With so many SUVs starting to look and act like minivans, the new Explorer bucks that trend with an upscale design, rugged stance and big horsepower. Plus, it seats seven and offers a wide range of trim and engine options, so there’s an Explorer for almost any lifestyle and budget.
Although the new Explorer is available with all-wheel drive and it looks like a Land Rover, it’s not as off-road capable as that brand’s many SUVs. If you plan to tackle anything beyond the gravel parking lot at an Eagle’s concert, shop the Land Rover Discovery and Jeep Grand Cherokee.
For 2018 Ford has updated the new Explorer with five new wheel options, including four 20-inch designs. There’s also an available onboard Wi-Fi hotspot, and Ford has created the Safe and Smart Package that includes all of the available tech-based safety systems like Adaptive Cruise Control and Cross Traffic Alert.
A favorite of American families and the country’s best-selling SUV for nearly three decades, the 7-passenger 2018 Ford Explorer offers a large interior, upscale design and all-wheel drive (AWD). Many advanced tech-based safety systems are available, including active cruise control and a lane-keeping system which vibrates the steering wheel if you drift out of your lane. This year’s updates include available onboard Wi-Fi. Five trim levels are available, base, XLT, Limited, Sport and Platinum, and Ford offers three engines including a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 making 365 horsepower. A 6-speed automatic and front-wheel drive (FWD) are standard. Understated and elegant, some say the new Explorer looks like a Land Rover. Its competition includes the Chevy Traverse, Mazda CX-9, Hyundai Santa Fe, Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot.
2018 Ford Explorer pricing starts at $12,848 for the Explorer Sport Utility 4D, which had a starting MSRP of $33,470 when new. The range-topping 2018 Explorer Platinum Sport Utility 4D starts at $18,505 today, originally priced from $55,075.
Original MSRP | KBB Fair Purchase Price (national avg.) | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
$33,470 | $12,848 | |||
$37,460 | $15,748 | |||
$45,375 | $17,161 | |||
$47,085 | $17,882 | |||
$55,075 | $18,505 |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for used 2018 Ford Explorer models in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly.
When it comes to horsepower, the 7-passenger 2018 Ford Explorer SUV delivers at every level. The standard 290-horsepower V6 is strong enough for most buyers, and the 280-horsepower turbo 4-cylinder is powerful but also impressively fuel-efficient. Need more “oomph”? Try out the Sport and Platinum trims’ 365-horsepower 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6. All three engines give the Explorer excellent passing and pulling power, while its heavily weighted steering and taut suspension give this big SUV impressive cornering ability, especially the Sport and Platinum models with their 20-inch wheels. Although its high beltline and massive front bumper make maneuvers in tight quarters a bit harrowing, Ford has done an excellent job keeping road, engine and wind noise out of the cabin, and seating is both comfortable and supportive. The Explorer’s adaptive cruise control works well, but we wish it offered fully autonomous braking like the Honda Pilot, not just collision warning.
The Ford Explorer SUV for 2018 seats up to seven in its three rows, and the third row offers room for adults. The second row comes as either a 3-person bench, or it can be had with two bucket seats to ease 3rd-row access. Cargo space is generous. We’re happy Ford has moved to using actual buttons for most controls, and also like the digital screen integrated into the gauges. The infotainment touch screen is a large 8-inch unit, and Ford’s Sync 3 is easier to use than before and has become one of the more capable systems available.
At first glance, the 2018 Ford Explorer bears a strong resemblance to a Land Rover Range Rover, pretty good company we’d say. Its standard LED low-beam headlights, grille and bumper give this mainstream SUV an upscale presence. It looks more expensive than it is. And its bulging hood, sculpted sides and flared wheelwells add musculature to the mix. No one will ever confuse the Explorer for a minivan. The Sport trim level is the most aggressively detailed with blacked out trim and grille and standard 20-inch wheels, while the Limited and Platinum trim levels dial up the chrome.
ENHANCED ACTIVE PARK ASSIST
This clever system allows the Explorer to practically park itself. It uses ultrasonic sensors to help parallel-park the SUV and park-out assist to help drivers pull out of parallel-parking spots. The system controls the steering wheel, while the driver operates the accelerator and brake pedals.
HANDSFREE POWER LIFTGATE
Standard on the Limited, Sport and Platinum trim levels, this feature allows you to open the Explorer’s tailgate without dropping your Costco purchase and pulling the key fob from your pocket or purse. Just a wave of your foot under the SUV’s rear bumper opens or closes its hatch.
The 2018 Ford Explorer SUV comes in five models: base, XLT, Limited, Sport and Platinum. Base models come standard with the 290-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine, a 6-speed automatic with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, LED low-beam headlights and LED taillights, 18-inch wheels, and a rearview camera that incorporates a washer to keep the lens clean. Other standard features include cruise control, air conditioning, a 6-speaker audio system, and Ford’s Sync infotainment system. Ford’s MyKey allows drivers to program top speed and other parameters to help prevent young drivers from behaving recklessly. Other safety features include trailer Sway Control for easier towing.
Moving up through the model lineup is the best way to get more on your new 2018 Explorer. The mid-level XLT is a good value, offering leather seats, navigation, blind-spot detection, inflatable rear seatbelts, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a dual-panel moonroof. Base and XLT models can substitute a more fuel-efficient 2.3-liter EcoBoost 4-cylinder, which is standard on the Limited model. AWD is available across the board, regardless of your engine choice. The Sport and Platinum models come with the twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 and all-wheel drive plus high-end leather, a premium audio system, leather-covered dash and other luxury items.
The standard 290-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 on the Ford Explorer is fine for most people, offering plenty of power and acceptable fuel economy. However, the turbocharged EcoBoost 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine is popular because it offers notably more torque and more miles per gallon. Standard on the Sport and Platinum models is the twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6, bumping power up to a more-than-adequate 365 horsepower. With this engine, the Explorer is just plain fast. Sport and Platinum models also get standard all-wheel drive, but Ford’s AWD system and its Terrain Management System with settings for sand, mud, grass and gravel are available on all models. Additionally, all models use a 6-speed automatic transmission complete with paddle shifters on the steering wheel.
3.5-liter V6 (base, XLT)
290 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
255 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/24 mpg (FWD), 16/22 mpg (4WD)
2.3-liter turbocharged inline-4 (base, XLT, Limited)
280 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
310 lb-ft of torque @ 3,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/27 mpg (FWD), 18/25 mpg (AWD)
3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 (Sport, Platinum)
365 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
350 lb-ft of torque @ 3,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/22 mpg
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Year | Vehicle Depreciation* | Resale Value | Trade-In Value | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2022 | $2,090 | $23,143 | $20,310 | ||
2023 | $6,386 | $16,757 | $13,820 | ||
2024 | $2,874 | $13,883 | $10,981 | ||
Now | $2,650 | $11,233 | $8,418 |
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2-Year Forecasted Depreciation
*Depreciation for the last 12 months of the private party resale value.
Annual Depreciation is an estimation of what your vehicle's value might be over time based on an average of similar vehicles. Estimations are calculated by comparing Kelley Blue Book Private Party Values of vehicles similar to yours over time, as well as forecasts from Manheim Auction data comparing current and projected auction values against current Kelley Blue Book Private Party and Trade-In Values. This is not a guarantee of actual depreciation. Local weather conditions, market factors and driver performance will also impact your vehicle's actual depreciation.
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Curb Weight | 4443 lbs. | ||
---|---|---|---|
EPA Passenger | 151.7 cu.ft. | ||
Fuel Capacity | 18.6 gallons | ||
Front Head Room | 41.4 inches | ||
Front Leg Room | 42.9 inches | ||
Max Seating Capacity | 7 | ||
Minimum Ground Clearance | 7.8 inches | ||
Overall Length | 198.3 inches | ||
Front Shoulder Room | 61.5 inches | ||
Towing Capacity, Maximum | 5000 lbs. | ||
Trunk or Cargo Capacity | 81.7 cu.ft. | ||
Turning Diameter | 39.2 feet | ||
Wheel Base | 112.6 inches | ||
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) | 6020 lbs. | ||
Payload Capacity | 1510 lbs. | ||
Width with mirrors | 90.2 inches |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | ||
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Privacy Glass | Available | ||
Roof Rails | Available | ||
LED Headlights | Available | ||
Rear Spoiler | Available |
City | 17 mpg | ||
---|---|---|---|
Highway | 24 mpg | ||
Combined | 20 mpg |
Drivetrain | FWD | ||
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Transmission Type | Automatic | ||
6 speed | Available | ||
Recommended Fuel | Regular | ||
Hill Descent Control | Available | ||
Hill Start Assist | Available |
Horsepower | 290 @ 6500 RPM | ||
---|---|---|---|
Torque | 255 @ 4000 rpm | ||
Engine | V6, 3.5 Liter |
Basic | 3 years / 36000 miles | ||
---|---|---|---|
Powertrain | 5 years / 60000 miles | ||
Corrosion | 5 years / Unlimited miles |
Used 2018 Ford Explorer | Used 2018 Volkswagen Atlas | Used 2018 Kia Sorento | Used 2018 MAZDA CX-9 | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price | $12,848 | $16,033 | $11,880 | $14,623 | |
KBB.com Rating | 3.7 | 4.5 | 4.2 | 4.1 | |
Consumer Rating | 4.2 | 4.0 | 4.2 | 4.5 | |
Fuel Economy | City 17/Hwy 24/Comb 20 MPG | City 22/Hwy 26/Comb 24 MPG | City 21/Hwy 28/Comb 24 MPG | City 22/Hwy 28/Comb 24 MPG | |
Fuel Type | Gas | N/A | N/A | N/A | |
Safety Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | |
Seating Capacity | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | |
Basic Warranty | 3 years or 36000 miles | 6 years or 72000 miles | 5 years or 60000 miles | 3 years or 36000 miles | |
Horsepower | 290 @ 6500 RPM | 235 @ 4500 RPM | 185 @ 6000 RPM | 227 @ 5000 RPM | |
Engine | V6, 3.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, GDI, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, 2.5T | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
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2018 Ford Explorer city/highway fuel economy ratings range from 16/22 mpg to 17/24 mpg, depending on trim and equipment.
Used 2018 Ford Explorer prices currently range from $12,848 for the Sport Utility 4D to $18,505 for the Platinum Sport Utility 4D when purchasing from a dealership, depending on a range of factors like equipment, mileage, and condition.
The cheapest 2018 Ford Explorer is the Sport Utility 4D, with a Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price of $12,848.
The 2018 Ford Explorer is part of the 5th-generation Explorer, which our owners give an above-average reliability rating of 4.3 out of 5.