VS
At a Glance
Power
300hp @ 5500
240hp @ 6000
Torque
310lb-ft @ 3500
179lb-ft @ 4300
Fuel
24 mpg est.
39 mpg est.
Towing
5000lbs
2000lbs
Engine
2.3 L/140ci
2.5 L/152ci
Choosing between the Ford Explorer and the Lexus Nx Hybrid is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Ford Explorer delivers 300hp @ 5500 while the Lexus Nx Hybrid produces 240hp @ 6000. On fuel, the Explorer returns 24 mpg est. while the Nx Hybrid uses 39 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $38,465 for the Explorer and $45,175 for the Nx Hybrid. 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 ExplorerActive RWD 2026 - From $38,465
Lexus Nx HybridNX 350h AWD 2026 - From $45,175
Performance
Power Output (hp)
300hp @ 5500
240hp @ 6000
Torque (lb-ft)
310lb-ft @ 3500
179lb-ft @ 4300
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.3 L/140ci
2.5 L/152ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Hybrid
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
—
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Drive Wheels
Rear Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
24 mpg est.
39 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
20 (2025)mpg
41 (2025)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
29 (2025)mpg
37 (2025)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
17.9gal
14.5gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
198.8in
183.5in
Width (in)
78.9in
73.4in
Height (in)
69.6in
66.1in
Wheelbase (in)
119.1in
105.9in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4344lbs
4080lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
5000lbs
2000lbs
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
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
Ford Explorer
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Explorer
Fuel Economy
Nx Hybrid
Value
Explorer
Practicality
Explorer
Pros & Cons
Ford Explorer
Lower starting price ($38,465)
Higher towing capacity (5000lbs)
Higher fuel consumption (24 mpg est.)
Lexus Nx Hybrid
Better fuel economy (39 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Explorer or Nx Hybrid?
The Explorer gets 24 mpg est. and the Nx Hybrid gets 39 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Nx Hybrid 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 Nx Hybrid?
The Explorer produces 300hp @ 5500 and 310lb-ft @ 3500 of torque while the Nx Hybrid delivers 240hp @ 6000 and 179lb-ft @ 4300 of torque. The Explorer is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Explorer and Nx Hybrid?
The Explorer starts from $38,465 and the Nx Hybrid from $45,175. The Explorer is cheaper by $6,710 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Explorer or Nx Hybrid?
The Explorer has a braked towing capacity of 5000lbs and the Nx Hybrid can tow 2000lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Explorer or the Nx Hybrid?
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.