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2018 Ford Explorer review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
7 photos

Ford Explorer highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Quiet driving experience, even on the highway
  • Lots of cargo space behind the third row
  • Great turbocharged engine option
  • Lots of high-tech features for the year

Cons

  • Not the most maneuverable vehicle
  • Third row isn't suitable for adults

Mileage (EPA estimate)

16 city, 22 highway, 18 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

7 photos
Price
Year
Mileage

All Ford Explorer years

What is new for the 2018 Ford Explorer?

  • The Sport trim now comes with Cloth Seats as standard equipment.

2018 Ford Explorer trims

Curious how Ford Explorer trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Base:

  • 290-hp, 255-lb-ft of torque 3.5L
  • 280-hp, 310-lb-ft of torque 2.3L
  • Power Seats
  • Cloth Seats
  • Cruise Control
  • Fold-Away Third Row
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Mirrors
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • View our Ford Explorer inventory

XLT:

Limited:

  • Includes all features available on the XLT
  • Rear Air Conditioning
  • Leather Seats
  • Memory Seats
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Rear Seat Heaters
  • Power Folding Third Row
  • A/C Seats
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • View our Ford Explorer Limited inventory

Sport:

Platinum:

Ford Explorer photos

5 reasons to buy the 2018 Ford Explorer

1. Skillful engines

The 2018 Ford Explorer comes standard with a 290-hp 3.5L V6 with 255 lb-ft of torque that meets any driving need—whether you carpool, commute or like to road trip. For a boost in power and gas mileage, the available 280-hp turbocharged 2.3L four-cylinder (optional on 2018 Ford Explorer XLT and standard on Limited) pushes out 310 lb-ft of torque and returns an EPA-estimated 22 mpg combined with FWD.

 In addition, all 2018 trims come equipped with a six-speed SelectShift® automatic transmission and available AWD for added traction on rough roads or in challenging weather conditions.

2. Sport and Platinum trims

The 2018 Ford Explorer is also available in Sport and Platinum trims, anchored by a twin-turbo 3.5L V6 with 365 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. This robust engine pairs standard AWD and a Terrain Management System with Normal, Mud, Rut, Sand, Snow, Gravel, and Grass modes to allow you to shift on the fly to tackle changing conditions with confidence. Additionally, the 2018 Ford Explorer Sport and Platinum trims feature premium additions, such as leather-trimming on the Sport and heated and cooled front multi-contour seats on the Platinum.

3. Spacious three-row cabin

The 2018 Explorer seats six or seven passengers across its three rows, making this the ultimate family hauler. A second-row bench seat comes standard with tip-and-slide functionality to customize legroom. Second-row captain's chairs are also available and recline for more passenger comfort on long drives. Tall teens and average-sized adults will also ride comfortably in the third row. In addition, there's no shortage of storage through the 2018 Explorer with plenty of cupholders, door pockets, a large center console, and a flat-load floor with 81.7 cu-ft of cargo space with the second and third rows folded.

4. Connectivity features

In addition to its roomy cabin, the 2018 Ford Explorer includes intuitive infotainment features for extra convenience for all your travels. The standard SYNC® system consists of a 4.2-inch display and voice commands. There is also the available SYNC® 3 (standard on Limited and higher trims), which boasts Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto compatibility with two smart-charging USB ports. 2018 Explorer Limited and higher trims also offer available Wi-Fi hotspot capabilities, so your passengers can connect up to 10 devices to stream, message, and surf on road trips.

 Adding the optional rear-seat DVD entertainment system (available on all trims) makes long drives more amusing.

5. Helpful technologies

To help you maneuver in and out of parking spots, this 2018 model includes a rearview camera with backup assist grid lines and a washer for greater visibility. 2018 Ford Explorer XLT and higher trims also come with a reverse sensing system to avoid obstacles and pedestrians when backing up. And if you're looking for more driving aids, Ford offers a package with helpful features, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning with brake support, blind-spot monitoring, and more (standard on Platinum; optional on LXT and higher).

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

The 2018 Ford Explorer is a sporty SUV that is great for families. Customers like the car's power and utility.
3
1
2
Above Average

RepairPal gave the Ford Explorer an overall reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Ford Explorer 23rd out of 32 among Midsize SUVs.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Ford Explorer

Ford Explorer features and specs

Base 2WD 4D Sport Utility

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Cloth Seats
  • Cruise Control
  • Fold-Away Third Row
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Side Airbags
  • Sync System
  • Third Row Seat
  • Traction Control
  • Turbo Charged Engine
  • Full Roof Rack
  • Parking Sensors
  • Remote Start
  • Running Boards
  • Tow Hitch

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

2.3L

Horsepower

280

Torque (ft-lbs)

310

Engine type

Turbo Gas

Fuel capacity

18.6

Wheelbase

112.8"

Overall length

198.3"

Width

78.9"

Height

70"

Leg room

F 42.9"/M 39.5"/R 32"

Head room

F 41.4"/M 40.6"/R 37.8"

Front tires

P245/60HR18

Rear tires

P245/60HR18

Seating capacity

7

Max towing capacity

200/2000 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2018 Ford Explorer FAQ

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