Behind The Wheel: 2018 Ford Explorer XLT vs Platinum

With the news that Ford is possibly getting rid of the car line up people have been looking into the SUV market of Ford to get some clarity. Well we looked at two of the explorers in the line up the XLT and the Platinum. This way we can see the difference between the two price points.   Below is the difference top is the XLT and lower is the Platinum:

We will start with the XLT, in this model it came starting at $42,999 MSRP CAD which is about standard for an SUV this size. The XLT comes with your standard features such as power windows, power seats, media inputs ie; USB, SD Card, and AUX. The extras we got was the touch screen with navigation which is an added option.

The interior is faux leather with plastic accents and we were given leather heated seats and duel climate control. In the rear, the seats where 40/60 split seats that can seat 3 if they are smaller or kids you would be fine but hard to stuff 3 adults in the back. But you also got rear climate control standard and option of heated rear seats. Also, if you need devices charged it comes with a 12v plug and a 120v standard plug.

As for the exterior features you get LED headlights, fog lights, and tail lights. Also folding mirrors with blind spot detection, and 18” rims. You also get chrome accents and body color matched handles. The XLT comes with solar tinted front glass and windshield and privacy glass tint in all other windows.

Then when you look at the Platinum here are the extras you get for your extra $18,000. First off instead of the standard 2.3L Ecoboost from the XLT you get upgraded to the 3.5L Ecoboost and get standard intelligent AWD.

The Platinum also comes with standard Nirvana leather interior seats with multi-contour front seats. In the back you get third row power fold seats. Extras you also get standard will be located below:

110V/150W AC power outlet
12V powerpoints, 4 total (2 first row, 1 2nd row, 1 cargo area)
Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision warning with brake support
Ambient Lighting
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror
Blind Spot Information System (BLIS^® with cross-traffic alert)
Floor Mats – Platinum-branded
Dome/map lights in all three rows
Twin-panel moonroof
Enhanced Active Park Assist with Parallel Park, Park out Assist, Reverse Perpendicular Parking, Forward and reverse and side sensing system
Lighted front scuff plates embossed with EXPLORER
Lane Keeping System
Leather-wrapped shift knob
Heated steering wheel
Power tilt/telescoping steering column
Steering wheel, leather-wrapped with wood accent and unique stitching with cruise control, 5-way controls and secondary audio controls
Power-adjustable pedals with memory|
Front 180-degree Camera with Washer
Remote Start
Reverse Sensing System
Forward Sensing System
Sun visors, colour-keyed, single blade, with covered illuminated vanity mirrors
Universal Garage Door Opener
Rear view camera with washer
All-digital Instrument Cluster
Appliqué – Multi-piece with Real Aluminum and Ash Swirl Wood
Leather-Wrapped Door and Console Armrests
Leather-Wrapped IP and Door Rollovers
Upgraded Instrument Cluster
Unique Headliner

So, as you can see you get a fair bit of extras with the Platinum over the XLT but its what you would expect.

Personally, from my stand point they are both great SUV’s but on engine alone I would step up from the XLT to the Sport to get the 3.5 EcoBoost. But I say if you are in the market for an upgrade go-to your local Ford dealership and test drive one!