Ford Explorer vs. Ford Bronco
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Ford Explorer and Ford Bronco 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 and the Ford Bronco.
When comparing the Ford Explorer's and the Ford Bronco's specifications and ratings, the Ford Explorer has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency, resale value, interior volume and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Ford Explorer's and the Ford Bronco's specifications and ratings, the Ford Explorer is a better car than the Ford Bronco.
Pricing: A used 2024 Ford Explorer ranges from $39,237 to $59,113 while a used 2024 Ford Bronco is priced between $44,155 to $104,050. For a new model, the Ford Explorer's price is between $40,144 and $62,004, with the Ford Bronco priced between $44,754 and $97,913.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Ford Explorer loses 47.6 percent of its value and the Ford Bronco loses 49.7 percent of its value. This means the Ford Explorer retains 2.1 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Ford Bronco.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Ford Explorer’s base engine makes 300 horsepower, and the Ford Bronco base engine makes 275 horsepower. The Explorer is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 501 miles. The Bronco is rated to deliver an average of 20 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 355 miles. This gives the Ford Explorer the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Ford Bronco. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Ford Explorer, a crossover/midsize SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room and rear leg room. The Ford Bronco, a midsize SUV, has the advantage in the areas of front head room, front leg room and cargo space.
Safety Ratings: The Ford Explorer has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings. When comparing IIHS evaluations, the Ford Explorer has the advantage with a Top Safety Pick+ award.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$40,144 - $62,004
Starting MSRP:
$36,860
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$37,697
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$31,990 - $43,320
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$44,754 - $97,913
Starting MSRP:
$39,630
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$37,697
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$31,990 - $43,320
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$47,137
Price Range:
$39,237 - $59,113
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$47,563
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$40,678 - $66,020
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
855
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
11,682
# Good or Great Deals:
178
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$66,020
Price Range:
$44,155 - $104,050
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$47,563
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$40,678 - $66,020
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
9,051
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
764
# Good or Great Deals:
275
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 $:
$20,084
Depreciation %:
50.7%
Resale Value $:
$19,546
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)
46.3%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
27.5% - 53.5%
Ford Explorer Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.7 / 10
Reliability:
8.5 / 10
Retained Value:
7.5 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Ford Bronco Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
7.4 / 10
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Ford Explorer
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 Bronco
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
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:
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.2
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:
(Midsize SUVs)
3.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.6 - 14.8
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 Bronco Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 32Ranking
1 out of / 32Ranking
4 out of / 32Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
19 out of / 32Ranking
19 out of / 28Ranking
24 out of / 32Ranking
26 out of / 32Ranking
26 out of / 32Ranking
28 out of / 32Summary Review
The Ford Explorer is one of the defining vehicles of its segment. This three-row SUV is big, tough, and versatile. Ford redesigned its Explorer for 2020, switching it back to a rear-wheel-drive-based vehicle with a more rugged foundation.
Summary Review
The Ford Bronco is a compact SUV with excellent off-road capability. The original Bronco was discontinued back in 1996, with 2021 marking its return to the Ford lineup. The average new model costs $51,186.
Pros and Cons
- Passenger Space
- Advanced 4X4 all-wheel-drive system available
- Class-leading engines on many trims, including a hybrid
- Older models lack some basic advanced safety systems common for their model years
- No 8-passenger seating option for 2021
Pros and Cons
- Superior off-road capability
- Excellent cargo capacity for four-door models
- Highly customizable through factory accessories
- Bouncy on-road ride
- Tight rear seats for two-door models
- Low fuel economy
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Flex Fuel, Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Ford Explorer Trim Levels
Base, King Ranch, Limited, Platinum, Police Interceptor Utility, ST, ST-Line, Timberline, XLT
Ford Bronco Trim Levels
Badlands, Big Bend, Black Diamond, Everglades, Heritage Edition, Heritage Limited Edition, Outer Banks, Raptor, Wildtrak
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
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
TOP SAFETY PICK +
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
3 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
3 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
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
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
275 hp @ 5700 rpm
Torque:
315 foot-lbs @ 3400 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.064 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:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
4X4
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
20 / 21 / 20
Range (city/hwy):
338 / 355 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Massage Seats:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Quad Seats:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
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
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Massage Seats:
N/A
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
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
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:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
Available
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:
41 inches
Front Leg Room:
43.1 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.8 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.7 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
51.8 inches
Cargo Space:
22.4 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
52.3 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
121.4 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:
4304 lbs
Width:
86.2 inches
Height:
72.9 inches
Length:
173.7 inches
Wheelbase:
100.4 inches
Ground Clearance:
9.4 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
255/65R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P255/75R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Agate Black
Gray
Carbonized Gray
Green
Forged Green
Silver
Iconic Silver
White
Oxford White
Blue
Not available
Red
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Shadow Black
Gray
Azure Gray Metallic Tri-Coat / Cactus Gray / Carbonized Gray
Green
Eruption Green
Silver
Iconic Silver
White
Oxford White
Blue
Velocity Blue
Red
Hot Pepper Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat / Race Red
Interior Colors
Beige
Sandstone
Gray
Not available
Interior Colors
Beige
Sandstone w/ Black Onyx
Gray
Dark Space Gray w/ Black Onyx
