Ford Explorer vs. Nissan Xterra
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Ford Explorer and Nissan Xterra 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 Nissan Xterra.
When comparing the Ford Explorer's and the Nissan Xterra's specifications and ratings, the Ford Explorer has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, interior volume and base engine power. The Nissan Xterra has the advantage in the area of fuel efficiency. Based on this comparison of the Ford Explorer's and the Nissan Xterra's specifications and ratings, the Ford Explorer is a better car than the Nissan Xterra.
Pricing: A used 2015 Ford Explorer ranges from $9,493 to $20,508 while a used 2015 Nissan Xterra is priced between $10,213 to $25,498.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Ford Explorer’s base engine makes 304 horsepower, and the Nissan Xterra base engine makes 261 horsepower. The Explorer is rated to deliver an average of 14 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 428 miles. The Xterra is rated to deliver an average of 18 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 464 miles. This gives the Nissan Xterra the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Ford Explorer. The Explorer uses ethanol, gasoline, and the Xterra uses 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, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Nissan Xterra has the advantage in the area of front leg room.
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:
$30,185
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$28,869
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$20,695 - $33,975
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$23,660
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
$23,173
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$20,150 - $26,255
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$15,036
Price Range:
$9,493 - $20,508
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$15,966
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$10,496 - $24,772
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
711
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
122,377
# Good or Great Deals:
284
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$17,781
Price Range:
$10,213 - $25,498
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
$13,241
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$10,060 - $17,781
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
45
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
111,745
# Good or Great Deals:
20
Ford Explorer Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.7 / 10
Reliability:
8.5 / 10
Retained Value:
7.5 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Nissan Xterra 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):
0.1
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.6
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.1 - 4.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
19.5%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Nissan Xterra
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
1.5
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
1.8
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
0.8 - 4.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
38%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
6.1
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
3.8
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.8 - 9.6
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
0.9
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
3.5
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
0.9 - 10
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 / 67Nissan Xterra 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
The Nissan Xterra is a rugged two-row SUV with plenty of cargo space and a suspension designed for those with adventurous lifestyles. The Xterra was discontinued after the 2015 model year.
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
- Powerful engine
- Off-road capability
- Durable interior materials
- Unrefined on-road ride
- Short list of standard features
- Low fuel economy
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Ford Explorer Trim Levels
Base, Limited, Police Interceptor Utility, Sport, XLT
Nissan Xterra Trim Levels
PRO-4X, S, X
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:
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:
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):
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
3 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
3 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
304 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque:
279 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.066 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
261 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque:
281 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.063 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3.7 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD / FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
12 / 17 / 14
Range (city/hwy):
316 / 428 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Ethanol, Gasoline
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
4 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):
338 / 464 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Standard/Optional Features
Bench Seats:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Bluetooth:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Entry:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Power outlet:
Available
Quad Seats:
Available
Roadside assistance:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Bench Seats:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Alloy wheels:
Available
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Bluetooth:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Power outlet:
Standard
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Roof Rack:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Available
Wifi:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
Available
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
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:
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
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.4 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.6 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
61.3 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
41.9 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
60.8 inches
Cargo Space:
48.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
85.4 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
167.6 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.9 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.4 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.3 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.3 inches
Rear Leg Room:
34.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
58.3 inches
Cargo Space:
36.3 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
Not yet available
Overall Interior Volume:
136.1 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4610 lbs
Width:
90.2 inches
Height:
69.1 inches
Length:
197.1 inches
Wheelbase:
112.6 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.6 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4148 lbs
Width:
72.8 inches
Height:
74.9 inches
Length:
178.7 inches
Wheelbase:
106.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.2 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
P245/55R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
P265/70R16
Exterior Colors
Beige
Arizona Beige Clearcoat
Black
Ebony / Shadow Black
Blue
Dark Blue / Deep Impact Blue Metallic / Light Blue Metallic / Norsea Blue Metallic / Royal Blue / Ultra Blue Metallic
Brown
Kodiak Brown Metallic / Medium Brown Metallic / Smokestone Metallic
Gray
Medium Titanium Metallic / Sterling Gray Metallic
Red
Dark Toreador Red Metallic
Silver
Ingot Silver Metallic / Silver Grey Metallic
White
Oxford White
Yellow
Not available
Exterior Colors
Beige
Not available
Black
Super Black
Blue
Metallic Blue
Brown
Not available
Gray
Night Armor
Red
Cayenne Red / Lava Red
Silver
Brilliant Silver
White
Glacier White
Yellow
SolarFlare Yellow
Interior Colors
Black
Charcoal Black
Gray
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Not available
Gray
Gray
