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Ford Explorer Vs Land Rover Defender: The Midsize Suv Showdown

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to...

What To Know

  • The Ford Explorer and Land Rover Defender are both equipped with a variety of safety features that help to protect occupants in the event of a collision.
  • The Explorer is the more affordable of the two SUVs, and it offers a spacious and comfortable interior, as well as a variety of features that make it perfect for long road trips or off-road adventures.
  • The Defender, on the other hand, offers a wider range of features and options, and it has a more powerful engine.

When it comes to off-road capability, few vehicles can match the Ford Explorer and Land Rover Defender. Both SUVs have a long history of conquering challenging terrain, and they continue to be popular choices for adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts. But which one is the better choice? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll put the Ford Explorer and Land Rover Defender head-to-head to help you decide which one is right for you.

Performance and Capability

The Ford Explorer and Land Rover Defender are both powered by powerful engines that deliver excellent performance on and off-road. The Explorer comes standard with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine that produces 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The Defender, on the other hand, is available with a variety of engines, including a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 296 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 that produces 395 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque.

Both SUVs also offer a variety of off-road features that make them capable of tackling even the most challenging terrain. The Explorer comes standard with four-wheel drive, a Terrain Management System, and Hill Descent Control. The Defender, on the other hand, comes standard with four-wheel drive, a Terrain Response System, and Hill Descent Control.

Interior and Comfort

The Ford Explorer and Land Rover Defender offer spacious and comfortable interiors that are perfect for long road trips or off-road adventures. The Explorer offers seating for up to seven passengers, while the Defender offers seating for up to eight passengers. Both SUVs also offer a variety of features that make them comfortable and convenient, such as heated and cooled seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a premium audio system.

Safety

The Ford Explorer and Land Rover Defender are both equipped with a variety of safety features that help to protect occupants in the event of a collision. The Explorer comes standard with a suite of safety features, including airbags, anti-lock brakes, and a rearview camera. The Defender, on the other hand, comes standard with a similar suite of safety features, including airbags, anti-lock brakes, and a rearview camera.

Reliability and Maintenance

The Ford Explorer and Land Rover Defender have both been known to have some reliability issues in the past. However, both SUVs have undergone significant improvements in recent years, and they are now considered to be reliable vehicles. The Explorer has a slightly better reliability rating than the Defender, but both SUVs are expected to provide years of trouble-free service.

Price

The Ford Explorer is the more affordable of the two SUVs, with a starting price of $36,685. The Land Rover Defender, on the other hand, has a starting price of $50,750. However, the Defender offers a wider range of features and options, so it’s possible to spend more than $80,000 on a fully loaded model.

Recommendations: The Ultimate Off-Road Showdown

The Ford Explorer and Land Rover Defender are both excellent choices for off-road enthusiasts. The Explorer is the more affordable of the two SUVs, and it offers a spacious and comfortable interior, as well as a variety of features that make it perfect for long road trips or off-road adventures. The Defender, on the other hand, offers a wider range of features and options, and it has a more powerful engine. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your budget and your specific needs.

Basics You Wanted To Know

Q: Which SUV is better for off-roading, the Ford Explorer or the Land Rover Defender?
A: Both SUVs are capable of tackling even the most challenging terrain, but the Land Rover Defender has a slight edge in terms of off-road capability. It offers a wider range of off-road features, and it has a more powerful engine.

Q: Which SUV is more spacious, the Ford Explorer or the Land Rover Defender?
A: The Ford Explorer is the more spacious of the two SUVs. It offers seating for up to seven passengers, while the Defender offers seating for up to eight passengers. However, the Defender’s interior is more customizable, and it offers more cargo space.

Q: Which SUV is more reliable, the Ford Explorer or the Land Rover Defender?
A: The Ford Explorer has a slightly better reliability rating than the Land Rover Defender. However, both SUVs are expected to provide years of trouble-free service.

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Mike Sullivan

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to guides and industry news updates. When he's not writing about Ford, you can find Mike cheering on his favorite NFL team at the local pub on game days.
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