Ford Explorer vs. Jeep Liberty
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Ford Explorer and Jeep Liberty 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 Jeep Liberty.
When we compare the Ford Explorer's and the Jeep Liberty's specifications and ratings, 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's and the Jeep Liberty's specifications and ratings, the Ford Explorer is a better car than the Jeep Liberty.
Pricing: A used 2012 Ford Explorer ranges from $6,500 to $16,789 while a used 2012 Jeep Liberty is priced between $5,422 to $13,857.
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. This gives the Ford Explorer the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Jeep Liberty. 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: 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:
$28,280
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$27,219
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$18,995 - $32,835
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$23,395
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
$22,664
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$18,500 - $26,115
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$11,297
Price Range:
$6,500 - $16,789
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$11,614
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$7,775 - $18,747
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
218
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
158,885
# Good or Great Deals:
73
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$9,214
Price Range:
$5,422 - $13,857
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
$10,858
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$8,363 - $25,397
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
220
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
121,284
# Good or Great Deals:
71
Ford Explorer Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.7 / 10
Reliability:
8.5 / 10
Retained Value:
7.5 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Jeep Liberty 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 Jeep Liberty
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:
4.4
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
4.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.4 - 15.9
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.1
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
3
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.5 - 23.4
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 / 67Jeep Liberty Rankings
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
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 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:
Not yet available
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:
2 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
3 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
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 Specs
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
Bench Seats:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roof Rack:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Bluetooth:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Quad Seats:
Available
Roadside assistance:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Bench Seats:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roof Rack:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Bluetooth:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Heated Seats
Available
Keyless Ignition:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Available
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 Features
Backup camera:
N/A
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 alloy
Tire Size:
P225/75R16
Exterior Colors
Black
Black / Tuxedo Black Metallic
Blue
Dark Blue Pearl Metallic
Red
Red Candy Metallic Tinted Clearcoat
Silver
Ingot Silver Metallic
White
White Suede
Brown
Not available
Gray
Not available
Green
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat
Blue
True Blue Pearl Coat / Winter Chill Pearl Coat
Red
Deep Cherry Red Crystal Pearl Coat
Silver
Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat
White
Bright White Clear Coat
Brown
Canyon Brown Pearl Coat
Gray
Mineral Gray Metallic Clear Coat
Green
Black Forest Green Pearl Coat / Natural Green Pearl Coat / Rescue Green Metallic Clear Coat
Interior Colors
Gray
Medium Light Stone
Beige
Not available
Interior Colors
Gray
Dark Slate Gray
Beige
Pastel Pebble Beige
