What To Know
- The Sport trim, however, adds a few extra touches of luxury and convenience, such as leather upholstery, heated and cooled front seats, and a panoramic sunroof.
- If you’re looking for a spacious and comfortable SUV with plenty of power and towing capability, the XLT trim is a great choice.
- If you’re looking for a more aggressive-looking SUV with more luxury features and advanced safety technologies, the Sport trim is the way to go.
The 2018 Ford Explorer is a mid-size SUV that offers a spacious interior, powerful engine options, and impressive towing and hauling capabilities. It’s available in three trim levels: XLT, Sport, and Limited. In this comprehensive comparison guide, we’ll delve into the key differences between the XLT and Sport trims, helping you make an informed decision about which one best suits your driving needs and preferences.
Performance and Engine Specifications
Both the XLT and Sport trims of the 2018 Ford Explorer come standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 290 horsepower and 255 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is available as an option on both trims.
The Sport trim, however, offers an additional engine option: a 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine that generates 280 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This engine is also paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
Exterior Design and Features
The XLT and Sport trims of the 2018 Ford Explorer feature distinct exterior designs that reflect their respective personalities. The XLT trim has a more traditional SUV look, with a chrome grille, halogen headlights, and 18-inch alloy wheels.
The Sport trim, on the other hand, boasts a more aggressive appearance, with a black grille, LED headlights, and 20-inch alloy wheels. It also features a unique front bumper, side skirts, and rear spoiler.
Interior Comfort and Convenience
Inside, the XLT and Sport trims of the 2018 Ford Explorer offer spacious and comfortable cabins. Both trims come standard with cloth upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a touchscreen infotainment system.
The Sport trim, however, adds a few extra touches of luxury and convenience, such as leather upholstery, heated and cooled front seats, and a panoramic sunroof. It also features a premium audio system and a navigation system.
Safety Features and Technologies
The 2018 Ford Explorer comes standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including airbags, anti-lock brakes, and traction control. Both the XLT and Sport trims also offer a variety of advanced safety technologies, such as blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.
The Sport trim, however, offers a few additional safety features, such as a surround-view camera system and a parking assist system. These features can be particularly useful for drivers who frequently navigate tight spaces or tow heavy loads.
Towing and Hauling Capabilities
The 2018 Ford Explorer is a capable towing and hauling vehicle. The XLT trim can tow up to 5,000 pounds, while the Sport trim can tow up to 5,300 pounds. Both trims can also haul up to 1,800 pounds of cargo.
Fuel Efficiency and MPG Ratings
The 2018 Ford Explorer offers decent fuel efficiency for a mid-size SUV. The XLT trim with the 3.5-liter V6 engine gets an EPA-estimated 17 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. The Sport trim with the 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine gets an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.
Which Trim is Right for You?
Ultimately, the best trim for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a spacious and comfortable SUV with plenty of power and towing capability, the XLT trim is a great choice. If you’re looking for a more aggressive-looking SUV with more luxury features and advanced safety technologies, the Sport trim is the way to go.
The Final Verdict: A Balanced Choice for SUV Enthusiasts
The 2018 Ford Explorer XLT and Sport trims offer a compelling combination of performance, comfort, and safety. Whether you choose the XLT or the Sport, you’ll get a versatile and capable SUV that’s perfect for everyday driving, family adventures, and weekend getaways.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the key differences between the XLT and Sport trims of the 2018 Ford Explorer?
A: The key differences between the XLT and Sport trims include exterior design, interior features, and safety technologies. The Sport trim offers a more aggressive exterior design, leather upholstery, heated and cooled front seats, and a panoramic sunroof. It also features a premium audio system, a navigation system, and a surround-view camera system.
Q: Which trim has better towing and hauling capabilities?
A: Both the XLT and Sport trims of the 2018 Ford Explorer offer impressive towing and hauling capabilities. The XLT trim can tow up to 5,000 pounds, while the Sport trim can tow up to 5,300 pounds. Both trims can also haul up to 1,800 pounds of cargo.
Q: Which trim is more fuel-efficient?
A: The Sport trim of the 2018 Ford Explorer is slightly more fuel-efficient than the XLT trim. The Sport trim with the 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine gets an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway, while the XLT trim with the 3.5-liter V6 engine gets an EPA-estimated 17 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.