2018 Ford Explorer
What’s new
- Subtle styling tweaks front and rear
- Integrated 4G LTE hotspot
- Part of the fifth Explorer generation introduced for 2011
Pros
- Plenty of high-tech features that are easy to use
- Optional turbocharged V6 engine delivers plentiful power
- Cabin is quiet and comfortable on the highway
- Cargo space is generous behind the third row
Cons
- Legroom in the third row is subpar
- Depending on trim level, feels big and ponderous from behind the wheel
2018 Ford Explorer pricing
in Ashburn, VA
Top consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2018 Ford Explorer.
Features & Specs
Safety
Our experts’ favorite Explorer safety features:
- Collision Warning with Brake Support
- Alerts the driver to an impending forward collision and precharges brakes to shorten stopping distance.
- Lane Keeping System
- Vibrates the steering wheel and reduces steering effort if the car veers toward the edge of its lane.
- Blind Spot Information System
- Senses vehicles in adjacent lanes and illuminates a warning in the side mirrors.
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Ford Explorer vs. the competition
2018 Ford Explorer
2018 Honda Pilot
Ford Explorer vs. Honda Pilot
The Ford Explorer costs a little more than the Honda Pilot, but offers more cargo space behind the third row (although less max cargo capacity than the Pilot), and better ground clearance. That's about where the base Explorer's advantages end, however. The Honda Pilot comes with more standard features and a more fuel-efficient V6 engine, and can seat up to eight passengers. The Pilot earned an Edmunds four-star rating.
Ford Explorer vs. Jeep Grand Cherokee
For everyday comfort, the Explorer edges out the smaller Grand Cherokee in quietness, interior space and ride quality. But if you're looking for an SUV that is more off-road capable, you'll likely find a Grand Cherokee more suitable. The Grand Cherokee also travels farther on a tank of fuel, delivers better fuel economy and, thanks to the introduction of the new Trackhawk model, can likely run circles around the already very capable Explorer Sport.
Ford Explorer vs. Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander costs just less than the Explorer, but comes with an underwhelming four-cylinder engine (185 hp) compared to the Ford's 290-hp base V6 engine. The Highlander can seat eight passengers, but with less passenger space and cargo room (7.2 cubic feet less) behind the third row. The Highlander does come with advanced driver aids like adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking, however, which aren't offered on the base Explorer.
2018 Ford Explorer for Sale
FAQs
Is the Ford Explorer a good car?
While we give the Sport trim level a solid thumbs-up, other trim levels aren't quite as impressive to drive, exhibiting more ponderous routine handling that makes the Explorer feel bigger than it is. There are three engines to choose from: a V6, a turbocharged four-cylinder or a turbocharged V6. We like the turbocharged V6 (365 horsepower, 350 pound-feet of torque) best. It delivers terrific thrust, which you'll like for highway passing and towing, but it's only available on more expensive trim levels. Overall, the 2018 Ford Explorer gets most things right, and it's a respectable choice for a three-row midsize SUV.
How can I get a Ford Explorer deal?
Edmunds can help you find a great local price on a Ford Explorer. See 2018 Ford Explorer deals and incentives in your area.
Does the Ford Explorer have good MPG?
The Explorer's fuel economy is at the low end of the segment, even compared to figures from SUVs with similar engines. The base 3.5-liter V6 returns 20 mpg combined (17 city/24 highway), a figure that drops to an even more disappointing 15 mpg combined (13 city/18 highway) with E85 fuel. Moving up to the turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder improves torque output and efficiency, returning 22 mpg combined (19 city/27 highway) — about the same as other V6 engines from the Explorer's competitors. Finally, the top-of-the-line turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 returns the poorest economy — 18 mpg combined (16 city/22 highway) — but also delivers unmatched power for the segment.
Does the Ford Explorer have good resale value?
If you're ready to buy, you're probably wondering about the Ford Explorer's resale value. How much will a 2018 Ford Explorer be worth in two or five years — or whenever you decide to sell? Check out the Edmunds True Cost to Own (TCO) calculator. It includes projected annual depreciation over the first five years of ownership based on Edmunds' robust market transaction data.
2018 Ford Explorer Overview
The 2018 Ford Explorer is offered in the following submodels: . Available styles include XLT 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A), XLT 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 6A), Sport 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 6A), Platinum 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 6A), Limited 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6A), Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6A), 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 6A), and 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A).
What do people think of the 2018 Ford Explorer?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2018 Ford Explorer and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2018 Explorer 4 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2018 Explorer.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2018 Ford Explorer and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2018 Explorer featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
What's a good price for a New 2018 Ford Explorer?
2018 Ford Explorer Sport 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 6A)
The 2018 Ford Explorer Sport 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 6A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $46,945. The average price paid for a new 2018 Ford Explorer Sport 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 6A) is trending $9,549 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $9,549 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$37,396.
The average savings for the 2018 Ford Explorer Sport 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 6A) is20.3% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 164 2018 Ford Explorer Sport 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 6A) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
2018 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
The 2018 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $37,320. The average price paid for a new 2018 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A) is trending $9,923 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $9,923 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$27,397.
The average savings for the 2018 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A) is26.6% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 235 2018 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
2018 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
The 2018 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 6A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $35,170. The average price paid for a new 2018 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 6A) is trending $9,028 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $9,028 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$26,142.
The average savings for the 2018 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 6A) is25.7% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 53 2018 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 6A) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
2018 Ford Explorer Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
The 2018 Ford Explorer Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $45,235. The average price paid for a new 2018 Ford Explorer Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6A) is trending $9,870 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $9,870 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$35,365.
The average savings for the 2018 Ford Explorer Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6A) is21.8% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 153 2018 Ford Explorer Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6A) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
2018 Ford Explorer Platinum 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 6A)
The 2018 Ford Explorer Platinum 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 6A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $54,935. The average price paid for a new 2018 Ford Explorer Platinum 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 6A) is trending $9,920 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $9,920 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$45,015.
The average savings for the 2018 Ford Explorer Platinum 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 6A) is18.1% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 141 2018 Ford Explorer Platinum 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 6A) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
2018 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
The 2018 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $35,285. The average price paid for a new 2018 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A) is trending $8,173 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $8,173 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$27,112.
The average savings for the 2018 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A) is23.2% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 47 2018 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
2018 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
The 2018 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 6A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $33,135. The average price paid for a new 2018 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 6A) is trending $8,586 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $8,586 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$24,549.
The average savings for the 2018 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 6A) is25.9% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 35 2018 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 6A) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
2018 Ford Explorer Limited 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
The 2018 Ford Explorer Limited 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $43,085. The average price paid for a new 2018 Ford Explorer Limited 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6A) is trending $8,443 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $8,443 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$34,642.
The average savings for the 2018 Ford Explorer Limited 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6A) is19.6% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 20 2018 Ford Explorer Limited 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6A) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
Which 2018 Ford Explorers are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2018 Ford Explorer for sale near. There are currently 1484 new 2018 Explorers listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $32,985 and mileage as low as 0 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the Carfax and Autocheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2018 Ford Explorer. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to $10,413 on a used or CPO 2018 Explorer available from a dealership near you.
Why trust Edmunds?
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color.
Related vehicle information
2018 Ford Explorer Information
- 2018 Ford Explorer Build and Price TMV®
- 2018 Ford Explorer Incentives & Rebates
- 2018 Ford Explorer Consumer Discussions
- 2018 Ford Explorer Consumer Reviews
- 2018 Ford Explorer Features & Specs
- 2018 Ford Explorer Pictures
- 2018 Ford Explorer Review
- 2018 Ford Explorer Dealer Price Quotes
- Used 2018 Ford Explorer For Sale Near Me
- 2018 Ford Explorer Ownership Costs
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