2018 Ford Explorer Platinum: Specs & Features

Hey guys! Are you curious about the 2018 Ford Explorer Platinum and what it has to offer? You've come to the right place! This article dives deep into the specs and features of this luxurious SUV, giving you all the details you need to know. Whether you're a potential buyer, a car enthusiast, or just curious, let's explore what makes the 2018 Explorer Platinum a standout vehicle.

Unveiling the 2018 Ford Explorer Platinum

The 2018 Ford Explorer Platinum represents the pinnacle of the Explorer lineup, blending robust performance with premium comfort and advanced technology. This SUV isn't just about getting from point A to point B; it's about doing it in style and with a touch of luxury. From its elegant exterior design to its meticulously crafted interior, the Platinum trim is designed to impress. The Platinum edition sets itself apart with unique styling cues, enhanced materials, and a host of standard features that elevate the driving experience. For those seeking a blend of capability and refinement, the 2018 Explorer Platinum is definitely worth considering.

Performance and Powertrain

Let's dive into the heart of the 2018 Ford Explorer Platinum – its performance. Under the hood, you'll find a powerful 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine. This engine is a beast, delivering a whopping 365 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. What does this mean for you? It means you'll have plenty of power for merging onto highways, tackling inclines, and even towing. The EcoBoost engine isn't just about power, though; it's also designed for efficiency. Ford has engineered this engine to provide a good balance of power and fuel economy, making it a practical choice for daily driving. The 2018 Explorer Platinum also comes standard with a six-speed automatic transmission, which provides smooth and responsive gear changes. This transmission is tuned to work seamlessly with the EcoBoost engine, maximizing performance and efficiency. The intelligent four-wheel-drive system is another key component of the Platinum's performance capabilities. This system automatically distributes power to the wheels that need it most, providing enhanced traction and stability in various driving conditions. Whether you're driving on dry pavement, wet roads, or even snow, the four-wheel-drive system helps you maintain control and confidence. Overall, the 2018 Ford Explorer Platinum's powertrain is a standout feature, offering a blend of power, efficiency, and capability that's hard to beat.

Interior and Comfort

Stepping inside the 2018 Ford Explorer Platinum, you're immediately greeted by a cabin that exudes luxury and comfort. Ford has truly paid attention to the details, using high-quality materials and incorporating thoughtful design elements throughout. The seats are wrapped in premium leather, offering a plush and supportive feel. The front seats are not only heated and cooled but also offer a massage function, ensuring you and your passenger are comfortable on long journeys. Imagine sinking into those seats on a road trip – pure bliss! The second-row seats are also heated, adding to the comfort for your passengers. The tri-zone automatic climate control system allows you and your passengers to set your preferred temperatures, ensuring everyone stays comfortable. The cabin is remarkably spacious, offering ample headroom and legroom for all occupants. Even in the third row, adults will find enough space to sit comfortably, making the Explorer Platinum a true family-friendly SUV. Ford has also focused on reducing noise inside the cabin, creating a quiet and serene environment. This is achieved through the use of acoustic glass and additional insulation, which help to block out road and wind noise. The result is a refined and relaxing interior that makes every journey a pleasure. From the premium materials to the spacious layout and advanced comfort features, the 2018 Ford Explorer Platinum's interior is a standout feature. It's a space where you and your passengers can truly relax and enjoy the ride.

Technology and Features

The 2018 Ford Explorer Platinum is packed with advanced technology features designed to enhance your driving experience. The centerpiece of the infotainment system is the SYNC 3 system, which is displayed on an 8-inch touchscreen. This system is intuitive and easy to use, allowing you to control navigation, audio, and smartphone integration with ease. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility come standard, allowing you to seamlessly connect your smartphone and access your favorite apps, music, and contacts. The premium Sony audio system with 12 speakers delivers crystal-clear sound, turning your Explorer Platinum into a concert hall on wheels. Whether you're listening to your favorite playlist or an audiobook, the audio quality is sure to impress. The Platinum trim also includes a range of advanced driver-assistance features, such as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. These features help to make driving safer and more convenient, especially on long journeys. The adaptive cruise control system automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead, while the blind-spot monitoring system alerts you to vehicles in your blind spots. The lane-keeping assist system helps you stay in your lane by providing gentle steering inputs if you start to drift. Other notable technology features include a rearview camera, parking sensors, and a hands-free liftgate. The rearview camera makes parking and maneuvering in tight spaces easier, while the parking sensors provide audible alerts to help you avoid obstacles. The hands-free liftgate allows you to open the rear hatch with a simple kick under the bumper, which is especially useful when your hands are full. The 2018 Ford Explorer Platinum's technology features are truly impressive, offering a blend of convenience, entertainment, and safety.

Safety and Driver Assistance

When it comes to safety, the 2018 Ford Explorer Platinum doesn't hold back. It's equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features designed to protect you and your passengers. The vehicle has earned high ratings in government and independent safety tests, giving you peace of mind on the road. Standard safety features include antilock brakes, stability control, and a full array of airbags. These features work together to help prevent accidents and protect occupants in the event of a collision. The Platinum trim also includes several advanced driver-assistance features, such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping assist. These features use sensors and cameras to monitor your surroundings and alert you to potential hazards. Blind-spot monitoring helps you avoid merging into vehicles in your blind spots, while rear cross-traffic alert warns you of approaching vehicles when you're backing out of a parking space. Lane-keeping assist helps you stay in your lane by providing gentle steering inputs if you start to drift. The adaptive cruise control system is another notable safety feature, as it automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead. This can help reduce the risk of rear-end collisions, especially in stop-and-go traffic. The 2018 Ford Explorer Platinum also features a high-strength steel safety cage, which helps to protect occupants in the event of a crash. The vehicle's safety systems are designed to work together seamlessly, providing a comprehensive level of protection. With its strong safety ratings and abundance of safety features, the 2018 Ford Explorer Platinum is a safe and reliable choice for families.

Exterior Design and Features

The 2018 Ford Explorer Platinum makes a statement with its stylish and sophisticated exterior design. The Platinum trim sets itself apart with unique styling cues that elevate its appearance. The distinctive grille, satin-chrome accents, and unique wheels give the Explorer Platinum a premium and upscale look. The overall design is both modern and rugged, reflecting the Explorer's blend of capability and refinement. The LED headlights and taillights not only provide excellent visibility but also add to the vehicle's contemporary look. The LED lighting is energy-efficient and long-lasting, ensuring you'll have clear visibility for years to come. The power-folding mirrors are a convenient feature, especially in tight parking spaces. They automatically fold in when you park, helping to prevent damage. The hands-free liftgate is another practical feature, allowing you to open the rear hatch with a simple kick under the bumper. This is especially useful when your hands are full of groceries or other items. The Explorer Platinum also includes a dual-panel sunroof, which provides an open and airy feel inside the cabin. The sunroof allows natural light to flood the interior, creating a more enjoyable driving experience. The roof rack provides additional cargo-carrying capacity, making the Explorer Platinum ideal for road trips and outdoor adventures. Whether you're hauling luggage, sports equipment, or camping gear, the roof rack gives you extra space to work with. The 2018 Ford Explorer Platinum's exterior design is both eye-catching and functional, combining style with practicality. It's a vehicle that looks good whether you're cruising around town or exploring the great outdoors.

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy is an important consideration for many car buyers, and the 2018 Ford Explorer Platinum offers a respectable balance of power and efficiency. With its 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine and intelligent four-wheel-drive system, the Explorer Platinum achieves an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway. While these numbers may not be class-leading, they are competitive for a large SUV with this level of performance and capability. The EcoBoost engine is designed to maximize fuel efficiency without sacrificing power, and the six-speed automatic transmission helps to optimize fuel economy as well. The actual fuel economy you experience may vary depending on your driving habits, road conditions, and other factors. If you do a lot of city driving, you may see lower fuel economy numbers, while highway driving can help you achieve closer to the EPA estimates. Regular maintenance, such as keeping your tires properly inflated and changing your oil on schedule, can also help to improve fuel economy. Compared to other SUVs in its class, the 2018 Ford Explorer Platinum offers a competitive fuel economy rating. While there are some more fuel-efficient options available, they may not offer the same level of performance, luxury, and features as the Platinum trim. For buyers who prioritize a blend of power, comfort, and efficiency, the 2018 Ford Explorer Platinum is a solid choice. The fuel economy is reasonable for its size and capabilities, and the overall driving experience is enjoyable and rewarding.

Pricing and Value

The 2018 Ford Explorer Platinum represents the top-of-the-line trim in the Explorer lineup, and its pricing reflects its premium status. The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2018 Explorer Platinum typically starts in the upper $50,000 range. While this may seem like a significant investment, it's important to consider the value you're getting for your money. The Platinum trim comes loaded with standard features that are often optional on lower trims, such as premium leather seats, a premium audio system, and advanced driver-assistance technologies. When you factor in the cost of adding these features to a lower trim level, the Platinum's price becomes more competitive. The 2018 Ford Explorer Platinum also holds its value well over time, which can be an important consideration if you plan to trade it in or sell it in the future. SUVs, in general, tend to retain their value well, and the Explorer Platinum's premium features and reputation for reliability contribute to its strong resale value. Compared to other luxury SUVs in its class, the 2018 Ford Explorer Platinum offers a compelling value proposition. It provides a similar level of luxury, performance, and features as its competitors, but often at a lower price point. This makes the Explorer Platinum a smart choice for buyers who want a premium SUV without breaking the bank. While the initial price may be higher than other Explorer trims, the long-term value and overall ownership experience make the 2018 Ford Explorer Platinum a worthwhile investment.

Conclusion

So, what's the final verdict on the 2018 Ford Explorer Platinum? Well, guys, it's a pretty impressive SUV! It combines powerful performance with a luxurious interior, advanced technology, and a host of safety features. If you're looking for an SUV that can handle anything from daily commutes to family road trips, the Explorer Platinum is definitely worth considering. From its robust engine to its comfortable cabin and stylish design, this SUV has a lot to offer. While the price may be higher than other trims, the Platinum's premium features and overall value make it a smart choice for those who want the best. The 2018 Ford Explorer Platinum stands out as a top-tier SUV that delivers on both performance and luxury. It's a vehicle that's sure to impress, whether you're behind the wheel or riding as a passenger. So, if you're in the market for a new SUV, be sure to check out the 2018 Ford Explorer Platinum – you might just fall in love!