GAC Aion Aion S Plus vs Ford Explorer
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | GAC Aion Aion S Plus | Ford Explorer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max power (hp) | 204 | 400 | -49.0% |
| Max torque (Nm) | 350 | 563 | -37.8% |
| NCAP safety | 5★ (C-NCAP) | 5★ (NHTSA) | — |
| Fuel type | Electric | Petrol | — |
| Transmission | Single-speed | 10-Speed Automatic | — |
| Price (USD est.) | $23,212 | $57,200 | -59.4% |
- Ford Explorer makes about 49% more power (400 vs 204 hp).
- Their economy figures use different measures (Electric vs Petrol), so compare running costs in your local fuel and electricity prices rather than head-to-head.
- Prices are converted to USD from their home markets (China and US); taxes and availability differ by country.
Verdict: Aion S Plus or Explorer?
GAC Aion Aion S Plus advantages
- Affordability (+59%)
Ford Explorer advantages
- Engine power (+49%)
- Pulling torque (+38%)
Which should you choose?
- Choose the GAC Aion Aion S Plus if you want the lower upfront cost.
- Choose the Ford Explorer if you want stronger performance and overtaking confidence.
Value for money
GAC Aion Aion S Plus delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
GAC Aion Aion S Plus vs Ford Explorer: which should you choose?
GAC Aion Aion S Plus (2023 80 Technology Edition) — electric sedan with 204 hp and 350 Nm, rated at 12.9 kWh/100km, 5-star C-NCAP safety; priced near $23,212 in the China market.
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.
GAC Aion Aion S Plus vs Ford Explorer: Ford Explorer is more powerful. Ford Explorer makes about 49% more power (400 vs 204 hp). Their economy figures use different measures (Electric vs Petrol), so compare running costs in your local fuel and electricity prices rather than head-to-head.
Performance
The Ford Explorer is the more powerful, at 400 hp against 204 hp, with 563 Nm of torque on tap. Its petrol drivetrain pairs with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Running costs
These cars use different energy types (Electric vs Petrol), so compare cost per kilometre at your local fuel and electricity prices rather than a single economy number.
Safety
GAC Aion Aion S Plus is rated 5 stars by C-NCAP and Ford Explorer 5 stars by NHTSA. Different NCAP programmes use different protocols, so same-programme comparisons are the most reliable.
Price and value
The GAC Aion Aion S Plus lists lower at about $23,212 (USD-converted from the China 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 GAC Aion Aion S Plus better than the Ford Explorer?
Ford Explorer takes the overall edge, though GAC Aion Aion S Plus wins in specific areas worth weighing. Ford Explorer makes about 49% more power (400 vs 204 hp).
What is the main difference between the GAC Aion Aion S Plus and the Ford Explorer?
Ford Explorer makes about 49% more power (400 vs 204 hp). Their economy figures use different measures (Electric vs Petrol), so compare running costs in your local fuel and electricity prices rather than head-to-head.
Which is better value?
GAC Aion Aion S Plus delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Which should I choose?
Choose the GAC Aion Aion S Plus if you want the lower upfront cost. Choose the Ford Explorer 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.