Ford Explorer vs Audi RS e-tron GT
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Ford Explorer | Audi RS e-tron GT | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max power (hp) | 400 | 646 | -38.1% |
| Max torque (Nm) | 563 | 830 | -32.2% |
| NCAP safety | 5★ (NHTSA) | 5★ (Euro NCAP) | — |
| Fuel type | Petrol | Electric | — |
| Transmission | 10-Speed Automatic | Automatic | — |
| Price (USD est.) | $57,200 | $153,900 | -62.8% |
- Audi RS e-tron GT makes about 38% more power (646 vs 400 hp).
- Their economy figures use different measures (Petrol vs Electric), so compare running costs in your local fuel and electricity prices rather than head-to-head.
- Prices are converted to USD from their home markets (US and Germany); taxes and availability differ by country.
Verdict: Explorer or RS e-tron GT?
Ford Explorer advantages
- Affordability (+63%)
Audi RS e-tron GT advantages
- Engine power (+38%)
- Pulling torque (+32%)
Which should you choose?
- Choose the Ford Explorer if you want the lower upfront cost.
- Choose the Audi RS e-tron GT if you want stronger performance and overtaking confidence.
Value for money
Ford Explorer delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Ford Explorer vs Audi RS e-tron GT: which should you choose?
Ford Explorer (2026 ST AWD) — petrol suv with 400 hp and 563 Nm, rated at 8.5 km/L, 5-star NHTSA safety; priced near $57,200 in the US market.
Audi RS e-tron GT (2024 RS e-tron GT quattro) — electric sedan with 646 hp and 830 Nm, rated at 20.2 kWh/100km, 5-star Euro NCAP safety; priced near $153,900 in the Germany market.
Ford Explorer vs Audi RS e-tron GT: Audi RS e-tron GT is more powerful. Audi RS e-tron GT makes about 38% more power (646 vs 400 hp). Their economy figures use different measures (Petrol vs Electric), so compare running costs in your local fuel and electricity prices rather than head-to-head.
Performance
The Audi RS e-tron GT is the more powerful, at 646 hp against 400 hp, with 830 Nm of torque on tap. Its electric drivetrain pairs with a automatic transmission.
Running costs
These cars use different energy types (Petrol vs Electric), so compare cost per kilometre at your local fuel and electricity prices rather than a single economy number.
Safety
Ford Explorer is rated 5 stars by NHTSA and Audi RS e-tron GT 5 stars by Euro NCAP. Different NCAP programmes use different protocols, so same-programme comparisons are the most reliable.
Price and value
The Ford Explorer lists lower at about $57,200 (USD-converted from the US market). Factor in insurance, fuel or charging, taxes and resale — not just the sticker price.
The verdict
Both are credible choices in the car comparison space; the specification table above lays out every metric so you can weigh the trade-offs that matter to you. Pick the one whose strengths line up with how you will actually use it.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Ford Explorer better than the Audi RS e-tron GT?
Audi RS e-tron GT takes the overall edge, though Ford Explorer wins in specific areas worth weighing. Audi RS e-tron GT makes about 38% more power (646 vs 400 hp).
What is the main difference between the Ford Explorer and the Audi RS e-tron GT?
Audi RS e-tron GT makes about 38% more power (646 vs 400 hp). Their economy figures use different measures (Petrol vs Electric), so compare running costs in your local fuel and electricity prices rather than head-to-head.
Which is better value?
Ford Explorer delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Which should I choose?
Choose the Ford Explorer if you want the lower upfront cost. Choose the Audi RS e-tron GT if you want stronger performance and overtaking confidence.
Methodology
Cars are compared on manufacturer-rated maximum power and torque, certified fuel economy (km/L, converted from each market's test cycle: EPA, WLTP, CLTC, JC08/WLTC, ARAI) or EV energy use (kWh/100km), official NCAP crash-test ratings from the model's home-market programme, and list prices converted to USD at recent exchange rates. Each model shows its newest listed year and its highest-priority market trim. Test cycles differ between regions, so cross-market economy figures are directional rather than exact; prices exclude local taxes and incentives.