2025 Ford Explorer vs 2025 Lexus UX
Comparison Overview
The comparison between the 2025 Ford Explorer and the 2025 Lexus UX reveals two distinctly different crossover approaches, headlined by a massive 19 MPG difference in combined fuel economy, with the UX achieving 43 MPG versus the Explorer’s 24 MPG. The Explorer presents substantially greater capability, boasting 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, dwarfing the UX's 196 hp output. Priced at $40,050, the Explorer commands a $3,310 premium over the UX's $36,740 MSRP. Dimensionally, the Explorer is significantly larger, measuring 198.8 inches long compared to the UX's 177.0 inches, resulting in marginally more cargo space at 18.2 cubic feet versus 17.1 cubic feet. The choice hinges on prioritizing the Explorer's robust power and size or the UX's superior efficiency and lower entry price point.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Lexus UX
The 2025 Lexus UX is the superior commuter due to its outstanding 43 MPG combined fuel economy.
2025 Ford Explorer
The 2025 Ford Explorer offers greater inherent passenger/cargo volume and superior power for hauling duties with 300 hp.
2025 Ford Explorer
The Explorer clearly caters to enthusiasts with its 300 hp output and 310 lb-ft of torque, significantly exceeding the UX's performance metrics.
2025 Lexus UX
The Lexus UX delivers substantial fuel savings at a $3,310 lower MSRP, offering better economy per dollar spent.
Choose the Ford Explorer if...
- You require the higher output, possessing 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque for towing or performance needs.
- Rear-wheel drive architecture is a mandatory requirement for your driving preference.
- You need the larger physical footprint, evidenced by the 198.8-inch overall length.
Choose the Lexus UX if...
- Maximizing fuel efficiency is paramount, given its class-leading 43 MPG combined rating.
- A lower initial investment is desired, as its MSRP is $3,310 less than Car 1.
- Front-wheel drive orientation paired with a smaller body (177.0 inches long) is preferred for urban agility.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Ford Explorer | Lexus UX |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 198.8" | 177.0" |
| Width | 78.9" | 72.4" |
| Height | 69.9" | 60.6" |
| Wheelbase | 119.1" | 103.9" |
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 | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Ford | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.3 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | hybrid |
| Horsepower | 300 hp @ 5500 rpm | 196 hp |
| Torque | 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 | Ford | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 10-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed 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 | 45/41 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 43 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 358.0/519.1 mi. | 477.0/434.6 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.9 gal. | 10.6 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Ford | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Ford | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Ford | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.7 in. | 37.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 43.0 in. | 42.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 61.8 in. | 55.0 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 59.2 in. | 53.8 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 | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.5 in. | 36.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.0 in. | 33.1 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 61.9 in. | 52.9 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 59.1 in. | 52.3 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 | 225/50R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | — |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 7.0 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. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 8 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 1 yr./ 10000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Ford Explorer and 2025 Lexus UX.
What is the largest mechanical difference between the 2025 Ford Explorer and the 2025 Lexus UX?
The most significant mechanical difference is in power output; the Explorer delivers 300 hp from its powertrain, while the UX produces only 196 hp. This results in a substantial 104 hp disparity favoring the Explorer.
How does the fuel economy compare for daily driving?
The Lexus UX is vastly more efficient, achieving 43 MPG combined (45 city/41 highway), compared to the Ford Explorer's 24 MPG combined (20 city/29 highway). This represents a 19 MPG advantage for the UX.
Is the 2025 Ford Explorer significantly larger than the Lexus UX?
Yes, the Explorer is substantially larger both inside and out. It measures 198.8 inches in length versus the UX's 177.0 inches, offering slightly more cargo volume at 18.2 cu ft against the UX's 17.1 cu ft.
Which vehicle has a better starting price point?
The 2025 Lexus UX has a lower starting MSRP of $36,740. The 2025 Ford Explorer begins at $40,050, creating a $3,310 price differential between the base models.
What drivetrain configurations do these two models utilize?
The 2025 Ford Explorer comes standard with a rear-wheel drive configuration paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Conversely, the 2025 Lexus UX utilizes a front-wheel drive setup with a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission.
Do both crossovers use the same type of fuel?
Both the 2025 Ford Explorer and the 2025 Lexus UX are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel, aligning on this aspect of ownership cost.
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