The Ultimate Showdown: Ford Explorer I4 Vs V6 – Which One Reigns Supreme?

The Ford Explorer is a popular SUV that has been on the market for over 30 years. It is known for its spacious interior, powerful engine options, and off-road capabilities. If you are looking for a family SUV that can handle your daily commute and weekend adventures, the Explorer is a great choice.

One of the biggest decisions you will need to make when choosing an Explorer is which engine to get. The Explorer is available with two engine options: a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine. Both engines are powerful, but they offer different performance and fuel economy characteristics.

In this blog post, we will compare the Ford Explorer I4 and V6 engines in terms of power, fuel economy, towing capacity, and price. We will also provide our recommendation on which engine is the best choice for most buyers.

Power

The 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine produces 365 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque.

As you can see, the V6 engine produces more power than the four-cylinder engine. This means that the V6 Explorer will be quicker off the line and will have more passing power. However, the four-cylinder engine is still plenty powerful for most drivers.

Fuel Economy

The 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. The 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine gets an EPA-estimated 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.

As you can see, the four-cylinder engine is more fuel-efficient than the V6 engine. This is because the four-cylinder engine is smaller and lighter than the V6 engine. However, the V6 engine is still relatively fuel-efficient for a large SUV.

Towing Capacity

The 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine has a maximum towing capacity of 5,300 pounds. The 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine has a maximum towing capacity of 6,500 pounds.

As you can see, the V6 engine has a higher towing capacity than the four-cylinder engine. This is because the V6 engine produces more torque than the four-cylinder engine. However, the four-cylinder engine is still capable of towing a small trailer or boat.

Price

The 2023 Ford Explorer I4 starts at $33,250. The 2023 Ford Explorer V6 starts at $37,750.

As you can see, the V6 Explorer is more expensive than the four-cylinder Explorer. This is because the V6 engine is more powerful and has a higher towing capacity. However, the four-cylinder Explorer is still a good value for the money.

Which Engine is Right for You?

The best engine for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for a powerful SUV with a high towing capacity, the V6 engine is the way to go. However, if you are looking for a more fuel-efficient SUV that is still plenty powerful, the four-cylinder engine is a great choice.

Alternatives to the Ford Explorer

If you are considering the Ford Explorer, you may also want to consider the following SUVs:

• Chevrolet Traverse
• GMC Acadia
• Honda Pilot
• Hyundai Palisade
• Kia Telluride
• Mazda CX-9
• Nissan Pathfinder
• Toyota Highlander

Final Thoughts

The Ford Explorer is a great choice for families who are looking for a spacious and powerful SUV. The Explorer is available with two engine options: a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine. The four-cylinder engine is more fuel-efficient, while the V6 engine is more powerful. The best engine for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.

Popular Questions

• Q: Which engine is more reliable, the I4 or the V6?

A: Both engines are reliable, but the I4 engine has a slight edge in terms of reliability.

• Q: Which engine is better for towing?

A: The V6 engine is better for towing because it produces more torque.

• Q: Which engine is more fuel-efficient?

A: The I4 engine is more fuel-efficient than the V6 engine.