2018 Explorer

[kmarnes]

Yeah, if the new autonomous emergency braking (AEB) has all the false positives of the current system, then it's going to be a problem. I'm sure there will be software settings to control sensitivity, etc. It might beep for a second or two and not actually brake until it deems it a big problem. But safety tech improvements are incremental over the 2017. But not a fan of AEB -- I've experienced both on Audi and Volvo and they are prone to false positives, which can potentially cause accidents by getting rear ended. I'm sure they'll provide a way to disable it entirely as a setting, so don't imagine it'll be a problem.

Also it'll be interesting to see how they package the options. It was lame how certain safety options were only available on certain trims for 2017 and earlier. For example, you couldn't get lane assist nor auto wipers on the Sport, but it was standard on the Platinum. Safety options should be available on all trims, so perhaps they'll do that for 2018.

I was also unhappy with all the tradeoffs between the Sport and Platinum models in 2017. The two trims are nearly identical, but both had things I didn't like.

As for aesthetics, I prefer the 2017 fog-lights and sport wheels (they look like signature Audi 5 spoke wheels), but vastly prefer the new 2018 quad pipe look even though it's just for fluff. The sport wheels on the 2018s look like snowflakes.

Overall, decent update.

2017 Ford Explorer Sport Wheels

21" Audi SQ5 wheels (2017 and earlier).

 

[Forddealz]

Everyone better get an extended warranty if they want to own their Explorers for more then 5 years with all the tech and computers controlling these collision warning systems and other safety features.

 

[Forddealz]

Yeah, if the new autonomous emergency braking (AEB) has all the false positives of the current system, then it's going to be a problem. I'm sure there will be software settings to control sensitivity, etc. It might beep for a second or two and not actually brake until it deems it a big problem. But safety tech improvements are incremental over the 2017. But not a fan of AEB -- I've experienced both on Audi and Volvo and they are prone to false positives, which can potentially cause accidents by getting rear ended. I'm sure they'll provide a way to disable it entirely as a setting, so don't imagine it'll be a problem.

Also it'll be interesting to see how they package the options. It was lame how certain safety options were only available on certain trims for 2017 and earlier. For example, you couldn't get lane assist nor auto wipers on the Sport, but it was standard on the Platinum. Safety options should be available on all trims, so perhaps they'll do that for 2018.

I was also unhappy with all the tradeoffs between the Sport and Platinum models in 2017. The two trims are nearly identical, but both had things I didn't like.

As for aesthetics, I prefer the 2017 fog-lights and sport wheels (they look like signature Audi 5 spoke wheels), but vastly prefer the new 2018 quad pipe look even though it's just for fluff. The sport wheels on the 2018s look like snowflakes.

Overall, decent update.

2017 Ford Explorer Sport Wheels

21" Audi SQ5 wheels (2017 and earlier).

Who copied who? There is no way SQ5's wheels could look so identical to XP sport.

 

[StevenC56]

Anybody know when we can get a part number for the 2018 rear bumper protector?

 

[peterk9]

Anybody know when we can get a part number for the 2018 rear bumper protector?

Just a guess but since production on the 2018 won't begin until October, I would think it might be toward the end of this year.

Peter

 

[StevenC56]

Just a guess but since production on the 2018 won't begin until October, I would think it might be toward the end of this year.

Peter

If that's the case I need to figure out something else for protection until then.

 

[kmarnes]

Who copied who? There is no way SQ5's wheels could look so identical to XP sport.

Ford absolutely copied Audi. Those Audi wheels have been out for a few years and they are on several models But I'm not complaining. They are nice looking wheels.

 

[kmarnes]

Just a guess but since production on the 2018 won't begin until October, I would think it might be toward the end of this year.

Peter

I bought my 2017 off the lot in August 2016 -- but I was test driving them in July. So perhaps sooner.

 

[peterk9]

I bought my 2017 off the lot in August 2016 -- but I was test driving them in July. So perhaps sooner.

The production start up date for the 2018 is October 16th. Later than previous model years so I doubt any accessories will available much before that.
http://www.explorerforum.com/xenfor...xplorer-will-be-released.457499/#post-3610713

Peter

 

[TBill]

For 2018, Explorer also offers a newly available Safe and Smart Package that combines high-demand driver-assist features for a great value. The package includes:

• Blind Spot Information System uses radar to trigger a warning when another motorist is in the driver’s blind spot
• Cross-traffic alert uses radar to help alert drivers to oncoming traffic when backing out of a parking space
• Lane-keeping system automatically detects left- and right-hand road lane markings using front camera system. A vibration in the steering wheel alerts the driver if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane. System can also provide steering torque to help guide the vehicle back into the lane if needed
• Auto high-beams use windshield-mounted cameras to automatically switch between high-beam and low-beam settings when oncoming traffic is detected
• Rain-sensing wipers

#20− QuoteReply
Already have most of that stuff on my 2014 limited. Guess I'll wait until 2020 for a total new design.
TB

 

[peterk9]

I think that what it means is that those items amy now be included in the new Safe and Smart Package where before they may have been parts of different ones. Just a guess.

 

[Sgt1411]

Anybody know when we can get a part number for the 2018 rear bumper protector?

I'm working on it.........it's not available yet so when they go to production I should have it

 

[Sgt1411]

The production start up date for the 2018 is October 16th. Later than previous model years so I doubt any accessories will available much before that.
http://www.explorerforum.com/xenfor...xplorer-will-be-released.457499/#post-3610713

Peter

Also a short 2019 MY due to the launch of the 2020 model redesign.

 

[StevenC56]

I'm working on it.........it's not available yet so when they go to production I should have it

Man, October is a long way off. We've been really careful in the 1.5 months we've owned ours, but I really need to do something soon.

 

[peterk9]

Man, October is a long way off. We've been really careful in the 1.5 months we've owned ours, but I really need to do something soon.

I would guess that this one would fit, or some of the other is that thread; http://www.explorerforum.com/xenfor...-bumper-protectors.317678/page-7#post-3568989

Peter

 

[StevenC56]

I would guess that this one would fit, or some of the other is that thread; http://www.explorerforum.com/xenfor...-bumper-protectors.317678/page-7#post-3568989

Peter

I've looked at those. They look pretty thick however and our tailgate lower lip is pretty close to the top of the bumper when closed. I'd really prefer to stick with all Ford accessories. I may just do clearbra or another film like that until the new Ford protector becomes available.

 

[Sgt1411]

Houston we have a problem!

From the pictures I have seen of the 2018 Prototypes it appears the new rear bumper protector may be integrated into the top of the bumper.

In such a way that its countersunk or recessed into the top of the bumper to make it flush with the rest of the bumper top.

Unknown if we can retro fit to the 16.17 model years.

Have to wait until we get one to see exactly.

 

[cwescapexlt4x4]

That is an interesting change and really would take some "sales" of the protectors away from the local dealers/online dealers. That said, also shows the need and Ford is listening (at times) to customer feedback and an area that can be easily damaged. Thanks @Sgt1411 for your reports/info!

 

[StevenC56]

Houston we have a problem!

From the pictures I have seen of the 2018 Prototypes it appears the new rear bumper protector may be integrated into the top of the bumper.

In such a way that its countersunk or recessed into the top of the bumper to make it flush with the rest of the bumper top.

Unknown if we can retro fit to the 16.17 model years.

Have to wait until we get one to see exactly.

If that's the case then I need to find a suitable aftermarket version. The one that quite a few people here have recommended isn't even an Explorer proprietary part so I found out. It's a generic protector that suppose to fit several vehicles. It looks too thick to me, plus the pictures show a pretty large gap and less than acceptable fit where the lip rolls over the edge.

 

[Eric F]

If that's the case then I need to find a suitable aftermarket version. The one that quite a few people here have recommended isn't even an Explorer proprietary part so I found out. It's a generic protector that suppose to fit several vehicles. It looks too thick to me, plus the pictures show a pretty large gap and less than acceptable fit where the lip rolls over the edge.

If you're talking about this one...

It's definitely thicker than the very thin OEM protector, but I don't find it at all "too thick", nor do I have an issue with the fit against the bumper (pretty easy to self-install and get good results). As for protection, it does a great job for my needs where I'm moving gear in and out of my cargo area multiple times per week. It's also very good as a foot rest when my kid ties up her cleats.

That said, the integrated bumper protection of the previous generation Exs is far superior to this add-on.

Edit: Why does it matter if the bumper protector is proprietary to the Ex? If it fits (it does), and it does the job (it does), that's all that matters to me.