2018 Ford Explorer XLT vs. Limited vs. Sport vs. Platinum
You’ve decided the new 2018 Ford Explorer delivers the impressive capability, premium amenities, and innovative tech you’re looking for in your next SUV, but which trim package meets your specific needs? To assist in your research, the product specialists at Westlie Ford in Washougal, WA have compiled this detailed comparison of the 2018 Explorer trim levels. Read on to learn which one can take your daily drive to the next level!
If you’ve already decided on a new 2018 Explorer trim level, head over to our new SUV inventory to see the models we have available at our Ford dealership in Washougal, WA.
2018 Ford Explorer XLT vs. Limited vs. Sport vs. Platinum: Trim Specs
Whether you choose the practical Base or XLT trims, the supremely comfortable Limited or Sport trims, or the luxurious Platinum trim, you’ll drive home in a new 2018 Ford Explorer you love. All five trim levels provide seating for up to seven passengers and 81.7 cu. ft. of cargo space. View the starting MSRP and feature availability of each new Explorer trim package in the table below.
| Trim Level & Starting MSRP |
Feature Availability |
| Explorer Base
$32,140 |
- 18-in. five-spoke painted aluminum wheels
- LED taillamps
- Dual chrome exhaust tips
- Automatic LED low-beam headlamps, halogen reflector high beams
- Dark Foundry Gray grille with chrome bars
- Cloth seating surfaces; 2nd-row 60/40 split-fold-flat bench seat, 3rd-row 50/50 split-fold bench seat
- Manual single-zone climate control
- SYNC® infotainment system with six speakers
- Rear view camera with washer
|
| XLT
$34,175 |
Includes all Explorer Base features, plus:
- Silver roof rack side rails
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel with cruise control, five-way controls, and secondary audio controls
- Reverse Sensing System
- SiriusXM® Satellite Radio
- Optional twin-panel moonroof
- Unique cloth seating surfaces
|
| Limited
$42,090 |
Includes all XLT features, plus:
- 20-in. premium luster nickel-painted aluminum wheels
- Powerfold® mirrors
- Chrome roof rack side rails
- Hands-free, foot-activated liftgate
- Bright silver painted grille with chrome bars
- LED fog lamps and signature lighting
- Perforated leather-trimmed 1st and 2nd row seats
- 3rd-row Powerfold® 50/50 split-folding bench seat; 2nd-row armrest and dual cup holders, heated outboard seats
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Configurable daytime running lights
- Heated steering wheel
- Forward Sensing System
- SYNC® 3 infotainment system with SYNC® Connect
- Audio system from Sony® with 12 speakers
- Voice-activated navigation system
- Wi-Fi® Hotspot
|
| Sport
$45,950 |
Includes all Limited features, plus:
- Hill Descent Control™ and Terrain Management System™
- 20-in. machined aluminum wheels with painted pockets
- High-gloss black grille with high-gloss black bars
- Quad chrome exhaust tips
- LED taillamps with unique blackout treatment
- High-gloss black roof rack side rails
- Intelligent Access with Push-Button Start and Remote Start
- Heated, unique perforated leather-trimmed seating with red accent stitching
|
| Platinum
$53,940 |
Includes all Sport features, plus:
- 20-in. bright machined face wheels with tarnished dark painted pockets
- Unique, satin-chrome finish grille
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Satin chrome roof rack side rails
- Twin-panel moonroof
- Power-adjustable pedals with memory
- Premium Sound from Sony® with Clear Phase and Live Acoustics
|
2018 Ford Explorer XLT vs. Limited vs. Sport vs. Platinum: Engine Options
No matter which trim package you choose, you’ll find dependable performance under the hood of your Ford Explorer. The standard 3.5L V6 engine produces more than enough power to tackle your to-do list, while the available 2.3L EcoBoost® I4 engine delivers increased efficiency. For drivers looking for truly incredible power, the 3.5L EcoBoost® V6 engine included with the Sport and Platinum trims provides exceptional capability. Key engine and performance specs for the 2018 Explorer are as follows:
| Engine |
3.5L V6 |
2.3L EcoBoost® I4 |
3.5L EcoBoost® V6 |
| Horsepower |
290 HP |
280 HP |
365 HP |
| Torque |
255 lb.-ft. |
310 lb.-ft. |
350 lb.-ft. |
| Transmission |
Six-speed SelectShift® automatic |
Six-speed SelectShift® automatic |
Six-speed SelectShift® automatic |
| Drivetrain |
Front-wheel drive (std.)/ Intelligent 4WD (opt.) |
Front-wheel drive (std.)/4WD (opt.) |
Intelligent 4WD |
| Max. Towing Capacity* |
5,000 lbs. |
3,000 lbs. |
5,000 lbs. |
| Fuel Economy (city/highway) |
17/24 MPG (FWD)
16/22 MPG (4WD) |
19/27 MPG (FWD)
18/25 MPG (4WD) |
16/22 MPG |
| Trim Availability |
Standard: Base, XLT
Optional: Limited |
Standard: Limited
Optional: Base, XLT |
Standard: Sport, Platinum |
*When properly equipped
2018 Ford Explorer XLT vs. Limited vs. Sport vs. Platinum: Safety Features
From the Base trim level all the way through the premium Platinum trim level, you’ll appreciate advanced safety systems designed to keep you and your loved ones protected on every adventure. View the Ford Explorer safety features of each trim below.
Safety Features:
- AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™
- Belt-Minder®
- Safety Canopy® System
- SOS Post-Crash Alert System™
- Traction Control
- Remote keyless/illuminated entry
- SecuriLock® Passive Anti-Theft System
- Individual Tire Pressure Monitoring System
- SecuriCode™ Keyless Entry Keypad (XLT, Limited, Sport, Platinum)
- Perimeter alarm (Limited, Sport, Platinum)
- Industry-first inflatable rear outboard safety belts (Platinum)
- Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist (Platinum)
- Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Warning with brake support (Platinum)
- Blind Spot Information System (BLIS® with cross-traffic alert) (Platinum)
Schedule a Test Drive in Washougal, WA!
Are you ready to experience the highly capable and tremendously comfortable new 2018 Ford Explorer? Schedule a test drive at our Ford dealership in Washougal, WA today! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Westlie Ford team through our contact form or by calling (877) 299-1138.
