2018 Ford Explorer

Overview

On the surface, the Ford Explorer appears to be an upscale SUV, with styling cues borrowed from the lavish Land Rover Range Rover. But look closer and the Explorer’s true colors begin to show, mainly in the form of a cabin that is durable and family-friendly but not at all posh. Yes, tech goodies such as touchscreen infotainment and onboard Wi-Fi are available as options, but they’re also available—or standard—on the Explorer’s rivals. The Explorer is capable and agreeable, but its time as king of the three-row-crossovers is just a memory now.

What's New for 2018?

To help dress up the Explorer’s exterior, Ford has introduced five new wheel designs, a slightly tweaked front grille, and quad exhaust tips for the Sport and Platinum models. The new Safe and Smart option package combines some of the Explorer’s active safety features into an easier-to-order bundle, and there's now an available 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. There are also four new paint colors: Burgundy Velvet Tinted Clearcoat, Cinnamon Glaze, Platinum Dune Tricoat, and Blue Metallic.

Pricing

Original MSRP:

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The Ford Explorer’s standard engine is a 3.5-liter V-6 that produces 290 hp and 255 lb-ft of torque. Some models get an optional turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder with 280 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. And Sport and Platinum trims come with a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 that pushes 365 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque; these models also have standard all-wheel drive, which is optional on other trim levels. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard. The base V-6 and optional turbo fours are both just adequate, but the twin-turbo V-6 is wicked quick. The Explorer has a well-damped ride that prioritizes comfort over dynamic handling. That’s a blessing for those who regularly travel on rough roads, but it’s a curse for those who enjoy taking the winding route home.

Fuel Economy

EPA fuel economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest and most accurate fuel economy numbers on current and older vehicles, we use the U.S. Department of Energy's fueleconomy.gov website. Under the heading "Find & Compare Cars" click on the "Compare Side-by-Side" tool to find the EPA ratings for the make, model, and year you're interested in.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The Explorer’s interior suffers from an awkward layout and poor build quality. While the materials are of high quality, cabin fit and finish are horrid. Spacious accommodations and comfortable front seats are the interior’s saving graces. Second-row passengers are also treated to impressive amounts of legroom and headroom, but getting into the third row is a chore. The Explorer benefits from an extremely roomy cargo area behind its third-row seat, and most consumers will find that its cubbies do a fine job of storing various small items.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The optional Sync 3 infotainment system is intuitive and fairly snappy in its performance. Most popular connectivity features are offered on the Explorer, but unfortunately very few are standard. Capable of connecting up to 10 devices, the Explorer’s optional 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot will keep the whole family online and entertained. Although not as quick as the Uconnect system found in models like the Dodge Durango R/T, Sync 3 is as responsive to touch inputs as a typical smartphone.

Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings

For more information about the Ford Explorer’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.

Warranty

Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.