2025 Ford Explorer vs 2026 Lexus NX

$40,050 · Crossover

$44,175 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant performance divergence between the 2025 Ford Explorer and the 2026 Lexus NX is fuel economy, where the Lexus delivers a staggering 40 combined MPG compared to the Explorer's 24 combined MPG, a difference of 16 MPG. This efficiency gain in the NX comes despite the Explorer offering 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, significantly outpacing the NX's 240 hp output. The Explorer also possesses superior dimensions, measuring 198.8 inches in length versus the NX's 183.5 inches, suggesting greater interior volume potential, although the NX technically offers more measurable cargo space at 22.7 cu ft against the Explorer's 18.2 cu ft. Furthermore, the Explorer starts at a lower MSRP of $40,050, positioning it $4,125 cheaper than the Lexus, which runs on required premium fuel, contrasting with the Explorer's regular unleaded recommendation.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Lexus NX

The 2026 Lexus NX is the clear winner for commuting due to its superior 40 combined MPG rating versus the Explorer's 24 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Ford Explorer

The 2025 Ford Explorer provides a larger footprint at 198.8 inches in length and superior power (300 hp) suitable for moving larger families and cargo.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Ford Explorer

The Explorer appeals more to driving enthusiasts with its higher output of 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque compared to the NX's 240 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Ford Explorer

The Ford Explorer offers superior power and a larger structure for a $4,125 lower entry price point ($40,050 MSRP).

Choose the Ford Explorer if...

Maximum straight-line performance is prioritized, given the 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque available.
A lower initial purchase price of $40,050 is a primary concern.
Rear-wheel drive architecture and a 10-speed automatic transmission are preferred.

Choose the Lexus NX if...

Fuel economy is paramount, highlighted by the 40 combined MPG rating.
A smaller physical footprint (183.5 inches long) is necessary for urban parking.
Maximum measurable utility space is required, as the NX boasts 22.7 cu ft of cargo capacity.

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	hybrid
Horsepower	300 hp @ 5500 rpm	240 hp @ 6000 rpm
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	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/29 MPG	42/38 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	24 MPG	40 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	358.0/519.1 mi.	609.0/551.0 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.
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 2026 Lexus NX.

What is the primary operating cost difference between the 2025 Explorer and the 2026 NX?

The primary operating cost difference stems from fuel efficiency; the Lexus NX achieves 40 combined MPG while the Explorer achieves only 24 combined MPG. Additionally, the NX recommends premium fuel, which generally costs more than the regular unleaded used by the Explorer.

Which vehicle offers superior dimensions for hauling people versus cargo?

The 2025 Ford Explorer is physically larger at 198.8 inches long, suggesting more potential passenger room, but the 2026 Lexus NX has a better measurable cargo capacity rating of 22.7 cu ft versus the Explorer's 18.2 cu ft.

How significant is the horsepower deficit between the two crossovers?

The 2025 Ford Explorer possesses 300 hp, creating a 60 hp deficit for the 2026 Lexus NX, which produces 240 hp. This power difference suggests the Explorer will have noticeably quicker acceleration figures.

Are the driving dynamics fundamentally different based on the drive type?

Yes, the Explorer is rear-wheel drive, which typically favors a more balanced handling bias, whereas the NX is front-wheel drive, which is standard for maximizing interior packaging in a crossover format.

What does the $4,125 MSRP difference account for?

The higher $44,175 MSRP of the Lexus NX correlates with its superior fuel economy and potentially higher standard luxury/technology features, contrasting with the Explorer's entry price of $40,050, which offers significantly more horsepower.

Which vehicle uses a standard automatic transmission versus a CVT?

The 2025 Ford Explorer is equipped with a conventional 10-speed automatic transmission, whereas the 2026 Lexus NX utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT).