.2 - 13.2
Ford Explorer Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 33Ranking
1 out of / 16Ranking
1 out of / 16Ranking
1 out of / 10Ranking
1 out of / 10Ranking
2 out of / 66Ranking
2 out of / 66Ranking
2 out of / 33Ranking
2 out of / 31Ranking
2 out of / 15Ranking
2 out of / 15Ranking
3 out of / 66Ranking
3 out of / 31Ranking
4 out of / 33Ranking
4 out of / 31Ranking
5 out of / 33Ranking
6 out of / 66Ranking
6 out of / 33Ranking
6 out of / 31Ranking
6 out of / 31Ranking
6 out of / 29Ranking
7 out of / 66Ranking
7 out of / 31Ranking
7 out of / 31Ranking
7 out of / 29Ranking
8 out of / 66Ranking
8 out of / 26Ranking
8 out of / 26Ranking
11 out of / 66Ranking
11 out of / 31Ranking
11 out of / 31Ranking
12 out of / 66Ranking
13 out of / 33Ranking
14 out of / 33Ranking
14 out of / 31Ranking
15 out of / 66Ranking
15 out of / 31Ranking
16 out of / 66Ranking
17 out of / 33Ranking
18 out of / 33Ranking
19 out of / 33Ranking
21 out of / 33Ranking
25 out of / 54Ranking
27 out of / 33Ranking
27 out of / 31Ranking
28 out of / 31Ranking
31 out of / 33Ranking
35 out of / 66Ranking
38 out of / 54Ranking
47 out of / 66Ranking
63 out of / 66Ford Explorer Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 33Ranking
1 out of / 16Ranking
1 out of / 16Ranking
1 out of / 10Ranking
1 out of / 10Ranking
2 out of / 66Ranking
2 out of / 66Ranking
2 out of / 33Ranking
2 out of / 31Ranking
2 out of / 15Ranking
2 out of / 15Ranking
3 out of / 66Ranking
3 out of / 31Ranking
4 out of / 33Ranking
4 out of / 31Ranking
5 out of / 33Ranking
6 out of / 66Ranking
6 out of / 33Ranking
6 out of / 31Ranking
6 out of / 31Ranking
6 out of / 29Ranking
7 out of / 66Ranking
7 out of / 31Ranking
7 out of / 31Ranking
7 out of / 29Ranking
8 out of / 66Ranking
8 out of / 26Ranking
8 out of / 26Ranking
11 out of / 66Ranking
11 out of / 31Ranking
11 out of / 31Ranking
12 out of / 66Ranking
13 out of / 33Ranking
14 out of / 33Ranking
14 out of / 31Ranking
15 out of / 66Ranking
15 out of / 31Ranking
16 out of / 66Ranking
17 out of / 33Ranking
18 out of / 33Ranking
19 out of / 33Ranking
21 out of / 33Ranking
25 out of / 54Ranking
27 out of / 33Ranking
27 out of / 31Ranking
28 out of / 31Ranking
31 out of / 33Ranking
35 out of / 66Ranking
38 out of / 54Ranking
47 out of / 66Ranking
63 out of / 66Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
2015 Ford Explorer Trim Levels
Base, Limited, Police Interceptor Utility, Sport, XLT
2016 Ford Explorer Trim Levels
Base, Limited, Platinum, Police Interceptor Utility, Sport, XLT
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
304 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque:
279 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.066 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
290 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque:
255 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.065 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3.7 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD / FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
12 / 17 / 14
Range (city/hwy):
316 / 428 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Ethanol, Gasoline
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
13 / 18 / 15
Range (city/hwy):
316 / 446 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Ethanol, Gasoline
Standard/Optional Features
Bench Seats:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Bluetooth:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Entry:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Power outlet:
Available
Quad Seats:
Available
Roadside assistance:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Bench Seats:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Available
Bluetooth:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Quad Seats:
Available
Roadside assistance:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
Available
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.4 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.6 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
61.3 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
41.9 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
60.8 inches
Cargo Space:
48.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
85.4 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
167.6 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.4 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.9 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
61.5 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
61 inches
Cargo Space:
21 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
81.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
171.3 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4610 lbs
Width:
90.2 inches
Height:
69.1 inches
Length:
197.1 inches
Wheelbase:
112.6 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.6 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4457 lbs
Width:
90.2 inches
Height:
70 inches
Length:
198.3 inches
Wheelbase:
112.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.8 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
P245/55R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P245/60R18
Exterior Colors
Beige
Arizona Beige Clearcoat
Black
Ebony / Shadow Black
Blue
Dark Blue / Deep Impact Blue Metallic / Light Blue Metallic / Norsea Blue Metallic / Royal Blue / Ultra Blue Metallic
Brown
Kodiak Brown Metallic / Medium Brown Metallic / Smokestone Metallic
Gray
Medium Titanium Metallic / Sterling Gray Metallic
Red
Dark Toreador Red Metallic
Silver
Ingot Silver Metallic / Silver Grey Metallic
White
Oxford White
Exterior Colors
Beige
Not available
Black
Shadow Black
Blue
Blue Jeans
Brown
Not available
Gray
Not available
Red
Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat
Silver
Ingot Silver
White
Oxford White
Interior Colors
Black
Charcoal Black
Beige
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Not available
Beige
Medium Light Camel
