Ford Explorer Vs Nissan Rogue: Which One Should You Buy? The Answer May Surprise You!

In the realm of midsize SUVs, the Ford Explorer and Nissan Rogue stand out as two of the most popular options. Both vehicles offer a compelling blend of space, power, and features, making them ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. However, each SUV has its unique strengths and weaknesses, making it essential to delve into the details before making a purchase decision. This comprehensive comparison between the Ford Explorer and Nissan Rogue will shed light on their key differences, helping you determine which SUV is the perfect choice for your needs.

Power and Performance: The Ford Explorer’s Edge

The Ford Explorer boasts a more robust engine lineup compared to the Nissan Rogue. Its base engine is a 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. For those seeking more power, the Explorer offers a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 engine that generates an impressive 365 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, ensuring smooth and efficient shifts.

On the other hand, the Nissan Rogue comes equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. While adequate for everyday driving, the Rogue’s engine feels less powerful compared to the Explorer’s offerings. It is mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT), known for its smooth operation but not as responsive as a traditional automatic transmission.

Fuel Efficiency: The Nissan Rogue’s Advantage

Despite its more potent engines, the Ford Explorer falls behind the Nissan Rogue in terms of fuel efficiency. The Explorer’s EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings for the base engine are 24 mpg city/30 mpg highway, while the V6 engine returns 18 mpg city/24 mpg highway.

The Nissan Rogue, on the other hand, shines in this category. With its smaller engine and CVT transmission, the Rogue achieves an EPA-estimated 27 mpg city/35 mpg highway. This superior fuel efficiency makes the Rogue a more economical choice for those who prioritize fuel savings.

Interior Space and Comfort: A Tie

Both the Ford Explorer and Nissan Rogue offer spacious interiors with ample seating for up to seven passengers. The Explorer’s cabin is slightly larger, providing more legroom and headroom in both rows. However, the Rogue’s interior feels more refined and upscale, with high-quality materials and thoughtful design elements.

In terms of cargo space, the Explorer offers a larger cargo area behind the third row, making it more suitable for hauling bulky items. With the third row folded down, the Explorer provides 87.8 cubic feet of cargo space, while the Rogue offers 74.1 cubic feet.

Features and Technology: The Ford Explorer’s Edge

The Ford Explorer comes loaded with an array of advanced features and technologies, giving it an edge over the Nissan Rogue. Its SYNC 3 infotainment system is user-friendly and responsive, with a large touchscreen display, smartphone integration, and voice commands. The Explorer also offers a premium audio system, a panoramic sunroof, and a hands-free power liftgate.

The Nissan Rogue’s infotainment system is less intuitive and features a smaller touchscreen display. However, it offers similar features such as smartphone integration and voice commands. The Rogue also has a Bose premium audio system, a panoramic sunroof, and a hands-free power liftgate.

Safety Features: A Tie

Both the Ford Explorer and Nissan Rogue have received top safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). They come equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction control, and electronic stability control.

The Explorer offers additional safety features such as blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Rogue, on the other hand, has features like automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control.

Price: The Nissan Rogue’s Advantage

The Nissan Rogue has a lower starting price compared to the Ford Explorer. The base Rogue S trim starts at $25,850, while the Explorer XLT trim starts at $33,160. However, the Explorer offers more standard features and a more powerful engine, making it a better value proposition at higher trim levels.

Recommendations: Choosing the Right SUV for Your Needs

The Ford Explorer and Nissan Rogue are both excellent midsize SUVs with unique strengths and weaknesses. The Explorer offers more powerful engines, a larger interior, and a more comprehensive suite of features. However, it is less fuel-efficient and has a higher starting price. The Rogue, on the other hand, is more fuel-efficient, has a lower starting price, and offers a more refined interior.

Ultimately, the choice between the Ford Explorer and Nissan Rogue depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize power, space, and features, the Explorer is the better choice. If you prioritize fuel efficiency, affordability, and a refined interior, the Rogue is the way to go.

Top Questions Asked

1. Which SUV has better towing and payload capacities?

• The Ford Explorer has a higher towing capacity of up to 5,600 lbs and a payload capacity of up to 1,800 lbs. The Nissan Rogue has a towing capacity of up to 1,500 lbs and a payload capacity of up to 1,350 lbs.

2. Which SUV offers a hybrid or electric powertrain?

• The Ford Explorer offers a hybrid powertrain option, combining a 3.3-liter V6 engine with an electric motor for improved fuel efficiency. The Nissan Rogue does not offer a hybrid or electric powertrain.

3. Which SUV has a better warranty coverage?

• The Nissan Rogue offers a longer basic warranty coverage of 3 years/36,000 miles compared to the Ford Explorer’s 3 years/36,000 miles basic warranty. However, the Explorer has a longer powertrain warranty of 5 years/60,000 miles compared to the Rogue’s 5 years/60,000 miles powertrain warranty.