2025 INFINITI QX50 vs 2026 Ford Explorer
Comparison Overview
The primary quantifiable distinction between the 2025 INFINITI QX50 and the 2026 Ford Explorer is the MSRP, with the Explorer establishing a $4,670 advantage at $38,330 compared to the QX50's $43,000 entry price. However, this price disparity reverses performance metrics, as the Explorer delivers 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque versus the QX50's 268 hp and 280 lb-ft. Conversely, the QX50 boasts superior fuel efficiency with a combined 25 MPG (22/28 City/Highway) compared to the Explorer's 24 MPG combined (20/29 City/Highway), though the QX50 requires premium fuel. Dimensionally, the Explorer is significantly larger, measuring 198.8 inches long versus the QX50's 184.7 inches, yet the QX50 offers nearly double the primary cargo space at 31.4 cubic feet compared to the Explorer's 16.3 cubic feet.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 INFINITI QX50
The QX50 is the clear winner for commuters due to its superior 25 MPG combined efficiency rating.
2025 INFINITI QX50
Despite being physically smaller, the QX50 offers substantially more usable storage space with 31.4 cubic feet versus the Explorer's 16.3 cubic feet.
2026 Ford Explorer
The 2026 Ford Explorer generates 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, significantly outpacing the QX50's 268 hp and 280 lb-ft.
2026 Ford Explorer
The Explorer wins on entry value by offering 32 more horsepower for an MSRP that is $4,670 lower than the QX50.
Choose the INFINITI QX50 if...
- Fuel economy is a top priority, as the QX50 achieves 25 MPG combined versus the Explorer's 24 MPG.
- Maximum cargo capacity is needed, as the QX50 offers 31.4 cubic feet versus the Explorer's 16.3 cubic feet.
- A smaller overall footprint (184.7 inches long) is preferred for urban parking and maneuverability.
Choose the Ford Explorer if...
- Maximum performance is desired, indicated by the Explorer's 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque.
- Budget constraints favor a lower initial outlay, given the $38,330 MSRP compared to the QX50's $43,000.
- A Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) layout coupled with a 10-speed automatic transmission is preferred over AWD and a CVT.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | INFINITI QX50 | Ford Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 184.7" | 198.8" |
| Width | 74.9" | 78.9" |
| Height | 66.0" | 69.9" |
| Wheelbase | 110.2" | 119.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | INFINITI | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | — |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | — |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear 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 Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 2 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags (with Head Protection Chamber) | — | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | INFINITI | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.3 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 268 hp @ 5600 rpm | 300 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 280 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm | 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 | INFINITI | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
Fuel
| Feature | INFINITI | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 22/28 MPG | 20/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 25 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 352.0/448.0 mi. | 358.0/519.1 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 16.0 gal. | 17.9 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | INFINITI | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | INFINITI | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | — |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | INFINITI | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | INFINITI | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.0 in. | 40.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 39.6 in. | 43.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.9 in. | 61.8 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.6 in. | 59.2 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | INFINITI | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.1 in. | 40.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.7 in. | 39.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 57.1 in. | 61.9 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.8 in. | 59.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | INFINITI | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 19 x 7.5 in | — |
| Tire Size | 235/55R19 | P255/65R18 |
| Run Flat Tires | ✓ | — |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 18 in |
| Tire Type | — | All Season |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Underbody Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | INFINITI | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | INFINITI | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 60000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 6 yr./ 70000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 3 yr./ unlimited mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 INFINITI QX50 and 2026 Ford Explorer.
Which vehicle offers better standard drivetrain configuration?
The 2026 Ford Explorer comes standard with Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission. The 2025 INFINITI QX50 utilizes an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system paired with a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT).
How significant is the fuel cost difference between the two crossovers?
The QX50 is slightly more efficient overall at 25 MPG combined, compared to the Explorer’s 24 MPG combined. However, the QX50 requires premium unleaded fuel, while the Explorer accepts regular unleaded, potentially offsetting its small MPG advantage.
If maximum passenger/cargo volume is crucial, which vehicle performs better?
Despite the Explorer being 14.1 inches longer overall (198.8 inches vs. 184.7 inches), the QX50 provides significantly more standard cargo capacity at 31.4 cubic feet compared to the Explorer’s 16.3 cubic feet.
Does the QX50's lower horsepower translate to a significant performance deficit?
Yes, the Explorer produces 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, giving it a substantial 32 hp and 30 lb-ft advantage over the QX50's output, suggesting better acceleration capabilities.
What is the absolute price difference between the base models?
The 2026 Ford Explorer starts at $38,330, whereas the 2025 INFINITI QX50 has a listed MSRP of $43,000. This establishes a clear $4,670 price differential favoring the Explorer.
How do the exterior dimensions compare for garage fitting?
The Explorer is considerably wider and taller, measuring 78.9 inches wide and 69.9 inches high. The QX50 is narrower and shorter at 74.9 inches wide and 66.0 inches high, potentially fitting into tighter garages more easily.
More Mid-Range SUVs ($30k-$50k)
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool