Ford Explorer vs. Ford Ranger
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Ford Explorer and Ford Ranger 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 Ranger.
In comparing the Ford Explorer's and the Ford Ranger's specifications and ratings, the Ford Explorer has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. The Ford Ranger has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, reliability and resale value. Based on this comparison of the Ford Explorer's and the Ford Ranger'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 Ranger is priced between $34,967 to $72,060. For a new model, the Ford Explorer's price is between $40,144 and $62,004, with the Ford Ranger priced between $34,711 and $59,887.
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 Ranger loses 30.1 percent of its value. This means the Ford Ranger retains 17.5 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 Ranger'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 Ranger being ranked 3 out of 7 Best Midsize Trucks.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Ford Explorer is 8.5 out of 10. For the Ford Ranger the reliability rating is 8.8 out of 10. This gives the Ford Ranger 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 Ranger base engine makes 270 horsepower. The Explorer is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 501 miles. The Ranger is rated to deliver an average of 22 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 470 miles. This gives the Ford Explorer the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Ford Ranger. 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 Ranger, a midsize truck, has the advantage in the areas of front head room and front leg room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Ford Explorer has higher safety ratings than the Ford Ranger, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4 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:
$34,711 - $59,887
Starting MSRP:
$32,670
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
$33,975
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
$29,500 - $39,750
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:
1,227
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
5,811
# Good or Great Deals:
293
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$51,127
Price Range:
$34,967 - $72,060
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
$47,535
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
$40,919 - $57,389
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
7,484
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
305
# Good or Great Deals:
153
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 $:
$10,135
Depreciation %:
31%
Resale Value $:
$22,535
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
29.8%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
22.9% - 39.1%
Ford Explorer Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.7 / 10
Reliability:
8.5 / 10
Retained Value:
7.5 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Ford Ranger Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.5 / 10
Reliability:
8.8 / 10
Retained Value:
8.6 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 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 Ranger
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
14.3
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
13.6
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
12.2 - 14.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
46.8%
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:
2
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
2.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
1.5 - 15.8
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 Ranger Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
2 out of / 3Ranking
2 out of / 3Ranking
2 out of / 3Ranking
2 out of / 3Ranking
3 out of / 7Ranking
3 out of / 7Ranking
3 out of / 7Ranking
3 out of / 7Ranking
3 out of / 7Ranking
4 out of / 7Ranking
4 out of / 7Ranking
5 out of / 7Ranking
5 out of / 7Ranking
5 out of / 6Summary 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
Ford discontinued its iconic Ranger small pickup truck in 2011 despite a large, loyal fanbase. It recovered from that mistake by introducing an all-new Ford Ranger in 2019. The old and new Ranger small truck have nothing at all in common, and most older Ranger used trucks are now "fully depreciated,” to say it kindly. We’ll focus our comments on the new Ranger.
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
- Excellent fuel-efficient 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine standard
- Tremor off-road trim option
- Modern infotainment
- Class-leading payload capacity
- Mixed reliability scores
- Retained value hard to predict (too new)
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
Pickup Truck
Available Cab Types
Not applicable
Available Cab Types
Crew Cab
Available Bed Length(s)
Not applicable
Available Bed Length(s)
59.6 inches
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 Ranger Trim Levels
Lariat, Raptor, 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 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:
270 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
310 foot-lbs @ 3000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.064 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Max Payload:
1805 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:
2.3 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
4X2 / 4X4
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
21 / 25 / 22
Range (city/hwy):
395 / 470 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:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Massage Seats:
N/A
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
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:
Standard
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:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
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:
41 inches
Front Leg Room:
43.7 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.3 inches
Rear Leg Room:
34.6 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
56.7 inches
Cargo Space:
Not yet available
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
Not yet available
Overall Interior Volume:
98.3 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:
4203 lbs
Width:
86.7 inches
Height:
74 inches
Length:
210.6 inches
Wheelbase:
128.7 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 aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P255/70R17
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
Cactus Gray / Carbonized Gray
Green
Not available
Silver
Iconic Silver
White
Oxford White
Blue
Velocity Blue
Red
Hot Pepper Red Tinted Clearcoat
Interior Colors
Beige
Sandstone
Black
Not available
Interior Colors
Beige
Not available
Black
Ebony
