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.
In comparing the Ford Explorer's and the Tesla Model X's specifications and ratings, the Ford Explorer has the advantage in the areas of resale value and interior volume. 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 52.9 percent of its value and the Tesla Model X loses 63.4 percent of its value. This means the Ford Explorer retains 10.5 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus 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.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
42737 - 63305
Starting MSRP:
38330
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
39270
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
32190 - 44750
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
99990
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Electric Midsize SUVs)
78597
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Electric Midsize SUVs)
59200 - 99990
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
Price Range:
-
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
51972
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
50800 - 55009
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
Price Range:
-
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Electric Midsize SUVs)
81815
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Electric Midsize SUVs)
79449 - 84181
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Ford Explorer Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.4 / 10
Reliability:
7.5 / 10
Retained Value:
7.6 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Tesla Model X Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
6.9 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Ford Explorer
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
9.3
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
10.0
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
8.8 - 11.3
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.153
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Tesla Model X
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:
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Ford Explorer Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 66Ranking
2 out of / 33Ranking
2 out of / 33Ranking
3 out of / 31Ranking
3 out of / 31Ranking
3 out of / 14Ranking
3 out of / 13Ranking
3 out of / 8Ranking
4 out of / 66Ranking
5 out of / 66Ranking
5 out of / 8Ranking
6 out of / 66Ranking
6 out of / 31Ranking
6 out of / 31Ranking
6 out of / 29Ranking
7 out of / 33Ranking
7 out of / 33Ranking
7 out of / 31Ranking
7 out of / 31Ranking
7 out of / 26Ranking
8 out of / 13Ranking
9 out of / 66Ranking
9 out of / 29Ranking
9 out of / 14Ranking
11 out of / 31Ranking
11 out of / 31Ranking
11 out of / 26Ranking
12 out of / 66Ranking
13 out of / 66Ranking
13 out of / 33Ranking
14 out of / 33Ranking
14 out of / 31Ranking
14 out of / 31Ranking
15 out of / 66Ranking
15 out of / 31Ranking
16 out of / 66Ranking
16 out of / 33Ranking
17 out of / 33Ranking
18 out of / 33Ranking
20 out of / 33Ranking
21 out of / 33Ranking
24 out of / 31Ranking
27 out of / 33Ranking
27 out of / 31Ranking
29 out of / 54Ranking
30 out of / 66Ranking
31 out of / 33Ranking
37 out of / 54Ranking
38 out of / 66Ranking
47 out of / 66Ranking
59 out of / 66Tesla Model X Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 82Ranking
1 out of / 82Ranking
1 out of / 82Ranking
1 out of / 52Ranking
1 out of / 52Ranking
1 out of / 52Ranking
1 out of / 10Ranking
1 out of / 8Ranking
3 out of / 82Ranking
3 out of / 52Ranking
4 out of / 82Ranking
4 out of / 52Ranking
7 out of / 82Ranking
7 out of / 52Ranking
7 out of / 52Ranking
8 out of / 82Ranking
8 out of / 52Ranking
8 out of / 52Ranking
8 out of / 52Ranking
9 out of / 82Ranking
9 out of / 52Ranking
10 out of / 52Ranking
12 out of / 82Ranking
14 out of / 82Ranking
15 out of / 82Ranking
25 out of / 82Ranking
35 out of / 40Ranking
62 out of / 67Summary 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
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Electric
Ford Explorer Trim Levels
Active, Platinum, Police Interceptor Utility, ST, ST-Line, Tremor
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
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 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):
0.070 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
5000 lbs
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):
Not yet available
MPGe:
Not applicable
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
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):
352 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Battery Size/Capacity:
100 kWh
Maximum Charging Rate:
14 hours (240V)
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Alloy wheels:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Bench Seats:
N/A
Bluetooth:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Seats
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
N/A
Keyless Ignition:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Navigation System:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Power outlet:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Satellite radio:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Voice Recognition:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Air Suspension:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Standard
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Massage Seats:
N/A
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Quad Seats:
Available
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Roof Rack:
N/A
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Safety Features
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Backup 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
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
43 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
62.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
61.9 inches
Cargo Space:
16.3 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
85.8 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
169.2 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:
4303 lbs
Width:
89.3 inches
Height:
69.6 inches
Length:
198.7 inches
Wheelbase:
119.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.6 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:
Not yet available
Wheel Type:
Not yet available
Tire Size:
Not yet available
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
20.0 x 9.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
265/45R20
Exterior Colors
Black
Not available
Blue
Not available
Gray
Not available
Red
Not available
Silver
Not available
White
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Diamond Black
Blue
Frost Blue Metallic
Gray
Stealth Gray
Red
Ultra Red
Silver
Lunar Silver
White
Pearl White Multi-Coat
Interior Colors
Beige
Not available
Black
Not available
White
Not available
Interior Colors
Beige
Cream
Black
Black
White
Black and White
