Ford Explorer ST vs. Ford Mustang GT
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Ford Explorer ST and Ford Mustang GT 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 ST and the Ford Mustang GT.
When comparing the Ford Explorer ST's and the Ford Mustang GT's specifications and ratings, the Ford Explorer ST has the advantage in the areas of reliability, interior volume and overall quality score. The Ford Mustang GT has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, resale value and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Ford Explorer ST's and the Ford Mustang GT's specifications and ratings, the Ford Mustang GT is a better car than the Ford Explorer ST.
Pricing: A used 2024 Ford Explorer ST ranges from $54,908 to $62,613 while a used 2024 Ford Mustang GT is priced between $40,048 to $55,995. For a new model, the Ford Explorer ST's price is between $57,032 and $63,005, with the Ford Mustang GT priced between $41,603 and $55,272.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Ford Explorer ST loses 47.6 percent of its value and the Ford Mustang GT loses 26.2 percent of its value. This means the Ford Mustang GT retains 21.4 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Ford Explorer ST.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Ford Explorer is 8.7 out of 10 while the Ford Mustang's quality rating is 8.5 out of 10. This results in the Ford Explorer being ranked 7 out of 32 Best Midsize SUVs and the Ford Mustang being ranked 1 out of 15 Best Sports Cars.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Ford Explorer is 8.5 out of 10. For the Ford Mustang the reliability rating is 8.2 out of 10. This gives the Ford Explorer a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Ford Mustang.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Ford Explorer ST’s base engine makes 400 horsepower, and the Ford Mustang GT base engine makes 480 horsepower.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Ford Explorer ST, a crossover/midsize SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Ford Mustang GT, a sports car, has the advantage in the area of front leg room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Ford Explorer ST and the Ford Mustang GT have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars. When comparing IIHS evaluations, the Ford Explorer ST has the advantage with a Top Safety Pick+ award.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$57,032 - $63,005
Starting MSRP:
$50,105
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$37,697
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$31,990 - $43,320
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$41,603 - $55,272
Starting MSRP:
$42,460
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Sports Cars)
$34,022
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Sports Cars)
$28,985 - $42,970
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$59,586
Price Range:
$54,908 - $62,613
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$47,563
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$40,678 - $66,020
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
205
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
2,527
# Good or Great Deals:
0
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$46,718
Price Range:
$40,048 - $55,995
Category Avg Price:
(Sports Cars)
$50,979
Category Avg Price Range:
(Sports Cars)
$35,475 - $58,789
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
784
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
1,575
# Good or Great Deals:
51
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
Depreciation %:
Resale Value $:
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)
46.3%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
27.5% - 53.5%
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$11,393
Depreciation %:
26.8%
Resale Value $:
$31,067
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Sports Cars)
29.8%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Sports Cars)
23.9% - 44.3%
Ford Explorer Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.7 / 10
Reliability:
8.5 / 10
Retained Value:
7.5 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Ford Mustang Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.5 / 10
Reliability:
8.2 / 10
Retained Value:
8.9 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Ford Explorer ST
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
9.1
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
10.4
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
8.6 - 13.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
19.5%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Ford Mustang GT
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
11.9
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Sports Cars)
12.3
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Sports Cars)
8.9 - 15.3
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
4.8%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.1
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
3.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.6 - 14.8
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
5.8
Typical Category Recalls:
(Sports Cars)
2.8
Category Range for Recalls:
(Sports Cars)
1.6 - 6.6
Ford Explorer Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 67Ranking
2 out of / 10Ranking
3 out of / 18Ranking
3 out of / 17Ranking
4 out of / 39Ranking
5 out of / 67Ranking
5 out of / 39Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
7 out of / 32Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
8 out of / 39Ranking
9 out of / 67Ranking
9 out of / 39Ranking
10 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 39Ranking
12 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 39Ranking
13 out of / 39Ranking
13 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 16Ranking
14 out of / 39Ranking
14 out of / 21Ranking
15 out of / 67Ranking
15 out of / 32Ranking
16 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 39Ranking
17 out of / 34Ranking
17 out of / 32Ranking
20 out of / 39Ranking
20 out of / 28Ranking
22 out of / 39Ranking
22 out of / 39Ranking
23 out of / 32Ranking
25 out of / 39Ranking
28 out of / 30Ranking
29 out of / 67Ranking
37 out of / 67Ranking
53 out of / 59Ranking
59 out of / 67Ford Mustang Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 15Ranking
1 out of / 15Ranking
1 out of / 15Ranking
1 out of / 14Ranking
1 out of / 6Ranking
1 out of / 6Ranking
1 out of / 6Ranking
1 out of / 6Ranking
3 out of / 15Ranking
3 out of / 15Ranking
4 out of / 15Ranking
4 out of / 7Ranking
5 out of / 15Ranking
5 out of / 10Ranking
8 out of / 15Ranking
9 out of / 15Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
Coupe
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Other Ford Explorer Trim Levels
Base, King Ranch, Limited, Platinum, Police Interceptor Utility, ST-Line, Timberline, XLT
Other Ford Mustang Trim Levels
Dark Horse, EcoBoost, EcoBoost Premium, GT Premium
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
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 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
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
400 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
415 foot-lbs @ 3500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.085 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
5600 lbs
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
480 hp @ 7150 rpm
Torque:
415 foot-lbs @ 4900 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.128 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
18 / 26 / 21
Range (city/hwy):
364 / 525 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
5 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
8
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Quad Seats:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Massage Seats:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Power outlet:
Standard
Quad Seats:
N/A
Satellite radio:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Navigation System:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup 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
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup 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
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
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:
170.0 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
37.6 inches
Front Leg Room:
44.5 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.3 inches
Rear Head Room:
34.8 inches
Rear Leg Room:
29 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
52.2 inches
Cargo Space:
13.3 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
Not yet available
Overall Interior Volume:
96.2 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4701 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:
3741 lbs
Width:
81.9 inches
Height:
55 inches
Length:
189.4 inches
Wheelbase:
107 inches
Ground Clearance:
Not yet available
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
20.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy with painted accents
Tire Size:
255/55R20
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
255/45R18