Navigating car lineups with expert guidance
Guide

Ford Explorer Vs Xlt: Which One Should You Choose? The Ultimate Guide For The Budget-conscious Consumer

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

  • In this blog post, we’ll compare the Ford Explorer and the Ford Explorer XLT and help you decide which one is the right one for you.
  • The Ford Explorer XLT has a few more standard features than the Ford Explorer, such as a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a power liftgate, and a 10-speaker audio system.
  • The Ford Explorer and the Ford Explorer XLT both offer a variety of safety features, such as airbags, anti-lock brakes, and a rearview camera.

The Ford Explorer and the Ford Explorer XLT are two popular SUVs that offer a variety of features and capabilities. Both vehicles are available in a variety of trim levels, and they both offer a variety of engine options. So, which one is the best choice for you? In this blog post, we’ll compare the Ford Explorer and the Ford Explorer XLT and help you decide which one is the right one for you.

Engine and Performance

The Ford Explorer is available with a variety of engine options, including a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, a 3.0-liter EcoBoost engine, and a 3.3-liter hybrid engine. The Ford Explorer XLT is available with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine and a 3.3-liter hybrid engine.

The 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine produces 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The 3.0-liter EcoBoost engine produces 365 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. The 3.3-liter hybrid engine produces 318 horsepower and 322 lb-ft of torque.

All three engines are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Ford Explorer and the Ford Explorer XLT both offer all-wheel drive as an option.

Fuel Efficiency

The Ford Explorer’s fuel efficiency varies depending on the engine option. The 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. The 3.0-liter EcoBoost engine gets an EPA-estimated 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. The 3.3-liter hybrid engine gets an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.

The Ford Explorer XLT’s fuel efficiency also varies depending on the engine option. The 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. The 3.3-liter hybrid engine gets an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.

Interior and Comfort

The Ford Explorer and the Ford Explorer XLT both offer a spacious and comfortable interior. Both vehicles have three rows of seats, and they both offer a variety of features to keep passengers comfortable, such as heated and cooled seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a rear-seat entertainment system.

The Ford Explorer XLT has a few more standard features than the Ford Explorer, such as a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a power liftgate, and a 10-speaker audio system.

Safety

The Ford Explorer and the Ford Explorer XLT both offer a variety of safety features, such as airbags, anti-lock brakes, and a rearview camera. The Ford Explorer XLT also has a few more standard safety features than the Ford Explorer, such as blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.

Price

The Ford Explorer has a starting price of $33,265. The Ford Explorer XLT has a starting price of $37,595.

Which One is Right for You?

The Ford Explorer and the Ford Explorer XLT are both great SUVs that offer a variety of features and capabilities. The best one for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a powerful and fuel-efficient SUV, the Ford Explorer is a great choice. If you’re looking for a more luxurious and well-equipped SUV, the Ford Explorer XLT is a great choice.

The Verdict: Ford Explorer vs XLT

Ultimately, the best way to decide which SUV is right for you is to test drive both the Ford Explorer and the Ford Explorer XLT. This will give you a chance to see how each vehicle drives and to compare their features and capabilities.

What You Need to Know

Q: Which SUV has a more powerful engine?
A: The Ford Explorer has a more powerful engine than the Ford Explorer XLT. The Explorer’s 3.0-liter EcoBoost engine produces 365 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque, while the XLT’s 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine produces 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.

Q: Which SUV has better fuel efficiency?
A: The Ford Explorer XLT has better fuel efficiency than the Ford Explorer. The XLT’s 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, while the Explorer’s 3.0-liter EcoBoost engine gets an EPA-estimated 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.

Q: Which SUV has a more spacious interior?
A: The Ford Explorer and the Ford Explorer XLT both have spacious interiors. The Explorer has a slightly larger cargo area than the XLT, but the XLT has more legroom and headroom in the second and third rows.

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.
Back to top button