The 2018 Ford Explorer is still a strong competitor in a crowded market, despite being the elder SUV statesman.

The 2018 model year sees appearance updates, new colors and new wheel options for Ford’s SUV staple. The popular Explorer brings innovative technology, generous interior space and snappy engines to the table, performing well for families (and police forces) everywhere. After nearly 10 years with the current model, a next-generation Explorer is due to be unveiled in 2019, which will bring a complete appearance and performance makeover.

Here’s take a quick look at the Explorer’s details:

• The Ford Explorer rides on the D4 platform, which is shared with the Ford Flex and Lincoln MKT.

Pricing

• The 2018 Explorer starts at $33,135 including a $995 destination charge.
• Explorer Platinum models start at $54,935 with destination and reach well over $60,000 with options.
• The 2017 Explorer had a starting price of $32,655 with destination charges.

Trims

• The 2018 Explorer is available in XLT, Limited, Sport and Platinum trims.
• The Explorer is a popular choice for law enforcement agencies, with a dedicated Interceptor model that can be customized to a high degree with interior and exterior lights, containment and performance features.
• No hybrid, plug-in hybrid or full electric powertrains are available.

Dimensions

• The 2018 Ford Explorer has an overall length of 198.3 inches, a wheelbase of 112.8 inches and a width (with mirrors) of 90.2 inches.

Powertrain

• Three engines are available in the Explorer: a standard 3.5-liter V6 producing 290 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque; an optional 2.3-liter EcoBoost 4-cylinder making 280 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque; or a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 with 365 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque that is limited to higher trim levels.
• All engines are paired with a six-speed manually shiftable automatic transmission or an optional traditional 6-speed automatic.
• Front-wheel drive is standard, with intelligent 4WD optional across the board.

Towing

• Towing is rated at 3,000 pounds with the optional Class II tow package or 5,000 pounds with the optional Class III tow package.
• Trailer sway control is standard on every Explorer.

Mileage

• When equipped with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost, the Explorer achieves an EPA estimated 19 mpg city/27 mpg highway/22 mpg combined. All-wheel drive models are rated at 18 mpg city/25 mpg highway/21 mpg combined.
• EPA fuel economy estimates for the 3.5-liter EcoBoost-equipped Explorer are 16 mpg city/22 mpg highway/18 mpg combined.

Safety

• The Explorer’s standard safety equipment includes advanced traction system with rollover control, dual-stage front airbags, SOS post-crash alerts and rearview camera.
• Optional safety technology includes adaptive cruise control with automatic braking and collision warning, seatbelt and console airbags in the second row, front 180-degree camera, enhanced parking assist, lane-keep alert/assist and reverse sensors.

Infotainment

The 2018 Explorer comes standard with Ford SYNC and a 4.2-inch LCD screen, six speakers and a USB charging port.
• SYNC 3 is available on higher trims, which adds an 8-inch touchscreen and two USB ports.
• Ford’s AppLink is included with SYNC 3. The system brings integrations with Waze and other information centers to deliver traffic, local information and entertainment features through the infotainment unit.
• A premium 9-speaker or Sony 12-speaker audio system with HD Radio are optional.

Comfort & Convenience

• The 2018 Explorer comes standard with Ford’s MyKey system, which allows parents to monitor and limit teen drivers’ ability to listen to loud music, exceed certain speeds and avoid using seatbelts.
• Optional features include a hands-free foot-activated liftgate, twin-panel moonroof, heated steering wheel, terrain management with hill descent control and ambient lighting.

Editor’s note: All photos courtesy of Ford.