Ford Explorer vs Land Rover Range Rover
The Ford Explorer and Land Rover Range Rover are evenly matched on fuel economy — both peak at 28 mpg combined — so the decision comes down to engine choice, drivetrain, and class.
Across 4 measured categories, the Ford Explorer leads in 2. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2015–2026
Ford Explorer
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 102 configurations
2015–2027
Land Rover Range Rover
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 191 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Ford Explorer | Land Rover Range Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 28 mpg | 28 mpg |
| Best city MPG | 27 mpg ✓ | 26 mpg |
| Best highway MPG | 29 mpg | 30 mpg ✓ |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $2,200 ✓ | $2,850 |
| Lowest CO2 output | 322 g/mi | 102 g/mi ✓ |
| Engines offered | SIDI, SIDI & PFI, SIDI & PFI; FFV, SIDI; Stop-Start | SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI, SIDI; PHEV, SIDI; SV |
| Transmissions | Automatic (S10), Automatic 10-spd, Automatic (S6) | Automatic (S8), Automatic (S9) |
| Drivetrains | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive | 4-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Regular, Gasoline or E85 | Premium, Premium and Electricity, Diesel |
| EPA class | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
| Years covered | 2015–2026 | 2015–2027 |
| Configurations on record | 102 | 191 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
Explorer vs Range Rover: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Ford Explorer or the Land Rover Range Rover?
The Ford Explorer and Land Rover Range Rover are evenly matched on fuel economy — both peak at 28 mpg combined — so the decision comes down to engine choice, drivetrain, and class.
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 $2,850 for the Land Rover Range Rover — a difference of roughly $650 per year.
What engines do the Explorer and Range Rover offer?
Ford Explorer: SIDI, SIDI & PFI, SIDI & PFI; FFV, SIDI; Stop-Start. Land Rover Range Rover: SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI, SIDI; PHEV, SIDI; SV.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the Ford Explorer and the Land Rover Range Rover as Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, so they compete directly.
More Explorer comparisons
Comparison id: ford-explorer-vs-land-rover-range-rover