Ford Explorer vs. Jeep Liberty
When we compare the Ford Explorer to the Jeep Liberty, the Ford Explorer has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, interior volume and base engine power. The Jeep Liberty has the advantage in the area of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars. Based on this comparison of the Ford Explorer versus the Jeep Liberty, the Ford Explorer is a better car than the Jeep Liberty.
Ford Explorer vs. Jeep Liberty Pricing
A used 2012 Ford Explorer ranges from $8,493 to $18,231 while a used 2012 Jeep Liberty is priced between $6,381 to $15,995.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison
For engine performance, the Ford Explorer’s base engine makes 290 horsepower, and the Jeep Liberty base engine makes 210 horsepower. The Explorer is rated to deliver an average of 20 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 465 miles. The Liberty is rated to deliver an average of 18 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 429 miles. Both models use gasoline.
Passenger Space Comparison
The Ford Explorer has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room and rear leg room. The Jeep Liberty has the advantage in the areas of front leg room cargo space.
Safety Ratings Comparison
The Ford Explorer has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
Pricing
New Asking Price:
-
Used Asking Price:
$8,493 - $18,231
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
46.2%
Pricing
New Asking Price:
-
Used Asking Price:
$6,381 - $15,995
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
Ford Explorer Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.5 / 10
Reliability:
8.4 / 10
Retained Value:
7.1 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Jeep Liberty Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
Not available
Safety:
Not available
Ford Explorer Rankings
Ranking
4 out of / 25Ranking
5 out of / 31Ranking
5 out of / 25Ranking
5 out of / 15Ranking
6 out of / 61Ranking
6 out of / 25Ranking
6 out of / 25Ranking
7 out of / 61Ranking
7 out of / 61Ranking
7 out of / 31Ranking
7 out of / 31Ranking
7 out of / 28Ranking
7 out of / 21Ranking
9 out of / 25Ranking
13 out of / 31Ranking
15 out of / 31Ranking
39 out of / 61Ranking
41 out of / 61Jeep Liberty Rankings
Summary 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
Not yet available
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
Not yet available
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Ford Explorer Trim Levels
Base, Limited, XLT
Jeep Liberty Trim Levels
Arctic, Jet Edition, Latitude, Limited, Sport
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 / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
290 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque:
255 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.064 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
210 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque:
235 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.052 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
2000 lbs
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
18 / 25 / 20
Range (city/hwy):
335 / 465 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3.7 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
4X2 / 4X4
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
16 / 22 / 18
Range (city/hwy):
312 / 429 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Standard/Optional Features
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple Car Play:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple Car Play:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Equipment
360-Degree 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 Equipment
360-Degree 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:
41.4 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.6 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
61.3 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.8 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
61 inches
Cargo Space:
21 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
80.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
172.7 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.4 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.8 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.8 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.3 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38.8 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
56.6 inches
Cargo Space:
26.1 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
62.4 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
126.7 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4557 lbs
Width:
90.2 inches
Height:
70.4 inches
Length:
197.1 inches
Wheelbase:
112.6 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.6 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4076 lbs
Width:
72.3 inches
Height:
70.2 inches
Length:
176.9 inches
Wheelbase:
106.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.8 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
P245/65R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum
Tire Size:
P225/75R16