Ford Explorer vs Ram 1500 HFE
This page compares the Ford Explorer and the Ram 1500 HFE across the 11 model years both appear in our data (2013–2025). Both are classed as Pickup on this site. Both average about 28 mpg (UK) on their most efficient configurations. NHTSA lists fewer recall campaigns per model year for the Ford Explorer (16.9 against 17.6), though campaign counts depend on how long each model has been on sale and how many variants share a campaign.
Head-to-Head: 2013–2025
| Measure | Ford Explorer | Ram 1500 HFE |
|---|---|---|
| Average best-configuration economy (mpg, UK) | 28 | 28 |
| Average CO₂ (g/km) | 239 | 251 |
| Average estimated annual fuel cost (US EPA) | $2,873 | $3,300 |
| Model years rated 5★ overall by NHTSA | 10 of 10 | 2 of 7 |
| Average recall campaigns per model year | 16.9 | 17.6 |
| Average owner complaints per model year | 1304 | 1263 |
| Engine options across these years | 6 | 2 |
Year by Year
| Year | Ford Explorer MPG (UK) | NHTSA | Recalls | Complaints | Ram 1500 HFE MPG (UK) | NHTSA | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 28 | 5★ | 12 | 2,235 | 25 | 4★ | 12 | 1,277 |
| 2014 | 28 | 5★ | 7 | 1,679 | 25 | 4★ | 17 | 1,769 |
| 2015 | 28 | 5★ | 9 | 1,803 | 29 | 4★ | 18 | 1,452 |
| 2016 | 26 | 5★ | 15 | 2,478 | 29 | 4★ | 17 | 1,545 |
| 2019 | 26 | 5★ | 6 | 298 | 28 | 4★ | 30 | 1,482 |
| 2020 | 29 | 5★ | 35 | 1,229 | 28 | 5★ | 14 | 634 |
| 2021 | 29 | 5★ | 27 | 442 | 31 | 5★ | 15 | 680 |
| 2022 | 29 | — | 24 | 269 | 31 | — | — | — |
| 2023 | 29 | 5★ | 15 | 112 | 28 | — | — | — |
| 2024 | 29 | 5★ | 10 | 26 | 28 | — | — | — |
| 2025 | 29 | 5★ | 20 | 102 | 28 | — | — | — |
MPG is each model year's most efficient configuration (US EPA, converted to UK mpg). Recalls and complaints are NHTSA counts as of 6 October 2026; complaints are unverified owner reports and rise with sales volume. See each model's full history: Ford Explorer · Ram 1500 HFE.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel-efficient, the Ford Explorer or the Ram 1500 HFE?
Both average about 28 mpg (UK) on their most efficient configurations. Figures are the US EPA combined result converted to UK mpg, averaged over the shared model years; individual engines and years differ, so check the year pages for the exact car.
Which has better NHTSA safety ratings?
The Ford Explorer has 10 of 10 model years rated 5★ overall in these years and the Ram 1500 HFE has 2 of 7. NHTSA ratings are only comparable between vehicles of similar size and weight, and the test criteria have changed over time.
Which has more recalls and owner complaints?
Per model year, the Ford Explorer averages 16.9 recall campaigns and 1304 owner complaints; the Ram 1500 HFE averages 17.6 and 1263. Complaint counts are unverified owner reports and rise with sales volume, so use them as a pointer for what to inspect, not as a reliability ranking.
Where do these comparison figures come from?
Fuel economy, CO₂ and interior volume come from the US EPA's fueleconomy.gov data; ratings, recalls and complaints come from NHTSA. Only model years where both cars have data are compared.
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