The Ford Explorer EV and Tesla Model X are electric SUVs built for different buyers. The Explorer sits in the midsize segment with focus on daily use and cost control. The Model X sits in the large luxury segment with focus on performance, tech, and space. You look at Explorer if you want a practical family EV. You look at Model X if you want range, speed, and premium features.
Range differs by class. Explorer targets around 300 to 370 miles WLTP depending on battery. Model X reaches up to about 348 miles EPA for Long Range. Charging also differs. Explorer supports fast DC charging around 135 to 185 kW depending on version. Model X supports up to 250 kW on Tesla Superchargers, with faster peak recovery and wider charging network access.

Price separates both clearly. Explorer starts in a mid-range price bracket in Europe. Model X sits in a high-end bracket globally. Availability also differs. Explorer focuses on Europe. Model X sells in North America, Europe, and select global markets. This comparison helps you decide between a value-focused family SUV and a premium high-performance SUV.
Within Ford, you also have EVs like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Ford F-150 Lightning. Within Tesla, alternatives include the Tesla Model Y and Tesla Model S.
Ford Explorer EV offers strong practicality, good range for its class, and lower entry price, but lacks ultra-fast charging and high-end interior tech, and it has limited global availability. Tesla Model X delivers high performance, long range, and advanced software features, but costs more, has complex features like Falcon Wing doors, and higher repair costs.
QUICK VERDICT; Explorer fits buyers who want a balanced, cost-aware family EV.
Model X fits buyers who want top performance, tech, and long-distance capability.
Related EV Comparisons
| Models |
Ford Explorer Standard Range Ford Explorer Extended Range Ford Explorer Extended Range AWD Tesla Model X Long Range+ Tesla Model X Plaid |
| Announced | 2023, March 21 2021 |
| Status |
Available to order. Released 2024, November - Ford Explorer Standard Range Available to order. Released 2024, March -Ford Explorer Extended Range Available to order. Released 2024, March - Ford Explorer Extended Range AWD Available to order. Released 2021 |
| Country of origin | United States United States |
| Base Price |
€ 42,500 £ 40,000 - Ford Explorer Standard Range € 49,500 £ 46,000 - Ford Explorer Extended Range € 53,500 £ 54,000 - Ford Explorer Extended Range AWD $ 78,000 € 100,000 - Tesla Model X Long Range+ $ 93,000 € 116,000 -Tesla Model X Plaid |
| Power |
RWD 168 hp (125 kW) - Ford Explorer Standard Range RWD 286 hp (210 kW) - Ford Explorer Extended Range AWD 335 hp (250 kW) - Ford Explorer Extended Range AWD AWD 670 hp (410 kW) - Tesla Model X Long Range+ AWD 1020 hp (760 kW) - Tesla Model X Plaid |
| Torque |
310 Nm (229 lb-ft) - Ford Explorer Standard Range 545 Nm (402 lb-ft) - Ford Explorer Extended Range 679 Nm (501 lb-ft) - Ford Explorer Extended Range AWD 755 Nm (557 lb-ft) - Tesla Model X Long Range+ 1200 Nm (885 lb-ft) - Tesla Model X Plaid |
| Acceleration The acceleration numbers are an easy way to compare car performance. We list either time from 0 to 100 km/h or time from 0 to 60mph, depending on which number(s) the manufacturers provide. The lower the acceleration time, the higher performance the car is. |
9 sec 0-62 mph - Ford Explorer Standard Range 6.4 sec 0-62 mph - Ford Explorer Extended Range 5.3 sec 0-62 mph - Ford Explorer Extended Range AWD 3.8 sec 0-60 mph (3.9 sec 0-62 mph) - Tesla Model X Long Range+ 2.5 sec 0-60 mph (2.6 sec 0-62 mph) - Tesla Model X Plaid |
| Max Speed |
99 mph (160 km/h) - Ford Explorer Standard Range 112 mph (180 km/h) - Ford Explorer Extended Range 112 mph (180 km/h) - Ford Explorer Extended Range AWD 155 mph (250 km/h) - Tesla Model X Long Range+ 163 mph (262 km/h) - Tesla Model X Plaid |
| transmission | Single-speed Single-speed |
| Capacity |
52 kWh usable, 55 kWh total - Ford Explorer Standard Range 77 kWh usable, 82 kWh total - Ford Explorer Extended Range 79 kWh usable, 82 kWh total - Ford Explorer Extended Range AWD 92.2 kWh usable, 100 kWh total |
| Tech | Li-ion (400V type) Liquid-cooled Li-ion 360V |
| Range |
236 mi WLTP - Ford Explorer Standard Range 374 mi WLTP - Ford Explorer Extended Range 352 mi WLTP - Ford Explorer Extended Range AWD 388 mi WLTP (335 mi EPA) - Tesla Model X Long Range+ 364 mi WLTP (326 mi EPA) - Tesla Model X Plaid |
| Consumption |
241 Wh/mi WLTP - Ford Explorer Standard Range 224 Wh/mi WLTP - Ford Explorer Extended Range 253 Wh/mi WLTP - Ford Explorer Extended Range AWD 307 Wh/mi WLTP (320 Wh/mi EPA) - Tesla Model X Long Range+ 335 Wh/mi WLTP (340 Wh/mi EPA) - Tesla Model X Plaid |
| Recuperation | Yes 1 level, no coasting, no regen when pedal braking |
| Heat Pump | |
| AC Charging |
Type 2 11 kW
Type 2 11 kW, 0-100% in 10 hours 15 min Type 2 22 kW, 0-100% in 7 hours |
| DC Charging |
CCS, 120 kW max, 10-80% in 25 min - Ford Explorer Standard Range CCS 170 kW max, 10-80% in 25 min - Ford Explorer Extended Range CCS 190 kW max, 10-80% in 25 min - Ford Explorer Extended Range AWD Supercharger V3 250 kW max, 10-80% in 30 min - CCS |
| Type | 5 door crossover, 5 seats 5 door SUV, 5/6/7 seats |
| Platform | MEB |
| Dimensions | 4468 x 1871 x 1630 mm (175.9 x 73.7 x 64.2 in) 5057 x 2073 x 1680 mm (199.1 x 81.6 x 66.1 in) |
| Drag Co-Efficient | 0.24 Cd |
| Wheelbase | 2767 mm (108.9 in) 2965 mm (116.7 in) |
| Clearance | 146 - 206 mm (5.7 - 8.1 in) |
| Weight |
EU: 2008 kg unladen, 2490 kg gross - Ford Explorer Standard Range EU: 2190 kg unladen, 2675 kg gross - Ford Explorer Extended Range EU: 2267 kg unladen, 2740 kg gross - Ford Explorer Extended Range AWD EU: 2415 kg unladen - Tesla Model X Long Range+ EU: 2539 kg unladen - Tesla Model X Plaid |
| Suspension | Front MacPherson struts, rear multi-link Adaptive Air suspension |
| Wheels | R19, R20, R21 R20, R22 |
| Trunk/Boot | EU: 536 l, 1422 l max EU: 1050 l, 2410 l max |
| Frunk/Bonnet | No 183 l |
| Towing |
EU: 750 kg unbraked, 1000 kg braked - Ford Explorer Standard Range EU: 750 kg unbraked, 1000 kg braked - Ford Explorer Extended Range EU: 750 kg unbraked, 1200 kg braked - Ford Explorer Extended Range AWD EU: 2250 kg braked - Tesla Model X Long Range+ EU: 2268 kg braked - Tesla Model X Plaid |
| Centre | 14.6" movable touchscreen 17" swivel touchscreen |
| Driver's Display | 5" 12.3" |
| Head-Up | No No |
| Others | 9.4" rear passenger touchscreen |
| Seats | Heated front seats, massage (driver seat only) Heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, heated third row seats |
| Roof | Panoramic glass roof All-glass roof |
| Parking Aids |
Front and rear sensors, 360 camera, reversing camera, Active Park Assist
6 front and rear sensors, reversing camera, Parking Assist |
| Connectivity | Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay |
| Others | Three-zone climate control |
| Airbags | Side airbags, front and rear, including head airbag system; drivers' knee airbag 12 airbags: front, side, rear, head airbag system, front seats knee airbags |
| Driving Aids | Front radar, 2 rear corner radars, 5 cameras. Assisted Lane Change, Clear Exit Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Front and Rear Parking Aid with Manoeuvring Brake Assist, Reverse Brake Assist, Pre-Collision Assist, Cross Traffic Alert with Active Braking, High Beam Assist 7 cameras: front, side and rear, 6 front and 6 rear sensors (up to 250m object detection). Automatic Emergency Braking, Dynamic Brake Lights, Lane Assist, Collision Avoidance Assist, Speed Assist, Lane Departure Avoidance, Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control |
| Self Driving | Autopilot with full Self-Driving capability |
| Crash Tests | NCAP 2019: 5 stars, NHTSA 2017-2021: 5 stars |
| disclaimer | We can not guarantee that the information on this page is 100% correct We can not guarantee that the information on this page is 100% correct |
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We can not guarantee that the information on this page is 100% correct