VS
At a Glance
Power
300hp @ 5500
221hp
Torque
310lb-ft @ 3500
—
Towing
5000lbs
—
Engine
2.3 L/140cc
—
Choosing between the Ford Explorer and the Lexus RZ is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Ford Explorer delivers 300hp @ 5500 while the Lexus RZ produces 221hp. Pricing starts at $50,965 for the Explorer and $48,200 for the RZ. 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
221hp
Torque (lb-ft)
310lb-ft @ 3500
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.3 L/140cc
—
Cylinders
4
—
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Electric
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
—
Transmission
Automatic w/OD
Automatic
Number of Gears
—
1
Drive Wheels
Rear Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
20 (2025)mpg
—
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
29 (2025)mpg
—
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
17.9gal
—
Dimensions
Length (in)
198.8in
189.2in
Width (in)
78.9in
74.6in
Height (in)
69.6in
64.4in
Wheelbase (in)
119.1in
112.2in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4344lbs
4277lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
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
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Lexus RZ
2 / 4 categories
Performance
RZ
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
RZ
Practicality
Explorer
Pros & Cons
Ford Explorer
Well-rounded specification
Higher starting price
Lexus RZ
Lower starting price ($48,200)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the Explorer or RZ?
The Explorer produces 300hp @ 5500 and 310lb-ft @ 3500 of torque while the RZ delivers 221hp. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Explorer and RZ?
The Explorer starts from $50,965 and the RZ from $48,200. The RZ is cheaper by $2,765 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Explorer or RZ?
The Explorer has a braked towing capacity of 5000lbs and the RZ can tow not specified. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Explorer or the RZ?
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.