The Ford Explorer and F-150 have topped America’s pickup truck and SUV sales charts for decades, and for good reason. The Explorer and F-150 are transformative vehicles that revolutionized their classes but do not share many parts. Let’s take a closer look at the Ford F-150 and the Ford Explorer to see what sets them apart from their competition and each other.
Engines and Performance
The Ford Explorer and Ford F-150 have powerful and efficient engines but have been engineered to perform different tasks. Pickup trucks need engines that haul and tow heavy loads, but SUV drivers want responsive, refined engines that maximize fuel economy. The Ford F-150’s four engine choices include a turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 that produces 325 horsepower, an impressive 400 lbs-ft. of torque, and a supercharged 5.2-liter V8 pumps an incredible 720 horsepower. Hybrid and all-electric powertrains are also available for these models.
The Ford Explorer has a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine that produces 300 horsepower and a 3.0-liter EcoBoost engine that produces 400 horsepower. These engines have been tuned to run smoothly and provide instant acceleration, but they cannot match the Ford F-150 engine for hauling and towing. With the most powerful engine available, the Ford Explorer can tow up to 5,000 pounds, while the Ford F-150, optimized for towing, can pull trailers weighing as much as 13,500 pounds.
Comfort and Convenience
If you compare the interiors of the Ford Explorer and F-150, you will notice many similarities and differences. Both cabins are filled with thoughtful touches that make life easier, but they have been designed for different people. The Ford Explorer is driven by people who want a safe and reliable SUV for commuting, running errands, and taking kids to and from school. The F-150 is driven by people who need to carry or tow heavy equipment to run their businesses.
That is why you will see hidden storage compartments that growing families love in the Ford Explorer’s cabin and power outlets that can be used to recharge tool batteries in the bed of the Ford F-150. Both cabins feature large infotainment system touchscreens, and both vehicles have a long list of standard driver assistance features.
Fuel Efficiency and Cost of Ownership
Value for money is why the Ford F-150 is America’s best-selling pickup truck, and the Ford Explorer is the country’s most popular SUV. People keep returning to Ford dealers to trade in their F-150s and Explorers because they hold their value so well and cost so little to operate. During the first year of ownership, a Ford F-150 will lose about 10% of its value and cost about $500 to maintain. The average new vehicle loses about a third of its value during the first 12 months of ownership. The Ford Explorer holds onto even more of its value than the F-150, and its maintenance costs are slightly lower.
Which Is Best for You?
The Ford Explorer and Ford F-150 are both incredible vehicles, and either could provide you with years of reliable service. Visit us at Fayetteville Ford to test drive both vehicles and determine which is best for you.
