VS
At a Glance
Power
275hp @ 5700
300hp @ 5500
Torque
315lb-ft @ 3400
310lb-ft @ 3500
Fuel
20 mpg est.
24 mpg est.
Towing
3500lbs
5000lbs
Engine
2.3 L/140ci
2.3 L/140ci
Choosing between the Ford Bronco and the Ford Explorer is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Ford Bronco delivers 275hp @ 5700 while the Ford Explorer produces 300hp @ 5500. On fuel, the Bronco returns 20 mpg est. while the Explorer uses 24 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $40,795 for the Bronco 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
Ford BroncoBase 2 Door 4x4 2026 - From $40,795
Ford ExplorerPlatinum 4WD 2026 - From $52,965
Performance
Power Output (hp)
275hp @ 5700
300hp @ 5500
Torque (lb-ft)
315lb-ft @ 3400
310lb-ft @ 3500
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.3 L/140ci
2.3 L/140ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Manual
Automatic
Number of Gears
7
—
Drive Wheels
Four Wheel Drive
Four Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
20 mpg est.
24 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
18mpg
20 (Est)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
21mpg
27 (Est)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
16.9gal
17.9gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
173.7in
198.8in
Width (in)
75.9in
78.9in
Height (in)
71.9in
70.2in
Wheelbase (in)
100.4in
119.1in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4286lbs
4457lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
3500lbs
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
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
—
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
—
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
—
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Ford Explorer
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Explorer
Fuel Economy
Explorer
Value
Bronco
Practicality
Explorer
Pros & Cons
Ford Bronco
Lower starting price ($40,795)
Higher fuel consumption (20 mpg est.)
Ford Explorer
Better fuel economy (24 mpg est.)
Higher towing capacity (5000lbs)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Bronco or Explorer?
The Bronco gets 20 mpg est. and the Explorer gets 24 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Explorer 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 Bronco or Explorer?
The Bronco produces 275hp @ 5700 and 315lb-ft @ 3400 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 Bronco and Explorer?
The Bronco starts from $40,795 and the Explorer from $52,965. The Bronco is cheaper by $12,170 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Bronco or Explorer?
The Bronco has a braked towing capacity of 3500lbs and the Explorer can tow 5000lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Bronco 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.