2018 Ford Explorer Oil Capacity(+Recommended Oils)

The 2018 Explorer was available with three engine options: a 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder, a 3.5L Duratec V6, and a 3.5L EcoBoost V6. Each engine has different oil requirements.

2018 Ford Explorer Oil Capacity

The 2018 Ford Explorer takes 5.7 US quarts (5.4 liters) of oil for the 2.3L EcoBoost engine and 6.0 US quarts (5.7 liters) for both 3.5L V6 engines.

Engine	Oil Capacity With Filter	Recommended Oil
2.3L EcoBoost I4	5.7 qt (5.4 L)	SAE 5W-30
3.5L Duratec V6	6.0 qt (5.7 L)	SAE 5W-20
3.5L EcoBoost V6	6.0 qt (5.7 L)	SAE 5W-30

Important: Do not confuse the 3.5L Duratec engine with the 3.5L EcoBoost. Although both have six cylinders and similar displacement, they require different oil viscosities.

Best Engine Oils for 2018 Ford Explorer

Ford recommends SAE 5W-30 for both EcoBoost engines and SAE 5W-20 for the naturally aspirated 3.5L Duratec engine.

1. Motorcraft SAE 5W-30 Premium Synthetic Blend

MOTORCRAFT – Oil – Engine (XO5W305Q3SP)

Leading Manufacturer Of High-Quality Products
International Renown For Our Diverse Range Of Award-Winning Products
Fully Equipped With State-Of-The-Art Technology

Buy on Amazon

Motorcraft SAE 5W-30 Premium Synthetic Blend is a factory-recommended oil for the 2018 Ford Explorer’s EcoBoost engines. It meets Ford specification WSS-M2C946-B1 and provides reliable lubrication under different operating conditions.

Key Features:

Recommended for 2.3L and 3.5L EcoBoost engines.
Meets Ford specification WSS-M2C946-B1.
Helps protect against engine wear.
Provides lubrication at high operating temperatures.
Suitable for turbocharged gasoline engines.

2. Motorcraft SAE 5W-20 Premium Synthetic Blend

Motorcraft 5W-20 Motor Oil – XO5W20Q1FS

Motorcraft XO5W20Q1FS – SAE 5W-20 Full Synthetic Motor Oil, 1 Quart
Motor Oil
Part Number: XO5W20Q1FS

$19.46

Buy on Amazon

Motorcraft SAE 5W-20 Premium Synthetic Blend is designed for the naturally aspirated 3.5L Duratec V6 engine. It meets Ford specification WSS-M2C945-B1 and provides the lubrication required for normal engine operation.

Key Features:

Recommended for the naturally aspirated 3.5L V6.
Meets Ford specification WSS-M2C945-B1.
Helps protect engine components against wear.
Supports engine cleanliness.
Helps maintain fuel efficiency.

3. Motorcraft SAE 5W-30 Full Synthetic

Motorcraft XO5W30QSP MOTORCRAFT SAE 5

$90.95

Buy on Amazon

Motorcraft SAE 5W-30 Full Synthetic is another option for the EcoBoost engines, provided the specific product meets the required Ford oil specification. Its synthetic formulation offers protection against oxidation, deposits, and engine wear.

Key Features:

Suitable for EcoBoost engines when specification-compliant.
Provides protection against high-temperature deposits.
Supports cold-start lubrication.
Helps reduce engine wear.
Offers synthetic oil performance under demanding driving conditions.

Important: Always check the oil bottle for the required Ford specification before purchasing. Use SAE 5W-30 for the 2.3L and 3.5L EcoBoost engines and SAE 5W-20 for the naturally aspirated 3.5L Duratec V6.

Recommended Oil Type for the 2018 Ford Explorer

1. 2.3L EcoBoost Engine

The 2.3L turbocharged four-cylinder engine uses SAE 5W-30 motor oil. Ford recommends Motorcraft 5W-30 Premium Synthetic Blend Motor Oil meeting specification WSS-M2C946-B1.

This oil provides the lubrication needed for the engine’s operating conditions and helps protect turbocharged components.

2. 3.5L Duratec V6 Engine

The naturally aspirated 3.5L V6 uses SAE 5W-20 motor oil. Ford recommends Motorcraft 5W-20 Premium Synthetic Blend Motor Oil meeting specification WSS-M2C945-B1.

Using the recommended viscosity helps maintain proper lubrication and engine efficiency.

3. 3.5L EcoBoost V6 Engine

The twin-turbocharged 3.5L EcoBoost engine requires SAE 5W-30 motor oil. Ford recommends Motorcraft 5W-30 Premium Synthetic Blend Motor Oil meeting specification WSS-M2C946-B1.

Because this engine uses turbochargers, selecting oil that meets the required Ford specification is particularly important.

What Is the Best Oil for a 2018 Ford Explorer?

When choosing replacement oil, prioritize the recommended viscosity and Ford specification rather than selecting a product based on its brand name alone.

Some suitable options include:

Motorcraft SAE 5W-30: A factory-recommended option for the 2.3L and 3.5L EcoBoost engines.
Motorcraft SAE 5W-20: A factory-recommended option for the naturally aspirated 3.5L Duratec V6.
Other specification-compliant synthetic oils: Full synthetic products can be considered when their labels confirm the required viscosity and Ford specification.

Always check the product label before purchasing. A 5W-30 oil is not automatically interchangeable with 5W-20 simply because both are suitable for gasoline engines.

How Often Should You Change the Oil?

The 2018 Ford Explorer comes with Ford’s Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor. This system calculates when an oil change is needed based on driving conditions, engine operation, and other factors.

The following are general oil change guidelines:

Driving Conditions Change Interval

Normal driving 7,500–10,000 miles

Severe driving 5,000–7,500 miles

Extreme driving 3,000–5,000 miles

Severe driving includes frequent towing, carrying heavy loads, driving on mountainous roads, extended idling, and prolonged operation in hot or cold conditions.

Ford also recommends not exceeding one year or 10,000 miles between oil changes.

For vehicles operating in hot climates, including parts of Africa, more frequent oil changes may be necessary depending on the oil specification and driving conditions. Follow the maintenance schedule in your owner's manual.

Regular oil changes help remove contaminants and maintain the lubrication properties needed to protect engine components.

How to Change Oil in a 2018 Ford Explorer

Changing the engine oil is a straightforward maintenance task if you have the correct equipment and follow the appropriate safety procedures.

You will need:

The correct amount of engine oil for your engine.
A compatible replacement oil filter.
An oil drain pan.
A suitable wrench or socket.
An oil filter removal tool.
A funnel.
A vehicle jack and properly rated jack stands, if necessary.

Follow these steps:

Prepare the vehicle: Park the Explorer on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and allow the engine to cool enough for safe servicing.
Locate the drain plug: Position an oil drain pan beneath the engine’s oil pan.
Drain the old oil: Carefully remove the drain plug and allow the old oil to drain completely.
Replace the oil filter: Remove the old filter and install a compatible replacement. Lubricate the new filter’s sealing gasket with fresh engine oil.
Reinstall the drain plug: Inspect the drain plug and sealing washer, replacing damaged components as necessary. Tighten according to the correct service specification.
Add fresh oil: Pour in the recommended oil, initially leaving some room to check the final level.
Check for leaks: Start the engine briefly and inspect around the drain plug and filter for leaks.
Check the oil level: Switch off the engine, allow the oil to settle, and use the dipstick to verify the level.
Reset the oil-life monitor: Reset the system using the vehicle’s information display.

Do not pour the entire rated capacity into the engine without checking the dipstick. The final oil level should remain between the minimum and maximum marks.

How to Check the Engine Oil Level

Checking the oil level regularly helps identify leaks or excessive oil consumption before they cause serious engine problems.

Follow these steps:

Park the vehicle on level ground.
Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature.
Switch off the engine and wait approximately 15 minutes.
Open the hood and locate the engine oil dipstick.
Remove the dipstick and wipe it with a clean, lint-free cloth.
Reinsert the dipstick fully and remove it again.
Check that the oil level is between the MIN and MAX marks.
Add the correct oil if the level is at or below the minimum mark, then recheck.

Avoid overfilling the engine. Oil above the maximum mark can cause engine damage.

2018 Ford Explorer Oil Filter

Replacing the oil filter during every oil change is important because the filter captures dirt, metal particles, and other contaminants circulating through the lubrication system.

Ford recommends Motorcraft oil filters for the Explorer. The following are commonly listed filter options for the respective engines:

Engine. Recommended Filter

2.3L EcoBoost Motorcraft FL-910-S

3.5L Duratec V6 Motorcraft FL-500-S

3.5L EcoBoost V6 Motorcraft FL-500-S

Always confirm filter compatibility using your vehicle’s engine and parts catalog before purchasing.

Signs Your 2018 Ford Explorer Needs an Oil Change

Even with a functioning oil-life monitoring system, it is important to recognize signs that your engine oil may need attention.

1. Dark or Dirty Engine Oil

Engine oil naturally becomes darker as it collects contaminants. However, unusually dirty oil combined with extended service intervals may indicate that an oil change is overdue.

2. Engine Noise

Insufficient or degraded engine oil can affect lubrication and contribute to increased friction. You may notice unusual ticking, knocking, or rattling sounds.

3. Oil Warning Light

If the oil pressure warning light illuminates, stop the engine as soon as it is safe. Check the oil level and investigate the cause before continuing to drive.

4. Reduced Engine Performance

Poor lubrication can increase friction and contribute to engine wear. If you notice unusual performance changes, have the vehicle inspected.

5. Low Oil Level

Check the dipstick regularly, particularly before long trips. If the oil level repeatedly drops, inspect for leaks or excessive oil consumption.

What Happens If You Use the Wrong Oil?

Using an incorrect oil viscosity or oil that does not meet Ford’s specifications can affect engine lubrication and performance.

For example, using 5W-20 in an engine designed for 5W-30 may result in lubrication characteristics different from those intended by Ford.

This is especially important for the EcoBoost engines, which use turbochargers and require oil meeting the specified requirements.

Always follow the recommended oil grade for your particular engine rather than assuming all 2018 Explorer models use the same oil.

FAQs

How much oil does a 2018 Ford Explorer take?

The 2018 Ford Explorer takes 5.7 quarts (5.4 liters) for the 2.3L EcoBoost engine and 6.0 quarts (5.7 liters) for both the 3.5L Duratec and 3.5L EcoBoost engines. These capacities include the oil filter.

What type of oil does a 2018 Ford Explorer use?

The 2.3L EcoBoost and 3.5L EcoBoost engines use SAE 5W-30 oil. The naturally aspirated 3.5L Duratec V6 uses SAE 5W-20 oil.

Can I use full synthetic oil in my 2018 Ford Explorer?

Yes. You can use full synthetic oil if it meets the required viscosity and Ford specification for your engine. Check the product label before purchasing.

How many miles can a 2018 Ford Explorer go between oil changes?

Under normal driving conditions, the oil-life monitoring system may indicate an oil change interval of 7,500–10,000 miles. Severe and extreme operating conditions require more frequent oil changes.

Does the 2018 Ford Explorer have an oil-life monitoring system?

Yes. The Explorer has an Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor that calculates when an oil change is needed and displays a maintenance notification on the instrument cluster.

Should I replace the oil filter every time?

Yes. Replacing the oil filter during every oil change helps ensure that fresh engine oil is properly filtered.

Final Thoughts

The 2018 Ford Explorer oil capacity ranges from 5.7 to 6.0 US quarts, depending on the engine. The 2.3L EcoBoost requires 5.7 quarts of SAE 5W-30, while the 3.5L Duratec and 3.5L EcoBoost engines require 6.0 quarts.

Always use the correct oil viscosity and Ford-approved specification for your engine. Replace the oil filter during every oil change, monitor the dipstick, and follow the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor to maintain reliable engine performance.