2023 Ford Explorer vs. 2024 Lexus RX 350 Review

Picture of the 2023 Ford Explorer

2023 Ford
Explorer

MSRP*: $36,760 to $56,525
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Picture of the 2024 Lexus RX 350

2024 Lexus
RX 350

MSRP*: $48,600 to $59,330
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MPG - City 18 - 25 MPG 21 - 22 MPG
MPG - Hwy 22 - 28 MPG 28 - 29 MPG
Seating Capacity 7 seats 5 seats
Cargo Space 87.8 ft3 46.2 ft3
Engine
  • 300-hp, 2.3-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 318-hp, 3.3-liter, V6 Cylinder Engine (Gas/Electric Hybrid)
  • 400-hp, 3.0-liter, V6 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 275-hp, 2.4-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
Transmission Automatic Automatic
Drivetrain Four Wheel Drive, Rear Wheel Drive All Wheel Drive, Front Wheel Drive
Horsepower 300 - 400 hp 275 hp
Towing Capacity 5,000 - 5,600 lbs 3,494 lbs
Exterior Length 198.8 in 192.5 in
Exterior Width 78.9 in 75.6 in
Leg Room Front 43.0 in
Rear 39.0 in
Front 41.1 in
Rear 37.4 in
Head Room Front 40.7 in
Rear 40.5 in
Front 38.1 - 39.5 in
Rear 28.5 - 38.6 in

*MSRP and Invoice prices displayed are for educational purposes only, do not reflect the actual selling price of a particular vehicle, and do not include applicable gas taxes or destination charges.

Comparison Review

Comfort
Rear passengers will be able to stretch out a lot more in the Ford Explorer than in the Lexus RX 350. The Ford Explorer will be popular with taller drivers and passengers in the front seat, due to its greater front head- and legroom than the Lexus RX 350.

Convenience
You'll be making about the same number of stops at the gas station with the Ford Explorer as you will with the Lexus RX 350, as they are both able to travel similar distances on a tank of gas.

Cost
There are a lot of factors to consider when calculating the overall cost of a vehicle. The main consideration is Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). When looking only at MSRP, the Ford Explorer will have less of an impact on your bank account than the Lexus RX 350.

Dimensions
Since the Ford Explorer is much wider than the Lexus RX 350, finding a wide enough spot in a parking lot may be a bit more challenging. For some people, bigger is better. If that's the case for you, then you'll be happier with the Ford Explorer, which is slightly longer than the Lexus RX 350.

Performance
When considering towing capacity, the Ford Explorer is clearly the choice over the Lexus RX 350 for pulling heavy loads. The Ford Explorer has a little more horsepower than the Lexus RX 350.

Powertrain
With similar torque, the Ford Explorer and the Lexus RX 350 are about even in transmitting their respective horsepower to the wheels.

Utility
The Ford Explorer offers greater seating capacity than the Lexus RX 350, making it a better choice for those who find themselves chauffeuring others around. With the Ford Explorer, you'll be able to haul more equipment or luggage than the Lexus RX 350.