Ford Explorer vs Toyota Fortuner: Which Should You Buy in KSA?

A complete comparison of the ⁦Ford Explorer⁩ VS ⁦Toyota Fortuner⁩ — specs, prices, pros and cons, and live used listings across KSA.

⁦Ford Explorer⁩ VS ⁦Toyota Fortuner⁩: the verdict

The Ford Explorer takes the lead for families prioritizing on-road performance, advanced features, and spacious comfort, offering superior power and acceleration. However, the Toyota Fortuner presents a compelling argument for budget-conscious buyers and those seeking robust off-road capability with its more accessible price point and available diesel engine.
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Price Comparison
Starting at177,376 – 238,625 SAR128,742 – 187,047 SAR
Engine & Power
Engine2,300 – 3,000 cc · 4 – 6 cyl2,400 – 4,000 cc · 4 – 6 cyl
Horsepower (bhp)300 – 400 hp147 – 235 hp
Torque (Nm)420 – 563 Nm245 – 400 Nm
Acceleration 0-100 Km/h (sec)5.5 – 6.8 s9 – 13.2 s
Top Speed (Km/h)180 – 237 km/h175 – 187 km/h
Fuel Economy (L/100 Km)7.8 – 11.7 L/100km7.9 – 12.6 L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity67 L80 L
Gears106
TransmissionAutomaticAutomatic
Drive TypeAll Wheel DriveAll Wheel Drive / Rear Wheel Drive
Fuel TypePetrolDiesel / Petrol
Measurements
L×W×H5.0 m × 2.0 m × 1.8 m4.8 m × 1.9 m × 1.8 m
Wheelbase (meters)3.0 m2.8 m
Curb Weight (kg)1,970 – 2,132 kg1,524 kg
Trunk Capacity (liters)515 L348 L
Overview
Body StyleSUV CrossoverSUV Crossover
Seating Capacity7 seats7 seats
Doors5 doors5 doors
Features
Key features
12V Socket360 Camera360-Degree Camera360-Degree Camera4WD Rotary Mode SwitchABS (Anti-lock Brake System)Acceleration Skid ControlAcoustic Front WindshieldAcoustic HoodActive BonnetActive HeadrestsActive SteeringActive Understeer Control (AUC)Adaptive Brake LightsAdaptive Cruise ControlAir ConditioningAirbagsAlloy PedalsAlloy RimsAluminum WheelsAnti theft alarmAnti-theft Wheel BoltsAppsAudio Controls on Steering WheelAuto Door LockAuto HeadlampsAUXAUX InputBA (Brake Assist)Blind Spot WarningBody Colored GrilleBody KItBreakover AngleBumper Side StepCargo Area LightCargo Area Tie Down AnchorsCassette PlayerCD PlayerCenter Console BoxCentral LockingChrome Door HandlesChrome Exhaust PipesCigar LighterClimate ControlClimate Controlled SeatsCollision DetectionCompassConversation Mirror with Sunglasses HolderCooled SeatsCrosswind AssistCruise ControlCruise Control Switch on SteeringCupholdersCVT (Continuously Variable Transmission)Daytime Running LightsDoor Edge ProtectorDoor Mirrors with Side Turn SignalDoor ReflectorsDual Exhaust TipDVD PlayerDynamic Stability ControlEBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)Electric Anti-dazzling Room MirrorElectric CurtainElectric Door MirrorsElectric Opening and Closing of Luggage DoorElectric SunroofEmergency Brake AssistFabric SeatsFire ExtinguisherFirst Aid KitFog LightsFoldable Rear SeatsFootwell LightsFront BrakesFront BumperFront CameraFront Seat ArmrestGas Shock AbsorberGlove Box CoolingHDMIHeadroomHeated SeatsHeel-and-ToeHID HeadlightsHigh Mount Stop LampHill AssistHybridInfotainment ScreenIntelligent KeyISOFIX Child Seat AnchorsKeyless EntryKnee AirbagLane Departure WarningLane Departure Warning SystemLeather Instrument PanelLeather SeatsLeather Steering WheelLED Fog LightsLED HeadlightsLED TaillightsLegroomLive Traffic InformationLumbar SupportManual ACMap Reading LampsMoonroofMoving Object Detection SystemMP3MudguardMulti-Information DisplayMulti-Information Display SizeNight VisionNumber of SpeakersOBD (On-board Diagnostics)OdometerOff Road KItOff-Road DampersOverhead Console Sunglass HolderPanoramic Glass RoofParking SensorsPedestrian airbagPerformance TyresPower LocksPower MirrorsPower OutletsPower SeatsPower SteeringPower TailgatePower WindowsPower Windows - Front and RearPush Button StartRacing Or Bucket SeatsRadioRear AC ControlsRear AC VentsRear Audio ControlsRear BrakesRear CupholdersRear Entertainment SystemRear Lcd screensRear Window DefoggerRear WiperRemote StartRemote Windows DownRollover Stability ControlRoof RailsRoof SpoilerRun Flat TiresSeat Adjustment - AutomaticSeat Adjustment - ManualSeatbelt pretensionerSecurity SystemSide Impact BarSoft-closing DoorsSpare WheelSpeed LimiterSpeed Sensitive Power SteeringSpeed Sensitive Windshield WipersSpoilerSports Exhaust SystemSteering Tilt AdjustmentSuperchargerTemperature DisplayTiptronic GearsToolkitTorqueTorque SteerTowing HookTPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System)Traction ControlTrailer Hitch with CoverTrip ComputerTrunk CapacityTurbochargerTyre Defect IndicatorTyre Pressure Monitoring DisplayTyre Repair KitUSB PortVanity MirrorVariable Cylinder Management (VCM)Welcome LightWheel SizeWheelbaseWheels - SteelWinchWind BlockerWireless HeadphonesWood Trim
12V SocketABS (Anti-lock Brake System)AirbagsAnti theft alarmAudio Controls on Steering WheelAutomatic ACAutomatic Headlight Range ControlAUXBA (Brake Assist)BluetoothBody Colored MirrorsCargo Area LightCD PlayerCenter Arm RestCentral LockingChrome Door HandlesChrome Exhaust PipesChrome Plated Radiator GrilleCruise ControlCruise Control Switch on SteeringCupholdersDaytime Running LightsDifferential LockDoor Mirrors with Side Turn SignalDrive ComputerDVDEBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)Electric Door MirrorsFabric SeatsFog Lamp - Front and RearFog Lamp - Rear OnlyFog Lamps - Front OnlyFoldable Rear SeatsFoldable Rear Seats with 60:40 SplitFootwell LightsFront Seat ArmrestGlove Box CoolingHalogen HeadlampsHigh Mount Stop LampHill AssistImmobilizerIntelligent KeyISOFIX Child Seat AnchorsKeyless EntryKnee AirbagLeather SeatsLeather Steering WheelLED Fog LightsLED HeadlightsLED TaillightsManual ACMap Reading LampsMP3Multi-Information DisplayNavigation SystemNumber of SpeakersOdometerPaddle ShiftersParking SensorsPower OutletsPower SteeringPower TailgatePower Windows - Front and RearPush Button StartRadioRear AC VentsRear CameraRear CupholdersRear Window DefoggerRear WiperRoof RailsRoof SpoilerSeat Adjustment - AutomaticSeat Adjustment - ManualSteering Tilt AdjustmentTemperature DisplayTouchscreenTouchscreen SizeTrip ComputerTrip MeterTyre Pressure Monitoring DisplayUrethane Steering WheelUSB PortVanity MirrorVehicle Stability Control (VSC)Welcome LightWheel SizeWheels - Alloy

Which one should you buy?

1

Best for On-Road Performance

The Ford Explorer, with up to 400 hp and 5.5s acceleration, is the clear winner for drivers seeking a powerful and responsive SUV for highway cruising and city driving.

2

Best for Value and Affordability

For buyers on a tighter budget, the Toyota Fortuner offers an excellent proposition, with its starting price being significantly lower than the Ford Explorer's entry-level.

3

Best for Cargo and Passenger Space

The Ford Explorer excels in interior room, providing a more spacious cabin and a substantially larger 515 L trunk capacity, ideal for families needing ample storage.

4

Best for Ruggedness and Fuel Options

The Toyota Fortuner is the top choice for those venturing off-road or needing a versatile fuel option, thanks to its robust build and available diesel engine.

Pros & cons

Ford Explorer

Pros

  • Significantly higher horsepower (up to 400 hp)
  • Faster acceleration (as quick as 5.5 seconds)
  • Larger trunk capacity (515 L)
  • More advanced 10-speed automatic transmission
  • Longer wheelbase for enhanced ride comfort

Cons

  • Higher starting price
  • No diesel engine option
  • Smaller fuel tank (67 L)
  • Heavier kerb weight

Toyota Fortuner

Pros

  • More accessible starting price
  • Available diesel engine option
  • Larger fuel tank capacity (80 L)
  • Lighter kerb weight (starting from 1,524 kg)
  • Flexible drivetrain options (RWD/AWD)

Cons

  • Lower power output (up to 235 hp)
  • Slower acceleration (up to 13.2 seconds)
  • Smaller trunk capacity (348 L)
  • Fewer gears in transmission (6-speed)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Ford Explorer or Toyota Fortuner better for families in KSA?

The Ford Explorer is generally better for families prioritizing spaciousness and on-road comfort, offering a larger trunk capacity of 515 L and a smoother ride. However, the Toyota Fortuner provides a more budget-friendly option and robust build for varied terrain, which might appeal to adventurous families. Consider the Explorer for city and highway comfort, and the Fortuner for value and versatility.

Which SUV offers better performance, the Ford Explorer or Toyota Fortuner?

The Ford Explorer clearly offers superior performance, with its top engine producing up to 400 hp and achieving 0-100 km/h in as little as 5.5 seconds. The Toyota Fortuner, while capable, has a maximum of 235 hp and slower acceleration times. For a more dynamic driving experience, the Explorer is the better choice.

What are the fuel economy differences between the Ford Explorer and Toyota Fortuner?

The Ford Explorer offers a petrol engine with a fuel economy range of 7.8 – 11.7 L/100km. The Toyota Fortuner has petrol and diesel options, with a range of 7.9 – 12.6 L/100km. While the Explorer's petrol engine can be more efficient at its best, the Fortuner's diesel option can offer better long-term fuel savings, especially for high mileage drivers.

Which SUV is more affordable, the Ford Explorer or Toyota Fortuner?

The Toyota Fortuner is the more affordable option, with its price range starting lower and topping out at 180,435 SAR. The Ford Explorer has a higher starting price of 184,771 SAR. If budget is a primary concern, the Fortuner offers better value for money.

Is the Ford Explorer or Toyota Fortuner more suitable for off-road driving?

The Toyota Fortuner is generally more suitable for off-road driving due to its robust body-on-frame construction and available diesel engine, which provides excellent low-end torque. The Ford Explorer, while offering AWD, is more of a road-biased crossover. For serious off-roading, the Fortuner is the stronger contender.