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
| |
| Price | $42,000.00 $78,000.00 |
| Our Rating | |
| Brand | FORD TESLA |
| Category | Electric Cars Electric Cars |
| Available Trims / Variants |
Ford Explorer Standard Range Ford Explorer Extended Range Ford Explorer Extended Range AWD Tesla Model X Long Range+ Tesla Model X Plaid |
| Reveal Date | 2023, March 21 2021 |
| Availability 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 (USD) |
€ 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 |
| Battery 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 |
| Battery Chemistry | Li-ion (400V type) Liquid-cooled Li-ion 360V |
| Range (WLTP/CLTC/EPA) |
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 |
| Energy 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 |
| Regen Braking (Max kW) | Yes 1 level, no coasting, no regen when pedal braking |
| Heat Pump | |
| AC Charging (Max kW) |
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 (Max kW) |
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 |
| Power Output (kW / hp) |
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 (Nm) |
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 |
| 0–100 km/h / 0-60 mph (seconds) 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 |
| Top Speed (km/h / mph) |
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 / Drive | Single-speed Single-speed |
| Body Style | 5 door crossover, 5 seats 5 door SUV, 5/6/7 seats |
| Platform / Architecture | MEB |
| Dimensions (L×W×H mm) | 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 Coefficient (Cd) | 0.24 Cd |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2767 mm (108.9 in) 2965 mm (116.7 in) |
| Ground Clearance (mm) | 146 - 206 mm (5.7 - 8.1 in) |
| Kerb Weight (kg) |
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 / Rear) | Front MacPherson struts, rear multi-link Adaptive Air suspension |
| Wheel Size (inches) | R19, R20, R21 R20, R22 |
| Trunk/Boot Capacity (L) | EU: 536 l, 1422 l max EU: 1050 l, 2410 l max |
| Frunk/Bonnet Capacity (L) | No 183 l |
| Towing Capacity (kg) |
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 |
| Airbags (count) | Side airbags, front and rear, including head airbag system; drivers' knee airbag 12 airbags: front, side, rear, head airbag system, front seats knee airbags |
| Driver Assistance (ADAS) | 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 |
| Autonomous Driving Level | Autopilot with full Self-Driving capability |
| Crash Test Ratings | NCAP 2019: 5 stars, NHTSA 2017-2021: 5 stars |
| Seating Capacity | Heated front seats, massage (driver seat only) Heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, heated third row seats |
| Roof Type | Panoramic glass roof All-glass roof |
| Bluetooth / Wi-Fi | Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay |
| Parking Aids |
Front and rear sensors, 360 camera, reversing camera, Active Park Assist
6 front and rear sensors, reversing camera, Parking Assist |
| Additional Notes | Three-zone climate control |
| Centre Screen (inches) | 14.6" movable touchscreen 17" swivel touchscreen |
| Driver's Display (inches) | 5" 12.3" |
| Head-Up Display (HUD) | No No |
| Additional Notes | 9.4" rear passenger touchscreen |
| 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 |
|
Specifications sourced from manufacturer data and may reflect WLTP, CLTC, or EPA test conditions. Import prices in your local are estimates based on grey-market landing costs and exclude duties, clearing fees, and local taxes. Figures are subject to change without notice. Always verify with your local importer before purchase. We can not guarantee that the information on this page is 100% correct