Ford Explorer vs Mercury Mariner
Overview | |
Years produced1991-Present | Years produced2005-2011 |
MSRP$38,465 | MSRP$23,565 |
Listings1459 | Listings2 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.5 out of 10 | Expert reviews |
Pros
Cons
| |
Reviews SummaryThe Explorer was one of the first truly family-friendly SUVs, and continues in that role today as a midsize three-row crossover competing against the likes of the Chevrolet Traverse, the Honda Pilot, the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Nissan Pathfinder, and the Toyota Highlander. The current-generation Explorer has been around since the 2020 model year, and the big news for 2026 is a Tremor model that replaces the Timberline as the most off-road-capable Explorer. The available BlueCruise driver-assist system also gets an update. Verdict: Ford’s SUV stalwart still gets the job done, but lacks personality unless you go for the ST or Tremor models. | |
Reviews Summary | |
No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.3L 300 hp I4 | Engine2.5L 171 hp I4 |
Drive TrainRWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity7 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower300 hp @ 5500 rpm | Horsepower171 hp @ 6000 rpm |
MPG City20 | MPG City21 |
MPG Highway29 | MPG Highway28 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.3L 300 hp I4 | Engine Name2.5L 171 hp I4 |
Torque310 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm | Torque171 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm |
Horsepower300 hp @ 5500 rpm | Horsepower171 hp @ 6000 rpm |
DrivetrainRWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City20 | MPG City21 |
MPG Highway29 | MPG Highway28 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity7 | Seating Capacity5 |
Key Features | |
Navigation SystemStandard | Navigation System |
Sunroof/Moonroof | Sunroof/MoonroofOptional |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall5 | Front Crash Overall3 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall3 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space16.3 cu ft | Cargo Space29.3 cu ft |
Curb Weight4303 lbs | Curb Weight3335 lbs |
Height69.6 in | Height68.0 in |
Length198.7 in | Length175.2 in |
Width89.3 in | Width81.3 in |
Wheelbase119.1 in | Wheelbase103.1 in |
Maximum Payload1467 lbs | Maximum Payload |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity5000 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity3500 lbs |
Standard Towing Capacity5000 lbs | Standard Towing Capacity |
Overview | ||
Years produced | 1991-Present | 2005-2011 |
MSRP | $38,465 | $23,565 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 7.5 out of 10Read full review | |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| |
Summary | The Explorer was one of the first truly family-friendly SUVs, and continues in that role today as a midsize three-row crossover competing against the likes of the Chevrolet Traverse, the Honda Pilot, the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Nissan Pathfinder, and the Toyota Highlander. The current-generation Explorer has been around since the 2020 model year, and the big news for 2026 is a Tremor model that replaces the Timberline as the most off-road-capable Explorer. The available BlueCruise driver-assist system also gets an update. Verdict: Ford’s SUV stalwart still gets the job done, but lacks personality unless you go for the ST or Tremor models. | |
Video | No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.3L 300 hp I4 | 2.5L 171 hp I4 |
Drive Train | RWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 7 | 5 |
Horsepower | 300 hp @ 5500 rpm | 171 hp @ 6000 rpm |
MPG City | 20 | 21 |
MPG Highway | 29 | 28 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.3L 300 hp I4 | 2.5L 171 hp I4 |
Torque | 310 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm | 171 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm |
Horsepower | 300 hp @ 5500 rpm | 171 hp @ 6000 rpm |
Drivetrain | RWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 20 | 21 |
MPG Highway | 29 | 28 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 7 | 5 |
Key Features | ||
Navigation System | Standard | |
Sunroof/Moonroof | Optional | |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | 3 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 3 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 16.3 cu ft | 29.3 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 4303 lbs | 3335 lbs |
Height | 69.6 in | 68.0 in |
Length | 198.7 in | 175.2 in |
Width | 89.3 in | 81.3 in |
Wheelbase | 119.1 in | 103.1 in |
Maximum Payload | 1467 lbs | |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 5000 lbs | 3500 lbs |
Standard Towing Capacity | 5000 lbs | |
2011 Mercury Mariner for Sale
2026 Ford Explorer for Sale
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