Ford Explorer vs. Ford F-150
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Ford Explorer and Ford F-150 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 F-150.
When comparing the Ford Explorer's and the Ford F-150'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 and interior volume. The Ford F-150 has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Ford Explorer's and the Ford F-150's specifications and ratings, the two cars are fairly comparable.
Pricing: A used 2024 Ford Explorer ranges from $39,237 to $59,113 while a used 2024 Ford F-150 is priced between $45,415 to $114,995. For a new model, the Ford Explorer's price is between $40,144 and $62,004, with the Ford F-150 priced between $43,922 and $87,191.
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 F-150 loses 37.9 percent of its value. This means the Ford F-150 retains 9.7 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Ford Explorer.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Ford Explorer is 8.7 out of 10 while the Ford F-150's quality rating is 8.8 out of 10. This results in the Ford Explorer being ranked 7 out of 32 Best Midsize SUVs and the Ford F-150 being ranked 1 out of 11 Best Full-Size Trucks.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Ford Explorer is 8.5 out of 10. For the Ford F-150 the reliability rating is 8.7 out of 10. This gives the Ford F-150 a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Ford Explorer.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Ford Explorer’s base engine makes 300 horsepower, and the Ford F-150 base engine makes 400 horsepower. The Explorer is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 501 miles. The F-150 is rated to deliver an average of 19 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 552 miles.This gives the Ford Explorer the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Ford F-150 the advantage in maximum range. 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 cargo space. The Ford F-150, a fullsize truck, has the advantage in the areas of front head room, front shoulder room and front leg room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Ford Explorer has higher safety ratings than the Ford F-150, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.79 out of 5 Stars. 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:
$43,922 - $87,191
Starting MSRP:
$36,770
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Full-Size Pickup Trucks)
$41,113
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Full-Size Pickup Trucks)
$36,770 - $52,850
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:
983
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
13,291
# Good or Great Deals:
249
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$71,208
Price Range:
$45,415 - $114,995
Category Avg Price:
(Full-Size Pickup Trucks)
$59,079
Category Avg Price Range:
(Full-Size Pickup Trucks)
$48,160 - $71,208
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
14,986
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
3,241
# Good or Great Deals:
1,523
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 $:
$14,282
Depreciation %:
38.8%
Resale Value $:
$22,488
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Full-Size Pickup Trucks)
38.6%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Full-Size Pickup Trucks)
26.6% - 45.4%
Ford Explorer Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.7 / 10
Reliability:
8.5 / 10
Retained Value:
7.5 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Ford F-150 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.8 / 10
Reliability:
8.7 / 10
Retained Value:
8.1 / 10
Safety:
9.6 / 10
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 F-150
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
11.3
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Full-Size Pickup Trucks)
12.1
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Full-Size Pickup Trucks)
11.3 - 14.3
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
34.8%
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:
3.6
Typical Category Recalls:
(Full-Size Pickup Trucks)
3.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Full-Size Pickup Trucks)
1.5 - 10.8
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 F-150 Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 11Ranking
1 out of / 11Ranking
1 out of / 11Ranking
1 out of / 11Ranking
1 out of / 11Ranking
2 out of / 11Ranking
2 out of / 11Ranking
3 out of / 11Ranking
4 out of / 6Ranking
5 out of / 11Ranking
6 out of / 8Ranking
7 out of / 11Ranking
8 out of / 11Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
Pickup Truck
Available Cab Types
Not applicable
Available Cab Types
Crew Cab, Extended Cab, Regular Cab
Available Bed Length(s)
Not applicable
Available Bed Length(s)
67.1 inches, 78.9 inches, 97.6 inches
Available Drivetrain Options
Flex Fuel, Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline, Hybrid
Ford Explorer Trim Levels
Base, King Ranch, Limited, Platinum, Police Interceptor Utility, ST, ST-Line, Timberline, XLT
Ford F-150 Trim Levels
King Ranch, Lariat, Platinum, Police Responder, Raptor, SSV, STX, Tremor, XL, XLT
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):
4.79 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
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
Max Payload:
1425 lbs
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
400 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
410 foot-lbs @ 4250 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.091 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
9000 lbs
Max Payload:
1810 lbs
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:
5 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
8
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
4X2 / 4X4
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
16 / 24 / 19
Range (city/hwy):
368 / 552 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:
Available
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
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:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Massage Seats:
Available
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
Standard
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:
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:
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:
40.8 inches
Front Leg Room:
43.9 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
66.7 inches
Rear Head Room:
Not yet available
Rear Leg Room:
Not yet available
Rear Shoulder Room:
Not yet available
Cargo Space:
8.8 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
Not yet available
Overall Interior Volume:
73.5 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:
4391 lbs
Width:
95.7 inches
Height:
75.6 inches
Length:
209.1 inches
Wheelbase:
122.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.7 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 steel
Tire Size:
245/70R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Agate Black
Gray
Carbonized Gray
Green
Forged Green
Silver
Iconic Silver
White
Oxford White
Blue
Not available
Orange
Not available
Red
Not available
Yellow
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Agate Black
Gray
Carbonized Gray
Green
Green
Silver
Iconic Silver
White
Oxford White
Blue
Antimatter Blue / Atlas Blue
Orange
Orange
Red
Vermillion Red
Yellow
School Bus Yellow / Yellow
Interior Colors
Beige
Sandstone
Gray
Not available
Interior Colors
Beige
Not available
Gray
Medium Dark Slate