2025 Ford Explorer vs 2025 Lexus RX
Comparison Overview
The most significant divergence between the 2025 Ford Explorer and the 2025 Lexus RX lies in their entry pricing, with the Explorer starting at $40,050 versus the RX's $49,125—a gap of $9,075. Performance metrics show the Explorer leads in raw power output, boasting 300 hp against the RX’s 275 hp, though the Lexus counters with slightly higher peak torque at 317 lb-ft versus 310 lb-ft. Fuel economy is nearly matched, with the RX slightly ahead at 25 MPG combined compared to the Explorer’s 24 MPG combined. However, the Explorer benefits from standard rear-wheel drive configuration and regular unleaded fuel compatibility. A major practical difference is size: the Explorer is longer at 198.8 inches and offers substantially less base cargo space at 18.2 cu ft compared to the RX’s 29.6 cu ft, despite the RX being shorter overall by 6.3 inches.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Lexus RX
The Lexus RX wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy rating of 25 MPG and recommended use of premium fuel for potentially smoother operation.
2025 Lexus RX
The 2025 Lexus RX is better suited for families, offering 29.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity, significantly more than the Explorer's 18.2 cubic feet.
2025 Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer appeals more to driving enthusiasts with its 300 hp output and standard rear-wheel drive architecture opposed to the RX's FWD base.
2025 Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer presents superior value by saving the buyer $9,075 upfront while delivering higher peak horsepower at 300 hp.
Choose the Ford Explorer if...
- Budget constraints require an initial purchase price under $41,000, as the MSRP is $40,050.
- You prefer a rear-wheel drive platform and a 10-speed automatic transmission setup.
- Maximum horsepower is prioritized, as the Explorer delivers 300 hp versus the RX's 275 hp.
Choose the Lexus RX if...
- Maximum usable storage space is critical, given the RX's 29.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity.
- Fuel efficiency is paramount, as the RX achieves 25 MPG combined compared to 24 MPG for the Explorer.
- A lower overall vehicle height (67.3 inches) is desired for garage fitment or aesthetic preference.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Ford Explorer | Lexus RX |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 198.8" | 192.5" |
| Width | 78.9" | 75.6" |
| Height | 69.9" | 67.3" |
| Wheelbase | 119.1" | 112.2" |
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 | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear 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 | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 300 hp @ 5500 rpm | 275 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm | 317 lb-ft @ 1700 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 | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/29 MPG | 22/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 25 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 358.0/519.1 mi. | 391.6/516.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.9 gal. | 17.8 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Ford | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 12 |
| 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 |
| Subwoofer Count | — | 1 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Ford | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Ford | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.7 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 43.0 in. | 41.1 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 61.8 in. | 58.1 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 59.2 in. | 56.7 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 | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Ford | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.5 in. | 38.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.0 in. | 37.4 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 61.9 in. | 56.5 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 59.1 in. | 55.9 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 | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P255/65R18 | ✓ |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Painted Alloy Wheels | — | ✓ |
| Polished Alloy Wheels | — | ✓ |
| Wheel Size | — | 19 x 8.0 in |
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 RX.
What is the primary powertrain difference between the 2025 Ford Explorer and the 2025 Lexus RX?
The 2025 Ford Explorer comes standard with a rear-wheel drive (RWD) layout and produces 300 hp using regular unleaded fuel. Conversely, the 2025 Lexus RX features a front-wheel drive (FWD) base configuration, produces 275 hp, and recommends premium unleaded fuel.
How significantly does cargo space differ between these two crossovers?
The cargo capacity is vastly different; the 2025 Lexus RX offers 29.6 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats. The 2025 Ford Explorer, despite being 6.3 inches longer overall, provides only 18.2 cubic feet in the same configuration.
Which vehicle offers better fuel economy for daily driving?
The Lexus RX is slightly more economical, achieving a combined 25 MPG (22 city/29 highway). The Ford Explorer is marginally behind at 24 MPG combined (20 city/29 highway).
Is the higher price of the Lexus RX justified by its performance figures?
While the Lexus RX commands a $9,075 premium starting price, it achieves slightly higher peak torque (317 lb-ft vs. 310 lb-ft) but yields to the Explorer in raw horsepower (275 hp vs. 300 hp).
Are the transmissions and drive systems comparable between the two?
No, they utilize different architectures; the Explorer employs a 10-speed automatic paired with standard RWD, whereas the RX uses an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission paired with a FWD base drivetrain.
How do the overall dimensions compare regarding road presence?
The Ford Explorer is the physically larger vehicle, measuring 198.8 inches long and 78.9 inches wide. The Lexus RX is more compact, measuring 192.5 inches in length and 75.6 inches in width.
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