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2026 Land Rover Defender vs 2026 Ford Explorer

2026 Ford Explorer
2026 Ford Explorer
$38,465MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2026 Land Rover Defender
2026 Land Rover Defender
$63,500MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2026 Ford Explorer
$38,465MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2026 Land Rover Defender
$63,500MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP

$38,465

MSRP

$63,500

Listings

2063

Listings

502

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.5 out of 10

Expert reviews

Pros

  • Comfortable

  • Optional twin-turbo V6

  • Impressive safety ratings

Cons

  • Bland styling

  • Nondescript interior

  • Gets expensive with options

2026 Ford Explorer Reviews 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.

2026 Land Rover Defender Reviews Summary

No video found
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.3L 300 hp I4

Engine

2.0L 296 hp I4

Drive Train

RWD

Drive Train

AWD

Seating Capacity

7

Seating Capacity

7

Horsepower

300 hp @ 5500 rpm

Horsepower

296 hp @ 5500 rpm

MPG City

20

MPG City

18

MPG Highway

29

MPG Highway

22
2026 Ford Explorer
2026 Ford Explorer
$38,465MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2026 Land Rover Defender
2026 Land Rover Defender
$63,500MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2026 Ford Explorer
$38,465MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2026 Land Rover Defender
$63,500MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP
$38,465
$63,500
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews

5.0

Expert reviews

7.5 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons

Pros

  • Comfortable

  • Optional twin-turbo V6

  • Impressive safety ratings

Cons

  • Bland styling

  • Nondescript interior

  • Gets expensive with options

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 296 hp I4
Drive Train
RWD
AWD
Seating Capacity
7
7
Horsepower
300 hp @ 5500 rpm
296 hp @ 5500 rpm
MPG City
20
18
MPG Highway
29
22
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