Ford Explorer vs Rivian R1S
The Rivian R1S is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 85 mpg combined versus 28 mpg for the Ford Explorer, a 57 mpg advantage and costs about $1,300 less per year to fuel.
Across 4 measured categories, the Rivian R1S leads in 4. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2015–2026
Ford Explorer
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 102 configurations
2022–2027
Rivian R1S
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 94 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Ford Explorer | Rivian R1S |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 28 mpg | 85 mpg ✓ |
| Best city MPG | 27 mpg | 94 mpg ✓ |
| Best highway MPG | 29 mpg | 77 mpg ✓ |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $2,200 | $900 ✓ |
| Lowest CO2 output | 322 g/mi | Not available |
| Engines offered | SIDI, SIDI & PFI, SIDI & PFI; FFV, SIDI; Stop-Start | Not available |
| Transmissions | Automatic (S10), Automatic 10-spd, Automatic (S6) | Automatic (A1) |
| Drivetrains | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive | 4-Wheel Drive, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Regular, Gasoline or E85 | Electricity |
| EPA class | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
| Years covered | 2015–2026 | 2022–2027 |
| Configurations on record | 102 | 94 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
Explorer vs R1S: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Ford Explorer or the Rivian R1S?
The Rivian R1S is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 85 mpg combined versus 28 mpg for the Ford Explorer, a 57 mpg advantage and costs about $1,300 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Rivian R1S runs about $900 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $2,200 for the Ford Explorer — a difference of roughly $1,300 per year.
What engines do the Explorer and R1S offer?
Ford Explorer: SIDI, SIDI & PFI, SIDI & PFI; FFV, SIDI; Stop-Start. Rivian R1S: no engine data on record.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the Ford Explorer and the Rivian R1S as Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, so they compete directly.
More Explorer comparisons
Comparison id: ford-explorer-vs-rivian-r1s