The 2018 Ford Explorer is a three-row SUV that sits squarely in the used-market sweet spot: recent enough for modern safety tech, old enough to be priced far below its original sticker. It was the final year before the full redesign for 2020, which means you are buying a proven platform without paying new-car money. Here's what we know — and here's what we don't.
The Basics: What You're Looking At
The 2018 Ford Explorer rode on the same platform that launched in 2011, but a 2016 refresh carried over to this year. You get three engines: a 2.3-liter turbo four, a 3.5-liter V6, and a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 in the Sport and Platinum trims. Four-wheel drive is optional on every model. Towing maxes out at 5,000 pounds with the V6, which is solid for a unibody crossover. The third row is cramped for adults, but it works for kids. For the money, it's a lot of family-hauling capability.
What Owners Actually Like
Owners of the 2018 Ford Explorer tend to praise the same things: the quiet cabin, the straightforward controls, and the way the V6 cruises. Cargo space is generous. Fold the second and third rows flat and you get roughly 81 cubic feet, enough for a full furniture run. The standard touchscreen is easy to read, and the optional Sync 3 system with Apple CarPlay is a genuine upgrade over earlier years. The ride is tuned for comfort, not handling. This is a vehicle that takes winter trips and school drop-offs in stride. Higher trims add blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control, so you don't have to give up modern safety gear for a used price. Fuel economy is nothing to brag about, but the four-cylinder is the smarter choice if you care about the pump.
Known Problems You Need to Check
Every used car has a dark side. The 2018 Ford Explorer has two that matter. First is the water pump on the 3.5-liter V6. It sits inside the engine and is driven by the timing chain. When the seal fails, coolant can mix with oil, and the repair often means a new engine. Ford extended coverage on some pumps, but it is not a recall. Ask for service records and listen for a whine that climbs with revs. Second is the six-speed automatic. Most units are trouble-free, but owners report rough downshifts and occasional hesitation. A fluid flush at 50,000 miles is cheap insurance. Also check that the door latch recall was performed. It is a simple fix, but it needs to be in the Carfax.
Insurance and Running Costs
Insurance on a used Explorer is reasonable for the class. A typical full-coverage policy for the 2018 Ford Explorer runs between $1,200 and $1,800 a year, depending on your state, age, and driving record. That's lower than a brand-new Explorer and about the same as a Toyota Highlander of the same vintage. Maintenance costs are average, but the V6 water pump issue is the big outlier. If you buy a V6 model, set aside a repair fund. Regular oil changes run about $50 at a quick-lube shop, and a set of tires costs $600 to $900 installed. The 2.3-liter engine uses regular gas and returns about 19 mpg city, so daily costs stay manageable.
What You Should Pay and Which Trim to Pick
The 2018 Ford Explorer has depreciated hard, and that works in your favor. Clean retail prices for a base front-drive model run from $16,000 to $20,000 with average miles. A well-optioned Platinum can still list near $28,000 at a dealer. Private-party sales knock a few thousand off both numbers. The smartest buy on the market is the XLT with the 2.3-liter engine. It gives you the good tech without the V6 water-pump risk. If you need maximum towing, the V6 is worth the gamble, but budget $1,500 to $2,500 for a pre-purchase inspection and immediate maintenance. A transmission fluid service, new brake pads, and a thorough cooling-system check will cover most surprises.
How the 2018 Ford Explorer Stacks Up Against Its Rivals
If you are shopping this segment, you are also looking at the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, and Nissan Pathfinder. The Highlander holds its value better and has a reputation for reliability, but it costs a few thousand more on the used market. The Pilot is roomier and drives a bit more refined, but the V6 is thirsty and the nine-speed automatic had some reliability complaints. The Pathfinder is cheaper but comes with a CVT that doesn't inspire confidence. The 2018 Ford Explorer sits in between: lower upfront cost than the Toyota, better towing than the Honda, and more traditional SUV style than the Nissan.
A Quick Pre-Purchase Checklist
Before you commit to a 2018 Ford Explorer, run through this list. Pull the Carfax and confirm the door latch recall was completed. Look for cooling-system repairs and transmission fluid changes in the service history. Drive the car cold and listen for a whine from the front of the engine. Feel for hard shifts from first to second. On all-wheel-drive models, have a mechanic inspect the power takeoff unit for leaks. Check the rear liftgate and the third-row seat latches, both of which generate complaints. And if you are looking at a V6, ask when the water pump was last inspected. A clean record is worth more than a bright paint job.
The Bottom Line
The 2018 Ford Explorer is a solid used SUV if you pick the right powertrain and demand a clean service history. The 2.3-liter models are the least risky. The V6 makes more power and towing capability, but you are betting the water pump holds past 80,000 miles. Values are fair, parts are common, and any independent shop can work on it. That is more than you can say for a lot of European crossovers at the same price. Here's what we know: it is a better buy than a 2016 or 2017 because you get the later software and safety updates. Here's what we don't: exactly when a V6 water pump will let go. So treat it like the risk it is — and do not skip the inspection.
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