Ford Explorer vs Lexus NX350
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2026 Lexus NX350
Overview
| Spec | Ford ExplorerActive 100A | Lexus NX350350 |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | Active 100A | 350 |
| Body style | SUV | SUV |
| Drivetrain | rear wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | premium unleaded (required) |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2027 | 2026 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Ford ExplorerActive 100A | Lexus NX350350 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $38,465 (best) | $45,825 |
| Lowest listing price | $11,345 (best) | — |
| Median listing price | $45,871 (best) | — |
| Highest listing price | $64,269 (best) | — |
| For sale now | 38 (best) | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Ford ExplorerActive 100A | Lexus NX350350 |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 24 MPG | 24 MPG |
| City MPG | 20 MPG | 21 MPG (best) |
| Highway MPG | 29 MPG (best) | 28 MPG |
| Fuel tank | 17.9 gal (best) | 14.5 gal |
Performance
| Spec | Ford ExplorerActive 100A | Lexus NX350350 |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 300 hp (best) | 275 hp |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft | 317 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 2.3 L | 2.4 L (best) |
| Cylinders | I4 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Ford ExplorerActive 100A | Lexus NX350350 |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 6 seats (best) | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 85.8 cu ft (best) | 46.9 cu ft |
| Towing capacity | 5,300 lbs (best) | 2,000 lbs |
| Payload | — | 895 lbs (best) |
| Curb weight | — | 4,035 lbs (best) |
| Ground clearance | 7.9 in | 8.1 in (best) |
| Wheelbase | 119.1 in (best) | 105.9 in |
| Length | 198.8 in (best) | 183.5 in |
| Width | 78.9 in (best) | 73.4 in |
| Height | 69.9 in (best) | 66.1 in |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Ford ExplorerActive 100A | Lexus NX350350 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 NX350 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Active 100A $38,465 MSRP(Currently comparing) | 350 $45,825 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | Active 100A $40,465 MSRP | 350 Premium $47,750 MSRP |
| 3 | Active 200A $40,400 MSRP | 350 F SPORT Handling $51,800 MSRP |
| 4 | Active 200A $42,400 MSRP | 350 Luxury $51,890 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 Explorer38 for sale
See all
Used2025 Ford Explorer
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Used2015 Ford Explorer
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Used2025 Ford Explorer
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31,300 mi$36,209Jay Hatfield GMC of Pittsburg
Frontenac, KS
Used2025 Ford Explorer
Active
Gray•Gray79,005 mi$28,898Jay Hatfield GMC Chanute
Chanute, KS
Used2025 Ford Explorer
ST-Line
31,300 mi$36,209Jay Hatfield Chevrolet of Pittsburg
Frontenac, KS
Ford Explorer vs Lexus NX350 FAQ
- Which is better: 2027 Ford Explorer or 2026 Lexus NX350?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2027 Ford Explorer vs 2026 Lexus NX350 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 2026 Lexus NX350?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2027 Ford Explorer starts lower at $38,465. Live Ford Explorer listings start at $11,345.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2027 Ford Explorer or 2026 Lexus NX350?
- The 2027 Ford Explorer leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (38,465).
- Which has better horsepower: 2027 Ford Explorer or 2026 Lexus NX350?
- The 2027 Ford Explorer leads on horsepower in this comparison (400).
- Which has better seats: 2027 Ford Explorer or 2026 Lexus NX350?
- The 2027 Ford Explorer leads on seats in this comparison (7).
- Which has better maxTowingLbs: 2027 Ford Explorer or 2026 Lexus NX350?
- The 2027 Ford Explorer leads on maxTowingLbs in this comparison (5,600).