2018 Ford Explorer

The 2018 Ford Explorer comes in five trim levels. These include the base trim, XLT, Limited, Sport, and Platinum. The base trim comes with 18-inch wheels, automatic headlights, and dual chrome exhaust tips, while the XLT has chrome accents, LED signature lighting, heated side mirrors with LED turn signal indicators, and silver roof rack rails. Step up to the mid-level Limited trim and get a hands-free liftgate, LED headlights, and power-folding side mirrors. On the Sport trim level, you'll find quad chrome exhaust tips, LED fog lights, a glossy black grille, and a rear bumper step. The Platinum comes equipped with chrome exterior trim, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and LED taillights.

The base engine is a 3.5-liter V-6 that produces 255 pound-feet of torque and 290 horsepower. The lower two trim levels can come with a more powerful 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder unit, rating at 310 pound-feet of torque and 280 horsepower. With the Sport trim comes a 3.5-liter turbocharged V-6 unit that pumps out 350 pound-feet of torque and 365 horsepower. All three engine options pair with a six-speed automatic transmission.

If you plan to tow heavy loads, make sure to upgrade your Explorer to include the necessary towing package. The turbocharged V-6 is the best option for towing, taking the capacity to 5,000 pounds. This SUV also has varying fuel economy estimates, depending on the engine you select. With the base engine, EPA estimates are 17 mpg in the city, 24 mpg on the highway, and 20 mpg combined. The turbocharged four-cylinder unit has higher estimates of 19 mpg in the city, 27 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg combined.

Within the cabin of the 2018 Explorer base trim, you'll find rear auxiliary climate control, four 12-volt power outlets, Ford's Sync infotainment system, a leather-wrapped shift knob, cloth upholstery, and a six-speaker audio system with a USB port. The XLT adds features like keyless ignition, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, satellite radio, and upgraded cloth upholstery. In the middle of the pack is the Limited, which boasts dual-zone automatic climate control, ambient interior lighting, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a heated steering wheel, and Ford's Sync 3 infotainment system. Select the Sport top get a unique set of floor mats, a 12-speaker premium Sony audio system, navigation with voice controls, and perforated leather upholstery with red accent stitching. Step up to the top Platinum trim for a dual-pane moonroof, branded floor mats, a power-adjustable steering wheel, a universal garage door opener, and high-end leather upholstery.

Standard safety equipment on all models of the 2018 Explorer includes stability and traction control, a rearview camera, air bags throughout the seating area, and anti-lock brakes. Features like blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and intervention are grouped together in an optional package.