Ford Explorer vs Lexus LX
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Ford Explorer | Lexus LX | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max power (hp) | 400 | 457 | -12.5% |
| Max torque (Nm) | 563 | 790 | -28.7% |
| Fuel economy (km/L) | 8.5 | 11.8 | -28.0% |
| NCAP safety | 5★ (NHTSA) | 5★ (GNCAP-GCC) | — |
| Fuel type | Petrol | Hybrid | — |
| Transmission | 10-Speed Automatic | 10-Speed Automatic | — |
| Price (USD est.) | $57,200 | $187,887 | -69.6% |
- Lexus LX makes about 12% more power (457 vs 400 hp).
- Lexus LX is the more economical, at 11.8 km/L against 8.5.
- Prices are converted to USD from their home markets (US and Gulf (UAE/KSA)); taxes and availability differ by country.
Verdict: Explorer or LX?
Ford Explorer advantages
- Affordability (+70%)
Lexus LX advantages
- Engine power (+12%)
- Pulling torque (+29%)
- Fuel economy (+28%)
Which should you choose?
- Choose the Ford Explorer if you want the lower upfront cost.
- Choose the Lexus LX if you want stronger performance and overtaking confidence.
Value for money
Ford Explorer delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Ford Explorer vs Lexus LX: which should you choose?
Ford Explorer (2026 ST AWD) — petrol suv with 400 hp and 563 Nm, rated at 8.5 km/L, 5-star NHTSA safety; priced near $57,200 in the US market.
Lexus LX (2026 700h Ultra Luxury HEV) — hybrid suv with 457 hp and 790 Nm, rated at 11.8 km/L, 5-star GNCAP-GCC safety; priced near $187,887 in the Gulf (UAE/KSA) market.
Ford Explorer vs Lexus LX: Lexus LX is more powerful. Lexus LX makes about 12% more power (457 vs 400 hp). Lexus LX is the more economical, at 11.8 km/L against 8.5.
Performance
The Lexus LX is the more powerful, at 457 hp against 400 hp, with 790 Nm of torque on tap. Its hybrid drivetrain pairs with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Running costs
The Lexus LX is more economical at 11.8 km/L against 8.5 km/L on their certified cycles, which compounds meaningfully over years of ownership. Test cycles differ between markets, so treat cross-region figures as directional.
Safety
Ford Explorer is rated 5 stars by NHTSA and Lexus LX 5 stars by GNCAP-GCC. Different NCAP programmes use different protocols, so same-programme comparisons are the most reliable.
Price and value
The Ford Explorer lists lower at about $57,200 (USD-converted from the US market). Factor in insurance, fuel or charging, taxes and resale — not just the sticker price.
The verdict
Both are credible choices in the car comparison space; the specification table above lays out every metric so you can weigh the trade-offs that matter to you. Pick the one whose strengths line up with how you will actually use it.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Ford Explorer better than the Lexus LX?
Lexus LX takes the overall edge, though Ford Explorer wins in specific areas worth weighing. Lexus LX makes about 12% more power (457 vs 400 hp).
What is the main difference between the Ford Explorer and the Lexus LX?
Lexus LX makes about 12% more power (457 vs 400 hp). Lexus LX is the more economical, at 11.8 km/L against 8.5.
Which is better value?
Ford Explorer delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Which should I choose?
Choose the Ford Explorer if you want the lower upfront cost. Choose the Lexus LX if you want stronger performance and overtaking confidence.
Methodology
Cars are compared on manufacturer-rated maximum power and torque, certified fuel economy (km/L, converted from each market's test cycle: EPA, WLTP, CLTC, JC08/WLTC, ARAI) or EV energy use (kWh/100km), official NCAP crash-test ratings from the model's home-market programme, and list prices converted to USD at recent exchange rates. Each model shows its newest listed year and its highest-priority market trim. Test cycles differ between regions, so cross-market economy figures are directional rather than exact; prices exclude local taxes and incentives.