VS
At a Glance
Power
300hp @ 5500
275hp @ 6000
Torque
310lb-ft @ 3500
317lb-ft @ 1700
Fuel
24 mpg est.
26 mpg est.
Towing
5000lbs
3500lbs
Engine
2.3 L/140ci
2.4 L/146ci
Choosing between the Ford Explorer and the Lexus Rx 350 is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Ford Explorer delivers 300hp @ 5500 while the Lexus Rx 350 produces 275hp @ 6000. On fuel, the Explorer returns 24 mpg est. while the Rx 350 uses 26 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $52,965 for the Explorer and $51,225 for the Rx 350. 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 ExplorerPlatinum 4WD 2026 - From $52,965
Lexus Rx 350RX 350 Premium FWD 2026 - From $51,225
Performance
Power Output (hp)
300hp @ 5500
275hp @ 6000
Torque (lb-ft)
310lb-ft @ 3500
317lb-ft @ 1700
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.3 L/140ci
2.4 L/146ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
—
8
Drive Wheels
Four Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
24 mpg est.
26 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
20 (Est)mpg
22mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
27 (Est)mpg
29mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
17.9gal
17.8gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
198.8in
192.5in
Width (in)
78.9in
75.6in
Height (in)
70.2in
67.3in
Wheelbase (in)
119.1in
112.2in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4457lbs
4155lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
5000lbs
3500lbs
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
Rx 350
Value
Rx 350
Practicality
Explorer
Pros & Cons
Ford Explorer
Higher towing capacity (5000lbs)
Higher fuel consumption (24 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Lexus Rx 350
Better fuel economy (26 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($51,225)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Explorer or Rx 350?
The Explorer gets 24 mpg est. and the Rx 350 gets 26 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Rx 350 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 Rx 350?
The Explorer produces 300hp @ 5500 and 310lb-ft @ 3500 of torque while the Rx 350 delivers 275hp @ 6000 and 317lb-ft @ 1700 of torque. The Explorer is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Explorer and Rx 350?
The Explorer starts from $52,965 and the Rx 350 from $51,225. The Rx 350 is cheaper by $1,740 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Explorer or Rx 350?
The Explorer has a braked towing capacity of 5000lbs and the Rx 350 can tow 3500lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Explorer or the Rx 350?
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.