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 families and drivers who need flexible space, available all-wheel drive, and meaningful towing capability. At Larry H. Miller Ford Mesa in Mesa, AZ, this page covers the Explorer’s trim pricing, engine choices, fuel economy, dimensions, cargo capacity, and towing specifications, along with comparisons to other 2018 Ford SUVs. Pricing begins at $32,140 before applicable costs, while the lineup spans multiple powertrains and equipment levels. Shoppers can review current Ford inventory online, explore trade-in options, and contact the Mesa dealership for help comparing the Explorer with other vehicles in the Ford lineup.

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 Ford’s Lineup

Pricing, seating, power, efficiency, and towing help define how the Explorer fits among Ford’s 2018 SUVs. The Explorer’s starting MSRP is $32,140, and MSRP excludes tax, title, registration and dealer fees.

2018 Ford Explorer compared with 2018 Ford Edge, 2018 Ford Escape, 2018 Ford EcoSport
Spec2018 Ford Explorer2018 Ford Edge2018 Ford Escape2018 Ford EcoSport
Starting MSRP$32,140$29,315$23,940$19,995
Horsepower280–365 hp245–315 hp168–245 hp123–166 hp
EPA MPG17–19 city / 24–27 hwy17–20 city / 24–29 hwy21–23 city / 28–30 hwy23–27 city / 29 hwy
Max Towing5,000 lbs—1,500–3,500 lbs1,400–2,000 lbs
Seating7 seats5 seats5 seats5 seats
DrivetrainFront Wheel Drive / All Wheel DriveFront Wheel Drive / All Wheel Drive——
FuelFlex-Fuel (Unleaded/E85) / Regular UnleadedPremium Unleaded (Recommended) / Regular UnleadedRegular Unleaded / Premium Unleaded (Recommended)Regular Unleaded

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 Ford Edge, the Explorer starts at $32,140 versus $29,315 and seats seven rather than five. The Edge offers 245–315 hp and 17–20 city / 24–29 highway MPG, while the Explorer offers 280–365 hp and 17–19 city / 24–27 highway MPG; the Edge may suit shoppers seeking a smaller five-seat SUV, while the Explorer favors buyers needing more seating and up to 5,000 pounds of towing.

Compared with the 2018 Ford Escape, the Explorer starts at $32,140 versus $23,940 and provides seven seats instead of five. The Escape offers 168–245 hp, 21–23 city / 28–30 highway MPG, and 1,500–3,500 pounds of towing, while the Explorer offers 280–365 hp, 17–19 city / 24–27 highway MPG, and up to 5,000 pounds of towing; the Escape may appeal to efficiency-focused shoppers, while the Explorer supports larger seating and towing needs.

Compared with the 2018 Ford EcoSport, the Explorer starts at $32,140 versus $19,995 and seats seven rather than five. The EcoSport offers 123–166 hp and 23–27 city / 29 highway MPG, while the Explorer offers 280–365 hp and 17–19 city / 24–27 highway MPG; the EcoSport may fit buyers prioritizing a smaller SUV and fuel economy, while the Explorer offers greater seating and towing capacity.

Specifications and Configuration

The 2018 Ford Explorer uses an automatic six-speed transmission and is offered with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Across its five trims, engine choices range from a 2.3-liter inline four-cylinder to a 3.5-liter V6, with 280–365 horsepower and 255–350 lb-ft of torque.

Explorer fuel choices include flex-fuel using unleaded/E85 and regular unleaded. The SUV measures 198.7 inches long, 78.9 inches wide, and 70 inches high, with a 112.8-inch wheelbase. It provides 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, an 18.6-gallon fuel capacity, and a 4,453-pound curb weight.

Buying a 2018 Ford Explorer in Mesa

Larry H. Miller Ford Mesa serves Mesa, Tempe, Scottsdale, Chandler, Gilbert, and the greater Phoenix area. Vehicle availability changes, so shoppers can search inventory for current listings and contact the dealership at (480) 690-1279 for assistance.

Trade-in shoppers can use the dealership’s trade-in tool before visiting. The store is located in Mesa, AZ, and offers a local starting point for comparing Ford SUVs, reviewing financing options, and arranging an in-person visit.

What to Weigh Before Buying

Consider how often all seven seats will be used, whether front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive better fits the intended use, and how much towing capability is needed. The Explorer’s trim range also changes engine layout, fuel type, horsepower, torque, and fuel economy, so the preferred configuration should match daily driving priorities.

Fuel economy ranges from 17–19 city MPG and 24–27 highway MPG across the lineup, while maximum towing reaches 5,000 pounds. Comparing those figures with seating needs, cargo space, and budget can help narrow the available Explorer trims.

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 three-row layout gives families more seating flexibility than the five-seat Ford Edge, Escape, and EcoSport comparisons. The Explorer also has 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats.

  • Seven-passenger seating
  • 21 cubic feet behind the rear seats
  • SUV body style
What is the starting price of the 2018 Ford Explorer?The 2018 Ford Explorer starts at $32,140 MSRP.

Across the five-trim lineup, starting MSRP ranges from $32,140 to $53,940. MSRP excludes tax, title, registration and dealer fees.

  • Five trims
  • Starting MSRP range of $32,140–$53,940
  • Destination charge of $995
What engines and powertrains are available?The Explorer offers 2.3-liter four-cylinder and 3.5-liter V6 engine configurations.

Power ranges from 280–365 horsepower and torque ranges from 255–350 lb-ft. Drivetrain choices are front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

  • 2.3–3.5-liter engines
  • 280–365 horsepower
  • Front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive
How fuel efficient is the 2018 Ford Explorer?The 2018 Ford Explorer is rated for 17–19 city MPG and 24–27 highway MPG across trims.

Fuel type varies by configuration, with flex-fuel using unleaded/E85 and regular unleaded offered in the lineup. Engine and drivetrain selection affect the applicable fuel-economy figures.

  • 17–19 city MPG
  • 24–27 highway MPG
  • Flex-fuel or regular unleaded
How much can the 2018 Ford Explorer tow?The 2018 Ford Explorer can tow up to 5,000 pounds.

That maximum gives the Explorer a higher stated towing capacity than the 2018 Ford Escape’s 1,500–3,500 pounds and the 2018 Ford EcoSport’s 1,400–2,000 pounds. Actual suitability depends on the selected configuration and intended load.

  • Maximum towing of 5,000 pounds
  • Escape towing range of 1,500–3,500 pounds
  • EcoSport towing range of 1,400–2,000 pounds
Should I choose the Explorer or the 2018 Ford Edge?The Explorer suits shoppers who need seven seats and up to 5,000 pounds of towing, while the Edge seats five.

The Edge starts at $29,315 and offers 245–315 hp with 17–20 city / 24–29 highway MPG. The Explorer starts at $32,140 and offers 280–365 hp with 17–19 city / 24–27 highway MPG.

  • Explorer seating: seven
  • Edge seating: five
  • Both offer front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive
How can I see a 2018 Ford Explorer in person?Contact Larry H. Miller Ford Mesa and check current listings before visiting.

Inventory changes over time, so the dealership’s live inventory is the best place to begin. The Mesa store serves shoppers throughout the East Valley and greater Phoenix area.