Head-to-head
2025 Ford Explorer vs 2025 Jeep Wagoneer
The Jeep Wagoneer wins clearly, 88.8 to 56.1, on fuel & range, performance, safety.
F
2025 Ford Explorer
The 2025 Ford Explorer is sold in the U.S. as a gas large SUV with 6 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Explorer RWD, is EPA-rated at 24 …
vs
D2025 Jeep Wagoneer
The 2025 Jeep Wagoneer is sold in the U.S. as an electric and gas large SUV with 6 EPA-rated configurations. Its longest-range version, the Wagoneer S AWD (Falk…
More Ford Explorer head-to-heads More Jeep Wagoneer head-to-heads Every Explorer vs Wagoneer model year
Verdict · default weights
2025 Jeep Wagoneer
Clear winThe Jeep Wagoneer wins clearly, 88.8 to 56.1, on fuel & range, performance, safety.
Fuel & range 2025 Jeep Wagoneer leads by 72.3
Performance 2025 Jeep Wagoneer leads by 28.6
Safety 2025 Jeep Wagoneer leads by 5
| Category · weight | 2025 Jeep Wagoneeroverall 88.8 | 2025 Ford Exploreroverall 56.1 | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricenot compared | Specs not available | Specs not available | ||||||||||||
| Fuel & rangew 3 | 100 | 27.7 | ||||||||||||
EPA annual fuel cost and combined mpg / MPGe; EV range when both are electric. | ||||||||||||||
| Safetyw 4 | 74.7 | 69.7 | ||||||||||||
NHTSA 5-Star rating, WhichTrim Safety Signal (open recalls by severity), owner complaints, standard driver-assist features (from the press kit, or from what the manufacturer filed with NHTSA where there is none). Open park-outside / do-not-drive advisories cost 25 points. | ||||||||||||||
| Space & cargonot compared | Specs not available | Specs not available | ||||||||||||
| Performancew 2 | 100 | 71.4 | ||||||||||||
Horsepower, torque and horsepower per ton. | ||||||||||||||
| Tech & comfortnot compared | Specs not available | Specs not available | ||||||||||||
| Warrantynot compared | Specs not available | Specs not available | ||||||||||||
| Overall | 88.8 | 56.1 | ||||||||||||
Safety-only comparison · 3 of 7 categories compared · specs not available for Jeep Wagoneer
Jeep Wagoneer: safety only (EPA and NHTSA record; specs not available) · Ford Explorer: base trim Active RWD. Pick a trim in the tool to compare any other trim.
Change what matters to you →Scores are 0–100 per category from the data on this page. The weights are yours to set.
Where the gap is
the biggest differences, from the scorecard's own numbersWhere the 2025 Jeep Wagoneer wins
- It is rated 93 combined against 24 (EPA mpg or MPGe).
- It costs $2,000 a year less to fuel on the EPA's estimate ($800 against $2,800).
- It has drawn fewer owner complaints (64 against 109 filed with NHTSA).
Where the 2025 Ford Explorer answers
- It carries 5 NHTSA overall stars against 4.
Ranked by how far apart the two score on each measure, so a price gap and a horsepower gap are compared on the same scale. Every figure is on this page.
Specifications side by side
43 specs · manufacturer press kits| Spec | Jeep Wagoneer | Ford ExplorerActive RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Basics | ||
| Aspiration | — | twin turbo |
| Cylinder count | — | 4 |
| Engine displacement | — | 2,261 cc |
| Engine type (full description) | — | 2.3-liter EcoBoost I-4 |
| Fuel injection system | — | gdi mpi |
| Valve configuration | — | DOHC 16-Valve |
| Engine Output | ||
| Horsepower | — | 300 hp |
| Torque | — | 310 lb-ft |
| Transmission | ||
| Final drive ratio | — | 3.58 |
| Transmission speeds | — | 10 |
| Transmission type | — | automatic |
| Dimensions Exterior | ||
| Ground clearance | — | 7.6 in |
| Overall height | — | 69.6 in |
| Overall length | — | 199 in |
| Overall width | — | 78.9 in |
| Wheelbase | — | 119 in |
| Cargo | ||
| Cargo volume behind 1st row | — | 85.8 cu-ft |
| Cargo volume behind 2nd row | — | 46 cu-ft |
| Cargo volume behind 3rd row | — | 16.3 cu-ft |
| Total interior volume | — | 153 cu-ft |
| Seating | ||
| Passenger seating capacity | — | 7 |
| Headroom | ||
| Front headroom | — | 40.7 in |
| Second-row headroom | — | 40.5 in |
| Third-row headroom | — | 38.9 in |
| Legroom | ||
| Front legroom | — | 43 in |
| Second-row legroom | — | 39 in |
| Third-row legroom | — | 32.2 in |
| Weights | ||
| Curb weight (minimum) | — | 4,303 lbs |
| Suspension | ||
| Front suspension type | — | independent |
| Rear suspension type | — | independent |
| Steering | ||
| Steering type | — | Electric Power-Assisted Steering |
| Brakes | ||
| Front brake type | — | ventilated disc |
| Parking brake type | — | electric |
| Rear brake type | — | solid disc |
| Wheels | ||
| Wheel diameter | — | 18 in |
| Wheel material | — | aluminum |
| Tires | ||
| Tire size | — | P255/65R18 |
| Fuel System | ||
| Fuel tank capacity | — | 17.9 gal |
| Minimum recommended octane | — | 87 |
| Connected Services | ||
| Connected services brand | — | FordPass Connect |
| Shoulder Room | ||
| Front shoulder room | — | 62.1 in |
| Second-row shoulder room | — | 61.9 in |
| Third-row shoulder room | — | 54.6 in |
Green marks the better value where the direction is unambiguous (more room, more power, lower price). Blank rows are specs the press kit does not publish.
Equipment, feature by feature
89 features · differences first, then sharedSafety31 differ · 31 listed
| Feature | Jeep Wagoneer | Ford ExplorerActive RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane Centering | — | std |
| Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) with Pedestrian Detection | — | std |
| Pre-Collision Assist – Forward Collision Warning | — | std |
| Rear Cross-Traffic Braking | — | std |
| Driver and Passenger Dual-Stage Front Airbags | — | std |
| Evasive Steering Assist | — | std |
| Front-seat Side Airbags | — | std |
| Lane-Keeping System (Lane-Keeping Alert, Lane-Keeping Assist, Driver Alert) | — | std |
| Rear View Camera with Backup Assist Grid Lines | — | std |
| Safety Canopy® Side-Curtain Airbags with Rollover Sensor | — | std |
| Ford Co-Pilot360™ – Driver Alert | — | std |
| Hill Descent Control™ (4WD Models) | — | std |
| LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tether Anchors for Children) on Second and Third Row Outboard Seating Positions | — | std |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | std |
| Trailer Sway Control | — | std |
| AdvanceTrac™ with RSC® (Roll Stability Control™) and ESC | — | std |
| Auto High-Beam Headlamps | — | std |
| BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross-Traffic Alert and Trailer Coverage | — | std |
| Curve Control | — | std |
| Driver Knee Airbag | — | std |
| Electric Parking Brake with Auto Hold | — | std |
| Ford Co-Pilot360™ Assist+ (standard ADAS suite including Intersection Assist, Post-Collision Braking, Dynamic Brake Support) | — | std |
| Four-Wheel Disc Brakes with Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) | — | std |
| Hill Start Assist | — | std |
| Perimeter Alarm | — | std |
| Post-Collision Braking | — | std |
| Safety Canopy® Rollover Sensor | — | std |
| Side-Wind Stabilization | — | std |
| SOS Post-Crash Alert System™ | — | std |
| Individual Tire Pressure Monitoring System (ITPMS) | — | std |
| SecuriLock® Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) | — | std |
Infotainment11 differ · 11 listed
| Feature | Jeep Wagoneer | Ford ExplorerActive RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Remote Start System | — | opt |
| 5G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot (connects up to 10 devices) | — | std |
| FordPass Connect™ – Remotely start, lock and unlock vehicle | — | std |
| Audio – Six (6) Speakers | — | std |
| FordPass Connect™ – Locate parked vehicle | — | std |
| 911 Assist® | — | std |
| Ford Digital Experience – 13.2" Color LCD Touchscreen in IP Center-Stack with Alexa Built-In, Google Assistant/Maps/Play, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ Wireless Compatibility | — | std |
| Ford Power-Up Software Update Capability | — | std |
| SiriusXM® with 360L (3-month prepaid subscription) | — | std |
| Steering Wheel Mounted Audio and Cruise Controls | — | std |
| USB Ports: First Row – One (1) "A" and One (1) "C" in Media Bin and Two (2) "C" in Center Floor Console; Second Row – Two (2) "C" and Third Row – Two (2) "C" | — | std |
Convenience6 differ · 6 listed
| Feature | Jeep Wagoneer | Ford ExplorerActive RWD |
|---|---|---|
| 4-Door Intelligent Access (Lock/Unlock) with Push-Button Start | — | std |
| Battery Saver | — | std |
| Power Liftgate | — | std |
| SecuriCode® Keyless Entry Keypad | — | opt |
| Universal Garage Door Opener (UGDO) | — | opt |
| Powerpoints (12V) – three (3) | — | std |
Climate3 differ · 3 listed
| Feature | Jeep Wagoneer | Ford ExplorerActive RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Tri-Zone Electronic Temperature Control | — | std |
| Cabin Particulate Air Filter | — | std |
| Second Row HVAC Controls | — | opt |
Seating6 differ · 6 listed
| Feature | Jeep Wagoneer | Ford ExplorerActive RWD |
|---|---|---|
| 10-way Power Driver's Seat | — | std |
| First Row Heated Seats | — | std |
| 8-Way Power Passenger Seat | — | opt |
| Second Row Captain's Chairs with E-Z Entry and Armrests | — | std |
| Third Row 50/50 Split-Fold-Flat (Manual) | — | std |
| Unique Cloth Seating | — | std |
Interior11 differ · 11 listed
| Feature | Jeep Wagoneer | Ford ExplorerActive RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | opt |
| 12.3" Color LCD Productivity Screen in Instrument Panel Cluster | — | std |
| Compass | — | std |
| Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor® | — | std |
| Rotary Gear Shift Dial | — | std |
| Day/Night Rearview Mirror – Manually Adjustable | — | std |
| Illuminated Visor Vanity Mirrors (Driver and Front Passenger) | — | std |
| Steering Column – Manual Tilt/Telescoping | — | std |
| Floor Mats – Black Carpet, Front and Second Rows | — | std |
| Overhead Console with Sunglasses Storage | — | std |
| Trip Computer | — | std |
Exterior14 differ · 14 listed
| Feature | Jeep Wagoneer | Ford ExplorerActive RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Panoramic Vista Roof® with Power Shade | — | opt |
| LED Low and High Beam Headlamps with Courtesy Delay | — | std |
| Active Grille Shutters | — | std |
| Configurable Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) | — | std |
| Easy Fuel® Capless Fuel Filler | — | std |
| LED Fog Lamps with Skid Plate Elements, Front – Silver-Painted | — | opt |
| LED Signature Lighting (Front Fascia) | — | opt |
| LED Taillamps with Amber Turn Signals | — | std |
| Mirrors, Sideview – Power and Heated Glass | — | std |
| Roof-Rack Side Rails | — | std |
| Tire Inflator and Sealant Kit | — | std |
| Privacy Glass – Second Row, Third Row and Liftgate | — | std |
| Rear-Window Defroster and Washer | — | std |
| Body-Color Rear Spoiler | — | std |
Powertrain3 differ · 3 listed
| Feature | Jeep Wagoneer | Ford ExplorerActive RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Intelligent Four-Wheel Drive | — | opt |
| Terrain Management System™ | — | std |
| Auto Start-Stop Technology | — | std |
Chassis3 differ · 3 listed
| Feature | Jeep Wagoneer | Ford ExplorerActive RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Electric Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS) | — | std |
| Front and Rear Stabilizer Bars | — | std |
| Independent Front and Rear Suspension | — | std |
Cargo1 differ · 1 listed
| Feature | Jeep Wagoneer | Ford ExplorerActive RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Class III Trailer Tow Package | — | std |
Highlighted rows are where the two differ. Wording is the manufacturer's own.
Safety record
NHTSA recalls, complaints, NCAPJeep Wagoneer
Safety Signal 61 D
NHTSA overall ★★★★☆
Frontal / side / rollover ★★★★★ / ★★★★★ / ★★★☆☆
Recalls 9 · 1 filed unfixed
Owner complaints 64 · 1 crashes · 0 fires
Most complained about Electrical System (44), Service Brakes (18), Forward Collision Avoidance (15)
Top recalls
- high Structure 26V584000 · 97,349 vehicles · filed unfixed
- high Electrical System 26V262000 · 20,271 vehicles
- high Structure 26V141000 · 11,767 vehicles
- high Electrical System 26V059000 · 456,287 vehicles
- high Structure 25V593000 · 163,735 vehicles
- high Power Train 25V574000 · 75 vehicles
Ford Explorer
Safety Signal 43 F
NHTSA overall ★★★★★
Frontal / side / rollover ★★★★★ / ★★★★★ / ★★★★☆
Recalls 22 · 1 critical · 2 filed unfixed
Owner complaints 109 · 8 crashes · 1 fires
Most complained about Electrical System (23), Service Brakes (20), Unspecified (19)
Top recalls
- critical Power Train 25V164000 · 269 vehicles
- high Seats 26V451000 · 387,911 vehicles · filed unfixed
- high Engine And Engine Cooling 26V343000 · 1,536 vehicles
- high Seat Belts 26V159000 · 561 vehicles
- high Engine And Engine Cooling 26V122000 · 47,804 vehicles
- high Trailer Hitches 25V687000 · 1,412 vehicles
Ownership
EPA, manufacturer warranty| Jeep Wagoneer | Ford ExplorerActive RWD | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | — | — (base trim) |
| Price range across trims | — | — 8 trims |
| Powertrains | BEV, GAS | GAS |
| EPA configuration compared | Wagoneer S AWD (Falken tire) | Explorer RWD |
| Combined mpg / MPGe | 93 | 24 |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $800 | $2,800 |
| EV range | 294 mi | — |
| Basic warranty | — | 3 yr / 36,000 mi (make terms) |
| Powertrain warranty | — | 5 yr / 60,000 mi (make terms) |
| Roadside assistance | — | 5 yr |
Common questions
Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kitsWhich is better, the 2025 Jeep Wagoneer or the 2025 Ford Explorer?
The Jeep Wagoneer wins clearly, 88.8 to 56.1, on fuel & range, performance, safety. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2025 Jeep Wagoneer scores 88.8 and the 2025 Ford Explorer 56.1. The weights are yours to change — move what you care about and the verdict recalculates on the page.
Which has the better safety record, the 2025 Jeep Wagoneer or the 2025 Ford Explorer?
2025 Jeep Wagoneer: 4 NHTSA stars, grade D, 9 recalls (1 filed with no repair available). 2025 Ford Explorer: 5 NHTSA stars, grade F, 22 recalls (2 filed with no repair available). Crash ratings come from NHTSA's own tests; the grade is WhichTrim's read of the recall record, and the two can disagree.
What are the biggest differences between the 2025 Jeep Wagoneer and the 2025 Ford Explorer?
Where the 2025 Jeep Wagoneer wins: it is rated 93 combined against 24 (EPA mpg or MPGe), costs $2,000 a year less to fuel on the EPA's estimate ($800 against $2,800), and has drawn fewer owner complaints (64 against 109 filed with NHTSA). Where the 2025 Ford Explorer answers: it carries 5 NHTSA overall stars against 4.