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2026 Ford Explorer vs. 2026 Ford Expedition Comparison

See how the 2026 Ford Explorer and 2026 Ford Expedition performed in our rigorous, independent road tests. Our experts evaluate hundreds of vehicles annually at our 327-acre testing facility, putting each model through over 50 data-driven assessments—including braking, emergency handling, fuel economy, and cabin noise. Review our side-by-side comparison of tested specifications, real-world fuel efficiency, and crash-test safety ratings to see which is the best for reliability, performance, and more.

Comparing 2 Models

Explorer 2026

Midsized SUVs 3-row

2026 Ford Explorer

$38,465 - $56,905

All Test Results

Expedition 2026

$57,700 - $87,360

All Test Results
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About
About
The Explorer has a spacious cabin and is relatively agile among three-row midsized SUVs, but the driving experience is marred by a rather clunky transmission, noisy standard engine, and stiff-edged ride. Most versions use the base 2.3-liter turbochar...
 
The redesigned Expedition is more refined and features a higher level of technology than its predecessor. Its 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 packs a 400-hp punch and is matched with a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic, but the big rig only managed 17 mpg o...
Highs
Highs
Green Checkmark Icon Agility
Green Checkmark Icon Controls
Green Checkmark Icon Interior room
Green Checkmark Icon BlueCruise
 
Green Checkmark Icon Powerful engine
Green Checkmark Icon Smooth-shifting transmission
Green Checkmark Icon Quiet interior
Green Checkmark Icon Roomy cabin
Green Checkmark Icon Lots of cargo space
Green Checkmark Icon Availability of Ford’s excellent BlueCruise active driving assistance system
Lows
Lows
Red 'X' Icon Ride
Red 'X' Icon Low-speed transmission shifts
 
Red 'X' Icon Long stopping distances
Red 'X' Icon Clumsy handling
Red 'X' Icon Poor fuel economy
Red 'X' Icon Oddly shaped steering wheel
Red 'X' Icon Unlabeled capacitive-touch steering wheel controls
Road Test Score
Road Test Score
/ 100
 
/ 100
Reliability
Reliability
/ 100
 
/ 100
Owner Satisfaction
Owner Satisfaction
/ 100
 
/ 100

Overview

Body Styles
Body Styles

4-door SUV

 

extended SUV, 4-door SUV

Trim Lines
Trim Lines

ST, Tremor, Platinum, ST-Line, Active

 

King Ranch, Tremor, Platinum, Active

Base Price Range
Base Price Range

$38,465 - $56,905

 

$57,700 - $87,360

Drive Wheels
Drive Wheels

AWD, RWD

 

4WD, RWD

Seating Capacity
Seating Capacity

2 Front, 3 Rear, 2 Third

 

2 Front, 2 Rear, 3 Third

Engines/Motors
Engines/Motors

3-liter V6 turbo (400 hp); 2.3-liter 4 turbo (300 hp)

 

3.5-liter V6 turbo (400 hp); 3.5-liter V6 turbo (440 hp)

Transmissions Available
Transmissions Available

10-speed Automatic

 

10-speed Automatic

Performance

Comfort & Convenience

Fuel Economy & Range

Vehicle Safety

Specification

Warranty

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Auto Test Center

Precision testing comes standard at our 327-acre auto test center.

TESTING LIKE NOBODY ELSE

50+

tests are conducted on every car we buy.

PERFORMANCE TESTING

6

miles of track for testing acceleration, ride, handling, braking, and advanced driver assist systems.

TIRE TESTING

400

tires tested a year for all-weather grip and rolling resistance.