around 60k budget, Ford Explorer ST or RX450h?
06-11-21 | 05:17 PM
#1
around 60k budget, Ford Explorer ST or RX450h?
like title says, which one will you pick as the family hauler/road tripper for family of four. Following are the pros and cons
Explorer ST:
pro: power, power, power, newer design, three row seating for occasional need
con: poor interior quality, build quality concern, poor mpg compare with RX450h, although newer than RX, but depreciates faster
RX450h:
pro: Lexus quality and resale value, solid mpg, although not as fast as Explorer ST, but it drives better than RX350 per multiple reviews
con: most likely last model year before the redesign, two row seating, bland styling, too many RXs on the road
Explorer ST:
pro: power, power, power, newer design, three row seating for occasional need
con: poor interior quality, build quality concern, poor mpg compare with RX450h, although newer than RX, but depreciates faster
RX450h:
pro: Lexus quality and resale value, solid mpg, although not as fast as Explorer ST, but it drives better than RX350 per multiple reviews
con: most likely last model year before the redesign, two row seating, bland styling, too many RXs on the road
06-11-21 | 05:25 PM
#2
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 91,717
Likes: 90
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
Definitely go with the RX. The Explorer is simply too much of a quality risk....and, as you note, has a poor quality interior.
IMO, I don't see where the fact that this is the last year for the current-generation RX, or that there are a lot of them on the road, should be an issue. You are getting a safe, reliable vehicle for you and your family, not something to impress other people or to try and Keep up with the Jones's. Let the Jones's do their own thing, and you do yours.
IMO, I don't see where the fact that this is the last year for the current-generation RX, or that there are a lot of them on the road, should be an issue. You are getting a safe, reliable vehicle for you and your family, not something to impress other people or to try and Keep up with the Jones's. Let the Jones's do their own thing, and you do yours.
06-11-21 | 05:36 PM
#3
Pole Position
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 2,651
Likes: 759
From: SF Bay Area, CA
We've owned an RX450h in the past and were happy with it but between those two I'd likely go for the Explorer, it's a better car to drive, but with that budget there are other good options. The X5 is well worth a look, I think it's the best in its class. 60K gets you a new one or a better specified CPO. Test drive and report back!
06-11-21 | 06:12 PM
#4
Lead Lap
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 4,891
Likes: 12
From: Virginia
How about a GV80? Or a CPO Q7? a prior gen GLS-Class could also be had, but would definitely look a little dated inside, but actually had decent tech updates. Also agree with above that a recent X5 could likely be had under $60K with good equipment.
Of the two, Explorer definitely drives nicely if you can overlook some interior panel gaps and whatnot. Very well-sorted driving dynamics.
I would even choose/look at a new Kia Sorento (decent pep with the 2.5T) over the Lexus RX at this point. Could still have an occasional use 3rd row. Not as price gouged as the big brother Telluride.
Of the two, Explorer definitely drives nicely if you can overlook some interior panel gaps and whatnot. Very well-sorted driving dynamics.
I would even choose/look at a new Kia Sorento (decent pep with the 2.5T) over the Lexus RX at this point. Could still have an occasional use 3rd row. Not as price gouged as the big brother Telluride.
06-11-21 | 07:30 PM
#5
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 31,753
Likes: 73
From: ON/NY
like title says, which one will you pick as the family hauler/road tripper for family of four. Following are the pros and cons
Explorer ST:
pro: power, power, power, newer design, three row seating for occasional need
con: poor interior quality, build quality concern, poor mpg compare with RX450h, although newer than RX, but depreciates faster
RX450h:
pro: Lexus quality and resale value, solid mpg, although not as fast as Explorer ST, but it drives better than RX350 per multiple reviews
con: most likely last model year before the redesign, two row seating, bland styling, too many RXs on the road
Explorer ST:
pro: power, power, power, newer design, three row seating for occasional need
con: poor interior quality, build quality concern, poor mpg compare with RX450h, although newer than RX, but depreciates faster
RX450h:
pro: Lexus quality and resale value, solid mpg, although not as fast as Explorer ST, but it drives better than RX350 per multiple reviews
con: most likely last model year before the redesign, two row seating, bland styling, too many RXs on the road
What are the price points for comparison?
06-11-21 | 08:31 PM
#6
2 very different vehicles. 
if you like fun driving, the explorer.
if you like great fuel economy, the rx.
this newest explorer had some quality glitches out of the gate but i'd have no concerns about it now. The platform was developed to be used by both lincoln and ford, and it's pretty great. I'm not a huge fan of the look of the latest explorer interior, but it's still a great vehicle.
the rx450h will, as you say, hold its value (depending on how long because electrics may eat its lunch at some point), is lexus reliable, and definitely comfortable. I personally don't care for the on/off engine of hybrid driving no matter how good they make them.
Between your two choices i'd get the explorer.
if you like fun driving, the explorer.
if you like great fuel economy, the rx.
this newest explorer had some quality glitches out of the gate but i'd have no concerns about it now. The platform was developed to be used by both lincoln and ford, and it's pretty great. I'm not a huge fan of the look of the latest explorer interior, but it's still a great vehicle.
the rx450h will, as you say, hold its value (depending on how long because electrics may eat its lunch at some point), is lexus reliable, and definitely comfortable. I personally don't care for the on/off engine of hybrid driving no matter how good they make them.
Between your two choices i'd get the explorer.
06-11-21 | 08:34 PM
#7
Pole Position
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 2,688
Likes: 518
From: The Jet City
Definitely go with the RX. The Explorer is simply too much of a quality risk....and, as you note, has a poor quality interior.
IMO, I don't see where the fact that this is the last year for the current-generation RX, or that there are a lot of them on the road, should be an issue. You are getting a safe, reliable vehicle for you and your family, not something to impress other people or to try and Keep up with the Jones's. Let the Jones's do their own thing, and you do yours.
IMO, I don't see where the fact that this is the last year for the current-generation RX, or that there are a lot of them on the road, should be an issue. You are getting a safe, reliable vehicle for you and your family, not something to impress other people or to try and Keep up with the Jones's. Let the Jones's do their own thing, and you do yours.
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06-11-21 | 08:54 PM
#8
Pole Position
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 2,651
Likes: 759
From: SF Bay Area, CA
fair points, but the Explorer is the better car to drive, though. And the electronics are better. Sync 3 and 4 are a step or two up from the Lexus infotainment which work but are very dated.
06-12-21 | 07:50 AM
#9
Pole Position
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 2,688
Likes: 518
From: The Jet City
I'd make a list of say 4-5 top priorities, whatever works for you & your needs. As you know your cross shopping two different types of vehicles.
06-12-21 | 07:56 AM
#10
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 35
Likes: 9
From: NM
Are you planning on keeping the vehicle for a long time? If so, then get the Lexus. If you are planning on trading it out before the warranty is over then consider the explorer.
06-12-21 | 08:32 AM
#11
like title says, which one will you pick as the family hauler/road tripper for family of four. Following are the pros and cons
Explorer ST:
pro: power, power, power, newer design, three row seating for occasional need
con: poor interior quality, build quality concern, poor mpg compare with RX450h, although newer than RX, but depreciates faster
RX450h:
pro: Lexus quality and resale value, solid mpg, although not as fast as Explorer ST, but it drives better than RX350 per multiple reviews
con: most likely last model year before the redesign, two row seating, bland styling, too many RXs on the road
Explorer ST:
pro: power, power, power, newer design, three row seating for occasional need
con: poor interior quality, build quality concern, poor mpg compare with RX450h, although newer than RX, but depreciates faster
RX450h:
pro: Lexus quality and resale value, solid mpg, although not as fast as Explorer ST, but it drives better than RX350 per multiple reviews
con: most likely last model year before the redesign, two row seating, bland styling, too many RXs on the road
Or you could split the difference and check out a CX-9 Signature (heavily biased plug, lol).
06-12-21 | 09:06 AM
#12
Racer
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 1,552
Likes: 268
From: Ohio
60 grand for an Explorer seems nuts to me.
06-12-21 | 12:00 PM
#13
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 498
Likes: 43
From: FL
lincoln aviator reserve w/ dynamic handling package
06-12-21 | 12:02 PM
#14
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 91,717
Likes: 90
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
06-12-21 | 01:20 PM
#15
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 58,379
Likes: 2,794
From: Maryland
Very different cars. Between the two, I would get the Explorer but I'd get a platinum vs an ST.