2025 Acura ADX vs 2025 Ford Explorer
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Acura ADX excites with precision handling wrapped in an accessible package, starting at a sharp $35,000. Its focus is efficiency, boasting a combined 28 MPG from its 190 hp powertrain driving the front wheels. Contrast that with the muscular 2025 Ford Explorer, a powerhouse starting at $40,050, delivering a commanding 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque through its RWD-biased platform and 10-speed automatic. While the Explorer is significantly larger at 198.8 inches long, the ADX counters with better fuel economy, offering 4 MPG better combined efficiency. This comparison pits Acura's sharp, efficient urban utility against the Explorer’s substantial, road-devouring thrust, separated by a clear $5,050 price gap and a massive 110 hp gulf in straight-line potential.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Acura ADX
Its superior 28 combined MPG and lower initial $35,000 MSRP make the ADX the financially sensible choice for daily repetition.
2025 Ford Explorer
The Explorer's larger overall footprint, measuring 198.8 inches long compared to the ADX's 185.8 inches, suggests superior passenger and cargo accommodation despite the specified cargo discrepancy.
2025 Ford Explorer
With 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque routed through a responsive 10-speed automatic, the Explorer promises a far more exhilarating drive than the 190 hp ADX.
2025 Acura ADX
Saving $5,050 upfront while achieving 28 MPG offers a compelling balance of usability and long-term ownership savings over the Explorer.
Choose the Acura ADX if...
- Budget consciousness dictates keeping the purchase price under $36,000.
- Maximizing fuel stops is a priority, thanks to the 28 combined MPG rating.
- A tighter turning radius afforded by the 185.8-inch length is necessary for urban parking.
Choose the Ford Explorer if...
- Accessing 300 horsepower for immediate, thrilling acceleration is essential.
- Rear-wheel drive dynamics and a sophisticated 10-speed transmission are preferred for driving feel.
- Needing the robust dimensions of a 198.8-inch long crossover for maximum capability.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Acura ADX | Ford Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.8" | 198.8" |
| Width | 72.5" | 78.9" |
| Height | 63.8" | 69.9" |
| Wheelbase | 104.5" | 119.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Acura | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | — |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | — |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 2 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags (with Head Protection Chamber) | — | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Acura | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.5 L | 2.3 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 190 hp @ 6000 rpm | 300 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 179 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm | 310 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Acura | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Acura | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 26/31 MPG | 20/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 28 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 364.0/434.0 mi. | 358.0/519.1 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.0 gal. | 17.9 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Acura | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Acura | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 9.0 in | — |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 8 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Acura | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 2 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Acura | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.4 in. | 40.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.9 in. | 43.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.6 in. | 61.8 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.0 in. | 59.2 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Acura | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.0 in. | 40.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 37.7 in. | 39.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.2 in. | 61.9 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 47.4 in. | 59.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Acura | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.0 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/55R H | P255/65R18 |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 18 in |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Underbody Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Acura | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Acura | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 6 yr./ 70000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ 12000 mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Acura ADX and 2025 Ford Explorer.
How much more power does the Ford Explorer offer over the Acura ADX?
The 2025 Ford Explorer generates a substantial 300 hp, which is precisely 110 horsepower more than the 190 hp offered by the 2025 Acura ADX.
Is the Acura ADX substantially cheaper than the Ford Explorer?
Yes, the starting MSRP for the 2025 Acura ADX is $35,000, creating a $5,050 price advantage over the base 2025 Ford Explorer at $40,050.
Which crossover is better for long highway road trips based purely on fuel economy?
The 2025 Acura ADX should allow for fewer fuel stops, achieving 31 MPG on the highway compared to the Explorer's 29 MPG highway rating.
Does the drive type significantly affect performance characteristics?
The ADX utilizes front-wheel drive, focusing on stable, efficient handling, whereas the Explorer's standard rear-wheel drive setup caters to more traditional performance driving characteristics.
Which vehicle requires premium fuel?
Buyers looking to maximize the output of the 2025 Acura ADX will find it recommends premium unleaded fuel, while the 2025 Ford Explorer operates on regular unleaded.
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