2025 Lexus UX vs 2026 Ford Explorer
Comparison Overview
Choosing between ultimate efficiency and outright power is the main struggle when comparing the 2025 Lexus UX and the 2026 Ford Explorer. If saving money at the pump is crucial, the Lexus UX wins easily, boasting a segment-leading combined 43 MPG, which is a massive 19 MPG better than the Explorer's 24 MPG combined rating. However, the Explorer leans into performance, offering a robust 300 hp output compared to the UX's 196 hp. While the Explorer is significantly larger at 198.8 inches long versus the UX's compact 177.0 inches, that size doesn't translate to better fuel economy. The Lexus starts at a slightly lower MSRP of $36,740, making its superior efficiency a strong anchor point for budget-conscious buyers who prioritize low running costs over the Explorer's significant horsepower advantage.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Lexus UX
The Lexus UX is the definitive winner for commuters due to its exceptional 43 MPG combined fuel economy.
2026 Ford Explorer
The 2026 Ford Explorer is better suited for families because its larger footprint (198.8 inches long) implies more overall space than the compact Lexus UX.
2026 Ford Explorer
Enthusiasts will prefer the Ford Explorer for its substantial 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, significantly outstripping the UX's 196 hp.
2025 Lexus UX
The Lexus UX offers superior long-term value by delivering 43 MPG at a lower initial MSRP of $36,740.
Choose the Lexus UX if...
- You want the lowest running costs, leveraging the UX's 43 MPG combined fuel rating.
- You prefer maneuvering and parking a smaller vehicle, evidenced by its 177.0-inch length.
- You need a highly economical option that runs on regular unleaded with a starting MSRP of $36,740.
Choose the Ford Explorer if...
- You need substantial power, as the Explorer provides 300 hp compared to the UX's 196 hp.
- You need the capability implied by the larger dimensions, standing at 198.8 inches long and 69.9 inches tall.
- You prefer the feel of a RWD platform paired with a responsive 10-speed automatic transmission.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Lexus UX | Ford Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 177.0" | 198.8" |
| Width | 72.4" | 78.9" |
| Height | 60.6" | 69.9" |
| Wheelbase | 103.9" | 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 | ✓ | — |
| 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 Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Multi-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 | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Lexus | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.3 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 196 hp | 300 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
| Torque | — | 310 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm |
Drive Train
| Feature | Lexus | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed 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) | 45/41 MPG | 20/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 43 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 477.0/434.6 mi. | 358.0/519.1 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 10.6 gal. | 17.9 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Lexus | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| 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 | 8.0 in | — |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 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 |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Lexus | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Lexus | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 37.2 in. | 40.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.0 in. | 43.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.0 in. | 61.8 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 53.8 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 | Lexus | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 36.3 in. | 40.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 33.1 in. | 39.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 52.9 in. | 61.9 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.3 in. | 59.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Lexus | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.0 in | — |
| Tire Size | 225/50R18 | 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. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | 8 yr./ 100000 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 UX and 2026 Ford Explorer.
How much worse is the gas mileage on the Explorer compared to the Lexus UX?
The difference in fuel efficiency is substantial; the Lexus UX achieves 43 MPG combined, whereas the Ford Explorer is rated for only 24 MPG combined, meaning you will be filling up far less often in the UX.
Is the Ford Explorer significantly larger than the Lexus UX for passengers or cargo?
While the Explorer is generally larger (198.8 inches long versus 177.0 inches for the UX), the Explorer paradoxically lists slightly less cargo capacity at 16.3 cu ft compared to the UX's 17.1 cu ft.
Does the higher price of the Explorer justify the massive horsepower difference?
The Explorer costs only about $1,590 more (MSRP $38,330 vs $36,740) but offers 104 more horsepower (300 hp vs 196 hp), which enthusiasts might see as a strong trade-off for the extra cost.
Which car is better for city driving based on the provided specifications?
The Lexus UX is far superior for stop-and-go city driving, returning 45 MPG in the city, while the Ford Explorer only manages 20 MPG in city conditions.
What is the main difference in powertrain configuration between these two crossovers?
The Lexus UX utilizes a FWD layout with a continuously variable automatic transmission, whereas the Ford Explorer features a RWD layout paired with a traditional 10-speed automatic transmission.
Can both vehicles use regular unleaded fuel?
Yes, both the 2025 Lexus UX and the 2026 Ford Explorer specify that they are designed to run on regular unleaded fuel, keeping daily running costs manageable outside of overall MPG differences.
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