Ford Explorer Limited vs. XLT
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Ford Explorer Limited and Ford Explorer XLT contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Ford Explorer Limited and the Ford Explorer XLT.
In comparing the Ford Explorer Limited's and the Ford Explorer XLT's specifications and ratings, The Ford Explorer XLT has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing and typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars. The Ford Explorer Limited and Ford Explorer XLT have the same fuel efficiency, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Ford Explorer Limited's and the Ford Explorer XLT's specifications and ratings, the Ford Explorer XLT is a better car than the Ford Explorer Limited.
Pricing: A used 2024 Ford Explorer Limited ranges from $30,858 to $42,471 while a used 2024 Ford Explorer XLT is priced between $29,050 to $44,098. For a new model, the Ford Explorer Limited's price is between $45,080 and $55,683, with the Ford Explorer XLT priced between $38,072 and $50,617.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate, the Ford Explorer Limited and the Ford Explorer XLT both lose 52.9 percent of their value.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Ford Explorer is 8.4 out of 10. Ford Explorer is ranked 6 out of 31 Best Midsize SUVs based on its reliability, retained value, and safety ratings. Out of 33 Best SUVs with 3 Rows, the Ford Explorer is ranked 7 and the Ford Explorer is ranked 7 based on its reliability, retained value, and safety ratings. The Ford Explorer is also ranked 13 out of 66 Best Crossover SUVs while the Ford Explorer is ranked 13 out of 66 based on its reliability, retained value, and safety ratings.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars' Reliability Rating for the Ford Explorer is 7.5 out of 10.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the base engine of both the Ford Explorer Limited and the Ford Explorer XLT makes 300 horsepower. Both the Limited and the XLT are rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 501 miles. Both models use regular unleaded.
Safety Ratings: The Ford Explorer has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings. The Ford Explorer has a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
45080 - 55683
Starting MSRP:
47520
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
37575
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
31990 - 43320
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
38072 - 50617
Starting MSRP:
38670
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
37575
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
31990 - 43320
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
36196
Price Range:
30858 - 42471
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
40450
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
29167 - 55624
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
208
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
38053
# Good or Great Deals:
83
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
35254
Price Range:
29050 - 44098
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
40450
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
29167 - 55624
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1228
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
31614
# Good or Great Deals:
602
Ford Explorer Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.4 / 10
Reliability:
7.5 / 10
Retained Value:
7.6 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Ford Explorer Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.4 / 10
Reliability:
7.5 / 10
Retained Value:
7.6 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Ford Explorer Limited
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
8.3
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
10.0
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
7.7 - 15.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.153
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Ford Explorer XLT
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
8.3
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
10.0
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
7.7 - 15.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.153
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
7.978319237392515
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
6.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.3 - 31.4
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
7.978319237392515
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
6.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.3 - 31.4
Ford Explorer Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 66Ranking
2 out of / 33Ranking
2 out of / 33Ranking
3 out of / 31Ranking
3 out of / 31Ranking
3 out of / 14Ranking
3 out of / 13Ranking
3 out of / 8Ranking
4 out of / 66Ranking
5 out of / 66Ranking
5 out of / 8Ranking
6 out of / 66Ranking
6 out of / 31Ranking
6 out of / 31Ranking
6 out of / 29Ranking
7 out of / 33Ranking
7 out of / 33Ranking
7 out of / 31Ranking
7 out of / 31Ranking
7 out of / 26Ranking
8 out of / 13Ranking
9 out of / 66Ranking
9 out of / 29Ranking
9 out of / 14Ranking
11 out of / 31Ranking
11 out of / 31Ranking
11 out of / 26Ranking
12 out of / 66Ranking
13 out of / 66Ranking
13 out of / 33Ranking
14 out of / 33Ranking
14 out of / 31Ranking
14 out of / 31Ranking
15 out of / 66Ranking
15 out of / 31Ranking
16 out of / 66Ranking
16 out of / 33Ranking
17 out of / 33Ranking
18 out of / 33Ranking
20 out of / 33Ranking
21 out of / 33Ranking
24 out of / 31Ranking
27 out of / 33Ranking
27 out of / 31Ranking
29 out of / 54Ranking
30 out of / 66Ranking
31 out of / 33Ranking
37 out of / 54Ranking
38 out of / 66Ranking
47 out of / 66Ranking
59 out of / 66Ford Explorer Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 66Ranking
2 out of / 33Ranking
2 out of / 33Ranking
3 out of / 31Ranking
3 out of / 31Ranking
3 out of / 14Ranking
3 out of / 13Ranking
3 out of / 8Ranking
4 out of / 66Ranking
5 out of / 66Ranking
5 out of / 8Ranking
6 out of / 66Ranking
6 out of / 31Ranking
6 out of / 31Ranking
6 out of / 29Ranking
7 out of / 33Ranking
7 out of / 33Ranking
7 out of / 31Ranking
7 out of / 31Ranking
7 out of / 26Ranking
8 out of / 13Ranking
9 out of / 66Ranking
9 out of / 29Ranking
9 out of / 14Ranking
11 out of / 31Ranking
11 out of / 31Ranking
11 out of / 26Ranking
12 out of / 66Ranking
13 out of / 66Ranking
13 out of / 33Ranking
14 out of / 33Ranking
14 out of / 31Ranking
14 out of / 31Ranking
15 out of / 66Ranking
15 out of / 31Ranking
16 out of / 66Ranking
16 out of / 33Ranking
17 out of / 33Ranking
18 out of / 33Ranking
20 out of / 33Ranking
21 out of / 33Ranking
24 out of / 31Ranking
27 out of / 33Ranking
27 out of / 31Ranking
29 out of / 54Ranking
30 out of / 66Ranking
31 out of / 33Ranking
37 out of / 54Ranking
38 out of / 66Ranking
47 out of / 66Ranking
59 out of / 66Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Other Ford Explorer Trim Levels
Base, King Ranch, Platinum, Police Interceptor Utility, ST, ST-Line, Timberline, XLT
Other Ford Explorer Trim Levels
Base, King Ranch, Limited, Platinum, Police Interceptor Utility, ST, ST-Line, Timberline
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
TOP SAFETY PICK +
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
TOP SAFETY PICK +
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
300 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
310 foot-lbs @ 3500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.069 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
300 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
310 foot-lbs @ 3500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.069 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.3 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
21 / 28 / 24
Range (city/hwy):
376 / 501 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.3 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
21 / 28 / 24
Range (city/hwy):
376 / 501 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Quad Seats:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Quad Seats:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Safety Features
360-Degree Camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Backup camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Backup camera:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
43 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
61.8 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
61.9 inches
Cargo Space:
18.2 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
87.8 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
170 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
43 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
61.8 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
61.9 inches
Cargo Space:
18.2 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
87.8 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
170 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4345 lbs
Width:
89.3 inches
Height:
69.9 inches
Length:
198.8 inches
Wheelbase:
119.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.9 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4345 lbs
Width:
89.3 inches
Height:
69.9 inches
Length:
198.8 inches
Wheelbase:
119.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.9 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
20.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P255/55R20
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
255/65R18
