2026 Audi Q3 vs 2026 Ford Explorer
Overview | |
MSRP$38,465 | MSRP$43,700 |
Listings3019 | Listings366 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.5 out of 10 | Expert reviews |
Pros
Cons
| |
2026 Ford Explorer Reviews SummaryThe Explorer was one of the first truly family-friendly SUVs, and it continues in that role today as a midsize three-row crossover competing against the likes of the Chevrolet Traverse, Honda Pilot, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Nissan Pathfinder, and Toyota Highlander. The current-generation Explorer has been around since the 2020 model year, and the big news for 2026 is a Tremor model that replaces the Timberline as the most off-road-capable Explorer. The available BlueCruise driver-assist system also gets an update. Verdict: Ford’s SUV stalwart still gets the job done, but it lacks personality unless you go for the ST or Tremor models. | |
2026 Audi Q3 Reviews Summary | |
No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.3L 300 hp I4 | Engine2.0L 255 hp I4 |
Drive TrainRWD | Drive TrainAWD |
Seating Capacity7 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower300 hp @ 5500 rpm | Horsepower255 hp @ 5250 rpm |
MPG City20 | MPG City22 |
MPG Highway29 | MPG Highway29 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.3L 300 hp I4 | Engine Name2.0L 255 hp I4 |
Torque310 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm | Torque273 lb-ft @ 1650 rpm |
Horsepower300 hp @ 5500 rpm | Horsepower255 hp @ 5250 rpm |
DrivetrainRWD | DrivetrainAWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City20 | MPG City22 |
MPG Highway29 | MPG Highway29 |
Interior | |
Leather Seats | Leather SeatsStandard |
Seating Capacity7 | Seating Capacity5 |
Key Features | |
Navigation SystemStandard | Navigation SystemStandard |
Sunroof/Moonroof | Sunroof/MoonroofStandard |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall5 | Front Crash Overall |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space16.3 cu ft | Cargo Space29.0 cu ft |
Curb Weight4303 lbs | Curb Weight3935 lbs |
Height69.6 in | Height64.1 in |
Length198.7 in | Length178.4 in |
Width89.3 in | Width82.2 in |
Wheelbase119.1 in | Wheelbase105.6 in |
Maximum Payload1467 lbs | Maximum Payload970 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity5000 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity1500 lbs |
Standard Towing Capacity5000 lbs | Standard Towing Capacity |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $38,465 | $43,700 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 7.5 out of 10Read full review | |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| |
Summary | The Explorer was one of the first truly family-friendly SUVs, and it continues in that role today as a midsize three-row crossover competing against the likes of the Chevrolet Traverse, Honda Pilot, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Nissan Pathfinder, and Toyota Highlander. The current-generation Explorer has been around since the 2020 model year, and the big news for 2026 is a Tremor model that replaces the Timberline as the most off-road-capable Explorer. The available BlueCruise driver-assist system also gets an update. Verdict: Ford’s SUV stalwart still gets the job done, but it lacks personality unless you go for the ST or Tremor models. | |
Video | No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.3L 300 hp I4 | 2.0L 255 hp I4 |
Drive Train | RWD | AWD |
Seating Capacity | 7 | 5 |
Horsepower | 300 hp @ 5500 rpm | 255 hp @ 5250 rpm |
MPG City | 20 | 22 |
MPG Highway | 29 | 29 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.3L 300 hp I4 | 2.0L 255 hp I4 |
Torque | 310 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm | 273 lb-ft @ 1650 rpm |
Horsepower | 300 hp @ 5500 rpm | 255 hp @ 5250 rpm |
Drivetrain | RWD | AWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 20 | 22 |
MPG Highway | 29 | 29 |
Interior | ||
Leather Seats | Standard | |
Seating Capacity | 7 | 5 |
Key Features | ||
Navigation System | Standard | Standard |
Sunroof/Moonroof | Standard | |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 16.3 cu ft | 29.0 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 4303 lbs | 3935 lbs |
Height | 69.6 in | 64.1 in |
Length | 198.7 in | 178.4 in |
Width | 89.3 in | 82.2 in |
Wheelbase | 119.1 in | 105.6 in |
Maximum Payload | 1467 lbs | 970 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 5000 lbs | 1500 lbs |
Standard Towing Capacity | 5000 lbs | |

By: CarGurus + AI
At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.







































