carivo.co
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 7 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $40,907–$49,045 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 7.2/10, the 2018 Ford Explorer SL earns a Good rating among the suvs we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.2/10, while Reliability at 6.5/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional suv — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We rate reliability at 6.5/10 — below the segment average in our scoring. Budget for potentially higher maintenance costs and check the recall record below before buying. On safety it earns 8.2/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance lands mid-pack at 7.3/10: enough power and composure for everyday needs, without the dynamics that distinguish the segment's driver-focused options. Technology comes in at 7.6/10 — functional and modern, with wireless connectivity and core ADAS features, though some competitors pack more standard tech at this price point.
Priced from $40,907–$49,045, 18 MPG, seating 7, the Ford Explorer SL sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. The value score of 6.9/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 8 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Bottom line: There's a case for the 2018 Ford Explorer SL, but it needs the right buyer. Its value and reliability scores trail the class, and several higher-rated rivals sell for similar money — comparison-shop before committing.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2018 Ford Explorer SL ranks #1611 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 34% of the segment. Its 7.2/10 overall score is 0.2 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $40,907 starting price is about 13% above the segment's median of $36,079.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2015 Ford Explorer SL scores 7.1/10 — within striking distance of the 2018's 7.2 — and starts roughly $4,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 7.5/10 | $51,383 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.5/10 | $49,887 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.4/10 | $48,389 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.5/10 | $46,893 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.4/10 | $45,397 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.2/10 | $43,901 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.3/10 | $42,403 | Read review → |
| 2018 (this review) | 7.2/10 | $40,907 | |
| 2017 | 7.1/10 | $39,410 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.1/10 | $37,914 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.1/10 | $36,416 | Read review → |
Explore the full lineup of Ford models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.