HomeFordFord Explorer
2018 Ford Explorer

Used 2018 Ford Explorer

3.7
rating
Expert
4.2
rating
Consumer
Write a Review
2018 Ford Explorer Exterior: 0
2018 Ford Explorer Exterior: 1
Exterior (55)
2018 Ford Explorer Interior: 0
Interior (62)
2018 Ford Explorer All Media: 1

View All Media

Fuel Economy
18 - 20 combined mpg
Horsepower
290 - 365 hp
Seating
7
Cargo Volume
81.7 cu ft
Next Steps: Shopping for this car?

2018 Ford Explorer Review

Scott Oldham

Updated May 16, 2025

Pros

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.

Cons

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.

What's New?

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

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.

Driving the Ford Explorer

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.

Interior Comfort

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.

Exterior Styling

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.

Favorite Features

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.

Standard Features

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.

Factory Options

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.

Engine & Transmission

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


What did you think of this review?

More About How We Rate Vehicles
Advertisement

New Ford Explorer Deals and Incentives

APR

3.9% APR | 60 months

Get 3.9% APR for 60 mos. Ford Credit Financing on a new 2025 Ford Explorer.

See more details

End Date: 07/07/2025
CASH

Cash available

Get Employee Pricing You Pay What We Pay. on a new 2025 Ford Explorer.

See more details

End Date: 07/07/2025

2018 Ford Explorer
KBB.com Consumer Reviews

75%Recommend this vehicle
5
63%
5
63%
4
13%
4
13%
3
9%
3
9%
2
7%
2
7%
1
8%
1
8%
Value
4.1
Performance
4.3
Quality
4.1
Comfort
4.4
Reliability
4.3
Styling
4.4

Trending Topics in KBB.com Consumer Reviews

Advertisement
Advertisement

2018 Ford Explorer Depreciation

A 2018 Ford Explorer has depreciated $11,910 or 51% in the last 3 years and has a current resale value of $11,233 and trade-in value of $8,418.

Login or create a new account to see your vehicle depreciation forecast data.

Historical
historical solid line
Forecast
forecast dash line
2018 Ford Explorer
Compare up to 3 vehicles by logging in.

2018 Ford Explorer Annual Depreciation

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
Lock Icon

Unlock Forecast

2-Year Forecasted Depreciation

*Depreciation for the last 12 months of the private party resale value.

2018 Ford Explorer Depreciation

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.


Already Own This Car?

Specifications

Dimensions, Weights & Capacities

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

Exterior

Number of Doors
4 doors
Privacy Glass
Available
Roof Rails
Available
LED Headlights
Available
Rear Spoiler
Available

Fuel Economy

City
17 mpg
Highway
24 mpg
Combined
20 mpg

Mechanical

Drivetrain
FWD
Transmission Type
Automatic
6 speed
Available
Recommended Fuel
Regular
Hill Descent Control
Available
Hill Start Assist
Available

Performance

Horsepower
290 @ 6500 RPM
Torque
255 @ 4000 rpm
Engine
V6, 3.5 Liter

Warranty

Basic
3 years / 36000 miles
Powertrain
5 years / 60000 miles
Corrosion
5 years / Unlimited miles

Comfort & Convenience

  • Climate Control Air Conditioning

Entertainment

  • MP3 Player
  • Satellite Radio

Interior

  • Power Windows
  • Rear Window Defroster
  • 12V Power Outlet
  • Power Outlet
  • Steering Wheel Controls
  • Tilt Steering Wheel
  • Tilt/Telescoping Steering Wheel

Seating

  • Folding Rear Seat
  • Cloth Seats
  • Power Driver's Seat

Technology

  • Cruise Control
  • Remote Keyless Entry

2018 Ford Explorer Safety

2018 Ford Explorer Safety Technology

  • Child Door Locks
  • Child Seat Anchors
  • Driver Airbag
  • Passenger Airbag
  • Stability Control
  • Traction Control
  • Front Head Curtain Airbag
  • Front Knee Airbag
  • Front Side Airbag
  • Inflatable Seat Belts
  • Parental Control System
  • Rear Head Curtain Airbag
  • Rear Parking Sensors
  • Rear View Camera
5.0

Crash Test Rating

Provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Frontal Crash
5.0
Side Barrier
5.0
Rollover Rating
4.0
Side Crash
5.0

Compare to Similar Vehicles

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 Capacity7777
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

2018 Ford Explorer Rankings

FAQs

What is the MPG for a 2018 Ford Explorer?

2018 Ford Explorer city/highway fuel economy ratings range from 16/22 mpg to 17/24 mpg, depending on trim and equipment.

How much should a 2018 Ford Explorer cost?

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.

What's the cheapest Ford Explorer?

The cheapest 2018 Ford Explorer is the Sport Utility 4D, with a Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price of $12,848.

Is the 2018 Ford Explorer reliable?

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.

Advertisement