2018 Ford Explorer
Should You Buy a 2018 Ford Explorer?
The 2018 Ford Explorer is a versatile front-wheel-drive SUV designed to accommodate families and active lifestyles. With a robust 3.5L V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 255 lb-ft of torque, it offers a balanced blend of performance and efficiency, achieving a combined MPG of 20. The spacious interior comfortably seats up to seven passengers, making it an excellent choice for family road trips or daily commutes. Priced at an MSRP of $32,140, it presents a competitive option in the mid-size SUV market.
However, potential buyers should be aware of the vehicle's reliability concerns, as indicated by a reliability score of 69.2 out of 100. The NHTSA has recorded a total of 803 complaints, with notable issues related to structure and engine components. While the Explorer offers a solid driving experience, prospective owners should consider these factors when making their purchase decision.
The 2018 Ford Explorer is best suited for families or individuals seeking a spacious and versatile SUV for daily use and occasional road trips.
Strengths
- +Spacious interior with seating for seven
- +Strong V6 engine performance
- +Flexible fuel options (unleaded/E85)
- +Good for family road trips and daily commuting
- +Decent fuel economy for its class
Weaknesses
- -Reported structural and engine reliability issues
- -Moderate NHTSA complaint history
- -Lower reliability score compared to competitors
- -Potential safety concerns with crash and fire incidents
- -Front-wheel drive may limit off-road capability
Known Issues (NHTSA Data)
The 2018 Ford Explorer has reported a total of 803 complaints to the NHTSA, with 23 crash incidents and 8 fire incidents. The most common issues involve structural integrity, especially as mileage increases, with significant complaints surfacing between 60,000 to 100,000 miles. While there are no deaths reported, the presence of 24 injuries highlights potential safety concerns that buyers should consider. Overall, while the Explorer is a popular choice, it does come with some reliability risks.
Performance
- Horsepower
- –
- Torque
- –
- Engine
- 3.5 L
- Cylinders
- V6
- Transmission
- Automatic (S6)
- Drive Type
- AWD
Efficiency
- MPG Combined
- 19
- Fuel Type
- Regular Gasoline
Dimensions
- Length
- 198.4 in
- Width
- 78.7 in
- Height
- 69.7 in
- Wheelbase
- 113 in
- Curb Weight
- 4,557 lbs
- Ground Clearance
- –
Capacity
- Doors
- 4
- Seating
- –
- Cargo
- –
- Max Cargo
- –
- Max Towing
- –
- Max Payload
- –