The 2018 Ford Explorer generally requires 5W-20 motor oil, with the exact amount depending on the engine installed. Always verify with your owner's manual or the under-hood oil filler label.
Engine options and oil requirements
In 2018, the Explorer offered two main engines. Ford commonly specifies 5W-20 engine oil for both powertrains, with different oil capacities depending on the engine installed. Synthetic oil (or synthetic blend) is preferred for protection and longer change intervals; use the capacity noted for your engine when performing a full oil change.
Note: The oil grade and capacity differ by engine. The following guide covers the two engines used in the 2018 Explorer.
- 2.3L EcoBoost I-4: 5W-20 synthetic oil (synthetic blend or full synthetic); oil capacity about 5.0 quarts with filter.
- 3.5L Ti-VCT V6: 5W-20 synthetic oil (synthetic blend or full synthetic); oil capacity about 5.7 quarts with filter.
Because oil capacity and exact grade can vary by engine and model year, always confirm with the owner's manual or the under-hood oil filler cap.
General oil-change guidelines for the 2018 Explorer
To maintain engine longevity, follow Ford's guidance on oil changes and recommended oil types. The following steps outline common practices for the 2018 Explorer.
- Use the grade specified for your engine (typically 5W-20) and choose synthetic or synthetic blend for longer intervals.
- Ensure you have the correct oil capacity for your engine (about 5.0 quarts for the 2.3L EcoBoost or about 5.7 quarts for the 3.5L V6, including the filter).
- Adhere to the recommended change intervals based on oil type and driving conditions; consult the manual for exact miles or time between changes.
- Replace the oil filter with every oil change and use a high-quality filter.
- After changing the oil, reset the maintenance reminder and dispose of used oil responsibly.
Summary
For the 2018 Ford Explorer, the standard oil grade is 5W-20, with engine-specific capacities: roughly 5.0 quarts for the 2.3L EcoBoost and about 5.7 quarts for the 3.5L V6 (including the filter). Synthetic or synthetic-blend oil is recommended, and you should always verify the exact specification in your owner's manual or on the engine oil filler cap. Following the correct interval and using the right filter will help keep your Explorer running smoothly.