Ford Explorer vs. Lexus GX 460
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Ford Explorer and Lexus GX 460 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 Lexus GX 460.
In comparing the Ford Explorer's and the Lexus GX 460'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, interior volume and overall quality score. The Lexus GX 460 has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Ford Explorer's and the Lexus GX 460's specifications and ratings, the Ford Explorer is a better car than the Lexus GX 460.
Pricing: A used 2023 Ford Explorer ranges from $31,584 to $55,998 while a used 2023 Lexus GX 460 is priced between $53,795 to $67,975. For a new model, the Ford Explorer's price is between $39,999 and $61,706, with the Lexus GX 460 priced between $59,905 and $73,596.
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 Lexus GX 460 loses 43.3 percent of its value. This means the Lexus GX 460 retains 4.3 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 Lexus GX 460's quality rating is 8.3 out of 10. This results in the Ford Explorer being ranked 7 out of 32 Best Midsize SUVs and the Lexus GX 460 being ranked 3 out of 20 Best Luxury Midsize SUVs.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Ford Explorer is 8.5 out of 10. For the Lexus GX 460 the reliability rating is 9.0 out of 10. This gives the Lexus GX 460 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 Lexus GX 460 base engine makes 301 horsepower. The Explorer is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 501 miles. The GX 460 is rated to deliver an average of 16 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 437 miles. This gives the Ford Explorer the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Lexus GX 460. The Explorer uses regular unleaded, and the GX 460 uses premium unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Ford Explorer, a crossover/midsize SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Ford Explorer has higher safety ratings than the Lexus GX 460, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$39,999 - $61,706
Starting MSRP:
$36,760
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$36,046
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$28,750 - $41,535
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$59,905 - $73,596
Starting MSRP:
$58,125
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)
$68,406
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)
$44,825 - $113,700
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$42,357
Price Range:
$31,584 - $55,998
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$40,669
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$31,626 - $57,848
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
2,812
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
35,722
# Good or Great Deals:
571
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$60,279
Price Range:
$53,795 - $67,975
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)
$70,647
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)
$49,692 - $102,747
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
334
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
22,443
# Good or Great Deals:
72
Ford Explorer Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.7 / 10
Reliability:
8.5 / 10
Retained Value:
7.5 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Lexus GX 460 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.3 / 10
Reliability:
9.0 / 10
Retained Value:
7.8 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Ford Explorer
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
8.1
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
9.5
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
7.6 - 12.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
19.5%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Lexus GX 460
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
12.1
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)
9.4
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)
6.9 - 12.1
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
86.8%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
11.6
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
5.7
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.3 - 21.6
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
1.2
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)
4.4
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)
0.7 - 27
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 / 67Lexus GX 460 Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 10Ranking
2 out of / 29Ranking
2 out of / 20Ranking
2 out of / 6Ranking
3 out of / 20Ranking
3 out of / 20Ranking
3 out of / 8Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 29Ranking
8 out of / 29Ranking
9 out of / 20Ranking
10 out of / 20Ranking
11 out of / 26Ranking
13 out of / 20Ranking
13 out of / 20Ranking
14 out of / 29Ranking
15 out of / 20Ranking
17 out of / 20Ranking
18 out of / 29Ranking
18 out of / 20Ranking
24 out of / 29Ranking
25 out of / 29Ranking
26 out of / 29Ranking
27 out of / 29Ranking
28 out of / 29Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
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
Lexus GX 460 Trim Levels
Base, Luxury
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:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
6 years / 70000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
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:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
3 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
3 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
3 out of 5 Stars
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
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
301 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
329 foot-lbs @ 3500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.059 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
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:
4.6 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
8
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
15 / 19 / 16
Range (city/hwy):
345 / 437 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium 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:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Massage Seats:
N/A
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Quad Seats:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Air Suspension:
Available
Captain's seat:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
Standard
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:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
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:
170.9 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.7 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.4 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.2 inches
Rear Leg Room:
34.1 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57.3 inches
Cargo Space:
11.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
64.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
141.3 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:
5126 lbs
Width:
74.2 inches
Height:
74.2 inches
Length:
192.1 inches
Wheelbase:
109.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.1 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:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P265/60R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Agate Black
Blue
Atlas Blue
Gray
Carbonized Gray
Green
Forged Green
Silver
Iconic Silver
White
Oxford White
Exterior Colors
Black
Black Onyx / Caviar
Blue
Nightfall Mica
Gray
Nebula Gray Pearl
Green
Nori Green Pearl
Silver
Atomic Silver
White
Eminent White Pearl
Interior Colors
Beige
Sandstone
Black
Not available
Brown
Not available
Gray
Not available
Red
Not available
Interior Colors
Beige
Not available
Black
Black w/ Gray Sapele Wood and Aluminum Trim / Black w/ Linear Espresso Wood Trim
Brown
Sepia w/ Gray Sapele Wood and Aluminum Trim
Gray
Boulder w/ Open-Pore Ash Trim and Gray Stitching / Ecru w/ Gray Sapele Wood and Aluminum Trim / Ecru w/ Linear Espresso Wood Trim
Red
Rioja Red w/ Gray Sapele Wood and Aluminum Trim
