2025 Ford Explorer vs 2025 Lexus NX
Comparison Overview
The big question when comparing the 2025 Ford Explorer and the 2025 Lexus NX often boils down to size versus efficiency. If you need serious hauling and power, the Explorer is the clear choice; it boasts a substantial 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque from its turbocharged engine. However, this muscle comes at a cost, netting only 24 MPG combined. Conversely, the smaller Lexus NX prioritizes economy, delivering an impressive 28 MPG combined from its 203 hp engine. While the Explorer offers more physical presence at nearly 199 inches long, the NX is nimbler at 183.5 inches. The price points are surprisingly close, with the Explorer starting at $40,050 and the NX at $40,965, making the decision one of whether you value substantial power output and a commanding size over superior fuel economy and maneuverability.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Lexus NX
The Lexus NX wins for commuters due to its superior 28 MPG combined fuel economy versus the Explorer's 24 MPG.
2025 Ford Explorer
The 2025 Ford Explorer is better for families as it provides a significantly larger vehicle profile for accommodating passengers and potential cargo.
2025 Ford Explorer
Enthusiasts will favor the Ford Explorer because its 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque vastly outperform the Lexus NX's power figures.
2025 Lexus NX
Despite a slightly higher MSRP, the Lexus NX offers better long-term value through substantially better fuel efficiency.
Choose the Ford Explorer if...
- You prioritize raw performance, thanks to the 300 hp engine.
- You need the substantial power delivery of 310 lb-ft of torque.
- You prefer a larger road presence, indicated by its 198.8-inch length and RWD architecture.
Choose the Lexus NX if...
- Maximizing fuel stops is key, as it achieves 33 MPG highway.
- You need more usable space behind the second row, offering 22.7 cu ft of cargo capacity.
- You prefer a more city-friendly vehicle size, being 15.3 inches shorter than the Explorer.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Ford Explorer | Lexus NX |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 198.8" | 183.5" |
| Width | 78.9" | 73.4" |
| Height | 69.9" | 66.1" |
| Wheelbase | 119.1" | 105.9" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Ford | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Ford | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.3 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 300 hp @ 5500 rpm | 203 hp @ 6600 rpm |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm | 184 lb-ft @ 5000 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 | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 10-speed automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | rear wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Ford | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/29 MPG | 26/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 28 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 358.0/519.1 mi. | 377.0/478.5 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.9 gal. | 14.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Ford | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Ford | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | — |
| Infotainment Display | — | 9.8 in |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Ford | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Ford | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.7 in. | 38.3 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 43.0 in. | 41.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 61.8 in. | 56.3 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 59.2 in. | 56.3 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 | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Ford | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.5 in. | 38.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.0 in. | 36.1 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 61.9 in. | 54.0 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 59.1 in. | 52.5 in. |
| Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Ford | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | — |
| Tire Size | P255/65R18 | 235/60R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | — |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Run Flat Tires | — | ✓ |
Suspension
| Feature | Ford | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Ford | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 6 yr./ 70000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 6 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 1 yr./ 10000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Ford Explorer and 2025 Lexus NX.
How much more fuel-efficient is the Lexus NX compared to the Ford Explorer?
The 2025 Lexus NX clearly wins on efficiency, achieving 28 MPG combined, which is 4 MPG better than the 2025 Ford Explorer's 24 MPG combined rating.
Which crossover offers more horsepower for highway passing?
The 2025 Ford Explorer is significantly more powerful, putting out 300 hp compared to the 2025 Lexus NX’s 203 hp.
Is the difference in cargo space noticeable between these two vehicles?
Yes, the smaller Lexus NX actually offers more standard cargo space at 22.7 cubic feet, beating the larger Explorer’s 18.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats.
Since their starting prices are similar, what accounts for the price difference between the two?
The Ford Explorer starts at $40,050 while the Lexus NX is slightly higher at $40,965; the difference in MSRP reflects the premium associated with the Lexus brand, power differences, and RWD architecture.
Which vehicle uses a standard 10-speed transmission?
The 2025 Ford Explorer is equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission, while the 2025 Lexus NX uses an 8-speed shiftable automatic.
Are there any major differences in required fuel type?
Fortunately, both the 2025 Ford Explorer and the 2025 Lexus NX can run on regular unleaded fuel, making fueling convenient for both models.
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