2025 Lexus NX vs 2026 Ford Explorer
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical discrepancy between the 2025 Lexus NX and the 2026 Ford Explorer lies in performance metrics, with the Explorer boasting 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, substantially outpacing the NX's 203 hp and 184 lb-ft. Conversely, the NX offers superior fuel economy, achieving 28 combined MPG compared to the Explorer’s 24 combined MPG, translating to a 4 MPG advantage for the Lexus. Priced at $40,965, the NX is also $2,635 more expensive than the Explorer's $38,330 MSRP. Despite the size difference—the Explorer is nearly 65 inches longer at 198.8 inches versus the NX’s 183.5 inches—the Lexus is slightly more efficient in city driving (26 MPG vs. 20 MPG for the Explorer). The Explorer, with its RWD layout and 10-speed transmission, prioritizes power, while the NX emphasizes efficiency and a premium, smaller footprint.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Lexus NX
The 2025 Lexus NX is the commuter winner due to its superior 28 combined MPG rating.
2026 Ford Explorer
The 2026 Ford Explorer offers a significantly larger overall footprint (198.8 inches long) and likely superior interior space, despite having less stated cargo capacity.
2026 Ford Explorer
The 2026 Ford Explorer delivers 97 more horsepower (300 hp) and 126 more lb-ft of torque (310 lb-ft) compared to the Lexus NX.
2026 Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer provides substantially more power for a $2,635 lower starting MSRP of $38,330.
Choose the Lexus NX if...
- Fuel economy is the highest priority, evidenced by its 28 combined MPG rating.
- A preference for a smaller exterior footprint is present, measuring 183.5 inches in length.
- Regular unleaded fuel compatibility is desired along with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Choose the Ford Explorer if...
- Maximum performance is needed, provided by its 300 hp engine output.
- Rear-wheel drive architecture and a 10-speed automatic transmission are preferred.
- The buyer requires the lowest possible entry price point at $38,330.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Lexus NX | Ford Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 183.5" | 198.8" |
| Width | 73.4" | 78.9" |
| Height | 66.1" | 69.9" |
| Wheelbase | 105.9" | 119.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Lexus | 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 | ✓ | — |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Fog 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 | Lexus | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.3 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 203 hp @ 6600 rpm | 300 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft @ 5000 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 | Lexus | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Lexus | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 26/33 MPG | 20/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 28 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 377.0/478.5 mi. | 358.0/519.1 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.5 gal. | 17.9 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Lexus | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Lexus | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 9.8 in | — |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 10 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Lexus | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Lexus | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.3 in. | 40.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.0 in. | 43.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.3 in. | 61.8 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.3 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 | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Lexus | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.5 in. | 40.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.1 in. | 39.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.0 in. | 61.9 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.5 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 | Lexus | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | — |
| Tire Size | 235/60R18 | P255/65R18 |
| Run Flat Tires | ✓ | — |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 18 in |
| Tire Type | — | All Season |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Underbody Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Lexus | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Lexus | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 6 yr./ 70000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 6 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ 10000 mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Lexus NX and 2026 Ford Explorer.
What is the difference in power output between the 2025 Lexus NX and the 2026 Ford Explorer?
The 2026 Ford Explorer is significantly more powerful, generating 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The 2025 Lexus NX produces 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, representing a 97 hp deficit.
Which crossover offers better fuel efficiency for highway driving?
The Lexus NX holds a notable advantage on the highway, achieving 33 MPG compared to the Ford Explorer's 29 MPG. This contributes to the NX's 4 MPG combined efficiency lead.
How much larger is the 2026 Ford Explorer in overall dimensions?
The Explorer is considerably larger, with a length of 198.8 inches versus the NX’s 183.5 inches. It is also wider (78.9 inches vs. 73.4 inches) and taller (69.9 inches vs. 66.1 inches).
Is the primary drive type different between these two vehicles?
Yes, the standard configuration differs substantially; the 2025 Lexus NX comes with front-wheel drive, while the 2026 Ford Explorer is equipped with rear-wheel drive.
How do the base MSRPs compare for these two models?
The 2026 Ford Explorer has a lower starting price of $38,330. The 2025 Lexus NX begins at $40,965, making the Explorer $2,635 cheaper initially.
Despite its larger exterior, does the Ford Explorer have more cargo space than the Lexus NX?
No, surprisingly, the specifications show the 2025 Lexus NX offers more specified cargo capacity at 22.7 cubic feet, while the larger 2026 Ford Explorer lists 16.3 cubic feet.
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