If fuel cost matters most
Audi Q5 with up to 42 MPG combined.
Side-by-side verified model comparison
Ford Explorer vs Audi Q5
Ford Explorer and Audi Q5 answer the same shopping question from different directions. The Q5 is more efficient on verified EPA data, while the Explorer reaches the higher power peak. Use the table below to decide whether your priority is fuel cost, safety, size or outright output.
At a glance
| Metric | Ford Explorer | Audi Q5 |
|---|---|---|
| Production coverage | 1990 - present | 2008 - present |
| Verified generations | 2 | 2 |
| Peak power | 400 hp | 354 hp |
| Best EPA combined | 25 MPG | 42 MPG |
| Latest NHTSA overall | NR | 5★ |
| Open recalls (2020/2024) | 33 | 4 |
| Latest dimensions | 5049 × 2004 × 1775 mm | 4682 × 1893 × 1662 mm |
| Average curb weight | 2117 kg (4667 lbs) | 1827 kg (4028 lbs) |
| Fuel types | Petrol, Hybrid | Diesel, Petrol |
If power matters most
Ford Explorer with a verified peak of 400 hp.
If safety is the filter
The available data is incomplete, so use the side-by-side table rather than a one-line verdict.
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Head-to-Head: Base Model Specifications
A detailed side-by-side comparison of the entry-level powertrain for the newest verified generation of each model. This shows exactly what you get before adding options or stepping up to premium trims.
| Specification | Ford ExplorerExplorer VI (U625) 2.3L EcoBoost AWD | Audi Q5Q5 FY 40 TDI quattro |
|---|---|---|
| Engine & Performance | ||
| Engine Type | Petrol | Diesel |
| Cylinders / Configuration | I4 | I4 |
| Displacement | 2.3L (2261 cc) | 2.0L (1968 cc) |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | Turbocharged |
| Horsepower | 300 hp | 204 hp |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 400 Nm |
| 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) | 6.0 s | 7.6 s |
| Top Speed | 200 km/h | 222 km/h |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | 10-Speed Automatic | Dual-clutch |
| Gears | — | 7 |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy & Range | ||
| City MPG (EPA) | 20.0 MPG | 37.0 MPG |
| Highway MPG (EPA) | 27.0 MPG | 46.0 MPG |
| Combined MPG (EPA) | 23.0 MPG | 42.0 MPG |
| Electric Range | — | — |
| Battery Capacity | — | — |
| CO₂ Emissions | — | 148 g/km |
| Dimensions & Utility | ||
| Length | 5049 mm | 4682 mm |
| Width | 2004 mm | 1893 mm |
| Height | 1775 mm | 1662 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3025 mm | 2832 mm |
| Curb Weight | 1970 kg | 1825 kg |
| Doors / Seats | 5 / 7 | 4 / 5 |
What search winners do that generic comparisons don’t
The top-ranking comparison pages win because they answer an explicit buying job: which one is more efficient, which one is safer, which one is larger, which one has the broader powertrain range. Pages that only dump two brochures side by side rarely hold clicks.
This comparison uses the newest verified generation of each model as the headline lens, then routes you into the exact generation sheets for the trim-level details. That is more durable than comparing incentives or dealer inventory, and more trustworthy than hiding missing data behind a made-up score.
Questions buyers ask
Which is more fuel-efficient, the Explorer or the Q5?
Audi Q5 wins on verified EPA combined economy at up to 42 MPG, versus 25 MPG for the Ford Explorer.
Which has more horsepower, the Explorer or the Q5?
Ford Explorer reaches the higher verified peak at 400 hp, compared with 354 hp for the Audi Q5.
Which is safer: Explorer or Q5?
Ford Explorer has a latest recorded NHTSA overall rating of not rated; Audi Q5 has 5★. Cross-check the frontal, side and rollover rows rather than using one headline number alone.
Is this a trim-by-trim comparison?
This page compares the newest verified generation of each model family. For year-specific engines, dimensions and trim tables, open the linked generation pages for each side.