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 emerges as the superior modern family SUV, offering robust performance, greater interior refinement, and advanced features. While the Toyota Fortuner presents an excellent value proposition and exceptional ruggedness for off-road adventures, especially with its diesel engine option, the Explorer wins for on-road comfort, power, and overall driving dynamics. Choose the Explorer for a premium family experience, or the Fortuner for budget-friendly durability and off-road prowess.
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Price Comparison
Starting at179,900 – 240,000 SAR123,510 – 181,240 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
Battery Size1.5 kWh—
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 & Driving Dynamics

The Ford Explorer clearly outperforms in terms of raw power and acceleration, boasting up to 400 hp and a sophisticated 10-speed automatic transmission for a more dynamic drive.

2

Best for Value & Budget

The Toyota Fortuner is the undisputed winner for budget-conscious buyers, with a significantly lower starting price of 123,510 SAR, offering great value for a capable 7-seater SUV.

3

Best for Off-Road Capability & Durability

The Toyota Fortuner is renowned for its rugged, body-on-frame construction and offers a diesel engine option, making it the preferred choice for challenging off-road conditions and long-distance desert travel with its 80 L fuel tank.

4

Best for Family Comfort & Cargo Space

With larger overall dimensions, a longer wheelbase, and a generous 515 L trunk capacity, the Ford Explorer provides superior comfort and practicality for families needing ample passenger and cargo room.

Pros & cons

Ford Explorer

Pros

  • Superior engine power (up to 400 hp)
  • Faster acceleration (as quick as 5.5s)
  • More advanced 10-speed automatic transmission
  • Larger trunk capacity (515 L)
  • More spacious cabin (longer wheelbase, wider body)

Cons

  • Higher starting price point
  • Less fuel-efficient on its petrol variants compared to Fortuner's diesel
  • Smaller fuel tank capacity (67 L)
  • No diesel engine option

Toyota Fortuner

Pros

  • More affordable starting price (from 123,510 SAR)
  • Option for Diesel engine
  • Larger fuel tank (80 L)
  • Reputable for off-road durability and ruggedness
  • Lower kerb weight (1,524 kg)

Cons

  • Lower maximum engine power and torque
  • Slower acceleration (up to 13.2s)
  • Smaller trunk capacity (348 L)
  • Less advanced 6-speed automatic transmission

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Ford Explorer or Toyota Fortuner better for performance?

The Ford Explorer clearly outperforms the Toyota Fortuner in terms of raw power and acceleration. With up to 400 hp and a 0-100 km/h time as low as 5.5 seconds, the Explorer offers a much more dynamic driving experience compared to the Fortuner's maximum 235 hp and 9-second acceleration. For drivers prioritizing speed and responsiveness, the Explorer is the superior choice.

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

The Toyota Fortuner is significantly more affordable, with a starting price of 123,510 SAR, making it a strong value proposition. In contrast, the Ford Explorer begins at 179,900 SAR, placing it in a higher price bracket. For budget-conscious buyers seeking a capable 7-seater SUV, the Fortuner offers a much lower entry point.

Which car, the Ford Explorer or Toyota Fortuner, has more cargo space?

The Ford Explorer offers substantially more cargo space with a trunk capacity of 515 liters. This is considerably larger than the Toyota Fortuner's 348 liters, providing more room for luggage, groceries, or sports equipment. Families needing ample storage will find the Explorer's larger boot more accommodating.

Is the Ford Explorer or Toyota Fortuner better for off-roading in KSA?

The Toyota Fortuner is generally considered better for serious off-roading due to its traditional body-on-frame construction and robust nature, a reputation it holds in the region. While the Explorer offers AWD, the Fortuner's design, often paired with RWD/AWD options and a larger fuel tank, makes it more suited for challenging desert terrains. For adventurous drivers tackling rough landscapes, the Fortuner is the more reliable choice.

Does the Toyota Fortuner offer a diesel engine option?

Yes, the Toyota Fortuner offers both petrol and diesel engine options, providing versatility for different driver preferences and fuel efficiency needs. This contrasts with the Ford Explorer, which is exclusively available with petrol engines. The diesel variant of the Fortuner can offer better fuel economy (as low as 6.8 L/100km) and strong low-end torque, which is beneficial for towing or off-road driving.