VS
At a Glance
Power
190hp @ 6000
300hp @ 5500
Torque
179lb-ft @ 1700
310lb-ft @ 3500
Fuel
30 mpg est.
24 mpg est.
Towing
—
5000lbs
Engine
1.5 L/91ci
2.3 L/140ci
Choosing between the Acura Adx and the Ford Explorer is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Acura Adx delivers 190hp @ 6000 while the Ford Explorer produces 300hp @ 5500. On fuel, the Adx returns 30 mpg est. while the Explorer uses 24 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $38,200 for the Adx and $45,155 for the Explorer. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Acura AdxFWD w/A-Spec Package 2026 - From $38,200
Ford ExplorerST-Line RWD 2026 - From $45,155
Performance
Power Output (hp)
190hp @ 6000
300hp @ 5500
Torque (lb-ft)
179lb-ft @ 1700
310lb-ft @ 3500
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1.5 L/91ci
2.3 L/140ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive
Rear Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
30 mpg est.
24 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
27mpg
20 (2025)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
32mpg
29 (2025)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
14gal
17.9gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
185.8in
198.8in
Width (in)
72.5in
78.9in
Height (in)
63.8in
69.6in
Wheelbase (in)
104.5in
119.1in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3435lbs
4344lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
—
5000lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
—
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Explorer
Fuel Economy
Adx
Value
Adx
Practicality
Explorer
Pros & Cons
Acura Adx
Better fuel economy (30 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($38,200)
Few notable weaknesses
Ford Explorer
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (24 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Adx or Explorer?
The Adx gets 30 mpg est. and the Explorer gets 24 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Adx is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Adx or Explorer?
The Adx produces 190hp @ 6000 and 179lb-ft @ 1700 of torque while the Explorer delivers 300hp @ 5500 and 310lb-ft @ 3500 of torque. The Explorer is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Adx and Explorer?
The Adx starts from $38,200 and the Explorer from $45,155. The Adx is cheaper by $6,955 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Adx or Explorer?
The Adx has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the Explorer can tow 5000lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Adx or the Explorer?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.