While the cross-over trend continues its strong momentum towards the mid-sized market, the more traditional “bigger is better” statement still rings true to the ears of the conventional family mindset.
Don’t let the age-old box-like SUV stigma fool you though, the 2018 Ford Explorer is packed with safety and tech features including anti-sway towing, roll stability control, terrain management and independent front and rear suspensions. You can also add the dual panoramic sunroof and meticulous interior styling to the list of luxury features.
When it comes to full sized 7 seater SUV, there’s no better example than the glorious 2018 Ford Explorer, which has spanned an existence primarily in the North American market for as long as 27 years.
The latest fifth generation model introduced Ford’s EcoBoost 3.5L twin turbo engine with available 4WD and a stiffened chassis. Most of its significant design changes happened in 2016 with the availability of a smaller 2.3L EcoBoost 4-cylinder engine borrowed from the counterparts of the Ford Mustang design and added safety tech features.
Other than that, the 2018 Explorer remains relatively unchanged for 2018, except for minor cosmetic treatments made to front fascia with revised LED and fog lights, re-designed wheel patterns, and added colors onto the exterior and interior color palette for purchase configuration options.
SPACIOUS INTERIOR
Built more than just to impress, the 2018 Ford Explorer’s three rows of 7-seat accommodation, provides a space of tranquility and roominess thanks to its perforated Nirvana leather seats, dual panoramic sunroof and leather wrapped heated wood steering wheel available in the higher Platinum model.
Its traditional box-like shape also means more room compared with the more modern cross-over SUV with a tapered roof line offering 151.5 cu.ft of passenger space and virtually no complaints of shortage in legroom for both second and third row passengers. Cargo space can be expanded conveniently via the 50/50 split folding rear seats and accessed via a power lift gate.
PERFORMANCE AND DRIVE
The newly available 3.5L Ti-VCT engine configuration sits in between the EcoBoost 2.3L I4 and the EcoBoost 3.5L V6 producing 290hp and 255 lb.ft of torque. Its twin independent variable cam shaft timing technology aims to optimize its engine performance across its entire powerband compared to the latter options that produces 280 and 365hp between the I4 and the I6 engines respectively. Choice of transmission is available either with a standard 6 speed automatic, or with the added Select Shift feature.
THe Intelligent 4WD with Terrain Management feature allows you to switch between four different terrain modes on the fly and is also made standard across all models with the 2018 Explorer.
Equipped on our tester was the 2.3L EcoBoost engine and despite its smaller engine size, there’s still plenty of power to shuttle around a full load of passengers and cargo. The lower gear ratios and engine power mapping are well tuned to match the Explorer’s physical presence, except for the occasional delay from the turbo lag.
Driving comfort remains positive in our books with great noise insulation and well managed road dynamics thanks to the independent front and rear suspensions and the available flex from the larger chassis.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Overall, the 2018 Ford Explorer does what it does best with a flying colours passing grade in all categories. With the fifth generation Explorer nearing its 5-year shelf life, it’s starting to show its age with the six speed automatic (versus others which have moved onto an 8+ speed automatic with dual clutch technology).
However, that’s not necessarily a shortcoming per se, and to some, may even be a good thing as there are less problems that could go wrong. Our 2018 Ford Explorer Limited 4WD model comes priced in at $55,529 and contains all the features anyone could need!
