Explorer vs EV9
Both the Explorer and the EV9 sit in the three-row suv class, and Ford and Kia are clearly watching each other. Spec for spec, there isn’t much daylight between them, so small details and personal priorities will decide it.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Explorer wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Safety & Tech Tie
- Engine & Performance6.3
- Engine & Performance2.3
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The Explorer has 85 hp more power
This is a headline difference. With 300 hp to the EV9’s 215 hp, the Explorer has a lead that’s easy to see on paper and in practice. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
-
The Explorer has 52 lb-ft more torque
Put simply, the Explorer is far ahead here: 310 lb-ft compared with 258 lb-ft. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Design & Size
- Explorer 198.8 in × 78.9 in × 69.9 in
- EV9 197.4 in × 77.9 in × 69.1 in
Size is a tie. Anywhere the Explorer fits, the EV9 should fit too, and vice versa.
Dimensions
| Spec | Explorer | EV9 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 198.8 in | 197.4 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 78.9 in | 77.9 in |
| Height | 69.9 in | 69.1 in |
| Wheelbase | 119.1 in | 122 in |
Engine & Performance
Explorer leads
For engine & performance, the verdict is easy: the Explorer leads, and not by a little. The Explorer has the edge with 85 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. The engine & performance verdict goes to the Explorer.
Total system output
Explorer: 300 hp EV9: 215 hp The Explorer’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Torque
Explorer: 310 lb-ft EV9: 258 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
The space & practicality specs are close enough that neither gets the point. So space & practicality is a non-factor here; move on to the areas where they actually differ.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Swap one for the other and you’d lose nothing on off-road & towing. Net result on off-road & towing: level.
Safety & Tech
Too close to call
Neither the Explorer nor the EV9 has a real advantage in the safety & tech category. If safety & tech was going to be your tiebreaker, you’ll need a different one.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Explorer | EV9 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Battery electric |
| Engine | 2.3L turbo I4 (EcoBoost) | Single motor (rear) |
| Total system output | 300 hp (winner) | 215 hp |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft (winner) | 258 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | Single-speed reduction gear |
| Drivetrain | RWD (AWD available) | RWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Explorer | EV9 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 24 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 20 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 29 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Electric range | N/A (not specified) | 230 mi |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Explorer | EV9 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 7 seats | 7 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | N/A (not specified) | 20.2 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | N/A (not specified) | 81.7 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Explorer | EV9 |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 5,600 lb | N/A (not specified) |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Explorer | EV9 |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 13.2 in | 12.3 in |
| Driver-assist suite | Ford Co-Pilot360 | Kia Drive Wise |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Explorer | EV9 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 198.8 in | 197.4 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 78.9 in | 77.9 in |
| Height | 69.9 in | 69.1 in |
| Wheelbase | 119.1 in | 122 in |
Price
| Spec | Explorer | EV9 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $40,050 Lowest price in class | N/A (not specified) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Explorer if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (300 hp vs 215 hp)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (310 lb-ft vs 258 lb-ft of torque)
- you’re loyal to Ford and happy with it
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Explorer or the EV9?
On the specs compared here, the Explorer makes more sense for most buyers; the EV9 doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Which is larger, the Explorer or the EV9?
Neither by much. The Explorer and the EV9 have nearly identical dimensions.
Executive Summary
I’ll be upfront: I have no stake in whether you buy Ford or Kia. I only care that you end up with the right one of the Explorer and the EV9. The biggest reason I lean toward the Explorer is simple: it has 85 hp more power.
Think about your week. Heavy on engine & performance? The Explorer. More about the things a spec sheet can’t capture? The EV9.
My pick: the Explorer.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.