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 wins for those prioritizing powerful performance, spacious interiors, and a refined driving experience, making it ideal for families and highway cruising. However, the Toyota Fortuner presents a compelling counter-argument with its significantly lower starting price, legendary off-road capability, and robust build quality, appealing to adventurous and budget-conscious buyers.
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Price Comparison
Starting at176,008 – 254,898 SAR122,800 – 177,900 SAR
Engine & Power
Engine2,300 – 3,300 cc · 4 – 6 cyl2,400 – 4,000 cc · 4 – 6 cyl
Horsepower (bhp)285 – 400 hp147 – 235 hp
Torque (Nm)353 – 563 Nm245 – 500 Nm
Acceleration 0-100 Km/h (sec)5.5 – 7.1 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/100km6.8 – 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 HeadlampsAUXBA (Brake Assist)Blind Spot WarningBody Colored GrilleBody KItBumper Side StepCargo Area LightCargo Area Tie Down AnchorsCassette PlayerCD PlayerCenter Console BoxCentral LockingChrome Door HandlesChrome Exhaust PipesCigar LighterClimate ControlClimate Controlled SeatsCollision DetectionCompassCooled 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 CameraFront Seat ArmrestGas Shock AbsorberGlove Box CoolingHDMIHeadroomHeated SeatsHeel-and-ToeHigh Mount Stop LampHill AssistHill Descent ControlHybridImmobilizerInfotainment ScreenIntelligent KeyISOFIX Child Seat AnchorsKeyless EntryKnee AirbagLane Departure WarningLane Departure Warning SystemLeather Instrument PanelLeather SeatsLeather Steering WheelLED Fog LightsLED HeadlightsLED TaillightsLegroomManual 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 SeatsRadioRain Sensing WipersRear AC ControlsRear AC VentsRear Audio ControlsRear BrakesRear CameraRear CupholdersRear Entertainment SystemRear Lcd screensRear Window DefoggerRear WiperRemote StartRemote Windows DownRollover Stability ControlRoof RailsRoof SpoilerRun-Flat TyresSeat Adjustment - AutomaticSeat Adjustment - ManualSeatbelt pretensionerSecurity SystemSoft-closing DoorsSpare WheelSpeed Sensitive Power SteeringSpeed Sensitive Windshield WipersSpoilerSports Exhaust SystemSteering Tilt AdjustmentTemperature DisplayTiptronic GearsTouchscreen SizeTowing 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 Socket360-Degree Camera360-Degree CameraABS (Anti-lock Brake System)Acoustic HoodActive BonnetActive SteeringAdaptive Brake LightsAirbagsAlloy PedalsAluminum WheelsAnti theft alarmAnti-theft Wheel BoltsAudio Controls on Steering WheelAuto Door LockAutomatic ACAutomatic Headlight Range ControlAUXBA (Brake Assist)BluetoothBody Colored GrilleBody Colored MirrorsBumper Side StepCargo Area LightCD PlayerCenter Arm RestCentral LockingChrome Door HandlesChrome Exhaust PipesChrome Plated Radiator GrilleClimate ControlCollision DetectionCruise ControlCruise Control Switch on SteeringCupholdersDaytime Running LightsDifferential LockDoor Mirrors with Side Turn SignalDrive ComputerDVDEBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)Electric Door MirrorsElectric SunroofFabric SeatsFire ExtinguisherFog Lamp - Front and RearFog Lamp - Rear OnlyFog Lamps - Front OnlyFoldable Rear SeatsFoldable Rear Seats with 60:40 SplitFootwell LightsFront Seat ArmrestGas Shock AbsorberGlove Box CoolingHalogen HeadlampsHDMIHID HeadlightsHigh Mount Stop LampHill AssistImmobilizerIntelligent KeyISOFIX Child Seat AnchorsKeyless EntryKnee AirbagLeather SeatsLeather Steering WheelLED Fog LightsLED HeadlightsLED TaillightsLegroomManual ACMap Reading LampsMP3MudguardMulti-Information DisplayNavigation SystemNight VisionNumber of SpeakersOBD (On-board Diagnostics)OdometerOff-Road DampersPaddle ShiftersParking SensorsPedestrian airbagPower OutletsPower SteeringPower TailgatePower WindowsPower Windows - Front and RearPush Button StartRacing Or Bucket SeatsRadioRear AC VentsRear Audio ControlsRear CameraRear CupholdersRear Lcd screensRear Window DefoggerRear WiperRoof RailsRoof SpoilerSeat Adjustment - AutomaticSeat Adjustment - ManualSpare WheelSpeed Sensitive Windshield WipersSpoilerSteering Tilt AdjustmentTemperature DisplayTiptronic GearsTouchscreenTouchscreen SizeTrip ComputerTrip MeterTyre Pressure Monitoring DisplayUrethane Steering WheelUSB PortVanity MirrorVehicle Stability Control (VSC)Welcome LightWheel SizeWheels - AlloyWinchWireless HeadphonesWood Trim

Which one should you buy?

1

Best for Performance & Comfort

The Ford Explorer is superior for its powerful engines (up to 400 hp) and faster acceleration (as quick as 5.5 seconds), paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission for a smooth, comfortable ride.

2

Best for Off-Road Adventures

The Toyota Fortuner, with its body-on-frame construction and available RWD/AWD, is built for rugged terrain and off-road durability, making it the top choice for adventurers.

3

Best for Budget-Conscious Buyers

Starting at 122,800 SAR, the Toyota Fortuner offers significantly better value for money, providing a capable 7-seater SUV at a much more accessible price point than the Explorer.

4

Best for Family Road Trips

The Ford Explorer excels with a generous 515-liter trunk capacity and a longer wheelbase (3.0 m), ensuring ample space for luggage and a more stable, comfortable journey for the entire family.

Pros & cons

Ford Explorer

Pros

  • Superior engine power (up to 400 hp)
  • Faster acceleration (as quick as 5.5 seconds)
  • Larger trunk capacity (515 liters)
  • More refined 10-speed automatic transmission
  • Standard All-Wheel Drive across trims

Cons

  • Higher starting price point
  • Smaller fuel tank capacity (67 liters)
  • No diesel engine option
  • Less rugged for extreme off-road use

Toyota Fortuner

Pros

  • Significantly more affordable starting price
  • Option for Diesel engine
  • Larger fuel tank capacity (80 liters)
  • Proven off-road durability (body-on-frame)
  • Choice of Rear-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive

Cons

  • Lower engine power output (up to 235 hp)
  • Slower acceleration performance
  • Smaller trunk capacity (348 liters)
  • Fewer gears in transmission (6-speed)

Frequently Asked Questions

Which SUV is better for families, the Ford Explorer or Toyota Fortuner?

The Ford Explorer is generally better for families due to its larger trunk capacity of 515 liters and more powerful engines, offering a smoother, more comfortable on-road experience. While both offer 7 seats, the Explorer provides more practical space for luggage, making it ideal for road trips.

Is the Ford Explorer faster than the Toyota Fortuner?

Yes, the Ford Explorer is significantly faster than the Toyota Fortuner. The Explorer can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in as little as 5.5 seconds with its 400 hp engine, whereas the Fortuner's quickest variant takes 9 seconds. If performance and quick acceleration are priorities, the Explorer is the clear choice.

Which car offers better value for money, the Ford Explorer or Toyota Fortuner?

The Toyota Fortuner offers better value for money, with a starting price of 122,800 SAR compared to the Ford Explorer's 176,008 SAR. While the Explorer offers more power and features, the Fortuner provides a robust, capable 7-seater SUV at a much more accessible price point, making it a strong contender for budget-conscious buyers.

Which SUV has better fuel economy, Ford Explorer or Toyota Fortuner?

Fuel economy varies by trim for both, but the Toyota Fortuner has an advantage by offering a diesel engine option, which can provide better efficiency and torque. While the Explorer's petrol engines range from 7.8 to 11.7 L/100km, the Fortuner's petrol/diesel options start from 6.8 L/100km, making it potentially more economical depending on the chosen variant and fuel type.

Which is more capable off-road, the Ford Explorer or Toyota Fortuner?

The Toyota Fortuner is generally considered more capable off-road due to its body-on-frame construction and robust design, which is better suited for rough terrain. The Ford Explorer, being a unibody crossover, is more geared towards on-road comfort and light off-roading. For serious off-road adventures, the Fortuner is the superior choice.