Peugeot 408 vs Ford Explorer
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Peugeot 408 | Ford Explorer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max power (hp) | 225 | 400 | -43.8% |
| Max torque (Nm) | 360 | 563 | -36.1% |
| Fuel economy (km/L) | 83.3 | 8.5 | +880.0% |
| NCAP safety | 4★ (Euro NCAP) | 5★ (NHTSA) | — |
| Fuel type | Plug-in Hybrid | Petrol | — |
| Transmission | Automatic | 10-Speed Automatic | — |
| Price (USD est.) | $58,644 | $57,200 | +2.5% |
- Ford Explorer makes about 44% more power (400 vs 225 hp).
- Peugeot 408 is the more economical, at 83.3 km/L against 8.5.
- Prices are converted to USD from their home markets (France and US); taxes and availability differ by country.
Verdict: 408 or Explorer?
Peugeot 408 advantages
- Fuel economy (+90%)
Ford Explorer advantages
- Engine power (+44%)
- Pulling torque (+36%)
- Crash-test safety (+20%)
Which should you choose?
- Choose the Peugeot 408 if you drive a lot and fuel costs matter.
- Choose the Ford Explorer 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.
Peugeot 408 vs Ford Explorer: which should you choose?
Peugeot 408 (2026 GT Plug-in Hybrid 225 e-EAT8) — plug-in hybrid hatchback with 225 hp and 360 Nm, rated at 83.3 km/L, 4-star Euro NCAP safety; priced near $58,644 in the France 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.
Peugeot 408 vs Ford Explorer: Ford Explorer is more powerful. Ford Explorer makes about 44% more power (400 vs 225 hp). Peugeot 408 is the more economical, at 83.3 km/L against 8.5.
Performance
The Ford Explorer is the more powerful, at 400 hp against 225 hp, with 563 Nm of torque on tap. Its petrol drivetrain pairs with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Running costs
The Peugeot 408 is more economical at 83.3 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
Peugeot 408 is rated 4 stars by Euro 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 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 Peugeot 408 better than the Ford Explorer?
Ford Explorer takes the overall edge, though Peugeot 408 wins in specific areas worth weighing. Ford Explorer makes about 44% more power (400 vs 225 hp).
What is the main difference between the Peugeot 408 and the Ford Explorer?
Ford Explorer makes about 44% more power (400 vs 225 hp). Peugeot 408 is the more economical, at 83.3 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 Peugeot 408 if you drive a lot and fuel costs matter. 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.