2018 Ford Explorer: New York Auto Show

Safety

The Edge comes standard with traction control (including torque vectoring for improved cornering precision), stability control, anti-lock disc brakes, automatic crash notification and eight airbags (front, front-side, front-knee and full-length side curtain). The Ford MyKey system is also standard, allowing owners to set electronic limits for other drivers.

Optional electronic aids include a blind spot monitoring system, forward collision warning (bundled with adaptive cruise control), rear cross-traffic alert, and a 180-degree corner-view camera system.

The Edge was awarded the full five stars overall in government crash tests, including five for front impacts and the same for side impacts. In tests carried out by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the Edge scored the highest rating of Good in all categories except for the small-overlap frontal-offset, where it took the second-best score of Acceptable.

Behind the Wheel

This is one of the nicest midsize crossover cabins for the price, with attractive surfaces and high-quality materials almost everywhere. There's plenty of room for four adults (or five at a pinch) to enjoy the exceptionally smooth and quiet ride. For a tall, heavy vehicle, the Edge displays excellent body control, retaining its composure even through quick corners.

The base turbo 4-cylinder is more than adequate for most situations and its fuel economy is a big plus, but the Sport's spirited acceleration could tempt enthusiastic drivers. The standard paddle shifters are a nice touch, although the automatic transmission's downshifts are sometimes slow and unrefined.

For 2018, Ford has gathered the most popular driver-assist features into one available Safe and Smart Package. Although these features will be included as standard equipment in the top-tier trim levels, the new Safe and Smart Package makes its simpler to add adaptive cruise control, blind spot information, cross-traffic alert, lane keeping assist, auto highbeams and rain-sensing wipers to more affordable Explorer grades.

The 2018 Ford Explorer will still offer five grades and three engine choices: A 280 horsepower 2.3-liter EcoBoost 4-cylinder, a 290 hp 3.5-liter V6 and a 365 hp EcoBoost twin-turbo V6.

How Much?

To be announced. The 2017 Ford Explorer ranges in price from $32,605 to $54,180.

When Can You Get It?

Fall 2017

Add It to Your Shopping List Because...

The 2018 Ford Explorer checks all the boxes in terms of choice, space and technology. Although it wasn't the first SUV, the Explorer democratized the segment with a passenger-friendly approach to what had previously been a segment based almost entirely on utility. A reliable family hauler, it continues to break new ground.

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