Larry H. Miller Ford Mesa

2018 Ford Explorer

Now available at Larry H. Miller Ford Mesa in Mesa, AZ

  • Starting MSRP$32,140
  • Horsepower280–365 hp
  • EPA MPG17–19 city / 24–27 hwy
  • Max Towing5,000 lbs
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Common questions
2018 Ford Explorer Platinum
2018 Ford Explorer Platinum shown

The 2018 Ford Explorer is a seven-seat SUV for Mesa-area families and drivers who need practical space, available all-wheel drive, and meaningful towing capability. At Larry H. Miller Ford Mesa in Mesa, Arizona, this page brings together the Explorer’s trim-range pricing, performance, fuel economy, dimensions, cargo capacity, and powertrain choices, along with comparisons to other 2018 SUVs in its class. Shoppers can review the differences between the Explorer’s five trims, consider how its 5,000-pound maximum towing capacity fits their needs, and explore current Ford inventory online before contacting the dealership. Larry H. Miller Ford Mesa also supports trade-in appraisals, financing, service, and parts needs for drivers throughout Mesa and the East Valley.

Starting MSRP
$32,140
Horsepower
280–365 hp
EPA MPG
17–19 city / 24–27 hwy
Max Towing
5,000 lbs
Seating
7 seats
Drivetrain
Front Wheel Drive / All Wheel Drive
Fuel
Flex-Fuel (Unleaded/E85) / Regular Unleaded
Body Style
SUV

How the 2018 Ford Explorer Compares With Competitors

Pricing, power, fuel economy, seating, towing, and fuel requirements can point different shoppers toward different SUVs. The 2018 Ford Explorer starts at $32,140 MSRP; MSRP excludes tax, title, registration and dealer fees.

2018 Ford Explorer compared with 2018 Dodge Durango, 2018 Volkswagen Atlas, 2018 Buick Envision
Spec2018 Ford Explorer2018 Dodge Durango2018 Volkswagen Atlas2018 Buick Envision
Starting MSRP$32,140$32,595$30,750$33,995
Horsepower280–365 hp293–475 hp235–276 hp197 hp
EPA MPG17–19 city / 24–27 hwy13–19 city / 19–26 hwy17–22 city / 23–26 hwy22 city / 29 hwy
Max Towing5,000 lbs6,200–8,700 lbs2,000–5,000 lbs—
Seating7 seats6 seats—5 seats
FuelFlex-Fuel (Unleaded/E85) / Regular UnleadedRegular Unleaded / Premium Unleaded (Recommended)Regular UnleadedFlex-Fuel (Unleaded/E85)

Manufacturer figures for the model year shown; a range spans that model's trims. Starting MSRP excludes tax, title, registration, and dealer fees.

Compared with the 2018 Dodge Durango, the Explorer starts at $32,140 versus $32,595, offers 280–365 horsepower versus 293–475 horsepower, and provides 17–19 city / 24–27 highway MPG compared with 13–19 city / 19–26 highway MPG. The Durango seats 6 and tows 6,200–8,700 lbs, while the Explorer seats 7 and tows 5,000 lbs, making the Explorer a consideration for families prioritizing an additional seat and the Durango a consideration for buyers focused on higher towing figures; the Durango uses Regular Unleaded / Premium Unleaded (Recommended).

Compared with the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas, the Explorer starts at $32,140 versus $30,750 and produces 280–365 horsepower versus 235–276 horsepower. The Explorer’s 17–19 city / 24–27 highway MPG range differs from the Atlas’s 17–22 city / 23–26 highway range, while maximum towing is 5,000 lbs for the Explorer and 2,000–5,000 lbs for the Atlas; the Atlas may suit shoppers emphasizing its lower starting MSRP or broader fuel-economy range, while the Explorer offers a higher stated horsepower range.

Compared with the 2018 Buick Envision, the Explorer starts at $32,140 versus $33,995 and offers 280–365 horsepower versus 197 horsepower. The Explorer seats 7 compared with the Envision’s 5 and reaches 5,000 lbs of maximum towing, while the Envision is rated at 22 city / 29 highway MPG and uses Flex-Fuel (Unleaded/E85); the Explorer fits shoppers seeking more seating and towing capacity, while the Envision fits buyers focused on its stated fuel economy.

Specifications and Configuration

The 2018 Ford Explorer is a seven-seat SUV with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, depending on trim. Across the five trims, horsepower ranges from 280 to 365 hp, torque ranges from 255 to 350 lb-ft, and engine choices span 2.3 to 3.5 L with four- to six-cylinder configurations. Transmission is automatic with six speeds.

Fuel choices include Flex-Fuel (Unleaded/E85) and Regular Unleaded. The Explorer has a 5,000-lb maximum towing capacity, 21 cu ft of cargo space behind the rear seats, an 18.6-gal fuel capacity, and a 4,453-lb curb weight. Its dimensions are 198.7 inches long, 78.9 inches wide, and 70 inches high, with a 112.8-inch wheelbase and 90.2-inch width with mirrors.

Starting MSRP ranges from $32,140 to $53,940 across the five trims, with a $995 destination charge. City fuel economy ranges from 17 to 19 MPG, while highway fuel economy ranges from 24 to 27 MPG. Peak power is reached from 5,500 to 6,500 rpm, and peak torque arrives from 3,000 to 4,000 rpm.

Buying a 2018 Ford Explorer in Mesa

Larry H. Miller Ford Mesa serves Mesa, Tempe, Scottsdale, Chandler, Gilbert, and the greater Phoenix area. The dealership receives vehicles on a rolling basis, so shoppers can search inventory online for current listings and then contact the store about a 2018 Ford Explorer.

Trade-in shoppers can begin with the dealership’s trade-in appraisal process. Larry H. Miller Ford Mesa is located at 460 East Auto Center Drive in Mesa, Arizona, and provides Ford service support through its local service department.

What to Weigh Before Buying

Start by matching the Explorer’s drivetrain and fuel choice to regular driving. Front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive are both offered across the model, while Flex-Fuel (Unleaded/E85) and Regular Unleaded powertrains appear among the configurations.

Trim selection also changes the Explorer’s performance and efficiency figures. Horsepower spans 280 to 365 hp, city fuel economy spans 17 to 19 MPG, and highway fuel economy spans 24 to 27 MPG, so the best fit depends on whether towing, output, or fuel economy matters most.

For family use, the seven-seat layout and 21 cu ft of cargo space behind the rear seats are central considerations. Buyers who plan to tow should keep the 5,000-lb maximum in view when comparing trailers and equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

7 common questions answered

Is the 2018 Ford Explorer a seven-seat SUV?Yes, the 2018 Ford Explorer seats seven people.

Its seating capacity gives families more passenger room than the six-seat 2018 Dodge Durango and five-seat 2018 Buick Envision. Cargo space behind the rear seats is 21 cu ft.

  • Seven-seat SUV body style
  • 21 cu ft behind the rear seats
  • 198.7-inch overall length
What is the starting MSRP of the 2018 Ford Explorer?The 2018 Ford Explorer starts at $32,140 MSRP.

Across the five trims, starting MSRP ranges from $32,140 to $53,940, with a $995 destination charge. MSRP excludes tax, title, registration and dealer fees.

  • Five trims are described for this model
  • Starting MSRP range: $32,140 to $53,940
  • Destination charge: $995
Does the 2018 Ford Explorer offer all-wheel drive?Yes, the 2018 Ford Explorer is offered with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

Drivetrain varies by trim. The XLT and Limited use front-wheel drive in the listed configurations, while the Sport and Platinum use all-wheel drive.

  • Front-wheel drive configurations are offered
  • All-wheel drive configurations are offered
  • Drivetrain varies by trim
How much can the 2018 Ford Explorer tow?The 2018 Ford Explorer can tow up to 5,000 lbs.

The maximum towing figure gives the Explorer useful capacity for trailers and equipment. Towing needs should be matched with the vehicle configuration and the loaded trailer.

  • Maximum towing: 5,000 lbs
  • Seven-seat cabin
  • Available all-wheel drive
What fuel economy does the 2018 Ford Explorer get?The 2018 Ford Explorer is rated at 17–19 city MPG and 24–27 highway MPG across trims.

Fuel economy varies with the selected trim and powertrain. The model uses Flex-Fuel (Unleaded/E85) or Regular Unleaded depending on configuration.

  • City MPG range: 17–19
  • Highway MPG range: 24–27
  • Fuel options include Flex-Fuel and Regular Unleaded
How does the Explorer compare with the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas?The Explorer starts at $32,140, while the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas starts at $30,750.

The Explorer offers 280–365 horsepower and 5,000 lbs of maximum towing, compared with 235–276 horsepower and 2,000–5,000 lbs for the Atlas. The Atlas is rated at 17–22 city / 23–26 highway MPG.

  • Explorer seating: 7 seats
  • Atlas fuel: Regular Unleaded
  • Explorer horsepower: 280–365 hp
How can I see a 2018 Ford Explorer in person?Check Larry H. Miller Ford Mesa’s live inventory and contact the dealership about current availability.

Inventory changes on a rolling basis, so online listings are the practical starting point. Larry H. Miller Ford Mesa is at 460 East Auto Center Drive in Mesa, Arizona.