Larry H. Miller Ford Mesa

2026 Ford Explorer

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

  • Starting MSRP$38,330
  • Horsepower300 hp
  • EPA MPG20 city / 29 hwy
  • Max Towing5,300 lbs
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Common questions
2025 Ford Explorer Platinum
2025 Ford Explorer Platinum shown

The 2026 Ford Explorer brings three-row SUV flexibility to Larry H. Miller Ford Mesa in Mesa, AZ, with seating for 6–7 passengers and a single available trim. This page gives shoppers a clear look at its 2.3-liter engine, rear-wheel drive, fuel economy, towing capacity, dimensions, cargo space, and starting MSRP, along with comparisons to the 2026 Dodge Durango, 2026 GMC Acadia, and 2026 Buick Enclave. The Explorer pairs 300 horsepower with a 10-speed transmission, 20 city / 29 highway MPG, and up to 5,300 pounds of towing capability. Shoppers can review live Ford inventory, explore financing, value a trade, and connect with Larry H. Miller Ford Mesa before visiting 460 East Auto Center Drive.

Starting MSRP
$38,330
Horsepower
300 hp
EPA MPG
20 city / 29 hwy
Max Towing
5,300 lbs
Seating
6–7 seats
Drivetrain
Rear Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Unleaded
Body Style
SUV

How the 2026 Ford Explorer Compares With Competitors

Pricing, power, fuel economy, towing, seating, and drivetrain help define how the 2026 Ford Explorer fits among similarly sized SUVs. The Explorer's starting MSRP is $38,330; MSRP excludes tax, title, registration and dealer fees.

2026 Ford Explorer compared with 2026 Dodge Durango, 2026 GMC Acadia, 2026 Buick Enclave
Spec2026 Ford Explorer2026 Dodge Durango2026 GMC Acadia2026 Buick Enclave
Starting MSRP$38,330$38,995$43,700$46,200
Horsepower300 hp295 hp328 hp328 hp
EPA MPG20 city / 29 hwy18 city / 25 hwy20 city / 27 hwy20 city / 27 hwy
Max Towing5,300 lbs6,200 lbs5,000 lbs5,000 lbs
Seating6–7 seats5–7 seats7–8 seats7 seats
DrivetrainRear Wheel DriveRear Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel Drive
FuelRegular UnleadedRegular UnleadedRegular UnleadedRegular Unleaded

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

The 2026 Ford Explorer starts at $38,330, compared with $38,995 for the 2026 Dodge Durango. Explorer power is 300 hp versus 295 hp, while fuel economy is 20 city / 29 hwy compared with 18 city / 25 hwy; Durango offers 6,200 lbs of towing versus 5,300 lbs for the Explorer. Both use rear-wheel drive and regular unleaded, so buyers prioritizing efficiency and horsepower may favor the Explorer, while those focused on maximum towing may prefer the Durango.

The 2026 Ford Explorer starts below the 2026 GMC Acadia's $43,700 MSRP and produces 300 hp versus 328 hp. Explorer fuel economy is 20 city / 29 hwy compared with Acadia's 20 city / 27 hwy, and Explorer towing is 5,300 lbs versus 5,000 lbs; the Explorer uses rear-wheel drive while the Acadia uses front-wheel drive. The Explorer seats 6–7, while the Acadia seats 7–8, giving each model a different fit for shoppers weighing seating capacity, drivetrain, power, and towing.

The 2026 Ford Explorer starts at $38,330, below the 2026 Buick Enclave's $46,200 starting MSRP. The Explorer produces 300 hp versus 328 hp, returns 20 city / 29 hwy versus 20 city / 27 hwy, and tows 5,300 lbs versus 5,000 lbs; the Explorer has rear-wheel drive while the Enclave has front-wheel drive. Both use regular unleaded, with the Explorer seating 6–7 and the Enclave seating 7.

2026 Ford Explorer Specifications and Configuration

The 2026 Ford Explorer is a rear-wheel-drive SUV offered in one trim. Its inline-4 engine measures 2.3 liters and 2,294 cc, produces 300 hp at 5,500 rpm and 310 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm, and works with a 10-speed transmission.

Regular unleaded fuel feeds the 17.9-gallon tank. The Explorer provides 16.3 cu ft of cargo space behind the rear seats, with seating for 6–7 passengers and a maximum towing capacity of 5,300 lbs.

Exterior dimensions include a 198.8-inch length, 78.9-inch width, 69.9-inch height, and 119.1-inch wheelbase. Width with mirrors is 89.3 inches.

Buying a 2026 Ford Explorer in Mesa

Larry H. Miller Ford Mesa serves Mesa, Tempe, Scottsdale, Chandler, Gilbert, and the greater Phoenix area from 460 East Auto Center Drive. The store receives vehicles on a rolling basis, and shoppers can search inventory to review current availability before visiting.

Sales support includes streamlined financing, trade-in appraisals, and straightforward pricing. For help after purchase, the Mesa service team offers Ford factory-trained technicians, service scheduling, service specials, and genuine parts.

What to Weigh Before Buying

Start with seating needs, since the Explorer accommodates 6–7 passengers. Its rear-wheel-drive layout, 5,300-pound towing capacity, 20 city / 29 highway MPG, and 16.3 cu ft of cargo space behind the rear seats are useful points to match against daily driving and hauling requirements.

Consider the single-trim configuration alongside the 2.3-liter engine, 10-speed transmission, regular unleaded fuel, and $38,330 starting MSRP. A trade-in appraisal through value your trade can help inform the purchase conversation.

Frequently Asked Questions

7 common questions answered

Is the 2026 Ford Explorer offered in more than one trim?No, the 2026 Ford Explorer is offered in one trim.

The single-trim configuration keeps the model lineup straightforward for shoppers comparing its core specifications and starting MSRP.

  • Starting MSRP: $38,330
  • Seating for 6–7 passengers
  • Rear-wheel drive
How much does the 2026 Ford Explorer cost?The 2026 Ford Explorer has a starting MSRP of $38,330.

MSRP excludes tax, title, registration and dealer fees. Final purchase details can be discussed with Larry H. Miller Ford Mesa.

  • One available trim
  • Regular unleaded fuel
  • Mesa sales support
Does the 2026 Ford Explorer offer a hybrid powertrain?The 2026 Ford Explorer uses a 2.3-liter inline-4 engine.

Its engine measures 2,294 cc and produces 300 hp with 310 lb-ft of torque.

  • 10-speed transmission
  • Peak power at 5,500 rpm
  • Peak torque at 3,500 rpm
What fuel economy does the 2026 Ford Explorer get?The 2026 Ford Explorer is rated at 20 city / 29 highway MPG.

The Explorer uses regular unleaded fuel and has a 17.9-gallon fuel capacity.

  • Rear-wheel drive
  • 2.3-liter engine
  • 300 horsepower
How much can the 2026 Ford Explorer tow?The 2026 Ford Explorer can tow up to 5,300 pounds.

Its towing capacity pairs with rear-wheel drive, 310 lb-ft of torque, and a 10-speed transmission.

  • 310 lb-ft of torque
  • Peak torque at 3,500 rpm
  • SUV body style
How does the Explorer compare with the 2026 Dodge Durango?The Explorer has higher fuel-economy figures, while the Durango has greater maximum towing capacity.

The Explorer is rated at 20 city / 29 hwy and 5,300 lbs of towing, compared with the Durango's 18 city / 25 hwy and 6,200 lbs. Both use rear-wheel drive and regular unleaded.

  • Explorer horsepower: 300 hp
  • Durango horsepower: 295 hp
  • Explorer starting MSRP: $38,330; Durango starting MSRP: $38,995
How can I see a 2026 Ford Explorer in person?Contact Larry H. Miller Ford Mesa or review its live inventory before visiting.

The dealership is located at 460 East Auto Center Drive in Mesa, AZ. Inventory changes on a rolling basis, so checking current listings is a practical first step.

  • Search new Ford inventory online
  • Call (480) 690-1279
  • Visit Larry H. Miller Ford Mesa in Mesa