Ford Explorer vs Lexus NX300h
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2021 Lexus NX300h
Overview
| Spec | Ford ExplorerActive 100A | Lexus NX300h300h |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | Active 100A | 300h |
| Body style | SUV | SUV |
| Drivetrain | rear wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Engine type | gas | hybrid |
| Model year | 2027 | 2021 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Ford ExplorerActive 100A | Lexus NX300h300h |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $38,465 (best) | $40,160 |
| Lowest listing price | $10,302 (best) | — |
| Median listing price | $45,275 (best) | — |
| Highest listing price | $64,810 (best) | — |
| For sale now | 637 (best) | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Ford ExplorerActive 100A | Lexus NX300h300h |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 24 MPG | 31 MPG (best) |
| City MPG | 20 MPG | 33 MPG (best) |
| Highway MPG | 29 MPG | 30 MPG (best) |
| Fuel tank | 17.9 gal (best) | 14.8 gal |
Performance
| Spec | Ford ExplorerActive 100A | Lexus NX300h300h |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 300 hp (best) | 194 hp |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft (best) | — |
| Engine size | 2.3 L | 2.5 L (best) |
| Cylinders | I4 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Ford ExplorerActive 100A | Lexus NX300h300h |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 6 seats (best) | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 5 (best) |
| Cargo volume | 85.8 cu ft (best) | 53.7 cu ft |
| Towing capacity | 5,300 lbs (best) | 1,500 lbs |
| Payload | — | 1,155 lbs (best) |
| Curb weight | — | 4,180 lbs (best) |
| Ground clearance | 7.9 in (best) | 6.7 in |
| Wheelbase | 119.1 in (best) | 104.7 in |
| Length | 198.8 in (best) | 182.7 in |
| Width | 78.9 in (best) | 73.6 in |
| Height | 69.9 in (best) | 64.8 in |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Ford ExplorerActive 100A | Lexus NX300h300h |
|---|---|---|
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | 1 | None reported (best) |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | Ford Explorer | Lexus NX300h |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Active 100A $38,465 MSRP(Currently comparing) | 300h $40,160 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | Active 100A $40,465 MSRP | 300h Luxury $46,610 MSRP |
| 3 | Active 200A $40,400 MSRP | 300h F SPORT Black Line $46,910 MSRP |
| 4 | Active 200A $42,400 MSRP | — |
| 5 | ST-Line $44,200 MSRP | — |
| 6 | ST-Line $46,200 MSRP | — |
| 7 | Tremor $49,200 MSRP | — |
| 8 | Tremor $56,460 MSRP | — |
| 9 | Platinum $50,660 MSRP | — |
| 10 | Platinum $52,660 MSRP | — |
| 11 | ST $53,660 MSRP | — |
| 12 | ST $55,660 MSRP | — |
Live inventory
Ford Explorer637 for sale
See all
Used2025 Ford Explorer
ST
Star White Metallic Tri Coat•Onyx29,816 mi$48,475Middleton Ford
Middleton, WI
- New
2027 Ford Explorer
ST
Agate Black Metallic•OnyxN/A$63,134Middleton Ford
Middleton, WI
Used2025 Ford Explorer
ST
Carbonized Gray Metallic•Onyx15,457 mi$50,470Middleton Ford
Middleton, WI
Used2026 Ford Explorer
ST
Vapor Blue Metallic•Onyx1,945 mi$55,470Middleton Ford
Middleton, WI
New2026 Ford Explorer
ST
Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat•Onyx5 mi$62,119MSRP $63,825Middleton Ford
Middleton, WI
Used2025 Ford Explorer
ST
Star White Metallic Tri Coat•Onyx14,604 mi$50,275Middleton Ford
Middleton, WI
Ford Explorer vs Lexus NX300h FAQ
- Which is better: 2027 Ford Explorer or 2021 Lexus NX300h?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2027 Ford Explorer vs 2021 Lexus NX300h on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2027 Ford Explorer or 2021 Lexus NX300h?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2027 Ford Explorer starts lower at $38,465. Live Ford Explorer listings start at $10,302.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2027 Ford Explorer or 2021 Lexus NX300h?
- The 2027 Ford Explorer leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (38,465).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2027 Ford Explorer or 2021 Lexus NX300h?
- The 2021 Lexus NX300h leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (31).
- Which has better horsepower: 2027 Ford Explorer or 2021 Lexus NX300h?
- The 2027 Ford Explorer leads on horsepower in this comparison (400).
- Which has better seats: 2027 Ford Explorer or 2021 Lexus NX300h?
- The 2027 Ford Explorer leads on seats in this comparison (7).
- Which has better maxTowingLbs: 2027 Ford Explorer or 2021 Lexus NX300h?
- The 2027 Ford Explorer leads on maxTowingLbs in this comparison (5,600).