2018 Ford Explorer Limited vs. Platinum
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2018 Ford Explorer Limited and 2018 Ford Explorer Platinum contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2018 Ford Explorer Limited and the 2018 Ford Explorer Platinum.
When comparing the 2018 Ford Explorer Limited's and the 2018 Ford Explorer Platinum's specifications and ratings, the 2018 Ford Explorer Limited has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, and fuel efficiency. The 2018 Ford Explorer Platinum has the advantage in the area of base engine power. The 2018 Ford Explorer Limited and 2018 Ford Explorer Platinum have the same interior volume, overall quality score Based on this comparison of the 2018 Ford Explorer Limited's and the 2018 Ford Explorer Platinum's specifications and ratings, the 2018 Ford Explorer Limited is a better car than the 2018 Ford Explorer Platinum.
Pricing: A used 2018 Ford Explorer Limited ranges from $13,020 to $24,989 while a used 2018 Ford Explorer Platinum is priced between $16,899 to $29,495.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate, the 2018 Ford Explorer Limited and the 2018 Ford Explorer Platinum both lose 52.9 percent of their value.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Ford Explorer is 8.4 out of 10. Ford Explorer is ranked 5 out of 34 Best SUVs with 3 Rows based on its reliability, retained value, and safety ratings. Out of 32 Best Midsize SUVs, the Ford Explorer is ranked 5 and the Ford Explorer is ranked 5 based on its reliability, retained value, and safety ratings. The Ford Explorer is also ranked 8 out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs while the Ford Explorer is ranked 8 out of 67 based on its reliability, retained value, and safety ratings.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars' Reliability Rating for the Ford Explorer is 7.5 out of 10.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2018 Ford Explorer Limited’s base engine makes 280 horsepower, and the 2018 Ford Explorer Platinum base engine makes 365 horsepower. The Limited is rated to deliver an average of 22 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 502 miles. The Platinum is rated to deliver an average of 18 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 409 miles. This gives the 2018 Ford Explorer Limited the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the 2018 Ford Explorer Platinum. Both models use regular unleaded.
Safety Ratings: The Ford Explorer has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
42090
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
30126
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
22995 - 34810
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
53940
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
30126
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
22995 - 34810
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
18996
Price Range:
13020 - 24989
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
19664
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
12459 - 31292
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
327
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
105118
# Good or Great Deals:
208
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
23149
Price Range:
16899 - 29495
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
19664
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
12459 - 31292
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
126
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
95782
# Good or Great Deals:
65
Ford Explorer Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.4 / 10
Reliability:
7.5 / 10
Retained Value:
7.6 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Ford Explorer Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.4 / 10
Reliability:
7.5 / 10
Retained Value:
7.6 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2018 Ford Explorer Limited
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
2.3
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
4.3
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.1 - 9.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.153
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2018 Ford Explorer Platinum
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
2.3
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
4.3
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.1 - 9.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.153
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3.948907494609795
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
4.4
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
2.0 - 15.2
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3.948907494609795
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
4.4
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
2.0 - 15.2
Ford Explorer Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 67Ranking
2 out of / 67Ranking
2 out of / 67Ranking
2 out of / 34Ranking
2 out of / 34Ranking
2 out of / 32Ranking
2 out of / 32Ranking
5 out of / 34Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 34Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
7 out of / 32Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 30Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
13 out of / 34Ranking
14 out of / 34Ranking
14 out of / 32Ranking
15 out of / 34Ranking
15 out of / 30Ranking
15 out of / 28Ranking
16 out of / 67Ranking
16 out of / 32Ranking
18 out of / 34Ranking
18 out of / 32Ranking
19 out of / 34Ranking
19 out of / 28Ranking
20 out of / 34Ranking
21 out of / 32Ranking
24 out of / 67Ranking
24 out of / 34Ranking
26 out of / 34Ranking
26 out of / 34Ranking
26 out of / 32Ranking
30 out of / 67Ranking
31 out of / 67Ranking
32 out of / 56Ranking
37 out of / 67Ranking
49 out of / 56Ranking
62 out of / 67Ford Explorer Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 67Ranking
2 out of / 67Ranking
2 out of / 67Ranking
2 out of / 34Ranking
2 out of / 34Ranking
2 out of / 32Ranking
2 out of / 32Ranking
5 out of / 34Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 34Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
7 out of / 32Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 30Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
13 out of / 34Ranking
14 out of / 34Ranking
14 out of / 32Ranking
15 out of / 34Ranking
15 out of / 30Ranking
15 out of / 28Ranking
16 out of / 67Ranking
16 out of / 32Ranking
18 out of / 34Ranking
18 out of / 32Ranking
19 out of / 34Ranking
19 out of / 28Ranking
20 out of / 34Ranking
21 out of / 32Ranking
24 out of / 67Ranking
24 out of / 34Ranking
26 out of / 34Ranking
26 out of / 34Ranking
26 out of / 32Ranking
30 out of / 67Ranking
31 out of / 67Ranking
32 out of / 56Ranking
37 out of / 67Ranking
49 out of / 56Ranking
62 out of / 67Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Other Ford Explorer Trim Levels
Base, Platinum, Police Interceptor Utility, Sport, XLT
Other Ford Explorer Trim Levels
Base, Limited, Police Interceptor Utility, Sport, XLT
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
280 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque:
310 foot-lbs @ 3000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.064 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
365 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
350 foot-lbs @ 3500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.074 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
5000 lbs
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.3 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
19 / 27 / 22
Range (city/hwy):
353 / 502 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
16 / 22 / 18
Range (city/hwy):
298 / 409 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Quad Seats:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Standard
Quad Seats:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.4 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.9 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
61.5 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
61 inches
Cargo Space:
21 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
81.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
172.5 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.4 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.9 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
61.5 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
61 inches
Cargo Space:
21 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
81.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
172.5 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4385 lbs
Width:
90.2 inches
Height:
70 inches
Length:
198.3 inches
Wheelbase:
112.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.8 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4901 lbs
Width:
90.2 inches
Height:
71 inches
Length:
198.3 inches
Wheelbase:
112.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.3 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
20.0 x 8.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P255/50R20
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
20.0 x 8.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy with painted accents
Tire Size:
P255/50R20
