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Ford Explorer vs Smart #1
At a glance
In this comparison, Ford Explorer leads on motorway range, family practicality and charging speed, while the Smart #1 leads on city driving.
Which should you choose?
Choose the Ford Explorer if...
- you do long motorway journeys - it has the best estimated real-world range at speed
- you need the most family-friendly option with good safety and space
- you need the fastest charging of these options
- you want the lowest running costs - from just 2.2p per mile on off-peak electricity
Choose the Smart #1 if...
- you need the best car for city driving and tight parking
How we reached the recommendation
Verdict
Our take
The Ford Explorer leads in the most categories, but each car here has its strengths.
Value
Ford
6.1
Smart
5.9
Too close to call
Motorway RangeFord
Ford
3.5
Smart
1.9
FamilyFord
Ford
6.7
Smart
5.4
ChargingFord
Ford
4.6
Smart
2.9
Cost Per MileFord
Ford
3.5
Smart
1.9
City DrivingSmart
Ford
5.4
Smart
6
What each car does better
See the specification differences behind the verdict, with supporting figures for each advantage.
Ford Explorer
Style 58kWh
- 80 miles more WLTP range
- 157 litres more boot space
- 17 Wh/km more efficient
- 1000 kg more towing capacity
Key specifications
Compare the key specifications for your selected trims.
| Measure | Ford ExplorerStyle 58kWh | Smart #1Pure |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £35,185 | £29,960 (better) |
| Official range | 273 miles (better) | 193 miles |
| Boot space | 470 L (better) | 313 L |
| 10-80% rapid charge | 25 min (better) | 30 min |
| 0-62 mph | 8 sec | Not available |
Size Comparison
View:
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Ford Explorer
Smart #1
Length
Ford Explorer4,468mm
Smart #14,270mm-198mm
Width
Ford Explorer1,872mm
Smart #11,822mm-50mm
Height
Ford Explorer1,630mm-6mm
Smart #11,636mm
Space, size & parking
Parking & manoeuvring
Compare exterior dimensions to assess how each car fits UK parking spaces.
| Measure | Ford ExplorerStyle 58kWh | Smart #1Pure |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 4,468 mm | 4,270 mm |
| Width (mirrors folded) | 1,872 mm | 1,822 mm (better) |
| Width with mirrors out | 2,063 mm | 2,025 mm (better) |
| Height | 1,630 mm | 1,636 mm |
| Turning circle | 10.9 m (better) | 11 m |
| Clearance in a standard bayA standard UK parking bay is 2,400 mm wide. | 528 mm spare | 578 mm spare (better) |
People & luggage
Compare seating, child-seat mounting points, boot space and towing capacity.
| Measure | Ford ExplorerStyle 58kWh | Smart #1Pure |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 | Not available |
| Rear legroom | 916 mm | Not available |
| Boot space (seats up) | 470 L (better) | 313 L |
| Boot space (seats down) | 1460 L (better) | 976 L |
| Frunk | Not available | 15 L |
| Towing capacity (braked) | 1,000 kg (better) | 0 kg |
How each stacks up
Percentile ranks against UK EVs of the same body style.
Ford Explorer
Not enough peers to make confident percentile claims.
Smart #1
- At 4,270 mm, shorter than 90% of SUVs in our UK catalogue.
- One of 33 of 232 UK EVs in our catalogue with V2L (vehicle-to-load) support.
Full specifications
| Specification |  Ford Explorer Style 58kWh |  Smart #1 Pure |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4.47m | 4.27m-198mm |
| Width | 1.87m | 1.82m-50mm |
| Width (mirrors) | 2.06m | 2.02m-38mm |
| Height | 1.63m | 1.64m+6mm |
| Wheelbase | 2.77m | 2.75m-17mm |
| Ground Clearance | 193mm | Not available |
| Capacity | ||
| Boot (seats up) | 470L (better) | 313L |
| Boot (seats down) | 1460L (better) | 976L |
| Frunk | Not available | 15L |
| Seats | 5 | Not available |
| Rear Legroom | 916mm | Not available |
| Practicality | ||
| Turning Circle | 10.9m (better) | 11m |
| Kerb Weight | 1,908kg | Not available |
| Towing Capacity | 1,000kg (better) | Not available |
| Electric | ||
| Battery | 58kWh (better) | 49kWh |
| Range (WLTP) | 273 mi (better) | 193 mi |
| Max DC Charge | 105kW | 130kW (better) |
| Pricing | ||
| UK MSRP | £35,185 | £29,960 (better) |
| Price after EV grant | £33,685 (-£1,500) | £29,960 (not eligible) |
| Details | ||
| Body Style | SUV | SUV |
| Available | 2026+ | 2023+ |
Range & charging
Range, charging & battery
Check official and estimated driving range alongside charging speeds, efficiency and battery technology.
| Measure | Ford ExplorerStyle 58kWh | Smart #1Pure |
|---|---|---|
| Official range (WLTP) | 273 miles (better) | 193 miles |
| Estimated motorway rangeEVcarsguide estimate at sustained motorway speed. | 183 miles (better) | 133 miles |
| 10-80% rapid charge time | 25 min (better) | 30 min |
| Max rapid charge rate | 105 kW | 130 kW (better) |
| Home AC charging | 11 kW (better) | 7.4 kW |
| Energy consumption | 164 Wh/km (better) | 181 Wh/km |
| Usable battery capacity | 58 kWh (better) | 49 kWh |
| Battery chemistry | NMC | LFP |
| Battery architecture | 400V | Not available |
| Heat pump | Not standard | Not available |
Driving & everyday use
Performance & drivetrain
Compare acceleration, power and drivetrain specifications for the selected trims.
| Measure | Ford ExplorerStyle 58kWh | Smart #1Pure |
|---|---|---|
| 0-62 mph | 8 sec | Not available |
| Power | 140 kW | 200 kW (better) |
| Torque | 310 Nm | Not available |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD |
What the critics say
See how UK motoring publications rate each car in their road tests.
Ford Explorer
Style 58kWh
Smart #1
Pure
Watch the reviews
Watch selected video reviews here, or visit each model page for the full collection.
Ford Explorer
All 3 videos
Reviews and videos discuss each model overall; the specifications above apply to your selected trims.
Prices & deals
Calculate your real costs
For a useful running-cost comparison, factor in your mileage, charging access and current petrol or diesel car alongside the EV estimate.
Compare with petrol or diesel
Compare purchase price, energy, road tax and maintenance with a petrol or diesel alternative.
Calculate company-car tax
Work out monthly Benefit-in-Kind using current and future HMRC rates.
Cost per mile
Compare EV charging costs per mile with petrol and diesel using your charging options.
Check a lease quote
Assess the effective monthly cost alongside the list price and expected depreciation.
Safety & ownership confidence
Euro NCAP - Ford Explorer Style 58kWh
Tested 2024
Adult Occupant89%
Child Occupant86%
Vulnerable Road Users80%
Safety Assist72%
Full result on euroncap.com (opens in new tab)
Euro NCAP - Smart #1 Pure
Tested 2022
Adult Occupant96%
Child Occupant89%
Vulnerable Road Users71%
Safety Assist88%
Full result on euroncap.com (opens in new tab)
Warranty
Check the published battery warranty cover for each selected trim.
| Measure | Ford ExplorerStyle 58kWh | Smart #1Pure |
|---|---|---|
| Battery warranty | 8 years | 8 years |
| Battery warranty distance | 160,934 km | 201,168 km (better) |
What owners say
Aggregated from UK owner forums and communities - the things you only learn after living with the car.
Ford Explorer
Style 58kWh
Owners love
- Owners praise the quiet, comfortable ride and the planted, enjoyable handling, often rated above the VW ID.4.
- Efficiency is a strong point: owners report around 3.4 to 4 miles per kWh, 300+ miles from a full charge in mild weather and about 200 in winter.
- Rear-seat space is generous, and the interior is felt to be a step up from other Fords.
Watch out for
- A few owners report electrical faults soon after delivery (warning lights, a failed instrument display, a car that would only select neutral), with long waits for a diagnosis.
- Several owners report slow repairs, parts waits and difficulty getting a courtesy car, and some dealers were unfamiliar with the car.
- The heat pump and head-up display are extra-cost options.
Owner tips
- Precondition the car before cold-weather journeys to keep efficiency up.
- Check the car thoroughly on collection, including paint and every warning light, before accepting it.
Smart #1
Pure
Owners love
- Owners describe a comfortable, quiet and planted drive, with a premium, well-built interior.
- Generous standard equipment for the money, including a glass roof, 360-degree cameras and, on Premium and BRABUS, a clear head-up display and Beats audio.
- The BRABUS is very fast, and even the single-motor car feels quick.
Watch out for
- Early cars often had sticky or faulty pop-out door handles, fixed under warranty.
- Some early cars developed a hum from the rear axle bearings or motor mounts, fixed with new parts under warranty.
- The Hello Smart app is widely criticised as unreliable, asking for repeated log-ins and showing wrong data.
Owner tips
- Check every door handle works properly on a test drive.
- Listen for humming from the rear at speed and ask whether bushes or bearings have been replaced.
Buying options
Get a quote
Ford Explorer
Used on AutoTraderLease deals
Smart #1
Used on AutoTraderLease deals
Live used listings
Active inventory from independent UK dealers.
Ford Explorer
No active listings.
Smart #1
- £23,9992024Car360View
- £23,7712024Car360View
- £22,9002024EV ExpertsView
Frequently asked questions
Is the Ford Explorer worth the extra £5,225 over the Smart #1?
The Ford Explorer costs £5,225 more than the Smart #1. For that premium it adds 80 miles more WLTP range, 157 litres more boot space and lower energy use, 164 versus 181 Wh/km. The Smart #1 is not just cheaper - it also offers 25 kW faster peak rapid charging and 60 kW more power. On EVcarsguide's combined category scores, the Ford Explorer comes out ahead overall.
Which is cheaper to own over 5 years, the Ford Explorer or the Smart #1?
The Smart #1 is £5,225 cheaper to buy. Running costs are almost identical - about £176 a year either way, at 8,000 miles on an off-peak home tariff. Add 5 years of charging and the Smart #1 comes out roughly £5,105 cheaper overall. These figures cover list price and home charging only - insurance, servicing, tyres and depreciation will move the real total.
What are the Ford Explorer and Smart #1 like on a long motorway trip?
EVcarsguide estimates a real-world motorway range of about 183 miles for the Ford Explorer and 133 miles for the Smart #1 - both below their WLTP figures, because sustained high speed is the hardest case for an EV. The Ford Explorer goes roughly 50 miles further between charging stops. Both rapid-charge to 80% in a similar time, around 25-30 minutes.
Which is easier to park and drive in town, the Ford Explorer or the Smart #1?
The Smart #1 is the easier car for tight UK car parks: it is 50 mm narrower than the Ford Explorer. In a standard 2,400 mm bay that leaves about 578 mm of total clearance for the Smart #1 and about 528 mm of total clearance for the Ford Explorer.
Which battery will hold up better as a used buy, the Ford Explorer or the Smart #1?
Over a 8-year ownership window EVcarsguide's degradation model projects roughly 84% battery health for the Ford Explorer and 90% for the Smart #1. That gives the Smart #1 a modest edge in retained real-world range. The Smart #1's LFP-type pack tolerates daily 100% charging, while the Ford Explorer's NMC-type pack lasts longest kept to about 80% for everyday use. Both batteries carry a 8-year manufacturer warranty.
Go deeper on each car
Visit the full model pages for owner feedback, expert reviews, used prices and battery-health information.
Compare against other rivals
Compare similarly sized and priced electric cars before finalising your shortlist.
More Ford Explorer comparisons
More Smart #1 comparisons
See both cars in our rankings
EVcarsguide scores every verified EV on price, range, family use and running costs. Here is where this pair appears.
Where the Ford Explorer and Smart #1 rank among EVs under £40,000Where the Ford Explorer and Smart #1 rank among the best electric SUVsWhere the Ford Explorer and Smart #1 rank among the best motorway EVsWhere the Ford Explorer and Smart #1 rank among the best city EVsWhere the Ford Explorer and Smart #1 rank among the cheapest EVs to runWhere the Ford Explorer and Smart #1 rank among EVs with the biggest boots
Further reading
Explore buying and ownership guides to help you choose between these electric cars.
GuideBuying a Used Ford Explorer EV (2024 on): Standard or Extended Range, RWD or AWD, Recalls & What to Pay
A used electric Ford Explorer buyer’s guide: Standard and Extended Range, RWD and AWD explained, the 2026 battery change, recalls, warranty, real-world range, what owners report, what to pay against a new one with the grant, and a printable checklist.
GuideBuying a Used Smart #1 (2023 on): Pro+, Premium or BRABUS & What to Pay
A used Smart #1 buyer’s guide: the 66 kWh Pro+, Premium and BRABUS and the later 49 kWh Pure and Pro, the seat belt recall, the short car warranty but 8-year battery cover, real-world range, what owners report and a printable checklist.
Data accuracy
Specs are sourced from manufacturer websites and manually reviewed. These figures were last verified .