Ford Explorer Vs Dodge Charger: Which Muscle Car Is Right For You?
What To Know
- The Explorer is a more comfortable and composed ride, with a more upscale interior and a larger cargo area.
- The Charger is more agile and sporty, with a more aggressive and sporty interior and a more powerful engine option.
- If you’re looking for a comfortable and composed ride with a lot of cargo space, the Explorer is the better choice.
When it comes to American muscle cars, two names that immediately come to mind are the Ford Explorer and the Dodge Charger. Both vehicles have a long and storied history, and they offer a unique blend of power, performance, and style. But which one is the better choice for you? In this blog post, we’ll compare the Ford Explorer and the Dodge Charger head-to-head to help you make an informed decision.
Performance and Power
Both the Ford Explorer and the Dodge Charger offer impressive performance and power. The Explorer comes standard with a 3.3-liter V6 engine that produces 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The Charger, on the other hand, comes standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine that produces 305 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque. However, the Charger can be upgraded to a 5.7-liter V8 engine that produces 370 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque.
In terms of acceleration, the Charger is slightly quicker than the Explorer. The Charger can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds, while the Explorer takes 6.1 seconds. However, the Explorer has a higher top speed of 120 mph, compared to the Charger’s 119 mph.
Handling and Ride Quality
The Ford Explorer and the Dodge Charger offer different handling and ride quality experiences. The Explorer is a more comfortable and composed ride, thanks to its independent rear suspension. The Charger, on the other hand, is more agile and sporty, thanks to its stiffer suspension.
However, the Charger’s stiffer suspension can make it uncomfortable to drive over rough roads. The Explorer, on the other hand, is more forgiving of bumps and potholes.
Fuel Economy
The Ford Explorer and the Dodge Charger have similar fuel economy ratings. The Explorer gets an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. The Charger gets an EPA-estimated 18 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
However, the Charger’s fuel economy can be improved by opting for the available 5.7-liter V8 engine with the eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.
Interior and Comfort
The Ford Explorer and the Dodge Charger offer spacious and comfortable interiors. The Explorer has a more upscale interior, with higher-quality materials and a more refined design. The Charger, on the other hand, has a more aggressive and sporty interior, with a focus on performance.
Both vehicles offer plenty of headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. However, the Explorer has a slightly larger cargo area than the Charger.
Safety
The Ford Explorer and the Dodge Charger both offer a variety of safety features. The Explorer comes standard with features such as blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Charger comes standard with features such as traction control, electronic stability control, and hill-start assist.
Both vehicles have received good safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Price
The Ford Explorer and the Dodge Charger are both priced similarly. The Explorer has a starting price of $33,865, while the Charger has a starting price of $32,995. However, the price of both vehicles can vary depending on the trim level and options selected.
The Verdict: Which One is the Better Choice?
The Ford Explorer and the Dodge Charger are both excellent vehicles with a lot to offer. The Explorer is a more comfortable and composed ride, with a more upscale interior and a larger cargo area. The Charger is more agile and sporty, with a more aggressive and sporty interior and a more powerful engine option.
Ultimately, the better choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a comfortable and composed ride with a lot of cargo space, the Explorer is the better choice. If you’re looking for a more agile and sporty ride with a powerful engine, the Charger is the better choice.
Alternatives to the Ford Explorer and Dodge Charger
If you’re still not sure which vehicle is right for you, there are a few other alternatives to consider. Some of the most popular alternatives to the Ford Explorer and Dodge Charger include the Chevrolet Tahoe, the GMC Yukon, and the Toyota Highlander.
These vehicles all offer similar levels of performance, power, and comfort. However, they each have their own unique strengths and weaknesses. Be sure to test drive all of these vehicles before making a final decision.
Answers to Your Questions
Q: Which vehicle is more fuel-efficient, the Ford Explorer or the Dodge Charger?
A: The Ford Explorer and the Dodge Charger have similar fuel economy ratings. The Explorer gets an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, while the Charger gets an EPA-estimated 18 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
Q: Which vehicle has a more spacious interior, the Ford Explorer or the Dodge Charger?
A: The Ford Explorer has a slightly more spacious interior than the Dodge Charger. The Explorer has more headroom, legroom, and cargo space than the Charger.
Q: Which vehicle is safer, the Ford Explorer or the Dodge Charger?
A: The Ford Explorer and the Dodge Charger both offer a variety of safety features. Both vehicles have received good safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
