2025 Audi A4 allroad vs 2025 Ford Explorer
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Audi A4 allroad sings a song of sophisticated capability, blending the utility of a wagon with precise German engineering, setting its starting MSRP at $47,600. Conversely, the 2025 Ford Explorer charges onto the scene with raw, American muscle, boasting 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque right out of the gate, albeit utilizing regular unleaded. While the Explorer packs a significant 39 hp advantage over the Audi's 261 hp output, the A4 allroad offers superior fuel economy with 26 combined MPG versus the Explorer's 24. The Audi’s smaller footprint (187.5 inches long) suggests nimbler handling compared to the bulkier Explorer (198.8 inches long). Despite the Explorer’s lower initial price of $40,050, buyers must weigh that against the A4 allroad’s standard Quattro AWD system and more efficient 7-speed automated manual transmission.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Audi A4 allroad
Its superior combined MPG of 26 and likely more refined highway manners make the A4 allroad a smoother daily driver.
2025 Ford Explorer
The Explorer’s crossover dimensions, offering greater overall height and width, generally translate to more immediate passenger and practical hauling space.
2025 Ford Explorer
With 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque routed through a rear-wheel-drive biased architecture, the Explorer promises a more exciting power delivery.
2025 Ford Explorer
Under cutting $7,550 from the Audi’s price while delivering 39 more horsepower makes the Explorer compelling financially.
Choose the Audi A4 allroad if...
- A sophisticated, lower ride height wagon profile appeals more than a traditional crossover stance.
- Efficiency is a high priority, indicated by its 30 MPG highway rating.
- Preference is given to premium German engineering and the security of standard All-Wheel Drive.
Choose the Ford Explorer if...
- Maximizing raw horsepower (300 hp) and torque (310 lb-ft) for less money is key.
- Need for the simplicity and lower operating cost of regular unleaded fuel.
- A true crossover footprint providing more interior volume is necessary, despite its slightly lower cargo capacity of 18.2 cu ft.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi A4 allroad | Ford Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 187.5" | 198.8" |
| Width | 72.7" | 78.9" |
| Height | 58.8" | 69.9" |
| Wheelbase | 110.9" | 119.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Audi | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front 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 Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 Multi-Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 2 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | — |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags (with Head Protection Chamber) | — | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Audi | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.3 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 261 hp @ 6300 rpm | 300 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 273 lb-ft @ 4200 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 | Audi | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 7-speed automated manual | 10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Audi | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 23/30 MPG | 20/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 351.9/459.0 mi. | 358.0/519.1 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.3 gal. | 17.9 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Audi | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Heated Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Cargo Floor Mats | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Audi | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.1 in | — |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | 180W | — |
| Speaker System | 10 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Audi | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | — |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Audi | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 37.4 in. | 40.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.3 in. | 43.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 61.8 in. |
| Seat Material: Leather | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Front Hip Room | — | 59.2 in. |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Audi | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.4 in. | 40.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.7 in. | 39.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.5 in. | 61.9 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | — |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 59.1 in. |
| Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Audi | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 245/45R H | P255/65R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 18 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Audi | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Audi | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi A4 allroad and 2025 Ford Explorer.
How significant is the difference in size between these two vehicles?
The 2025 Ford Explorer is substantially larger, measuring 198.8 inches long and 69.9 inches tall, while the 2025 Audi A4 allroad is more compact at 187.5 inches in length and 58.8 inches in height.
Which vehicle offers better fuel economics for long highway trips?
The Audi A4 allroad wins this metric easily, projecting 30 MPG on the highway compared to the Explorer’s 29 MPG, alongside its 26 combined MPG rating.
Does the Ford Explorer’s RWD bias affect its expected handling versus the Audi’s Quattro AWD?
Yes, the Explorer’s rear-wheel-drive focus is inherently more rear-biased for spirited driving, contrasting with the A4 allroad’s standard, traction-focused All-Wheel Drive system.
How does the price discrepancy relate to the power output?
The $7,550 lower MSRP on the Ford Explorer nets the driver 39 extra horsepower and 37 more lb-ft of torque compared to the Audi.
Are there major differences in how these vehicles manage shifting?
The Audi utilizes a quick-shifting 7-speed automated manual, whereas the Explorer employs a conventional 10-speed automatic transmission for power delivery.
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