VS
At a Glance
Power
300hp @ 5500
268hp @ 5600
Torque
310lb-ft @ 3500
286lb-ft @ 4400
Fuel
24 mpg est.
25 mpg est.
Towing
5000lbs
6000lbs
Engine
2.3 L/140ci
2.0 L/122ci
Choosing between the Ford Explorer and the Infiniti Qx60 is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Ford Explorer delivers 300hp @ 5500 while the Infiniti Qx60 produces 268hp @ 5600. On fuel, the Explorer returns 24 mpg est. while the Qx60 uses 25 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $40,465 for the Explorer and $56,990 for the Qx60. 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.
Performance
Power Output (hp)
300hp @ 5500
268hp @ 5600
Torque (lb-ft)
310lb-ft @ 3500
286lb-ft @ 4400
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.3 L/140ci
2.0 L/122ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Drive Wheels
Four Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
24 mpg est.
25 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
20 (Est)mpg
22mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
27 (Est)mpg
28mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
17.9gal
18.5gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
198.8in
198in
Width (in)
78.9in
78in
Height (in)
70.2in
69.7in
Wheelbase (in)
119.1in
114.2in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4457lbs
4566lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
5000lbs
6000lbs
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
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Explorer
Fuel Economy
Qx60
Value
Explorer
Practicality
Qx60
Pros & Cons
Ford Explorer
Lower starting price ($40,465)
Higher fuel consumption (24 mpg est.)
Infiniti Qx60
Better fuel economy (25 mpg est.)
Higher towing capacity (6000lbs)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Explorer or Qx60?
The Explorer gets 24 mpg est. and the Qx60 gets 25 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Qx60 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 Explorer or Qx60?
The Explorer produces 300hp @ 5500 and 310lb-ft @ 3500 of torque while the Qx60 delivers 268hp @ 5600 and 286lb-ft @ 4400 of torque. The Explorer is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Explorer and Qx60?
The Explorer starts from $40,465 and the Qx60 from $56,990. The Explorer is cheaper by $16,525 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Explorer or Qx60?
The Explorer has a braked towing capacity of 5000lbs and the Qx60 can tow 6000lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Explorer or the Qx60?
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.