2018 Ford Explorer

A new Safe and Smart package bundles together the latest safety tech- Autotrader

The Ford Explorer is available in five trims namely Base, XLT, Limited, Sport, and Platinum. Pricing starts from $32m140 for the base model and it reaches up to $53,940 for the top-spec Platinum trim. A $995 destination fee adds to the price tag. Except for the Sport and Platinum trims, both FWD and 4WD configurations are available. 

The base model comes with limited standard features. There are several optional packages available but it will result in a hefty price tag. Also, if observed properly, the price gap between the XLT and Limited models is huge because the latter trim adds the latest technology and convenience features to the list. 

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Go for the Limited trim as it is decently priced for its features. This model adds a 10-way power passenger's seat, remote engine start, a voice-activated navigation system, an 8-inch touchscreen display with smartphone integration, a 12-speaker audio system, and many more. We also advise you to buy the Ford Safe and Smart package for keeping your ride safe. 

With its new-ish turbo-4, the Ford Explorer earns some solid EPA kudos- The Car Connection

The base engine has the lowest fuel economy in the class. It is rated at 17 MPG in the city, 24 MPG on a highway, and 20 MPG combined. Adding the 4WD system reduces the mileage by 1 MPG. The optional 2.3L engine is certainly a smart upgrade as it boasts better fuel efficiency. It returns 19 MPG in the city. 27 MPG on a highway and 22 MPG combined. 

The most powerful 3.5L turbo V6 engine's fuel estimates are the worst as it returns just 18 MPG combined. In all the scenarios, an 18.6-gallon fuel tank is fixed. With the base engine, the Explorer delivers 381 miles in FWD form and 363 miles for the 4WD models. The 2.3L engine has the best driving range of 427 miles but it drops down to 353 miles with the turbo V6. 

The Toyota Highlander has the best fuel estimates and driving range. The Chevrolet Traverse is slightly more efficient than the Honda Pilot but the latter's large tank contributes to a better driving range. The Explorer's fuel economy is somewhat lower than its rivals. Therefore, you need to switch to the 2.3L engine for better fuel economy. 

The Ford Explorer SUV seats up to seven in its three rows, and thanks to its overall size even the third row offers room for adults- Kelly Blue Book

2018 Ford Explorer Seating and Comfort

The cabin of the Ford Explorer is adorned with good-quality materials. It is a true six or seven-passenger SUV depending on how it's configured. Cloth upholstery is standard but higher versions get perforated leather seats. The front seats are comfortable and the seating position is good too. The driver's seat is power-adjustable even on the base model but a power passenger's seat is available from the XLT trim. Also, heated and ventilated front seats are standard from the Limited trim.

The top-of-the-line Platinum trim also adds heated second-row seats. The dual-pane sunroof does take up a little headroom but you will never notice. The second-row passenger space isn't too bad. These seats have higher than normal seating positions. The optional second-row captain chairs can slide and recline if you want to give more room for third-row occupants. Opting for the captain hairs also adds a center console at the back. Even in the third row, space is pretty good and can actually fit adults. 

The main drawback of the Explorer is that it seats up to seven passengers while the rest of the rivals have a seating capacity of eight. The Chevy Traverse offers the best third-row space in this competition. On the contrary, the Toyota Highlander's third row is too cramped for adults. The Honda Pilot offers decent space in the third row. 

2018 Ford Explorer Infotainment System

The Base and XLT trim comes with a 4.2-inch SYNC infotainment system. This system supports voice commands for the audio system, AM/FM radio, and auxiliary audio input. The Limited trim and above gets the upgraded 8-inch touchscreen display that functions on the latest SYNC 3 infotainment system. It features both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

This interface is one of the best in the business as it is very easy to use and works well. The menus aren't complex to understand. The graphics are crisp and clear. The lower trims get a 6-speaker stereo but the higher models get a 12-speaker Sony audio system, whose sound quality is alluring. Various controls are available below the screen and are within easy reach for the driver. 

2018 Ford Explorer Interior Features

The main comfort and technological features of the Explorer are:

• Power tilt and telescopic multi-function leather, heated steering 
• 10-way power front seats
• Heated & ventilated front seats
• Cloth & leather upholstery
• Proximity keyless entry
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Remote engine start
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Wood & leather door, dash trim
• Ambient lighting
• 8-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 12-speaker Sony audio system
• Wi-Fi hotspot
• Voice-activated navigation system

 2018 Ford Explorer Cargo Volume

A dedicated cargo capacity of 21 cubic feet is offered in the Ford Explorer. This is one of the largest cargo areas in this segment. Setting the Explorer apart from some of its competitors is the deep well behind the third-row seats that allows for generous storage even while you're using the third row. The third-row seats are power-folded from the Limited trim.

These seats can be lowered by a touch of a button, either folded forward or completely stowed away for a flat cargo floor. This opens up to 43.9 cubic feet of cargo space. Additionally, the second-row seats can be folded flat to extend that cargo space all the way to 81.7 cubic feet. The Explorer also offers a deep center cubby storage and a decently-sized glovebox for storing other small items. 

The Chevy Traverse's total cargo space is the largest in this segment and exceeds the Explorer by almost 17 cubic feet. The Toyota Highlander offers less cargo space with the second-row seats folded but the overall space is slightly greater than the Explorer. The Honda Pilot's overall cargo space is also better than the Explorer. 

At first glance, the 2018 Ford Explorer bears a strong resemblance to a Land Rover Range Rover- Kelly Blue Book

2018 Ford Explorer Dimension and Weight

Unlike its rivals, the Ford Explorer has a curvy design that appeals to many buyers. There are three different grille treatments. A simple horizontal chrome grille is available on the Base, XLT, and Limited trims while the Sport model receives a blacked-out grille. The top-of-the-line Platinum trim gets a unique satin and silver diamond grille. Every trim of the Explorer gets standard low-beam LED headlights and halogen high beams.

All but the base model also gets LED DRLs. The lenses are smoked on the Sport trim. On the lower fascia, LED fog lamps are standard on the XLT and higher. The Explorer gets a ground clearance of 7.8 inches which is more than adequate for off-roading. The standard wheels are 18 inches while the higher trims upgrade to 20-inch alloy wheels. At the back, the taillights are LED on all models, and Explorer is written on the center of the tailgate. 

The Toyota Highlander sits 0.2 inches higher than the Explorer, which is great for off-roading. The low curb weight of the Honda Pilot translates to better performance on the road. At 204.3 inches, the Chevy Traverse is the longest SUV in this competition. Therefore, maneuvering at tight spots can be challenging. 

2018 Ford Explorer Exterior Feature  

Some of the main highlights of the Explorer's exterior are:

• LED headlights
• LED fog lamps 
• LED taillights   
• Chrome grille
• Exterior entry lights
• Power-folding, heated exterior mirrors
• Chrome bodyside moldings
• Chrome door handles
• Chrome mirrors
• Black fender lip moldings
• Rear roofline spoiler
• Black window trim
• Front & rear skid plates
• Dual exhaust chrome tips

The IIHS thinks less of the Ford Explorer than the NHTSA does- The Car Connection

When it comes to safety, the Ford Explorer earned five out of five stars from NHTSA. However, it received below-average ratings from IIHS. The Explorer was given 'Good' ratings in four out of six crash tests. It also received a 'Marginal' rating for the driver's side crash test and 'Poor' ratings for the passenger's side crash test and headlights. 

The front crash prevention was rated 'Basic', which is the lowest rating. Standard safety features in the Explorer are very limited. Therefore, you can order the Ford Safe and Smart package for $1,295 as it adds some of the best driver assistance features. Also, a total of eight airbags come standard in the Explorer. Some of the driver aids are: 

• Rearview Camera
• Front & Rear Parking Sensors
• Forward Collision Warning
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Blind Spot Monitoring
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
• Rain-Sensing Windshield Wipers
• Ford MyKey 
• Front Paring Camera
• Automatic Parking Assist
• Auto High-Beam Assist
• Brake Assist

2018 Ford Explorer vs 2018 Honda Pilot 

Despite the Honda Pilot is less powerful, it is athletic than the Explorer in terms of performance due to its low curb weight while its fuel economy is good too. Inside, the Pilot's third row is roomier and its cargo volume is also greater than the Explorer. The Pilot is also the Top Safety Pick from IIHS and packs similar safety features as the Explorer. 

2018 Ford Explorer vs 2018 Toyota Highlander

The base engine of the Toyota Highlander is weak but its optional engine is similarly powered as the Explorer. Its fuel ratings are also better than the Explorer. The Highlander's third row is really small for adults but its infotainment system lacks modern connectivity features. Besides winning the Top Safety Pick award, it also offers more standard features than the Explorer. 

2018 Ford Explorer vs 2018 Chevrolet Traverse

The Chevrolet Traverse is the cheapest option in this competition. It is agile than the Explorer but its driving dynamics are not that engaging. Moving to the interior, the Traverse offers an airy third row while the cargo capacity is the largest in the segment. In terms of safety, the Traverse's list of driver-assist features is longer than the Explorer. 

From its stylish exterior to its comfortable and practical interior, the 2018 Ford Explorer is exactly the kind of vehicle that most American families need most of the time. But because families favor a vehicle like the Explorer, it needs to provide the very best possible occupant protection that it can. Unfortunately, that is not the case. However, it does a great job of hauling people long distances for long periods of time.