2025 Ford Explorer vs 2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport

$40,050 · Crossover

$48,900 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant divergence between the 2025 Ford Explorer and the 2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport lies in their pricing, with the Explorer starting at $40,050 compared to the Land Rover's $48,900, an $8,850 disparity. Power metrics favor the Explorer significantly, generating 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque versus the Discovery Sport's 246 hp and 269 lb-ft. Fuel economy is another key area; the Explorer achieves a combined 24 MPG while the Discovery Sport manages 20 MPG combined. Conversely, the smaller Discovery Sport, measuring 180.9 inches in length, offers substantially more utility, boasting 32.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Explorer's 18.2 cubic feet. The Explorer’s RWD architecture contrasts with the Discovery Sport's standard AWD, which impacts traction capabilities, despite the Explorer’s superior acceleration potential.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Ford Explorer

The Ford Explorer provides superior fuel efficiency at 24 MPG combined and a lower initial MSRP of $40,050.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport

The Land Rover Discovery Sport offers 32.2 cu ft of cargo capacity, significantly exceeding the Explorer’s 18.2 cu ft, which is crucial for family hauling.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Ford Explorer

The Explorer’s engine produces 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, outperforming the Discovery Sport's 246 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Ford Explorer

The Explorer costs $8,850 less and offers 4 MPG better efficiency, creating a strong overall value proposition.

Choose the Ford Explorer if...

You prioritize outright performance, benefiting from the Explorer's 300 hp output.
Budget consciousness is paramount, given the Explorer's $40,050 MSRP.
Maximum highway driving range is desired, thanks to its 24 MPG combined rating.

Choose the Land Rover Discovery Sport if...

Maximum enclosed storage is required, utilizing the 32.2 cu ft cargo space.
Standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) traction is a non-negotiable requirement.
A more compact exterior footprint (180.9 inches in length) is preferable for urban parking.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Ford Explorer	Land Rover Discovery Sport
Length	198.8"	180.9"
Width	78.9"	-
Height	69.9"	67.9"
Wheelbase	119.1"	107.9"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Ford	Land Rover
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	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Ford	Land Rover
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	246 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	310 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm	269 lb-ft @ 1300 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	Land Rover
Transmission Type	10-speed automatic	9-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	all wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Ford	Land Rover
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/29 MPG	19/23 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	24 MPG	20 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	358.0/519.1 mi.	336.3/407.1 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.9 gal.	17.7 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Ford	Land Rover
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	—	✓
Front View Camera	—	✓
Side View Camera	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Ford	Land Rover
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	10
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	✓	✓
Meridian Speakers	—	✓
Stereo Power	—	380W
Subwoofer Count	—	1
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Antenna Type	—	Diversity

Power Feature

Feature	Ford	Land Rover
One-Touch Power Windows	2	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Fixed Glass Extended

Frontseats

Feature	Ford	Land Rover
Front Head Room	40.7 in.	40.2 in.
Front Leg Room	43.0 in.	39.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.8 in.	57.3 in.
Front Hip Room	59.2 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: Leather/Sueded Microfiber	—	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Ford	Land Rover
Rear Head Room	40.5 in.	38.7 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.0 in.	38.1 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	61.9 in.	55.9 in.
Rear Hip Room	59.1 in.	—
Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Ford	Land Rover
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	18 in	18 in
Tire Type	All Season	—
Tire Size	P255/65R18	N/A
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Underbody Mounted
Wheel Material	—	Alloy

Suspension

Feature	Ford	Land Rover
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	—

Warranty

Feature	Ford	Land Rover
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	6 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Ford Explorer and 2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport.

What is the primary mechanical difference regarding drivetrain capability?

The 2025 Ford Explorer utilizes a Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) configuration, whereas the 2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD). This gives the Discovery Sport inherent traction advantages in adverse conditions compared to the standard setup of the Explorer.

How significant is the power deficit in the Land Rover Discovery Sport?

The Discovery Sport generates 246 hp, lagging behind the Ford Explorer's 300 hp, representing a 54 hp difference. Furthermore, the Explorer has a 41 lb-ft torque advantage with 310 lb-ft available.

Which vehicle provides better fuel economy for daily driving?

The Ford Explorer is rated at 24 MPG combined (20 city/29 highway), substantially better than the Discovery Sport’s 20 MPG combined (19 city/23 highway). This results in a 4 MPG advantage for the Explorer.

Is the price difference worth the reduction in horsepower?

There is an $8,850 price difference, with the Explorer being cheaper. Buyers must weigh this $8,850 saving against the Explorer's 54 hp deficit if power is a major concern.

How does the interior utility compare between these two crossovers?

The Land Rover Discovery Sport offers superior utility metrics, boasting 32.2 cubic feet of cargo space. The Ford Explorer trails significantly with only 18.2 cubic feet available behind the rear seats.

Do both vehicles use the same fuel type?

Yes, both the 2025 Ford Explorer and the 2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel, simplifying fuel choice requirements for owners of either model.