2025 Ford Explorer vs 2026 Lexus RX
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Ford Explorer blasts off the line with a dominant 300 hp from its robust engine, delivering a distinctly American muscle feel in a spacious 198.8-inch frame, prioritizing outright power. Contrast this with the 2026 Lexus RX, which offers refined handling thanks to its smaller 192.5-inch footprint and boasts a superior cargo capacity of 29.6 cu ft, easily eclipsing the Explorer's 18.2 cu ft. While the Explorer achieves a 24 MPG combined on regular unleaded, the RX nets a slightly better 25 MPG combined, though it recommends premium fuel. The initial price gulf is substantial: the Explorer starts at $40,050, positioning it as a high-value performance contender against the Lexus's premium entry price of $49,725. The dynamic difference lies in the power delivery, with the Explorer showing 25 more horsepower than the Lexus's 275 hp.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Lexus RX
The Lexus RX provides better fuel economy at 25 MPG combined and a lower overall width, aiding urban maneuverability.
2026 Lexus RX
The 2026 Lexus RX offers nearly 11 cubic feet more utility with a cargo capacity of 29.6 cu ft compared to the Explorer's 18.2 cu ft.
2025 Ford Explorer
The 2025 Ford Explorer delivers more exhilarating output with 300 hp and utilizes a rear-wheel-drive platform favored by driving enthusiasts.
2025 Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer commands a significantly lower MSRP of $40,050 while offering superior horsepower, delivering better bang for the buck.
Choose the Ford Explorer if...
- You demand maximum available power, as the Explorer provides 300 hp.
- You prefer the dynamic balance of a rear-wheel-drive system for spirited driving.
- You need to keep the initial purchase price under $41,000, starting at $40,050.
Choose the Lexus RX if...
- Maximum packing space is crucial, given the RX's impressive 29.6 cu ft cargo volume.
- You prioritize slightly better efficiency, achieving 25 combined MPG.
- You prefer a smaller vehicle footprint for easier parking, measuring 192.5 inches long.
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 | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| 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 2026 Lexus RX.
How significant is the power difference between the 2025 Ford Explorer and the 2026 Lexus RX?
The Explorer holds a notable advantage in raw output, producing 300 hp compared to the RX's 275 hp, a difference of 25 horsepower. However, the Lexus counters with slightly more torque, offering 317 lb-ft against the Ford's 310 lb-ft.
Which vehicle offers better utility for hauling gear or luggage?
The 2026 Lexus RX is the clear winner for cargo volume, boasting 29.6 cu ft. The 2025 Ford Explorer trails significantly in this area, providing only 18.2 cu ft behind its rear seats.
Is the higher MSRP of the Lexus RX justified by running costs?
While the Lexus has a higher MSRP ($49,725 vs $40,050), it achieves slightly better fuel economy at 25 combined MPG, though it specifies premium unleaded fuel is recommended, potentially offsetting savings.
Does the drive type (RWD vs FWD) affect the driving feel of these crossovers?
Yes, the Explorer's standard rear-wheel-drive configuration generally offers a more balanced feel preferred for performance driving. The RX's front-wheel-drive setup is typical for maximizing interior space and efficiency.
How do these two crossovers compare in terms of overall size?
The 2025 Ford Explorer is significantly longer at 198.8 inches compared to the RX's 192.5 inches, and also wider at 78.9 inches versus the Lexus's 75.6 inches.
Which vehicle uses a less expensive fuel type?
The Ford Explorer can run on regular unleaded fuel, whereas the 2026 Lexus RX recommends premium unleaded, making the Explorer potentially cheaper to fuel day-to-day.
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