Ford Explorer vs Infiniti QX80
The Ford Explorer is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 28 mpg combined versus 18 mpg for the Infiniti QX80, a 10 mpg advantage and costs about $2,000 less per year to fuel.
Across 5 measured categories, the Ford Explorer leads in 5. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2015–2026
Ford Explorer
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 102 configurations
2015–2027
Infiniti QX80
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 30 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Ford Explorer | Infiniti QX80 |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 28 mpg ✓ | 18 mpg |
| Best city MPG | 27 mpg ✓ | 16 mpg |
| Best highway MPG | 29 mpg ✓ | 20 mpg |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $2,200 ✓ | $4,200 |
| Lowest CO2 output | 322 g/mi ✓ | 504 g/mi |
| Engines offered | SIDI, SIDI & PFI, SIDI & PFI; FFV, SIDI; Stop-Start | SIDI, SIDI; MDPV, SIDI; MDPV (Curb Weight >6000 lbs), SIDI; Over 6000 lbs curb weight |
| Transmissions | Automatic (S10), Automatic 10-spd, Automatic (S6) | Automatic (S9), Automatic (S7) |
| Drivetrains | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive | 4-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Regular, Gasoline or E85 | Premium |
| EPA class | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
| Years covered | 2015–2026 | 2015–2027 |
| Configurations on record | 102 | 30 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
Explorer vs QX80: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Ford Explorer or the Infiniti QX80?
The Ford Explorer is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 28 mpg combined versus 18 mpg for the Infiniti QX80, a 10 mpg advantage and costs about $2,000 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Ford Explorer runs about $2,200 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $4,200 for the Infiniti QX80 — a difference of roughly $2,000 per year.
What engines do the Explorer and QX80 offer?
Ford Explorer: SIDI, SIDI & PFI, SIDI & PFI; FFV, SIDI; Stop-Start. Infiniti QX80: SIDI, SIDI; MDPV, SIDI; MDPV (Curb Weight >6000 lbs), SIDI; Over 6000 lbs curb weight.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the Ford Explorer and the Infiniti QX80 as Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, so they compete directly.
More Explorer comparisons
Comparison id: ford-explorer-vs-infiniti-qx80