The 2018 Ford Explorer is a solid performing midsize SUV, perfect if you like a large vehicle with ample elbow room and cargo space — a generous 21 cubic feet and 80.7 cubic feet including the seating area. On the Limited, Platinum, Sport, and XLT trims, the 2018 Explorer offers the option of captain chairs that slide and recline which make it easier to get in and out for your third-row passengers.
The new-for-2018 Safe and Smart™ package (not available on the base model, optional for the Limited, XLT, and Sport models, and standard on the Platinum) includes cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control, giving you more tech for your money. With a host of updated features like these, it's clear the Ford Explorer has evolved with the times since its debut in the 1991 model year.
This SUV is available in three different drivetrains with multiple seating configuration options, so one of them is sure to match your needs.
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Q: What engines are available in the 2018 Ford Explorer?
A: The base and XLT trims give you a 290-hp, 3.5L V6, six-speed automatic transmission, and requires regular fuel.
The Limited trim includes 280-hp, 2.3L inline-four, six-speed automatic, and requires premium fuel.
The Sport and Platinum trims include a 365-hp, 3.5L V6, six-speed automatic, and also requires premium fuel.
Q: Does the 2018 Ford Explorer have 3rd row seating?
A: The 2018 Ford Explorer offers three rows of seats and plenty of space for your camping gear and sporting equipment with room left over for your pets. Depending on the configuration you choose, it will seat up to seven of your friends, with a 60/40 split bench or captain chairs in the second row. The last row comes as a 50/50 split-folding bench seat.
Q: Is the Ford Explorer considered a midsize or a full-size SUV?
A: The Ford Explorer is a midsize SUV with plenty of space for six or seven people and cargo space too. The Explorer's big brother, the Expedition, is the full-size SUV in Ford's production line.
Options include Base, Limited, Platinum, Sport, and XLT.
Base model - The base trim level comes with a 3.5L V6 engine as well as an option of FWD or AWD. It also includes tech features like SYNC® infotainment interface, a 4.2-inch color display, voice command, Bluetooth®, a USB port, six speakers, an eight-way power-adjustable driver seat, cruise control, MyKey® parental control system, and a rearview camera.
XLT - After the base trim comes the XLT, which also features a 3.5L V6 engine and FWD or AWD, but also features satellite radio, a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat, a six-way power-adjustable passenger seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, rear parking sensors, door keypad access, proximity key, push-button start, and upgraded brakes.
Limited - The Limited trim gives you a turbocharged four-cylinder EcoBoost® engine, also with FWD or AWD, and takes things a step above the XLT with tech features like a 12-speaker Sony® audio system, upgraded SYNC 3 interface, an eight-inch touchscreen display, two 4.2-inch driver information displays, a 180-degree front parking camera, hands-free liftgate, and a 110-volt household power outlet. The interior sports dual-zone climate control, leather seating, heated/cooled front seats, heated second-row outboard seats (the seats nearest the doors), and power-folding third-row seats.
Sport - The sport gives you a twin-turbocharged 3.5L V6, AWD, hill descent control, sport-tuned suspension, terrain management system, and an upgraded towing package.
Platinum - The 2018 Ford Explorer's highest trim package also features a twin-turbocharged 3.5L V6 engine and AWD, as well as adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with automatic braking, lane departure warning, active park assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, rain-sensing windshield wipers and inflatable safety belts for the second-row seats nearest the doors. The interior also sports wood and leather trim.
This price does not include tax, title, and tags. Additional fees may also apply depending on the state of purchase.