VS
At a Glance
Power
268hp
300hp @ 5500
Torque
295lb-ft
310lb-ft @ 3500
Fuel
26 mpg est.
24 mpg est.
Towing
4400lbs
5000lbs
Engine
2.0 L/121ci
2.3 L/140ci
Choosing between the Audi Q5 and the Ford Explorer is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Audi Q5 delivers 268hp while the Ford Explorer produces 300hp @ 5500. On fuel, the Q5 returns 26 mpg est. while the Explorer uses 24 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $52,200 for the Q5 and $52,965 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
Audi Q5Premium 2.0 TFSI quattro Hatchback 2025 - From $52,200
Ford ExplorerPlatinum 4WD 2026 - From $52,965
Performance
Power Output (hp)
268hp
300hp @ 5500
Torque (lb-ft)
295lb-ft
310lb-ft @ 3500
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.0 L/121ci
2.3 L/140ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
7
—
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
Four Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
26 mpg est.
24 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
22mpg
20 (Est)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
30mpg
27 (Est)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
17.2gal
17.9gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
185.7in
198.8in
Width (in)
74.8in
78.9in
Height (in)
65.8in
70.2in
Wheelbase (in)
111in
119.1in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4464lbs
4457lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
4400lbs
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
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Explorer
Fuel Economy
Q5
Value
Q5
Practicality
Explorer
Pros & Cons
Audi Q5
Better fuel economy (26 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($52,200)
Few notable weaknesses
Ford Explorer
Higher towing capacity (5000lbs)
Higher fuel consumption (24 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Q5 or Explorer?
The Q5 gets 26 mpg est. and the Explorer gets 24 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Q5 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 Q5 or Explorer?
The Q5 produces 268hp and 295lb-ft 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 Q5 and Explorer?
The Q5 starts from $52,200 and the Explorer from $52,965. The Q5 is cheaper by $765 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Q5 or Explorer?
The Q5 has a braked towing capacity of 4400lbs and the Explorer can tow 5000lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Q5 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.
Also Consider