2018 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED

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Base Explorers rely on a solid 290-horsepower V-6 and a 6-speed automatic. The combo fares well in ordinary driving, less well when the road gets interesting, and the transmission gets lazy. Turbo-4 Explorers engage more energetically with the world around them, thanks to a low torque peak and paddle controls for the transmission. Twin-turbo V-6 Explorers don’t blow the road off its bed like the Jeep SRT, but substantial passing power is available just a few inches into the gas pedal travel. All Explorers have quick steering, well-damped ride quality, and optional all-wheel drive.

The Explorer’s age reveals itself in its packaging. The floor is high, the second- and third-row seats aren’t well-shaped. Cargo space is fine, especially with those rear rows folded out of the way.

Ford Explorer

The 2018 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED also lets itself down with a “Marginal” crash-test score from the IIHS. A rearview camera comes standard, and Ford now offers forward-collision warnings on most models.

Every 2018 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED comes with power features, Bluetooth, and touchscreen audio.

The most expensive versions, at more than $50,000, get 20-inch wheels, Sony audio, navigation, a power-folding third-row seat, and ventilated leather front seats. The best values lie at the XLT trim level, so long as you opt for the newly available safety gear.

2018 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED

Styling
We’ve seen this look before—for eight model years, to be precise—but the FORD EXPLORER LIMITED still has a fundamental appeal.

With only the most minor of visual changes in the 2018 model year, the Ford Explorer still sells the same shape it has since the 2011 model year. It’s long on function, short on freshness. We give it an extra point for its cabin, which raises its score above average to a 6. (Read more about how we rate cars.)

The FORD EXPLORER LIMITED visual approach hasn’t changed for most of this decade. It wears an agreeable collection of crisp corners, clean edges, and nifty textures on its grille and side cladding.

Early 2018 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED had miserable, plasticky interiors, but got better as the SUV groomed itself and took itself upmarket. The current FORD EXPLORER LIMITED makes no attempt to nod to the past—and that’s just fine. The latest cabin has tailored good looks like its Durango and Grand Cherokee rivals, with a slightly more contemporary feel.

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Ford Explorer

FAQ

Is 2018 Ford Explorer worth buying?

What year of Ford Explorer is best?

How many miles can you get out of a 2018 Ford Explorer?

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Performance
The Ford Explorer fires up its turbos in its most interesting forms, but even the base V-6 acquits itself well.
Ford fits a range of engines to the Explorer SUV, all teamed with a 6-speed automatic, front- or all-wheel drive, and an independent suspension.

It’s no longer a rough-and-tumble utility vehicle. Instead, the Explorer has morphed into a surprisingly entertaining family vehicle with a smidge of off-pavement talent.

We think it’s a 7 for performance. (Read more about how we rate cars.)

There’s just not much torque at low engine speeds, and the transmission’s not programmed to snap off shifts with sport-sedan swiftness.

A 2.3-liter turbo-4 shows up on some midrange Explorers.

It’s also found in the Lincoln lineup.

Ford Explorer
On the traction front, the 2018 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED delivers peak towing of a middling 5,000 pounds, and its all-wheel-drive option has no true low gear ratio.

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Cargo Volume to Seat 3 (ft³)21
FUEL ECONOMY
Fuel Tank

Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx (gal)18.6
Mileage
Fuel Economy Est-Combined (MPG)18
EPA Fuel Economy Est – City (MPG)16

EPA Fuel Economy Est – Hwy (MPG)22
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Engine

Engine Order Code998-1
SAE Net Torque @ RPM255 @ 4000
Fuel SystemSequential MPI

Engine TypeRegular Unleaded V-6
SAE Net Horsepower @ RPM290 @ 6500

Displacement3.5 L/213

Transmission

Final Drive Axle Ratio (:1)3.65
DrivetrainFour Wheel Drive
First Gear Ratio (:1)4.48

Sixth Gear Ratio (:1)0.74
Trans Description Cont.Automatic w/OD
Fourth Gear Ratio (:1)1.41

Trans Order Code44J
Second Gear Ratio (:1)2.87
Reverse Ratio (:1)2.88

Trans Description Cont. AgainNA
Fifth Gear Ratio (:1)1.00
Trans Type6

Third Gear Ratio (:1)1.84
Brakes
Brake Type4-Wheel Disc

Rear Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness (in)12.8
Disc – Rear (Yes or )Yes
Brake ABS System4-Wheel

Drum – Rear (Yes or )NA
Front Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness (in)12.8
Disc – Front (Yes or )Yes

Rear Drum Diam x Width (in)NA
Steering
Steering TypeRack-Pinion

Turning Diameter – Curb to Curb (ft)38.9
Tires
Front Tire Order CodeNA

Spare Tire SizeCompact
Front Tire SizeP245/60HR18
Rear Tire Order CodeNA

Rear Tire SizeP245/60HR18
Spare Tire Order CodeNA
Wheels

Front Wheel Size (in)18 X 7.5
Spare Wheel MaterialSteel
Front Wheel MaterialAluminum

Rear Wheel Size (in)18 X 7.5
Rear Wheel MaterialAluminum
Spare Wheel Size (in)Compact

Suspension
Suspension Type – FrontStrut
Suspension Type – Rear (Cont.)Multi-Link

Suspension Type – RearMulti-Link
Suspension Type – Front (Cont.)Strut

SAFETY FEATURES

Safety

Air Bag-Frontal-DriverYes
Air Bag-Frontal-PassengerYes

Air Bag-Passenger Switch (On/Off)No
Air Bag-Side Body-FrontYes

Air Bag-Side Body-RearNo
Air Bag-Side Head-FrontYes

Air Bag-Side Head-RearYes
Brakes-ABSYes

Child Safety Rear Door LocksYes
Daytime Running LightsYes

Traction ControlYes
Night VisionNo

Rollover Protection BarsNo
Fog LampsNo

Parking AidNo
Tire Pressure MonitorYes

Back-Up CameraYes
Stability ControlYes

Other FeaturesAdvanceTrac w/Roll Stability Control Electronic Stability…
Terrain Management System ABS And Driveline Traction Control

Side Impact Beams
Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Seat-Mounted Side Airbags

Tire Specific Low Tire Pressure Warning
Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Front Airbags

Safety Canopy System Curtain 1st, 2nd And 3rd Row Airbags
Airbag Occupancy Sensor

Passenger Knee Airbag
Mykey System -inc: Top Speed Limiter, Audio Volume Limiter,…

Rear Child Safety Locks
Outboard Front Lap And Shoulder Safety Belts -inc: Rear Center 3…

Back-Up Camera w/Washer