2025 Audi Q5 vs 2025 Ford Explorer
Comparison Overview
The primary divergence between the 2025 Audi Q5 and the 2025 Ford Explorer is the substantial 99 horsepower gap, with the Explorer achieving 300 hp compared to the Q5's 201 hp. This performance difference is paired with a $5,350 MSRP disparity, with the Explorer starting at $40,050 versus the Q5's $45,400. Fuel efficiency also varies, as the Q5 delivers a superior combined 26 MPG (using premium fuel) against the Explorer's 24 MPG (using regular). Dimensionally, the Explorer is significantly larger, measuring 198.8 inches long versus the Q5's 184.3 inches. Conversely, the Q5 offers a slightly better standard cargo volume at 25.9 cu ft compared to the Explorer's 18.2 cu ft. The drivetrain configuration also separates them, with the Q5 utilizing standard All-Wheel Drive and the base Explorer employing Rear Wheel Drive.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Audi Q5
The Audi Q5 is preferred for commuting due to its superior 26 combined MPG and standard AWD capability.
2025 Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer offers a larger overall footprint, necessary for family hauling, despite having less base cargo space than the Q5.
2025 Ford Explorer
The Explorer's 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque clearly outperform the Q5's 201 hp for spirited driving.
2025 Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer provides significantly more horsepower (300 hp vs 201 hp) for a $5,350 lower starting MSRP.
Choose the Audi Q5 if...
- Your primary goal is maximizing fuel economy, targeting the Q5's 26 combined MPG.
- You require standard All-Wheel Drive confidence for varied road conditions.
- You prefer a more maneuverable vehicle, evidenced by the Q5's 184.3-inch length.
Choose the Ford Explorer if...
- High power output is mandatory, utilizing the Explorer's 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque.
- You need the base model's lower acquisition cost, starting at $40,050.
- You prefer using less expensive regular unleaded fuel instead of the Q5's premium recommendation.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi Q5 | Ford Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 184.3" | 198.8" |
| Width | 74.5" | 78.9" |
| Height | 65.5" | 69.9" |
| Wheelbase | 111.0" | 119.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Audi | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 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 | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags (with Head Protection Chamber) | — | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Audi | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.3 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 201 hp | 300 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 236 lb-ft | 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) | 23/29 MPG | 20/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 425.5/536.5 mi. | 358.0/519.1 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.5 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 | ✓ | — |
| 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 |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Audi | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.6 in. | 40.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.9 in. | 43.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.7 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 | 39.3 in. | 40.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.0 in. | 39.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.5 in. | 61.9 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | — |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 59.1 in. |
| Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Audi | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 8.0 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/60R18 | 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 Q5 and 2025 Ford Explorer.
Which vehicle has better outright performance according to specifications?
The 2025 Ford Explorer is substantially quicker, generating 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This significantly exceeds the 2025 Audi Q5, which produces 201 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque.
How do the fuel economies compare between the two crossovers?
The Audi Q5 has a slight edge in efficiency, achieving 26 combined MPG (23 city/29 highway). The Ford Explorer trails marginally at 24 combined MPG (20 city/29 highway).
What is the price difference between the base models?
The 2025 Audi Q5 carries an MSRP of $45,400, resulting in a $5,350 premium over the 2025 Ford Explorer's starting price of $40,050.
Does the standard drivetrain configuration differ significantly?
Yes, the standard setup for the Audi Q5 includes All Wheel Drive, whereas the base Ford Explorer comes equipped with Rear Wheel Drive. Furthermore, the Explorer uses a 10-speed automatic transmission against the Q5's 7-speed automated manual.
Which vehicle offers more standard interior room for cargo?
The Audi Q5 provides greater standardized cargo capacity at 25.9 cubic feet compared to the Ford Explorer's 18.2 cubic feet. However, the Explorer is physically larger overall (198.8 inches long versus 184.3 inches).
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