If you’re looking at buying a Ford Explorer, you’re probably wondering one simple thing: What changed between 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018, and which year is the smartest buy?
So let’s cut through the noise right now. Here’s the straight talk on what really changed from 2015 to 2018, and which one I’d put my own money on.
The Quick Answer You Came For:
- 2015: The solid, last-of-the-original design. A dependable pick, but you’re buying into older tech.
- 2016: This is the big one. Mid-cycle refresh with a sharper look, but the real win is under the skin: the new SYNC 3 infotainment system. It’s a game-changer.
- 2017: Think of this as the “refined” version. They smoothed out the rough edges, added more sound deadening, and made some key features more standard.
- 2018: The pinnacle of this generation. The most polished, with the best standard equipment and tech, but you’ll pay for that “like-new” feeling.
My “Sweet Spot” Pick:
From my seat in the shop, seeing which ones hold up and which give owners headaches, the 2017 Ford Explorer consistently hits the best balance of cost, features, and proven reliability. It’s got the good tech from the 2016 update, but often comes in at a more palatable price than the 2018.
And yes, this guide gives you all the info you need. I’ll break down each model year, answer the burning questions drivers ask every day, and add my own insights as an electromechanic who has seen these SUVs inside out.
Let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
Ford Explorer 2015: The Foundation of the 5th Generation
The 2015 Ford Explorer is what I like to call the “pure” version of the 5th generation. No facelift yet, no fancy chrome updates, no overworked tech. Just the basic platform Ford had been polishing since 2011.
And honestly? That’s exactly why some buyers love it. If you’re shopping used and you want something straightforward, predictable, and easier on the wallet, the 2015 makes a lot of sense. In the shop, these are the ones I can open up blindfolded, because the mechanical layout is simple and familiar.
Technical Sheet – 2015 Ford Explorer
Engines:
• 3.5L V6 (290 hp) — strong, smooth, and known to last
• 2.0L EcoBoost I-4 (240 hp) — more efficient, but not the best match for this SUV’s weight
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Drivetrain: FWD or AWD
Towing Capacity: Up to 5,000 lbs with the right setup
Fuel Economy:
• V6: around 17–24 mpg
• EcoBoost: roughly 20–28 mpg
Used Market Price in the USA: typically $8,000 – $15,000, depending on miles and overall shape
Advantages
✔ Comfortable, cushioned ride
✔ Bulletproof V6 reliability
✔ True 3-row space
✔ One of the cheapest Explorer years to maintain and buy
Inconvenients
✘ Dashboard and interior design feel dated today
✘ The old Sync system lacks speed and modern features
✘ The 2.0 EcoBoost works too hard when loaded or towing
Expert Tip
If there’s one thing I can tell you after seeing hundreds of these come through the shop, it’s this:
The 3.5L V6 is the engine you want in the 2015 Explorer.
Not because it’s flashy. Not because it’s the most powerful. But because it’s the one that just keeps going. The V6 handles heat better; it doesn’t rely on a turbo that’s constantly under pressure, and it’s far more forgiving if a previous owner wasn’t perfect with maintenance.
To put it simply: with this model year, the V6 gives you fewer surprises: mechanically and financially. If you want a used Explorer you can depend on, that’s the safest route.
Now that we’ve looked at the last “old-school” Explorer, let’s step into the year Ford really shook things up. The 2016 model didn’t just get a facelift; it got smarter tech, better safety features, and performance updates you can actually feel when you drive it.
Let’s take a closer look at why so many buyers see the 2016 Ford Explorer as the real turning point of this generation.
Ford Explorer 2016: The Big Refresh
I still remember the first 2016 Explorer that rolled into my workshop. Before the driver even stepped out, you could tell it wasn’t the older model. The front end had this broader, almost squared-off look that gave it more presence. The headlights were sharper, the grille looked less “plastic,” and the whole SUV just felt more confident sitting there. It wasn’t shouting for attention, but it clearly wasn’t 2015 anymore. Even customers who weren’t into cars would say, “This one looks newer somehow… can’t explain why.”
Technical Sheet – 2016 Ford Explorer
Engines:
• 3.5L V6 (290 hp) — the same steady workhorse from 2015.
• 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 (280 hp) — more torque, better fuel numbers, much improved over the old 2.0L.
• 3.5L EcoBoost twin-turbo (365 hp) — found in the Sport and Platinum, and yes, it pulls.
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Fuel Economy:
• 3.5L V6: around 17–24 mpg
• 2.3L EcoBoost: approx. 19–28 mpg
• 3.5L EcoBoost twin-turbo: 16–22 mpg (power comes at a cost)
Used Price Range in the USA: normally $9,000 – $17,000, depending on trim, mileage, and drivetrain
Advantages
✔ Much sharper, modern exterior styling.
✔ Strong twin-turbo performance in the Sport/Platinum trims.
✔ Better quality materials inside the cabin.
✔ More safety tech and driver-assist options than previous years.
Inconvenients
✘ EcoBoost engines need high-quality maintenance (oil, coils, turbos).
✘ Sport suspension can feel stiff on rough roads.
✘ Some drivers still report occasional Sync 3 lag.
Expert Tip
If you’re shopping the 2016 model, the engine to keep your eye on is the 2.3L EcoBoost.
It hits the sweet spot I look for as a mechanic:
• plenty of torque,
• good fuel economy,
• and far better suited to the Explorer’s weight than the older 2.0L turbo ever was.
I’ve seen the 2.3L hold up well when owners stick to regular oil changes and use quality fuel. It’s a nice blend of strength and efficiency—without the extra stress and upkeep that comes with the twin-turbo 3.5L.
Unless you’re planning to tow, race, or really push the SUV, the 2.3L is usually the safest, smartest choice for the average driver.
Moving Into the “Quiet Upgrade” Year
Now that the big facelift year is behind us, the next step in the lineup is a smoother one. The 2017 Explorer didn’t get a dramatic redesign, but Ford spent this year fine-tuning comfort, insulation, and refinement.
Let’s take a closer look at how 2017 became the “quiet upgrade” many owners still appreciate today.
Ford Explorer 2017: The Balanced, Quietly Improved Choice
The 2017 Explorer is one of those model years that doesn’t look very different at first glance, but you feel the changes the moment you drive it. I remember the first time I took one on a test drive after a routine service, the cabin felt calmer. Ford clearly added more insulation because the road noise dropped, and the bumps didn’t come through the steering wheel the same way. It wasn’t a dramatic overhaul, just the kind of refinement that makes everyday driving easier on your nerves.
The tech side also became less frustrating. Ford didn’t reinvent Sync 3 this year, but the system finally felt less slow and more predictable. Buttons responded better, menus were clearer, and customers weren’t complaining as much about “the screen freezing again.” For a mid-cycle update, that alone made a difference.
Technical Sheet – 2017 Ford Explorer
Engines available:
• 3.5L V6 — the dependable classic
• 2.3L EcoBoost — solid torque, decent fuel numbers
• 3.5L EcoBoost twin-turbo — the one that wakes the SUV up
Fuel economy: roughly 17–28 mpg, depending on the engine and driving style.
Towing capacity: up to 5,000 lbs.
Typical used market price (USA): around $10,000–$19,000, depending on mileage and trim.
Advantages
✔ Noticeably quieter cabin.
✔ Smoother ride quality, especially at highway speeds.
✔ Sync 3 became more usable and less glitchy.
✔ More safety options available on mid trims.
Inconvenients
✘ Almost identical styling to the 2016.
✘ Some trims still missed important driver aids.
✘ Still running the old 6-speed automatic while competitors were moving ahead.
Expert Tip (from the shop floor)
If you’re looking for the “smart buy,” this is often it. The 2016 worked out the big design changes, and the 2018 brought the final polish, but 2017 sits right in the middle, where many of the early issues were smoothed out without the price bump of the newer models.
For many families I’ve advised over the years, 2017 ended up being the best long-term value.
With the 2017 model, Ford had the formula dialed in. The next step wasn’t a redesign; it was a final tightening of the screws. Now let’s take a look at the 2018 Explorer and see what Ford saved for the last pre-refresh year.
Ford Explorer 2018: The Last and Most Polished Year Before the Big Change
You know that feeling when a product just feels finished? That’s the 2018 Explorer. By this point, Ford had this generation down to a science. When the first ’18 rolled into my shop, it was all in the details: the grille was a bit more confident, the headlights sharper. It was clear they’d used their final year to buff out any remaining rough edges.
Driving it, you won’t find a night-and-day difference from the 2017. But you will notice little things. The cabin is a touch quieter, the ride feels a bit more settled. It’s the same reliable heart, just dressed in its best suit.
Technical Sheet – 2018 Ford Explorer
Engines:
• 3.5L V6 (290 hp) — still the dependable backbone
• 2.3L EcoBoost (280 hp) — good torque for daily use
• 3.5L EcoBoost twin-turbo (365 hp, Sport/Platinum) — the heavy hitter
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Fuel economy: approx. 17–28 mpg, depending on engine
Towing capacity: up to 5,000 lbs
Used Price Snapshot (USA): As the newest of this generation, it commands a premium. Expect to see listings between $12,000 – $22,000, heavily dependent on trim and mileage.
The Professional’s Breakdown: The Final Verdict
Advantages:
- Most Refined Exterior: The subtle styling tweaks gave it a more modern and premium presence that still holds up today.
- Best Standard Equipment: Features that were expensive options in 2015 became more accessible, offering great value and safety.
- Polished Driving Experience: Small tweaks to suspension and sound insulation resulted in the quietest and most comfortable version of this generation.
Inconvenients & Considerations:
- Aging Platform: While polished, the fundamental design of the dashboard and the 6-speed transmission were starting to feel a generation behind newer competitors from Japan and Korea.
- Peak Complexity: This is the most electronically complex version of the 5th-gen Explorer. More features mean more potential points of failure down the line.
- Premium Price: You are paying for being the “newest” of the old generation.
My Garage-Verified Tip:
Let’s be real. The 2018 is a fantastic, polished vehicle. But here’s my honest advice from a cost-benefit perspective:
Don’t stretch your budget thin just to get a 2018 over a 2017. The 2018 is the best vehicle, but the 2017 is the best buy.
Mechanically, they are nearly identical twins. The 2017 model offers 95% of the experience for significantly less money. The 2018’s advantages are in styling and feature content, not in reliability or major mechanical improvements.
You Asked, I’m Answering: Quick Ford Explorer FAQs.
Is an Explorer bigger than a Toyota RAV4?
No contest. The RAV4 is a compact SUV with two rows. The Explorer is a midsize with three. For a family that needs real space or towing power, the Explorer is in a completely different league.
What’s the best engine in a Ford Explorer?
It depends on your life:
- For most folks: The 2.3L EcoBoost. It’s the best mix of pep and fuel economy.
- If you’re towing a boat or love power: Go for the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 in the Sport model.
- If you just want simple and reliable: The standard 3.5L V6 is a tank.
Is the Ford Explorer a V6 or a V8?
All models from this era are V6 or a turbo four-cylinder. They haven’t put a V8 in an Explorer for a long time.
What’s the best year to buy?
My money’s on the 2017. It has all the good stuff from the 2016 update (like the modern screen) but doesn’t cost as much as the 2018. It’s the sweet spot.
Final Thoughts from the Garage
Look, after 17 years in this trade, I’ve seen good buys, and I’ve seen money pits. The goal here was to make sure your Explorer falls into the first category. You’ve now got the full picture, from the budget-friendly 2015 to the top-of-the-line 2018. You know that 2017 is my pick for the best value, and you understand the pros and cons of each engine.
My final bit of advice? Trust your gut, but back it up with a pre-purchase inspection. It’s the best insurance you can buy.
I’ve thrown a lot of info at you, but I know every situation is different. So, what’s your story? Click that comment box and tell me what you’re thinking. Are you stuck between two trims? Need help decoding a vehicle history report?