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New for 2015: Ford Trucks, SUVs, and Vans
2015 Ford Trucks, SUVs, and Vans Overview
For Ford, the F-150 light-duty pickup is the golden child, earning best-selling status for nearly 40 years and serving as the bread-and-butter backbone of the company's lineup. One would think any changes would be conservative in order to avoid possibly messing too much with a good thing. However, Ford has taken the bold step of launching a completely redesigned 2015 F-150 featuring the truck world's first use of aluminum body panels. And, in a segment where the need for improved fuel economy sometimes battles with the desire for a rumbling V-8, the F-150 adds another EcoBoost engine to its lineup, this time a 2.7-liter V-6. Factor in several other advancements, such as factory cargo ramps and a power tailgate, and you have what equates to a fire being started under the backsides of competitors.
Arriving with the F-150 is the redesigned Ford Edge, updated Expedition SUV, F-Series Super Duty pickup sporting a more powerful diesel engine, and an all-new full-size Transit van that will replace the E-Series. Returning for 2015 with only minor updates are the Ford Escape, Ford Explorer, Ford Flex, and Ford Transit Connect.
While there's little doubt that the redesigned F-150 will dominate the headlines, crossover shoppers will want to check what Ford's done to the 2015 Edge, available as a front-wheel-drive (FWD) or all-wheel-drive (AWD) model. Beyond a simple styling update, this reimagined Edge features several added safety features, efficient start/stop assist technology, more powerful standard 2.0-liter 4-cylinder EcoBoost engine, foot-activated liftgate first offered on the Ford Escape, passenger-side knee air bag built into the glovebox lid, and a top-of-the-line Titanium trim level. Also noteworthy is the debut of an available 2.7-liter V-6 EcoBoost engine (the 3.5-liter V-6 has been carried over), adaptive steering system engineered to require low effort and input at slow speeds, and amenities including cooled front and heated rear seats.
What's New:
Redesigned for 2015
Titanium trim level added
Re-engineered suspension improves ride and handling
Adaptive and speed-sensitive steering
More powerful base engine
Available 3.5-liter V-6 and turbocharged 2.7-liter V-6
Start/stop assist
Intelligent cruise control and forward-collision warning systems
180-degree front camera
Foot-activated liftgate
Front passenger knee air bag
Inflatable rear seat belts
Expanded passenger and cargo room
Compared to several other Ford trucks, vans and crossovers, things are relatively quiet for the 2015 Ford Escape. Aside from one new paint color, this is a direct carryover from last year.
Folks interested in the Escape have their choice of S, SE, and Titanium trim levels, and one of three 4-cylinder engines: 2.5-liter, 1.6-liter EcoBoost, and the 2.0-liter EcoBoost.
What's New:
Magnetic Metallic paint color
Contrary to what its mildly updated exterior may suggest, the Ford Expedition underwent a significant transformation in preparation for the 2015 model year. Perhaps most noteworthy was the decision to drop the 5.4-liter V-8 to make room for a standard 3.5-liter V-6 EcoBoost engine that produces 365 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque, output that's directed to the rear or all four wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission. Maximum towing capacity remains 9,200 lbs.
In addition to changes under the hood, the 2015 Ford Expedition offers advanced safety technologies including blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, revised suspension with three driver-selectable modes (comfort, normal, sport), 8-in. touch-screen infotainment system, and a top-of-the-line Platinum trim level highlighted by premium leather with color-coordinated accent stitching. XLT, Limited, and King Ranch variants will continue to be available, as well.
What's New:
Freshened styling
Standard 3.5-liter V-6 EcoBoost engine
Quieter interior
Platinum trim level
3-mode suspension
Electric power steering
Updated 8-in. touch-screen infotainment system
Added safety features
Premium audio system
Optional 22-in. alloy wheels
Long a favorite among growing families and anyone needing a spacious all-weather crossover, the Ford Explorer carries over into 2015 with a few updates, including newly standard 18-in. alloy wheels and three new paint colors. Ford has also spiced things up a bit by adding an Appearance package consisting of painted 20-in. alloy wheels, Black and Magnetic Metallic exterior trim, leather and suede upholstery, and a special set of floor mats.
What's New:
Appearance package
Bronze Fire Metallic Tinted Clearcoat, Caribou Metallic, and Magnetic Metallic paint colors
Standard 18-in. alloy wheels
Ford's boxy but spacious Flex crossover model enters the 2015 model year with a few subtle tweaks, including new body and roof colors, standard heated mirrors, available heated steering wheel, and standard push-button start on the mid-level Flex SEL. SE and Limited versions are also available.
