Ford Explorer vs. Tesla Model X
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Ford Explorer and Tesla Model X 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 Tesla Model X.
When we compare the Ford Explorer's and the Tesla Model X's specifications and ratings, the Ford Explorer has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value, interior volume and overall quality score. The Tesla Model X has the advantage in the area of base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Ford Explorer's and the Tesla Model X's specifications and ratings, the Ford Explorer is a better car than the Tesla Model X.
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 Tesla Model X loses 55.2 percent of its value. This means the Ford Explorer retains 7.6 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Tesla Model X.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Ford Explorer is 8.7 out of 10 while the Tesla Model X's quality rating is 8.4 out of 10.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Ford Explorer is 8.5 out of 10. For the Tesla Model X the reliability rating is 8.1 out of 10. This gives the Ford Explorer a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Tesla Model X.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Ford Explorer’s base engine makes 300 horsepower, and the Tesla Model X base engine makes 670 horsepower.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Ford Explorer, a crossover/midsize SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, front leg room, rear shoulder room and rear leg room. The Tesla Model X, a electric SUV, has the advantage in the areas of front head room, rear head room and cargo space.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Ford Explorer and the Tesla Model X have the same average safety rating of 5 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:
40144 - 62004
Starting MSRP:
36860
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
37697
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
31990 - 43320
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
77990
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Electric Midsize SUVs)
74909
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Electric Midsize SUVs)
49800 - 92600
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
47137
Price Range:
39237 - 59113
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
47563
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
40678 - 66020
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
991
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
24193
# Good or Great Deals:
445
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
Price Range:
-
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Electric Midsize SUVs)
71297
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Electric Midsize SUVs)
56573 - 93998
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
Depreciation %:
Resale Value $:
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.4631145
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.27538997 - 0.53491193
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
44540
Depreciation %:
0.57109762
Resale Value $:
33450
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Electric Midsize SUVs)
0.57178663
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Electric Midsize SUVs)
0.57109762 - 0.71414102
Ford Explorer Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.692015 / 10
Reliability:
8.539089 / 10
Retained Value:
7.536956 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Tesla Model X Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.386873 / 10
Reliability:
8.1 / 10
Retained Value:
7.060621 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 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:
0.195
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Tesla Model X
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.20703426229247
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:
134.4864363382294
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Electric Midsize SUVs)
3.5
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Electric Midsize SUVs)
2.1 - 134.5
Ford Explorer Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 67Ranking
2 out of / 67Ranking
2 out of / 67Ranking
2 out of / 34Ranking
2 out of / 34Ranking
2 out of / 32Ranking
2 out of / 32Ranking
5 out of / 34Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 34Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
7 out of / 32Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 30Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
13 out of / 34Ranking
14 out of / 34Ranking
14 out of / 32Ranking
15 out of / 34Ranking
15 out of / 30Ranking
15 out of / 28Ranking
16 out of / 67Ranking
16 out of / 32Ranking
18 out of / 34Ranking
18 out of / 32Ranking
19 out of / 34Ranking
19 out of / 28Ranking
20 out of / 34Ranking
21 out of / 32Ranking
24 out of / 67Ranking
24 out of / 34Ranking
26 out of / 34Ranking
26 out of / 34Ranking
26 out of / 32Ranking
30 out of / 67Ranking
31 out of / 67Ranking
32 out of / 56Ranking
37 out of / 67Ranking
49 out of / 56Ranking
62 out of / 67Tesla Model X Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 65Ranking
2 out of / 44Ranking
4 out of / 65Ranking
4 out of / 65Ranking
4 out of / 44Ranking
4 out of / 44Ranking
5 out of / 44Ranking
6 out of / 65Ranking
7 out of / 44Ranking
7 out of / 44Ranking
8 out of / 44Ranking
9 out of / 65Ranking
9 out of / 44Ranking
10 out of / 65Ranking
13 out of / 65Ranking
19 out of / 65Ranking
24 out of / 65Ranking
25 out of / 44Ranking
32 out of / 40Ranking
36 out of / 65Ranking
49 out of / 59Summary 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
Tesla’s Model X is a minivan/crossover-type vehicle with up to three rows of seating for up to seven passengers. It features a unique set of “Falcon” second-row doors that open up, rather than swinging out.
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
- Roomiest Tesla available
- Outstanding performance in upper trims
- Class-leading range
- No Android Auto or Apple CarPlay
- No spare tire on any trim
- Few luxury features
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Flex Fuel, Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Electric
Ford Explorer Trim Levels
Base, King Ranch, Limited, Platinum, Police Interceptor Utility, ST, ST-Line, Timberline, XLT
Tesla Model X Trim Levels
Base, Plaid
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:
8 years / 150000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years / 50000 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):
5 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
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
670 hp
Torque:
Not yet available
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.130 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
5000 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
MPGe:
Not applicable
Range (city/hwy):
376 / 501 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Battery Size/Capacity :
Not applicable
Maximum Charging Rate:
Not applicable
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
Not Applicable
Engine Configuration:
Not Applicable
Number of Cylinders:
Not Applicable
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not applicable
MPGe:
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
335 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Battery Size/Capacity:
100 kWh
Maximum Charging Rate:
14 hours (240V)
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:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
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:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Massage Seats:
N/A
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Quad Seats:
Available
Roof Rack:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Air Suspension:
Standard
Captain's seat:
N/A
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:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
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:
41.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.1 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
60.7 inches
Rear Head Room:
41 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38.7 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
56.9 inches
Cargo Space:
43.5 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
91.6 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
131.1 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:
5148 lbs
Width:
89.4 inches
Height:
66.1 inches
Length:
199.1 inches
Wheelbase:
116.7 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.6 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:
20.0 x 9.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
265/45R20
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
Solid Black
Gray
Stealth Gray
Green
Not available
Silver
Not available
White
Pearl White Multi-Coat
Blue
Deep Blue Metallic
Red
Ultra Red
Interior Colors
Beige
Sandstone
Black
Not available
White
Not available
Interior Colors
Beige
Cream
Black
Black
White
Black and White
