Comparison - Acura RDX Technology 2018 - vs - Ford Explorer Sport 2017

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2020 Ford Explorer - Full Features Interior Exterior Infotainment
2020 Ford Explorer ST // What you need to know
Make: 
Model: 
Average Price: 
41,000
Updated: 
03 Mar 2016
45,355
Updated: 
30 Nov 2016
Car Type: 
SUV
SUV
Drive Type: 
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Year: 
2018
2017
Total Seating: 
5
7
Transmission: 
6-speed Shiftable Automatic
6-speed Shiftable Automatic
Bluetooth: 
yes
yes
Heated seats: 
yes
no
Navigation: 
yes
yes
Doors: 
5
5
Fuel Tank Capacity: 
16.00gals
18.60gals
Exterior Colors: 
Color: 
Basque Red Pearl II
#582129
Crystal Black Pearl
#080808
Kona Coffee Metallic
#3B342E
Lunar Silver Metallic
#7E7E7E
Modern Steel Metallic
#47484D
White Diamond Pearl
#D3D3D3
Color: 
Blue Jeans Metallic
#486478
Ingot Silver Metallic
#C4C4C8
Oxford White
#E4E4E4
Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat
#8E1C26
Shadow Black
#242424

Expert Reviews

Expert reviews: 

For many reasons, the Acura RDX is one of our top picks in the luxury compact SUV segment. It's a well-made and well-equipped SUV that is a clear, premium step up from mainstream compact SUVs such as the Honda CR-V. Its value is undeniable and a must-drive for buyers who value smart engineering and style equally.

PROS
Strong acceleration and fuel economy from standard V6 engine
Elevated rear seat provides generous legroom and a commanding view
More features than competitors at a similar or much lower price
Generous cargo capacity for the segment

CONS
Cabin lacks overtly luxurious look and feel
High-tech safety features and adaptive cruise control don't work as well as some rival systems
Technology interface can be distracting to use

By: 
edmunds.com

The 2018 Acura RDX ranked #1 in Luxury Compact SUVs. Currently the Acura RDX has a score of 8.9 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 53 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.

Pros
Spacious, adult-friendly seats in both rows
Convenient cargo area
Refined, competent V6 engine

Cons
Complicated, confusing infotainment systems
Fewer available amenities than some rivals
No engine or performance upgrades available

By: 
usnews.com

Available with plenty of features and three distinctly different engines, the 2017 Ford Explorer has a lot to offer if you're shopping for a three-row crossover SUV. Its outstanding quietness and quality cabin trimmings elevate this practical do-all crossover to the front of the segment.

A household name among American carbuyers, the Ford Explorer has evolved from its long-ago roots as a body-on-frame SUV into the comprehensively modern three-row crossover it is today. Depending on trim level and options (and how deep your pockets are), it can be downright luxurious. Our preference for the Sport arises from the "drives big" nature of other non-Sport trim levels — though comfortable, the soft suspension and numb steering of non-Sport models make their driving experience oddly ponderous.

Aside from that, though, there is an awful lot to credit to the Explorer. You can configure an Explorer that keeps things relatively basic, or you can go all-in on luxury. Versatility is a strong suit, too. You have your choice of three engines. You can get it with a second-row bench or captain's chairs and option the second and/or third row with power-folding functionality. Lots of cargo space is standard.

Pros
Plenty of high-tech features that are easy to use
Optional turbocharged V6 engine delivers plentiful power
Cabin is quiet and comfortable on the highway
Cargo space is generous behind the third row

Cons
Depending on trim level, feels big and ponderous from behind the wheel
Legroom in the second and third rows is subpar

By: 
edmunds.com

The 2017 Ford Explorer adds a sport appearance package and Sync 3, both of which are important to today's SUV buyers.

The 2017 Ford Explorer gets a sport appearance package on lower trims, which is what Explorer buyers are looking for nowadays.

The Ford Explorer's wide offering of powertrains is an asset, we like every step along the way.

The Explorer has a good mix of comfortable seating, versatility, and space for families.

The Explorer scores well on federal tests, but IIHS tests are a different story.

A Sport Appearance Package is here now for buyers who want their 2017 Ford Explorers to look the part.

The 2017 Ford Explorer returns decent economy for a three-row hauler—mostly.

Pros
A nicely executed do-it-all
Excellent ride and handling for an SUV
Fuel-efficient—on paper
Sync 3 is better ...
Sport appearance package is much appreciated

Cons
but Sync 3 still has issues
Real-world mileage question
Platinum prices are in line with luxury vehicles

By: 
thecarconnection.com

The 2017 Ford Explorer will feature a new XLT Sport Appearance package, as well as interior enhancements. A hands-free liftgate will be standard on Sport models, while Sync 3 will be offered on the XLT and come standard on the Limited, Sport, and Platinum models.

The 2017 Ford Explorer SUV offers three-row seating, can hold up to seven passengers, and is offered in front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations.

The 2017 Ford Explorer comes standard with LED low-beam headlights on every trim.

The Ford Explorer was refreshed for 2016, sporting a new look and upgrades to the engine and feature content. The 2017 Explorer doesn’t change much, but adds a new sport package to the XLT trim, as well as additional safety features.

Pros
New XLT Sport Appearance package
Well-appointed Platinum trim

Cons
Cramped third-row seating
Slow acceleration on lower trim models

By: 
motortrend.com

With the exception of a new Sport Appearance package for the XLT trim, the 2017 Ford Explorer SUV carries over unchanged.

When it comes to horsepower, Ford’s 7-passenger Explorer SUV for 2017 delivers at every level. From the standard 290-horsepower V6 to the fuel-efficient 280-horsepower turbo 4-cylinder available in the base,...

XLT and Limited trims, Ford places choice front and center. Need more “oomph”? Try out the Sport and Platinum trim’s 365-horsepower twin-turbocharged V6. Capable for sure, the Explorer delivers excellent passing and pulling power and its heavily weighted steering and taut suspension give this big SUV impressive cornering ability, although its high beltline and massive front bumper make maneuvers in tight quarters a bit harrowing. Ford has done an excellent job keeping road, engine and wind noise out of the cabin, and all but the rearmost occupants felt the seating was both comfortable and supportive. The Explorer’s adaptive cruise control works well, but we wish it offered fully autonomous braking like the Honda Pilot, not just collision warning.

Pros
If you’re looking for a family SUV with advanced electronics and safety features, plus a wide range of engines and option choices, Ford’s midsize SUV for 2017 is hard to beat. The Explorer’s advanced all-wheel-drive (AWD) system makes it more off-road capable than a Honda Pilot or Mazda CX-9.

Cons
If you’re looking for something that’s easy to maneuver and park, and you don’t need a 3rd-row seat, a smaller SUV like the Ford Edge, Nissan Murano or Jeep Grand Cherokee makes a better choice. The Jeep also bests the Explorer both off-road and in towing (7,800 pounds vs. 5,000).

By: 
kbb.com

Fuel

Fuel Type: 
Premium Unleaded
Regular Unleaded
Fuel Economy City USA: 
19.00mpg
16.00mpg
Fuel Economy HWY: 
27.00mpg
22.00mpg
Engine type: 
Petrol/Gas
Petrol/Gas

Engine and Performance

Valves: 
24
24
Cylinders: 
6
v
6
V
Engine Size/Displacement: 
3.50L
3.50L
Torque: 
252ft-lbs
at 4 900rpm
350ft-lbs
at 3 500rpm
Horsepower: 
279hp
at 6 200rpm
365hp
at 5 500rpm
Cam Type: 
Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Turning Circle: 
38.90Feet
40.00Feet

Convenience

Cruise Control: 
yes
yes
Door Pockets: 
yes
yes
Cupholders: 
yes
yes
Overhead console: 
no
yes
Seatback Storage: 
yes
yes
Power Steering: 
yes
yes
Parking sensors: 
yes
yes
Steering Wheel Tilt: 
yes
yes
Telescopic steering wheel: 
yes
yes
Rear View Camera: 
yes
yes
Front view Camera: 
yes
yes
Side view Camera: 
yes
no
On steering wheel: 
Transmission, cruise and audio controls on steering wheel
Transmission, cruise and audio controls on steering wheel
More in Convenience: 
Destination guidance also Turn-by-Turn Navigation
Destination Download
Universal remote transmitter (for garage door, security system, etc.)
Electric Power-Assisted Rack-and-Pinion Steering (EPS)
Destination Download*
Universal remote transmitter (for garage door, security system, etc.)
Destination guidance (also Turn-by-Turn Navigation)*
Adjustable pedals

Exterior Dimensions

Length: 
184.40in
198.30in
Width: 
73.70in
78.90in
Height: 
65.00in
71.00in
Ground Clearance: 
8.10in
7.80in
Front Track: 
63.10in
Rear Track: 
63.40in
Wheel Base: 
105.70in
112.80in

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room: 
38.70
41.40
Rear Head Room: 
38.10
40.60
Front Leg Room: 
42.00in
42.90in
Rear leg room: 
38.30in
39.50in
Front Hip Room: 
55.70in
57.30in
Front Shoulder Room: 
58.70in
61.50in
Rear Hip Room: 
53.80in
56.80in
Rear Shoulder room: 
57.20in
61.00in

Weights and capacites

Cargo Capacity: 
76.90cu.ft
81.70cu.ft
Maximum Towing Capacity un-break: 
5000lbs
Cargo Capacity with Seats in Place: 
26.10cu.ft
21.00cu.ft
Angle of Approach: 
17.20degrees
15.60degrees
Angle of Departure: 
22.70degrees
20.90degrees
Curb Weight: 
3931.00lbs
4901.00lbs

Instruments

External Temperature Display: 
yes
yes
Clock: 
yes
yes
Trip computer: 
yes
yes
Techometer: 
yes
yes
Compass: 
yes
yes

Power Features

Power windows: 
yes
yes
Remote Keyless doors: 
no
yes
More Power Features: 
Heated mirrors
Hands-free entry
Reverse tilt dual mirrors provides curb view when vehicle in reverse
2 one-touch power windows
Heated mirrors

Seats

Rear Seat Collapsible: 
yes
yes
Front Seats Features: 
8 -way power driver seat
8 -way power passenger seat
Bucket front seats
Height adjustable driver seat
Height adjustable passenger seat
Leather
Multi-level heating driver seat
Multi-level heating passenger seat
Ventilated passenger seat
Driver seat with power adjustable lumbar support
8 -way power driver seat
Bucket front seats
Height adjustable passenger seat
Multi-level heating driver seat
Driver seat with power adjustable lumbar support
8 -way power passenger seat
Height adjustable driver seat
Leather
Multi-level heating passenger seat
Passenger seat with power adjustable lumbar support
Rear Seats Features: 
Folding center armrest
Rear ventilation ducts
Split-folding rear seatback
Folding center armrest
Rear ventilation ducts with fan control
Power folding split-bench third row seats
Split-folding rear seatback

Suspension

Front Suspension: 
Front Stabilizer Bar
Front stabilizer bar
Rear Suspension: 
Rear Stabilizer Bar
Rear stabilizer bar
Suspension Info: 
Four-wheel independent suspension
Four-wheel independent suspension

Comfort

Interior air Filtration: 
yes
yes
Climate Control: 
yes
yes
More Comfort Features: 
Sun sensor
Turn signal in mirrors
Leather steering wheel
Electrochromatic inside rearview mirror
Dual illuminating vanity mirrors
Dual illuminating vanity mirrors
Leather steering wheel
Turn signal in mirrors
Heated steering wheel
Front and rear air conditioning

Entertainment

DVD player: 
no
no
AM/FM Radio: 
yes
yes
Satellite radio: 
yes
yes
Video monitor: 
yes
yes
More Entertainment: 
3 Months of provided satellite radio service
1 subwoofer(s)
10 total speakers
410 watts stero output
Auxiliary audio input and USB with external media control
Speed sensitive volume control
Els studio Premium Audi System with 10 speakers
MP3/auxiliary input jack
Pandora compatibility
Aha™ compatibility
SMS text message function
HandsFreeLink® wireless telephone interface
AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic
Traffic Rerouting
Maintenance Minder system
USB connection
Auxiliary audio input and USB with external media control
Memory card slot
Surround audio surround audio (discrete)
Sony premium brand speakers
390 watts stero output
1 subwoofer(s)
12 total speakers
6 Months of provided satellite radio service
Sony premium brand stero system

Exterior Features

Sunroof: 
yes
no
Rear defogger: 
yes
yes
More in Glass and Roof: 
Intermittent rear wiper
Privacy glass
Remote sunroof operation
Variable intermittent rain sensing wipers
Privacy glass
Rear window wiper
Variable intermittent wipers
Roof rack
Alloy Wheels: 
yes
yes
Wheel size: 
18 x 7.5
20 in
Wheels more: 
All season tires
Underbody mounted spare tire
All season tires
Null spare wheel
Temporary spare tire
Wheel Dimensions: 
Width: 
235.00millimeters
Aspect Ratio: 
60
Diameter: 
R18
Width: 
255.00millimeters
Aspect Ratio: 
50
Diameter: 
R20

Safety Features

ABS: 
yes
yes
Front head airbags: 
yes
yes
Rear head airbags: 
yes
yes
Dual front side-mounted airbags: 
yes
yes
Emergency braking assist: 
yes
yes
Traction control: 
yes
yes
Child seat anchors: 
yes
yes
Front brakes: 
Ventilated front disc brakes
Front ventilated disc brakes
Stability control: 
yes
yes
Rear brakes: 
solid Rear Disc Brakes
rear ventilated disc brakes
Rear door child safety locks: 
yes
yes
Daytime running lights: 
yes
yes
Engine immobilizer: 
yes
yes
Front fog lights: 
yes
yes
Dusk sensing headlamps: 
yes
yes
Auto delay off headlamps: 
yes
yes
Front headrests: 
yes
yes
Rear headrests: 
yes
yes
Tire pressure monitoring: 
yes
yes
More Safety Features: 
Passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation
3-point height-adjustable seat belts with load limiters and automatic tensioning system (front)
Turn signal mirrors
Airbag Deployment Notification*
Stolen Vehicle Tracking/Assistance*
Multi-View rearview camera
Blind spot information (BSI) system
Dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags (SRS)
Front side airbags with SmartVent technology
Theft-deterrent system with electronic immobilizer
Side-impact door beams
Post-collision safety system
Airbag Deployment Notification*
BLIS Plus Inflatable Rear Seatbelt Package
Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Warning w/Brake Support
Rear height adjustable headrests
Rear center 3-point belt
Passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation
Remote anti-theft alarm system
Dual front with head protection chambers side-mounted airbags

Options

Packages: 
Equipment Group 401A
Equipment Group 400A
Exterior Options: 
Roof Rack Crossbars
Running Boards
P265/45ZR20 Summer Only Tires
Splash Guards
Dual Panel Moonroof
License Plate Bracket
Rear Bumper Protector
Wheel Lock Kit
Interior Options: 
2nd Row Bucket Seats w/Power-Assist Fold
Cargo Shade
Smokers Kit w/Element
Deep Tray-Style All-Weather Floor Mats
Rear Cargo Well Protector
DVD Headrests
2nd Row Console

Colors

Interior Colors: 
Color: 
Ebony, leatherette
#151515
Graystone, leatherette
#78756F
Parchment, leatherette
#C7B89B
Color: 
Medium Light Camel, cloth
#9A9789