2025 Ford Explorer vs 2025 INFINITI QX50

$40,050 · Crossover

$43,000 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Ford Explorer arrives with a performance punch, boasting 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, emphasizing a traditional RWD stance, which is exciting for drivers prioritizing dynamic feel. Contrasting this, the 2025 INFINITI QX50 leans into sophisticated efficiency and practicality, offering a compelling 31.4 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Explorer's 18.2 cu ft. While the Explorer achieves a combined 24 MPG utilizing regular unleaded, the QX50 returns a slightly better 25 MPG combined, though it mandates premium fuel. The Explorer commands a lower entry price at $40,050 versus the QX50's $43,000. Despite the QX50’s slightly more efficient fuel economy, the Explorer’s significant 32 hp advantage suggests a more spirited drive in this crossover battle, while the QX50’s smaller footprint (184.7 inches long) offers easier urban maneuverability than the Explorer's substantial 198.8-inch length.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 INFINITI QX50

The QX50 offers slightly better fuel economy at 25 MPG combined and comes standard with AWD, beneficial for varied road conditions.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 INFINITI QX50

The QX50 provides substantially more utility with 31.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Explorer's 18.2 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Ford Explorer

The Ford Explorer wins enthusiasts over with its superior output of 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, plus a traditional RWD configuration.

💰 Best Value

2025 Ford Explorer

The Explorer offers significantly more power for a lower starting MSRP of $40,050 compared to the QX50's $43,000.

Choose the Ford Explorer if...

You prioritize raw power, as the Explorer delivers 300 hp.
You prefer a traditional rear-wheel-drive platform for driving dynamics.
You need the lowest entry price point at $40,050 and accept slightly lower fuel economy (20/29 MPG).

Choose the INFINITI QX50 if...

Maximizing cargo room is critical, given its best-in-class 31.4 cu ft capacity.
You require standard all-wheel drive and slightly better efficiency (25 MPG combined).
You prefer a more compact vehicle length of 184.7 inches for easier city navigation.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Ford Explorer	INFINITI QX50
Length	198.8"	184.7"
Width	78.9"	74.9"
Height	69.9"	66.0"
Wheelbase	119.1"	110.2"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Ford	INFINITI
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 (with Head Protection Chamber)	✓	—
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Third Row 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	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	2	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Ford	INFINITI
Base Engine Displacement	2.3 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	300 hp @ 5500 rpm	268 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque	310 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm	280 lb-ft @ 4800 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	Ford	INFINITI
Transmission Type	10-speed automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Ford	INFINITI
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/29 MPG	22/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	24 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	358.0/519.1 mi.	352.0/448.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.9 gal.	16.0 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Ford	INFINITI
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	—
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Ford	INFINITI
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	✓
Infotainment Display	—	8.0 in

Power Feature

Feature	Ford	INFINITI
One-Touch Power Windows	2	2
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Ford	INFINITI
Front Head Room	40.7 in.	41.0 in.
Front Leg Room	43.0 in.	39.6 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.8 in.	57.9 in.
Front Hip Room	59.2 in.	55.6 in.
Seat Material: Premium Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	—
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Ford	INFINITI
Rear Head Room	40.5 in.	39.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.0 in.	38.7 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	61.9 in.	57.1 in.
Rear Hip Room	59.1 in.	53.8 in.
Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Ford	INFINITI
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	18 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	—
Tire Size	P255/65R18	235/55R19
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	—
Wheel Size	—	19 x 7.5 in
Run Flat Tires	—	✓

Suspension

Feature	Ford	INFINITI
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Ford	INFINITI
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	4 yr./ 60000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	6 yr./ 70000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	7 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	4 yr./ 60000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	3 yr./ unlimited mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Ford Explorer and 2025 INFINITI QX50.

Which crossover is faster in a straight line between the 2025 Explorer and QX50?

The 2025 Ford Explorer should be noticeably quicker due to its 300 hp engine and 310 lb-ft of torque, offering a 32 hp advantage over the QX50's 268 hp. This extra power, combined with the 10-speed automatic transmission, suggests superior straight-line acceleration potential.

Is the cargo space difference significant between the two models?

Yes, the difference is substantial; the INFINITI QX50 offers 31.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity, while the longer Ford Explorer provides only 18.2 cubic feet. Families needing maximum storage for luggage or gear will strongly favor the QX50 in this comparison.

How do the driving characteristics differ based on drivetrain layout?

The Explorer utilizes a rear-wheel-drive bias, often preferred by enthusiasts for better balance and handling dynamics, whereas the QX50 features all-wheel drive, enhancing traction in slippery conditions.

Does the difference in MSRP ($40,050 vs $43,000) reflect better long-term value?

Car1 (Explorer) has the advantage in initial purchase value, costing $2,950 less than Car2 (QX50). However, potential buyers must weigh this against the QX50's recommendation for premium unleaded fuel, which may increase running costs.

Which vehicle is more sensible for daily highway commuting?

While the Explorer has a higher Highway MPG rating at 29 MPG versus the QX50's 28 MPG, the QX50 edges out slightly with 25 MPG combined versus the Explorer's 24 MPG combined.

How do the dimensions affect parking and maneuverability?

The QX50 is the more compact choice, measuring 184.7 inches long and 74.9 inches wide. The Explorer is significantly larger at 198.8 inches long and 78.9 inches wide, making the QX50 potentially easier to navigate and fit into tighter parking spaces.