Ford Explorer vs. Ford Explorer Sport
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Ford Explorer and Ford Explorer Sport 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 Explorer Sport.
When comparing the Ford Explorer's and the Ford Explorer Sport's specifications and ratings, the Ford Explorer has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars and base engine power. The Ford Explorer Sport has the advantage in the area of fuel efficiency. Based on this comparison of the Ford Explorer's and the Ford Explorer Sport's specifications and ratings, the Ford Explorer is a better car than the Ford Explorer Sport.
Pricing: A used 2003 Ford Explorer ranges from $2,076 to $8,431 while a used 2003 Ford Explorer Sport is priced between $2,271 to $8,568.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Ford Explorer’s base engine makes 210 horsepower, and the Ford Explorer Sport base engine makes 203 horsepower. The Explorer is rated to deliver an average of 16 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 418 miles. The Explorer Sport is rated to deliver an average of 17 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 320 miles.This gives the Ford Explorer Sport the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Ford Explorer the advantage in maximum range. Both models use gasoline.
Safety Ratings: The Ford Explorer has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$26,930
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$24,461
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$16,825 - $28,739
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$22,515
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
N/A
Category Starting MSRP Range:
N/A
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$5,052
Price Range:
$2,076 - $8,431
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$6,252
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$4,485 - $13,160
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
42
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
159,968
# Good or Great Deals:
6
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$5,526
Price Range:
$2,271 - $8,568
Category Avg Price:
N/A
Category Avg Price Range:
N/A
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
4
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
222,652
# Good or Great Deals:
0
Ford Explorer Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.7 / 10
Reliability:
8.5 / 10
Retained Value:
7.5 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Ford Explorer Sport Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
Not available
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Ford Explorer
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Ford Explorer Sport
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.2
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
2.7
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.1 - 17.5
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
1
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
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 Explorer Sport Rankings
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Flex Fuel, Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Ford Explorer Trim Levels
Eddie Bauer, Limited, NBX, XLS, XLT
Ford Explorer Sport Trim Levels
XLS, XLT
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
210 hp @ 5100 rpm
Torque:
254 foot-lbs @ 3700 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.050 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
203 hp @ 5250 rpm
Torque:
237 foot-lbs @ 3000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.054 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
5140 lbs
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
4 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / 4WD, AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
14 / 19 / 16
Range (city/hwy):
308 / 418 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
4 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / 4WD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
15 / 20 / 17
Range (city/hwy):
240 / 320 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Standard/Optional Features
Bench Seats:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Roof Rack:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Bluetooth:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Ignition:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Navigation System:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Power outlet:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Satellite radio:
N/A
Voice Recognition:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Bench Seats:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Available
Roof Rack:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Alloy wheels:
Available
Heated Seats
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
N/A
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Bluetooth:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Ignition:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Navigation System:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Power outlet:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Satellite radio:
N/A
Voice Recognition:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Backup camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Backup camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.9 inches
Front Leg Room:
43.9 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
59.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.9 inches
Rear Leg Room:
37.2 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
58.9 inches
Cargo Space:
Not yet available
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
Not yet available
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.4 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.4 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.7 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
36.6 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57.9 inches
Cargo Space:
Not yet available
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
Not yet available
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4159 lbs
Width:
72.1 inches
Height:
71.9 inches
Length:
189.5 inches
Wheelbase:
113.7 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.5 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3769 lbs
Width:
70.2 inches
Height:
68.2 inches
Length:
180.4 inches
Wheelbase:
101.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.7 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
P235/70R16
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
P235/70R16
Exterior Colors
Black
Black Clearcoat
Blue
True Blue Clearcoat Metallic
Gold
Harvest Gold Clearcoat
Gray
Mineral Grey Clearcoat Metallic / Silver Birch Clearcoat Metallic
Green
Aspen Green Clearcoat Metallic
Red
Red Fire Clearcoat Metallic
White
Oxford White Clearcoat
Exterior Colors
Black
Black Clearcoat
Blue
True Blue Clearcoat Metallic
Gold
Harvest Gold Clearcoat Metallic
Gray
Not available
Green
Estate Green Clearcoat Metallic
Red
Not available
White
Oxford White Clearcoat
Interior Colors
Beige
Medium Parchment
Gray
Graphite
Interior Colors
Beige
Medium Pebble
Gray
Medium Flint