Overview

What's New for 2018

The Explorer comes in five trims: Explorer (base trim), XLT, Limited, Sport, and Platinum.

Drivers will be pleased with the Base Explorer’s standard feature set. Exterior items include automatic LED low beam headlights with halogen high beams, LED taillamps, heated power side mirrors, body-color liftgate spoiler, rearview camera with washer, rear privacy glass, black door handles, and an acoustic-laminate windshield. Inside, there’s cloth seating, second-row 60/40 split-folding bench, third-row 50/50 split-folding bench, manual air conditioning, air filtration, remote keyless entry, cruise control, dome/map lights in all three rows, power door locks, four 12V outlets, 5-way steering-wheel controls, leather shift knob, power windows with 1-touch front windows, a 6-speaker SYNC infotainment system, and one USB port.

The XLT adds chrome bodyside cladding, body-color door handles, a silver mesh and chrome grille, and heated side mirrors with built-in LED turn signals and approach lamps. The interior gains proximity keyless entry, push button ignition, and unique cloth seat trim.

For those who want more tech and safety with the Explorer, the Limited offers much. It brings blind spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert, forward and rear parking sensors, front and rearview cameras, LED Signature Lighting, power-folding side mirrors, a hands-free foot-activated power liftgate, Hill Start Assist, advanced stability control, and an SOS Post-Crash Alert System. The tech streak continues inside, with the upgraded SYNC 3 infotainment system, smartphone-based FordPass app, voice-activated navigation, a Wi-Fi Hotspot, dual-zone climate control, remote start, universal garage door opener, ambient lighting, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a 110V AC power outlet. Comfort is stepped up as well, with a heated steering wheel, perforated leather seats, climate-controlled front seats, heated second row, power-folding third row, and a 390-watt, 12-speaker Sony audio system with HD Radio.

The Sport trim is similarly equipped to the XLT, but brings with it aggressive exterior flair like black door handles, black bodyside cladding and bumpers, quad chrome exhaust tips, gloss black side mirrors, and black roof rack side rails. The interior benefits from first-row illuminated scuff plates, a heated steering wheel, and the 12-speaker Sony sound system. It also comes with Hill Descent Control.

Lastly, for those seeking the utmost comfort in Explorer form, there’s the Platinum. It’s laden with automatic high beams, rain-sensing wipers, adaptive cruise control, autonomous park assist, lane keep assist, satin-finished side mirrors, power-adjustable pedals with memory, a 500-watt Sony sound system, premium leather seating, and a twin-panel power moonroof.

The Base Explorer comes with an MSRP of $32,365, and the XLT starts at $34,400. A Limited comes in at $42,765. Four-wheel drive is available on each of these, for about $2,000 extra. The Sport and Platinum come standard with four-wheel drive and cost $46,625 and $54,165, respectively.

The standard engine for the Ford Explorer is a 3.5-liter V6 that produces a maximum 290 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel-drive and a six-speed automatic transmission come standard, but four-wheel-drive is available as an option. The four-wheel-drive system also comes with different terrain settings as well as hill descent control and hill start assist. The EPA estimates fuel mileage with front-wheel-drive comes in at 17/24/20 mpg city/highway/combined. Four-wheel drive with that engine should return 16/22/19 mpg.

The Limited steps things up with an EcoBoost turbocharged 2.3-liter inline four-cylinder engine, which outputs 280 horses and a burly 310 lb-ft of torque. Expect the best fuel economy figures of the Explorer line, at 19/27/22 mpg (FWD) and 18/25/21 mpg (4WD.

Sport and Platinum models employ a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6. Power should never be a concern with this engine, as it can deliver 365 hp and 350 lb-ft of toque. The EPA estimates the twin-turbo Explorer should get 16/22/18 mpg.

The interior of the Explorer is clean and modern looking, with soft seating surfaces that are accented by silver trim pieces throughout. The control layout is simple and well thought out.

The overall feel of the Explorer is quite nice, with soft and luxurious surfaces on the door panels, dash, center console and everywhere else. On the Limited and Platinum models the interior raises to the level of many luxury vehicles, putting the Explorer above most other interiors in its class. Interior space is generous for the first two rows, while the third row is suitable for children only. The seats are comfortable and supportive at the same time, making long trips a breeze. Cargo space is decent; the second and third rows fold flat, which helps.